Spectrum

Spectrum is a limited and precious resource needed to create and broadcast television and radio programmes. Mobile telecommunications, Wi-Fi and satellite communications also rely on spectrum to deliver their services. As technologies evolve and develop, regulators must continually monitor how spectrum is allocated and change the way it is used to respond to new needs. This can directly impact citizens’ access to essential media platforms such as television, radio and the internet. The EBU works with European and global regulators to ensure that broadcasters have access to enough spectrum to allow us to fulfill our public service remit.

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.