WIREDGOV

The European Commission (EC) has yesterday presented a proposal to coordinate the use of the 700 MHz frequency band for mobile services.

The '700 MHz' band consists of radio spectrum in the range 694 - 790 MHz. It is part of the wider ultra-high frequency (UHF) band, currently used throughout Europe for terrestrial broadcasting. The UHF band comprises the range 470-790 MHz and is used for the transmission of various digital terrestrial television (DTT) channels and for wireless microphones in all EU Member States. 

This band is of utmost importance to the mobile operators as it allows the associated signal to penetrate through walls and provide a good coverage indoors. At the same time the amount of base stations required to provide coverage in a given area is much less at lower frequencies.

700 MHz band is expected to not only form the basis of 5G by being the ‘coverage layer’ but also play a key role for connected cars and other new digital services which rely on very good coverage. In addition, innovative services like on-board entertainment, remote health care (i.e. medical and public health practice supported by mobile devices, such as mobile phones, patient monitoring devices and other wireless devices) or smart energy grids in the Internet of Things can also make much use of this band.

Source: Twitter (@DigitalAgendaEU)

EC has yesterday presented a proposal to coordinate the use of the 700 MHz frequency band for mobile services. A co-ordinated approach will help make a single band available throughout EU, easing roaming and reducing any cross border interference. According to the proposal, the UHF band will be "divided" in two parts:

• The upper part 694-790 MHz (700 MHz band) will be used for wireless broadband services;
• The lower part 470-694 MHz (sub-700 MHz band) will be available in the first place for the distribution of audiovisual services (such as DTT), as well as for wireless audio equipment for programme making and special events (abbreviated as PMSE; this includes wireless microphones for stage performance and content production in a number of locations such as theatres or open air venues).

The Commission proposes that the 700 MHz band should be assigned to wireless broadband by 30 June 2020 at the latest in all EU countries. This will be in line with the deployment of 5G, foreseen as from 2020. To meet this deadline:

•  Member States will need to adopt and make public their national plans for network coverage and for releasing this band by 30 June 2017.
• They will need also to conclude cross-border coordination agreements by the end of 2017. Such plans will smooth the transition and ensure good network coverage that will help to bridge the digital divide and create the necessary coverage conditions for connected vehicles or remote health care.

Two Member States (France, Germany) have already authorised the use of the 700 MHz band for mobile services. Further Member States (Denmark, Finland, Sweden, UK) have outlined plans to repurpose the 700 MHz band in the next few years.

In the UK, Ofcom published a statement in Nov. 2014 on the decision to make spectrum in the 700 MHz band available for mobile data use. It follows the consultation document which they published back in May 2014. As per the statement, Ofcom will make the 700 MHz band available for mobile by the start of 2022 or sooner if possible. Given the substantial amount of effort that will be required to give effect to this decision, they have already started the implementation of this decision.

Given the cost and regulatory burden of addressing such spectrum releases, techUK welcomes a more co-ordinated approach between member states. 

Paul Hide, Head of techUK’s Digital Devices programme, commented yesterday: “Industry has been expecting this squeeze on spectrum in the DTT television space and is already planning how to retain the breadth of programme choice and HD picture quality that viewers can enjoy today. The core solution is to migrate the DVB-T transmissions over to the more spectrum efficient DVB-T2 transmission system as this can deliver the content we have today within less spectrum bandwidth”.

“techUK are working in partnership with Digital UK, our members and key Stakeholders to create and implement a plan that protects DTT value for the viewer and listener including a migration plan from DVB-T to DVB-T2”.