Brussels, 02/09/2014 (Agence Europe) - European public service broadcasters and European mobile operators have responded to the report by the high-level group chaired by Pascal Lamy on sharing frequencies within the 700MHz spectrum band (frequencies ranging from 470 to 790 MHz) that was published on 1 September (see EUROPE 11144). While welcoming the efforts of the European Commission to clarify the situation, each expresses its own concerns, particularly with regard to the proposed timescales.
European public service broadcasters (EBU): broadcasters welcome the Lamy report which recommends that the EU safeguard access below 700 MHz for digital terrestrial television until 2030. They are, however, concerned about the early release of the 700 MHz frequencies, crucial to the broadcasting of digital television, which, with 250 million viewers, is Europe's most popular TV platform. They welcome the report's recommendation that the EU should adopt a common position at the World Radiotelecommunication Conference-2015 against the co-primary allocation of the 470-694 MHz audiovisual band (the lower section of the 700 Mhz band), which is of fundamental importance for audiovisual services.
“The EBU believes safeguarding spectrum below 700 Mhz will enable public service broadcasters and the European audiovisual sector to continue reaching all sectors of the population, sustain broader content choice and secure investments and innovation over the long term”, said Simon Fell, EBU's Head of Technology and Innovation. It is pleased that the report stresses that broadcasters and citizens should not be disadvantaged by the transition of DTT out of the 700 MHz band, and the costs of transition should be duly addressed. The EBU is concerned, however, that Lamy recommends that the 700 MHz band be released to other stakeholders, in particular mobile phone operators, by 2020. Fell says that there is a danger that this will not give broadcasters and viewers enough time to adapt to appropriate spectrum arrangements end ensure the necessary upgrade of DTT networks and consumer equipment,. The EBU takes the view that too early release of the band is likely to cause disruption to TV services in a number of member states, especially where, owing to the lack of capacity, the transition reduces the volume and quality of content offered to viewers. It says that a “stock take” in 2025, as suggested by the Lamy report, is essential.
European mobile operators (GSMA): The GSMA appreciates the European Commission's efforts to address the future of the 700 MHz band and welcomes the call for the 700MHz band to be re-purposed for mobile broadband in the European Union by 2020, though it says this timescale could be shortened. “To close the gap with North America and Asia, we believe it is essential that member states have flexibility to move sooner, preferably between 2018 and 2020 and potentially earlier”, argued Anne Bouverot, GSMA Director General. She says that the sustained growth in mobile data traffic and the dramatic change in the way citizens across Europe are watching news and entertainment content, relying increasingly on the internet to access programming, is a strong argument for swifter transition. Similarly, the GSMA believes that limiting Europe's flexibility on the possible co-existence of mobile and digital broadcast services until 2030 will discourage investment in world-leading mobile networks. “We urge the European Commission to accelerate the review process of the sub-700 MHZ band that has been suggested by Mr. Lamy, which would be undertaken no later than 2025 in any event”, the GSMA says. (IL)