EBU Members and other broadcasters need radiofrequency spectrum, both to reach our audiences and to produce the content that we distribute. To support the production and distribution of public service media in the short, medium and long term, the EBU aims to protect frequency rights, contribute to the definition of policies and regulatory frameworks related to the use of spectrum, and advance expertise on emerging broadcast technologies and network planning.
In practical terms, our work involves studying the impact of new technologies, developing EBU positions in collaboration with our Members, and representing those positions in the relevant forums. These activities take place under the EBU's Strategic Programme on Spectrum, in close collaboration with the EBU's Legal and Policy teams.
Spectrum is a precious resource needed to broadcast television and radio programmes. Mobile telecommunications, Wi-Fi and satellite communications also rely on spectrum to deliver their services. Decisions on how spectrum is allocated and used directly impact citizens’ access to essential media platforms such as television, radio and the internet.
What is spectrum?
Spectrum – or radiofrequency spectrum – is the range of radio frequencies used to transmit data wirelessly. It ranges from 9 kilohertz (kHz) to 3,000 gigahertz (GHz), divided into different bands. For public service media, some of these bands are of particular interest and importance:
- UHF: the spectrum from 470 to 694 MHz is used by almost all countries to provide free-to-air digital terrestrial television (DTT) services to their audiences. This is also a key band for wireless production systems such as radio microphones and talkback systems (collectively referred to as PMSE, standing for programme making and special events). UHF spectrum is ideally suited for both of these applications; and they have shared the use of the spectrum for many decades. The possible use of this band for 5G Broadcast is currently under consideration in many countries.
- C-band: the frequency range 3,400 to 4,200 MHz is used by broadcasters for programme contribution and distribution via satellite (including, in some countries, the backbone distribution network for DTT networks), nationally, regionally and globally. One of the main characteristics of this band is its resilience to heavy rainfall compared to higher satellite bands, making the band essential in tropical areas in Africa, America and Asia. Parts of this band are also identified for 'non-public' 5G networks that are suitable for use by broadcasters in production networks, for example for radio camera connectivity.
- Ku-band: the frequency range from 10.7 to 11.7 GHz is the core band for direct-to-home (DTH) satellite distribution of radio and television services. Thousands of services are distributed all over the world via Ku-band. The band is also used for satellite news gathering for television contribution and occasional-use services, in particular in those regions of the world less affected by heavy rain periods.
- Parts of the VHF band are used for FM radio (87.5 - 108 MHz in Europe) and DAB digital radio (174 - 230 MHz).
- Many other bands are used by broadcasters for content creation, contribution and distribution. The EBU monitors proposed changes in the use of any of those bands to ensure broadcasters' use is taken into account.
The EBU and WRC-27/31
The international community of spectrum regulators regularly review and revise the framework under which spectrum use is allocated and used. Every four years, a World Radiocommunications Conference is held to decide on future changes. Each WRC has an agenda of over 20 proposals which can affect any frequency band in any part of the world.
Previous WRCs have reviewed the use of the UHF band, used by broadcasters for DTT and PMSE, most recently in 2023. The EBU, working with administrations and other broadcasters from around the world, resisted changes to that use in Europe. The band is currently in the preliminary agenda of WRC-31.
The WRC-27 agenda has a strong focus on satellite bands, in particular on Mobile Satellite Services for direct-to-device use. IMT community is also looking for additional spectrum in the mid-bands 4 400-4 800 MHz, 7 125-8 400 MHz (or parts thereof), and 14.8-15.35 GHz. EBU is analysing the impact on broadcasting services and preparing common positions.
The primary goals of the Strategic Programme on Spectrum are:
• Ensuring Members have access to sufficient, suitable and safe spectrum for their distribution and production needs.
• Ensuring that spectrum is allocated and managed in a way that allows Members to create and distribute content
The objectives are:
• Identifying, formulating, and consolidating EBU Members’ spectrum requirements
• Active engagement in technical regulatory bodies and in the development of standards
• Influencing regulators and policy makers to ensure that sufficient suitable and safe spectrum is made available for PSM needs
• Advising Members on best practices to ensure efficient and safe use of spectrum
A comprehensive list of the output documents from the Strategic Programme on Spectrum and its project groups can be accessed on the workspace. The table provides the title of each document, the group where it was developed and the forum or body to which it was submitted.
Below is a list of selected deliverables of SP Spectrum and its groups (green indicates the deliverable has already been delivered).
2022
2021
EBU Tech Report 063 - 5G Broadcast Network Planning and Evaluation (Q3 2021)- EBU Tech Report 064 - Compatibility between 5G Broadcast and other DTT systems in the sub-700 MHz band (Q3 2021)
- EBU Tech Report 066 - Review of the ICNIRP Guidelines for Limiting Exposure to Non-Ionizing Radiation from 100 kHz to 300 GHz (Q4 2021)
- EBU white paper - 'No Change' at WRC-23 maximizes public value and innovation in the UHF band (Q4 2021)
- Sessions on UHF and C-band spectrum at FORECAST (Q4 2021)
- Webinar: The EBU's WRC-23 preparations and next steps (Q4 2021)
2020
The work of the Strategic Programme on spectrum is carried out through a series of groups under the umbrella of the SP.
Project groups
- Electromagnetic Interference and Compatibility (EIC) - This group deals with all aspects related to the protection of broadcasting services, including the internet delivery of broadcast content and wireless production tools, from possible threats arising from all aspects of EMC and changes to the Electromagnetic environment.
- Programme Making and Special Events (PMSE) - This group deals with all aspects related to spectrum for content production, taking into account the expected future mix of conventional and IP-based production systems, including how that requirement will evolve over time.
- Broadcast Coordination Group on Spectrum (BC) - This group coordinates spectrum aspects of the broadcast community from around the world.
Communities of practice
- DTT Promotion & Monitoring – Joint initiative with Broadcast Networks Europe.
Collaborative developments
- Sharing and Planning of Terrestrial Services (SPT) – a collaborative project group cochaired by the EBU and Broadcast Networks Europe. This group studies network and frequency planning of new broadcasting systems in various frequency bands. This includes the development and improvement of methods for coverage and quality of service prediction and measurements of existing systems and sharing and compatibility between broadcasting (including satellite) and other services.
- Within SPT, a small group maintains a Matlab spectrum codebase – development of a Matlab codebase to support sharing studies and broadcast network planning.
