Broadcasting will remain the only primary service in the frequency band 470–694 MHz across ITU Region 1, which includes Europe, the Middle East, Africa, and parts of Asia, it has been announced.
The decision was made at the ITU World Radiocommunications Conference (WRC-23) in Dubai.
The decision is a boost broadcasters, who rely on the UHF band for terrestrial television services and PMSE (programme making and special events) applications.
The regulatory status of PMSE applications, such as wireless microphones, remains unchanged.
“This is a positive outcome for EBU members as it accommodates the key elements of the EBU’s position,” said EBU director of technology and innovation, Antonio Arcidiacono.
“Most EBU Members use DTT (digital terrestrial television) and all of them use PMSE – and the UHF band is the only globally available spectrum for these services. The WRC-23 decision ensures continued access to spectrum and stable regulatory conditions, which are essential for investments and the evolution of DTT and PMSE, including the introduction of new technologies such as UHDTV, 5G Broadcast and WMAS (wireless multichannel audio systems).”
A review of spectrum use and future needs is foreseen at WRC-31, noted the EBU.
