Germany has completed freeing up the terrestrial frequencies in the 700 MHz range which can now be used for mobile communications.
“The additional frequencies are now available nationwide for mobile network operators to improve their coverage, especially in rural areas,” Jochen Homann, president of the Federal Network Agency, said in Bonn.
The frequencies which had previously been used for terrestrial television were auctioned in 2015. Following the gradual transition to the more efficient DVB-T2 transmission standard, these frequencies are now completely free and can be used nationwide for mobile broadband services.
Technically, these frequencies are particularly suitable for improving mobile communications coverage in rural areas because they have a relatively high reach.
The use of DVB-T2 enables DTT transmissions in the frequency range of 470 to 694 MHz, offering the same range of channels, but with less capacity required due to more efficient compression rates.
EU member states have until June 30, 2020 – June 30, 2022 in special justified cases – to vacate the 700 MHz band for mobile broadband communication services.
