The European Broadcasting Union has taken its fight to maintain spectrum for DTT to Brussels.
In a meeting with European Commission vice president Neelie Kroes, EBU president Jean-Paul Philippot and director-general Ingrid Deltenre said the DTT platform is crucial for efficient media delivery.
Commissioner Kroes, who is in charge of the Digital Agenda for Europe, had sought the EBU’s views on the future of the 700MHz band in the EU and the implications for terrestrial broadcasting.
“The EU must agree on a common position on the 700MHz band that balances the stakeholders’ interests, shows vision and serves the internal market,” said Kroes. “Spectrum is a precious, limited resource, and it is essential that we consider all sides in every decision.”
In its presentation the EBU delegation explained that DTT is available to 275 million people in the EU and delivers 2,000 TV channels, including national, regional and local services.
EBU President Jean-Paul Philippot said: “Any decision regarding the 700MHz band should focus on its impact on EU citizens and carefully assess the costs and benefits. Public service media organizations need a clear, long-term roadmap for the 700MHz band and the future of DTT in order to support successful broadcasting business models and to ensure further investment in innovation and European content.”
The valuable capacity could be assigned to telecom operators at the next ITU World Radiocommunication Conference (WRC-15) for use with 4G broadband services.
