The EBU Strategic Programme Spectrum has launched a new expert group on PMSE which will consider spectrum requirements for dedicated wireless production networks and seek to ensure that regulatory solutions are suitable for members' future needs.
Wireless Programme Making and Special Events (PMSE) applications are essential for EBU Members as they allow operational flexibility at reduced costs while retaining the highest production quality. This has resulted in a steady increase in the use of such systems.
Simultaenously there is increasing demand for new, low-latency IP-based systems, which could be built on 5G wireless technology. These systems are interesting to EBU Members for their potential to be integrated into IP-based production networks, which are rapidly replacing legacy technologies.
In the mid-term, both conventional and IP-based production systems are likely to be in use, but each are currently facing challenges.
The first challenge is related to the radio spectrum for conventional PMSE applications: The amount of available spectrum has been substantially reduced in the recent years due to reallocation of the spectrum to the public mobile communications. Some agenda items at the upcoming ITU WRC-23 may further reduce the spectrum for PMSE for both audio and video applications. The EBU seeks to mitigate the negative impact on the Members.
The second challenge is about spectrum for new technologies such as the above-mentioned 5G-based PMSE solutions, including for dedicated 5G networks. At present, spectrum access for dedicated 5G networks remains an issue, although the national and European regulators are considering possible solutions.
The new EBU group will consider the spectrum needs of all these systems in context and work through the relevant bodies to ensure future regulation meets the needs of EBU Members and other media organizations.
The chairperson is Ms. Susanne Rath (ARD). EBU Members can join the group on it's webpage.