The Verwaltungsgericht Köln, a court in Cologne, has rejected a claim from cable operator Kabel BW to stop the planned auction of the digital dividend frequencies, which is set for April 12. The cabler is afraid the new mobile services will cause interference with cable tuners and high speed modems.
Kabel BW claimed that using the 800 MHz frequencies, which have become available after analogue switch-off, for mobile internet services would disrupt end-user devices deployed by the company. The court dismissed the claim as groundless. In addition, the court said that if such disruptions become apparent or are shown by studies, measures need to be taken.
With the court are five more cases pending brought about by other cable operators and broadcasters. No dates have yet been set for these cases.
The auction will take place on April 12 and is organised by the Bundesnetzagentur. Four applications have been admitted to the auction: E-Plus, Telefónica O2, T-Mobile Deutschland and Vodafone.
About Robert Briel
"In an industry that experiences rapid change and often a confusing subsequent
constant supply of news, it is often refreshing to read an insightful perspective. Broadband
TV News and its editorial team regularly provide a context and
helpful analysis to breaking news.”
Broadband TV News is the must-read publication for those working in the Business of the Multiscreen Television. We deliver news, insight and data direct to your desktop. As well as our constantly updated website you can sign-up to our Daily and Weekly email bulletins. 
Connected TV Forecasts NEW REPORT. The number of TV sets connected to the Internet will reach 551 million by 2016 for the 40 countries covered in this report from Digital TV Research, up from 124 million at end-2010. The report states that this translates to 20% of global TV sets by 2016, up from only 6% at end-2010. Published in November 2011, this 83-page PDF report is the most geographically comprehensive to ever be published.