EBU hits out at threat to digital-terrestrial broadcasting

The EBU has criticised moves to mandate the use of 700MHz spectrum for mobile services and has argued that the body tasked with preparing an opinion on the use of spectrum for wireless applications for the EC has failed to provide evidence to suggest that additional spectrum is needed.

In a response to the Radio Spectrum Policy Group’s (RSPG) draft opinion on demand for spectrum for wireless services, the EBU said that the benefits of allocating 700MHz spectrum were not proven.

“Mandating the 700MHz band for use by mobile services is not acceptable. The incremental benefits are yet to be proven and the impact on incumbents and citizens has not been assessed,” said EBU director general Ingrid Deltenre.

“Digital Terrestrial Television makes more efficient use of spectrum than mobile broadband for continuous linear media distribution to large audiences.”

The RSPG’s draft, published in February, identified a number of candidates for meeting spectrum demands, including the 700MHz band, and proposed the development of an EU-wide strategy on the future use of the band and a long-term strategic policy on the future of the UHF band.

The EC is expected to include provisions on spectrum in its proposals for a single market in telecommunications, to be submitted to EU leaders ahead of the European Council meeting in October. EC vice-president Neelie Kroes has also said she will set up a high-level group including representatives of the mobile and broadcasting industries to discuss radio spectrum from a political and technical perspective, a move that was welcomed by the EBU.