World Radio Conference 23 and spectrum anxiety respite

[borjam]

Seems there will be a respite until 2031 in Region 1 at least (Europe, Africa, Middle East and others).

 

The 470 - 694 MHz retains broadcast as a primary user, keeps PMSE (program making and special events, wireless microphones and similar applications in regulatory-speak) as secondary, and while some countries might authorize some mobile activity it would be on a secondary basis if at all.

 

One of the key points of the opinions supporting broadcast and PMSE was regulatory stability, and it seems the next review is scheduled for 2031. So, some peace of mind for now I guess.

 

EBU seems to be happy.

https://tech.ebu.ch/news/2023/12/ebu-position-reflected-in-wrc-23-decision-on-uhf-band

 

 

[karlw]

Thanks for sharing - that does sound like good news for the EU at least!

[Fred Salles]

Thanks for the info. But I hope it will not translate into further development of DTT on the 470-694 band! It already took over the 700 band almost entirely in most countries and it bleeds drastically over the 600 in some. 

 

[borjam]

On 12/25/2023 at 9:48 AM, Fred Salles said:

Thanks for the info. But I hope it will not translate into further development of DTT on the 470-694 band! It already took over the 700 band almost entirely in most countries and it bleeds drastically over the 600 in some. 

I don't think so. If only, better modulation schemes should be developed. And bear in mind that broadcasters are also avid PMSE users, so they would be shooting themselves on the foot. I am pretty sure they know that their spectrum allowance can only shrink. So if broadcast usage within those bands expands, spectrum availability for PMSE will shrink.

 

We'll see what happens in 2030 anyway. There is pressure to phase out free broadcast with the excuse that there is programming available on the Internet.

 

I saw a report that PMSE usage is growing in some countries, curiously. So, when in doubt, lav everyone and everything in order to raise statistics and make a better case for the next review!  

 

Or go 192 KHz sampling with redundant coding!