The Wider Spectrum Group (WSG) has joined the chorus of organisations seeking protection for free-to-air television and terrestrial distribution.
At a meeting in Brussels, Digital UK and fellow members of the WSG urged policy makers to secure airwaves used by Freeview and European terrestrial services ahead of major international decisions on spectrum allocation at the World Radiocommunication Conference next month.
The discussions were attended by Günther Oettinger, EU Commissioner for Digital Economy and Society, and Pascal Lamy, Chairman of the High Level Group and author of a recent report on the future of the UHF band. Speaking at the event, Mr Lamy noted that his recommendations, including safeguarding TV spectrum to 2030, now form the ‘backbone’ of EU spectrum policy.
Jonathan Thompson, CEO of Digital UK, said: “The Lamy report offers us a win-win scenario delivering both room for mobile broadband to grow and protection for DTT. It provides a sensible, pragmatic solution with the time for a further review of spectrum use is 10-years’ time – let’s stop having the same endless debate.”
The WSG represents the interests of viewers and listeners, employees and employers across Europe in the fields of audiovisual, radio, programme making and special events, including terrestrial television. WSG members share a common view on the need to ensure European and national policies regarding the allocation of airwaves preserve the potential for growth, innovation and sustainable employment across the EU.
