Decisions made at WRC-15 regarding the allocation of spectrum frequencies could significantly impact the future of terrestrial TV in Europe. This fact sheet summarises the results of the preparatory work conducted in Europe and in the ITU.
Terrestrial television is the most widely-used platform for television viewing across Europe, with 250 million Europeans receiving television via the digital terrestrial television (DTT) broadcasting platforms. As such, terrestrial broadcasting is a pillar of the European cultural and creative sector, which represents 6.8% of European GDP (€860 billion) and 6.5% of European employment (approximately 14 million people).
DTT goes hand-in-hand with the free-to-air television model, which gives viewers subscription-free access to public service and commercial channels. In turn, the possibility for viewers to watch programmes for free promotes the creation of content. Free-to-air TV also underpins social cohesion, ensuring that reliable news and some major events for society are available to all.
Decisions made at WRC-15 regarding the allocation of spectrum frequencies could significantly impact the future of terrestrial TV in Europe. However, the preparatory work conducted in Europe and in the ITU concludes that there is no case for making additional allocations to the Mobile Service in the frequency bands used for broadcasting. This fact sheet summarises the results of that work.
