The EBU Executive Board is calling on its members to maintain extreme vigilance to ensure that plans as individual European administrations look to convert part of the UHF band from broadcasting to internet delivered services.
The EBU, which represents Europe’s public service broadcasters, says new services need to be monitored to ensure they do not interfere with existing services. It warns that compensation systems may need to be put in place to fund compensation schemes for the possible realignment of TV aerials. The Geneva-based organisation also highlights the possible costs faced by broadcasters in changing networks.
France, Germany and Switzerland have already decided to remove part of the UHF band after switchover with the UK potentially following suit. The most likely use for the spectrum is wireless broadband internet, either via digital telephone connection or ‘WiMax’.
