Future of terrestrial broadcasting in the UHF band?

Sam Russell

Thurston? wrote: »

There was space available on the PSB3 mux, they didn't have to convert a DVB-T mux. It's seemingly only a shuffling of services to free up a full timeslot on the SDN mux, they didn't improve the quality of Film4 +1 or anything.

But it sets a precedent that SD on DVB-T2 may become normal. Also, they will move to convert DVB-T muxes to DVB-T2 one at a time. Soften up the masses slowly.

Thurston?

Sam Russell wrote: »

But it sets a precedent that SD on DVB-T2 may become normal. Also, they will move to convert DVB-T muxes to DVB-T2 one at a time. Soften up the masses slowly.

I don't think the hoofing around of a Johny-come-lately SD service is indicative of anything much. The 'interim' HD muxes were supposed to be the 'softening up' exercise iirc.

Sam Russell

Thurston? wrote: »

I don't think the hoofing around of a Johny-come-lately SD service is indicative of anything much. The 'interim' HD muxes were supposed to be the 'softening up' exercise iirc.

Second punch in the softening up - they could have moved BBC channels onto it, but chose a channel not on the main muxes.

Thurston?

Sam Russell wrote: »

Second punch in the softening up - they could have moved BBC channels onto it, but chose a channel not on the main muxes.

The only BBC channel there would be any point moving onto it is BBC4 HD, if it would fit.

The Cush

The German Federal Network Agency (BNetzA) announced last Thursday they will be the first European country to auction the 700 MHz band. The auction is planned to take place in May/June.

6 blocks of 2x5 (2x30) MHz are up for auction with a min. price of €75m per block. The auction will be run in conjunction with the 900/1800 MHz auctions and are expected to yield €4.5bn for the German exchequer. Licences expire Dec 2033.

The spectrum will be gradually made available for mobile use as German DTT transitions to DVB-T2 from early 2016, completing in 2019.

France are currently consulting on the 700 MHz band and are expected to be the second European country to go to auction later this year.

The auctions are happening before the 700 MHz band is released for mobile use at WRC-15 in late Nov.

http://www.bundesnetzagentur.de/cln_1432/SharedDocs/Pressemitteilungen/DE/2015/150129_Projekt2016.html;jsessionid=9A61CF79CDC9856C95993E3772E85DFE
http://www.digitaltveurope.net/314702/germany-outlines-plans-for-700mhz-auction/

Sam Russell

That will be Kippure stuffed then.

The Cush

Sam Russell wrote: »

That will be Kippure stuffed then.

No, according to RTÉ international coordination is already underway in preparation for the clearing of the 700 MHz band.

The Cush

France’s telecoms regulator ARCEP published the results of its 700 MHz consultation yesterday and plan to begin the auction process from July.

http://www.arcep.fr/index.php?id=8571&tx_gsactualite_pi1%5Buid%5D=1739&tx_gsactualite_pi1%5Bannee%5D=&tx_gsactualite_pi1%5Btheme%5D=&tx_gsactualite_pi1%5Bmotscle%5D=&tx_gsactualite_pi1%5BbackID%5D=26&cHash=ed82c17652f39a6f2022df4cea984d39&L=1

The Cush

Recent EBU information on the release of the 700 MHz band

watty

It's governmental greed and stupidity.

Read comments
http://www.theregister.co.uk/2015/04/02/france_looking_to_auction_700mhz_this_year/

The Cush

The Cush wrote: »

The German Federal Network Agency (BNetzA) announced last Thursday they will be the first European country to auction the 700 MHz band. The auction is planned to take place in May/June.

Announced last Friday, the auction begins 27 May 2015.

3 companies, Telefónica Germany, Telekom Deutschland and Vodafone will bid for 270MHz of spectrum in the 700 MHz, 900 MHz, 1500 MHz and 1800 MHz bands.

http://www.bundesnetzagentur.de/EN/Areas/Telecommunications/Companies/FrequencyManagement/ElectronicCommunicationsServices/MobileBroadbandProject2016/project2016_node.html

The Cush

The Cush wrote: »

the auction begins 27 May 2015.

3 companies, Telefónica Germany GmbH & Co. OHG, Telekom Deutschland GmbH, and Vodafone GmbH will bid for 270MHz of spectrum in the 700 MHz, 900 MHz, 1500 MHz and 1800 MHz bands.

The auction is now underway, bidding rounds updated here daily - http://www.bundesnetzagentur.de/EN/Areas/Telecommunications/Companies/FrequencyManagement/ElectronicCommunicationsServices/MobileBroadbandProject2016/project2016_node.html

Already at Round 58 - €2.3bn, the final total is expected to be in the region of €4-5bn. The auction reserve was €1.5bn.

They are the first European country to auction the 700 MHz band, the 6 bids for the band were just above the €75m per block reserve. The 900 MHz, 1800 MHz and 1.5 GHz bands are also up for auction. Only the 900MHz band (2x35MHz) is capped, 2x15MHz per bidder.

The Cush

Europe’s Conference of Post and Telecommunications Regulators (CEPT) has agreed to oppose the allocation of the 470-694MHz UHF band to mobile services.

At its meeting in Portugal earlier this month the ECC's Conference Preparatory Group (CPG) agreed to adopt a common position ahead of the ITU's WRC-15 conference in Nov to reject the allocation of the UHF band 470-694MHz on a co-primary basis to both broadcasting and mobile (Agenda item 1.1). Of the 30 countries present Denmark opposed and Bulgaria, Finland, Greece and Sweden abstained. Common positions were agreed to allocate the 1452-1492 MHz L-band and 3.4-3.8 GHz lower C-band allocated to mobile.

The European Commission also recently agreed to reject the proposal for co-primary allocation of the 470-694MHz which now goes to the European Council for approval - http://eur-lex.europa.eu/legal-content/EN/TXT/?qid=1434144060870&uri=CELEX:52015PC0234

http://www3.ebu.ch/contents/news/2015/06/spectrum-cept-vote-a-boost-for-t.html

The Cush

The Cush wrote: »

The Euopean Commission has published a report (Lamy Report) on the future use of the UHF band. Compiled by a High-Level group of top executives from Europe's broadcasters, network operators, mobile companies and tech associations chaired by Pascal Lamy (former Director-General of the World Trade Organization). The group was formed last Jan.

The Report's UHF proposals

The 700 MHz band (694-790 MHz) should be repurposed for wireless broadband, but with sufficient lead time to ensure a transition path that minimises cost for spectrum users and citizens and to accommodate the diversity in penetration levels of terrestrial broadcasting within Europe. This implies a time frame of around 2020, plus or minus 2 years.

Regulatory stability should be ensured for broadcasting to continue its current use of the band 470-694 MHz until 2030. This involves national, EU and international measures. In consequence, at the World Radiocommunication Conference 2015 (which will review and revise global spectrum-use rules) Europe should reject any plans for primary allocation of mobile to the 470-694 MHz band which is currently already allocated to broadcasting on a primary basis. Some flexibility could nevertheless be catered for through the development of 'down link only' technologies that give priority to primary broadcasting networks.

In order to take into account the evolving change in consumer demand as well as new technologies, such as converged networks or large-scale roll out of optic fibre, a stock-taking exercise of UHF spectrum use should be performed by 2025. It would give Europe the opportunity to re-assess where we stand and avoid any freeze of regulation compared to the rapid advance in technology and consumer behaviour.

That Lamy Report was published back last Autumn, earlier this year the Commission sought views on the report from the public and other interested parties via a public consultation (https://ec.europa.eu/digital-agenda/en/news/public-consultation-lamy-report-future-use-uhf-tv-broadcasting-band).

A summary report on the consultation was published recently (http://ec.europa.eu/digital-agenda/en/news/results-lamy-report-public-consultation-700mhz-spectrum-band).

The main points relating to the UHF broadcasting band
- most respondents agree that the 700MHz band release deadline be about 2020 (+/- 2 years)
- also a majority of respondents agree that a common position be taken on the 470-694MHz band at WRC-15
- views were mixed regarding how long the 470-694MHz band should be protected exclusively for broadcasting and when this should be reviewed. The Lamy report recommends 2025 for the review with 2030 the year that any changes to the band be considered. The telecom industry want this review to be completed by 2022 and a flexible approach to the band release after this date. Broadcasting and related industries views would be opposite to that of the telecoms companies and require a min. deadline of 2030 or beyond

The Cush

The German auction ended today at Round 181, total bid €5,081,236,000. The 700MHz band made €1,000,445,000.

http://www.bundesnetzagentur.de/EN/Areas/Telecommunications/Companies/FrequencyManagement/ElectronicCommunicationsServices/MobileBroadbandProject2016/project2016_node.html

As one auction ends another one is just around the corner, this time in France. A draft decision was published today by the regulator ARCEP. Reserve price per block €416m, total min reserve €2.5bn. A sub-1 GHz spectrum cap will apply, any MNO cannot hold more than 2x30MHz in the 700, 800 and 900MHz bands with a max of 2x15 in the 700MHz band.
Of the 4 bidders Orange, SFR and Bouygues Telecom hold 2x20MHz each in the 800 and 900Mhz bands while Free has 1x5Mhz.

http://www.arcep.fr/index.php?id=8571&tx_gsactualite_pi1%5Buid%5D=1754&tx_gsactualite_pi1%5Bannee%5D=&tx_gsactualite_pi1%5Btheme%5D=&tx_gsactualite_pi1%5Bmotscle%5D=&tx_gsactualite_pi1%5BbackID%5D=26&cHash=81da221e448ecb894f8a4f7b6fc5a742&L=1

The Cush

The Cush wrote: »

- views were mixed regarding how long the 470-694MHz band should be protected exclusively for broadcasting and when this should be reviewed. The Lamy report recommends 2025 for the review with 2030 the year that any changes to the band be considered. The telecom industry want this review to be completed by 2022 and a flexible approach to the band release after this date. Broadcasting and related industries views would be opposite to that of the telecoms companies and require a min. deadline of 2030 or beyond

This doesn't sound good for terrestrial broadcast TV.

I'm having a hard time making sense of it though. Surely the lower UHF frequencies would be less ideal for mobile use? Would any remaining DVB-T muxes have to be shoehorned around mobile channels, or would it just be a case of shutting them off entirely?

Can't really imagine a world where everything is streamed.

Hotblack Desiato

If every home has fibre then it's possible, but we then have to have suitable internal cabling to take the signals to where we want them. We won't have the option of putting a TV wherever we want and hoping for the best with a set-top aerial, but most people in Ireland are used to using cable or satellite for their TV anyway which dictates fixed TV points.

But yeah I would have thought that the lower the frequency goes, the less useful it is for services which are by definition cellular. Lower frequency means greater range but less bandwidth fewer usefully wide frequency allocations can be made within the band, less or no opportunity for frequency reuse, and nobody wants to go back to mobile phones with antennas! Are people willing to have their mobile phones go haywire when there's tropo?

The Cush

In 15 years time we could be viewing TV using an LTE Broadcast standard in the UHF band over the existing transmission network combined with the local LTE cellular network for upload - convergence of broadcast and broadband.

"High Power/High Tower" (HPHT) transmission (DL) using an LTE Broadcast standard with or without DVB to multi-reception devices combined with "Low Power/Low Tower" (LPLT) LTE cell networks for standard 2-way UL/DL.

We are already seeing the first steps in this direction, a new mobile broadcast standard called LTE-A+ is being field-trialled in Paris and Italy. The trial involves two streams sharing the same UHF channel, with one stream aimed at DVB-T2 reception and the other aimed at delivering specific content to 4G smartphones and PCs and tablets.

LTE-A+ is an extended version of the current LTE-Advanced standard – itself a souped-up version of LTE or 4G. The ‘+’ stands for the fact that, among other elements, it adds the capability to access spectrum from ‘high-tower, high-power’ terrestrial broadcast networks which use much bigger cells than those deployed in a typical mobile network.



Source: http://www.v-net.tv/paris-trial-for-proposed-dvb-t2lte-hybrid-standard-0
https://www.ifn.ing.tu-bs.de/en/news/ibc20130/demo0/type/98/

The EBU in a number of reports last year said of broadcast TV over LTE cellular networks "Mass linear TV content via cellular networks is too expensive and not spectrum efficient"
http://www.boards.ie/vbulletin/showthread.php?p=91849228
http://www.boards.ie/vbulletin/showthread.php?p=91594475

This new development is a win/win for both traditional broadcast networks and mobile networks. It allows high towers to be used for 4G and future 5G transmission standards and avoids standard celluar networks being clogged up with spectrum hungry streaming video.

http://www.tdf-group.com/news/press-release/world%E2%80%99s-first-trials-of-lte-broadcast-simultaneously-in-paris-and-aosta
http://www.broadbandtvnews.com/2015/04/15/tdf-and-rai-launch-first-lte-a-broadcast-trials/

The Cush

Karsini wrote: »

Would any remaining DVB-T muxes have to be shoehorned around mobile channels, or would it just be a case of shutting them off entirely?

In any area only a few UHF channels are in use for broadcasting at any time, the plan would be to use the free UHF frequencies (interleaved spectrum) for mobile while also ensuring there is no interference to broadcasting frequencies.

Comreg already licences this part of the band for wireless microphones/in-ear monitor systems and wireless cameras. For this purpose they have a look-up guide for applicants for these frequencies.

RED – HIGH RISK frequencies: High possibility of interference with DTT
YELLOW – SMALL RISK frequencies: Small possibility of interference with DTT
ORANGE – FUTURE RISK / UNUSED DTT SPECTRUM: Low Risk of interference with DTT but may be High Risk at a future date.
GREEN– LOW RISK Frequencies: Low Risk of interference from DTT

The Cush

Next step in the release of the 700 MHz band here, Comreg has published the results of the Cost Benefit Analysis (CBA) on the release of the band.

The CBA central estimate is that if the 700 MHz band was repurposed in Ireland in 2018 then this would result in a total benefit of €103.5m predicated on total upfront costs of €12.4m, yielding a net benefit of €91m.

http://www.comreg.ie/publications/the_700_mhz_radio_frequency_band_-_results_of_the_cost_benefit_analysis_cba_of_a_change_in_use_of_the_700_mhz_radio_frequency_band_in_ireland.583.104869.p.html

An OTT article in the Indo on it today - http://www.independent.ie/business/technology/news/saorview-viewers-face-new-250-bill-31345897.html

The report went on to calculate this figure at "around" 3,700 Irish households, each paying €250 to replace set-top boxes and aerials. The change in frequencies would also cost the taxpayer €2.2m in a public information campaign.

The change of band wouldn't require a set-top change and the €250 quoted in the report for aerial changes (sourced from 2RN in the report) is way over estimated IMO. The biggest cost will be to 2RN, estimated at approx. up to €11m, for transmitter upgrading and public information.

Although not covered in the report the spectrum auction should bring a bundle of cash for the state. The German auction for the band raised just over €1bn and the French auction has a reserve of €2.5bn. Our auction won't reach these levels though, the 800MHz band part of the MBSA auction in 2012 raised approx. €285m. The mobile operators are in no hurry for the band to be released here according to a previous Comreg consultation, considering the cash already spent in the recent mobile auction and auctions elsewhere.

The Cush

The Cush wrote: »

The change of band wouldn't require a set-top change and the €250 quoted in the report for aerial changes (sourced from 2RN in the report) is way over estimated IMO. The biggest cost will be to 2RN, estimated at approx. up to €11m, for transmitter upgrading and public information.

Might do for those on group C/D aerials. I suppose it depends on whether the transmitter has to change group in the process.

The Cush

Karsini wrote: »

Might do for those on group C/D aerials. I suppose it depends on whether the transmitter has to change group in the process.

What is the cost of an aerial replacement these days by an installer with cabling and mast already in place? A contract aerial is €10-15 retail. Many will have existing Group T & W wideband aerials and these will continue to receive the relocated frequencies but will be susceptible to interference.

Frequencies in use above Ch.48 (Group C/D) will be migrated and according to Comreg replanning is expected to be completed by April next year. Existing Group K aerials (UHF 21-48) will become the new wideband aerial replacing the new Group T, Group A will continue for those in band.

We are still awaiting the Dept of Communications spectrum policy decision, this will probably recommend a reduction in the number of multiplexes for DTT from 9 to 5 or 6 which will allow for the 700 MHz frequencies to be more easily accommodated in the lower part of the UHF band.

Sam Russell

The Cush wrote: »

We are still awaiting the Dept of Communications spectrum policy decision, this will probably recommend a reduction in the number of multiplexes for DTT from 9 to 5 or 6 which will allow for the 700 MHz frequencies to more easily accommodated in the lower part of the UHF band.

We cannot fill two muxes, let alone 5 or 6. The charges that 2rn have been forced to make, and the restrictions on RTE re advertising on two of their four channels, mean we could actually do with one mux. No HD except for two RTE channels all because of the charging structure.

The Cush

Sam Russell wrote: »

We cannot fill two muxes, let alone 5 or 6.

Hence the reason for the reduction in the number of muxes. Spectrum is a national resource so the country must stake its claim to it through international coordination, if they don't it will be lost.

TAFKAlawhec

The Cush wrote: »

Hence the reason for the reduction in the number of muxes. Spectrum is a national resource so the country must stake its claim to it through international coordination, if they don't it will be lost.

It's very much a "claim it or lose it" case with international frequency co-ordination all right. The WRC for this matter is on in November if I'm right - it's pretty much a foregone conclusion that the 700MHz band will be sacrificed from broadcasting to mobile.

The Republic of Ireland at present does have one DVB-T layer in VHF Band III that it could make use of at present alongside UHF allocations.

A reorganisation of services currently on Saorview could make better use of spectrum management than what it currently does right now. With a potential reduction of spectrum I'd expect some sort of single frequency networks (SFN) to appear - in theory this could be nationwide but the potential for SFNs on DVB-T on its own is limited when using high powered, high altitude sites but there could be some regional SFNs set up within the "core" areas of coverage from main sites - for example Maghera would broadcast on it's own frequencies while most if not all "relays" in its service area would use a common set of frequencies together. The use of DVB-T2 would allow more elbow room regarding SFNs, but it would be politically difficult to do in light of how soon the ATO was carried out.

If I was a betting man, I'd say right now Comreg are probably looking for when it comes to their "want" sheet for WRC15 for at least two, possibly three UHF frequencies (MFN or regional SFN) to maintain current Saorview coverage with another 3-4 frequencies on a national SFN basis for "future provision" e.g. a possible pay-TV service using DVB-T2 & h.265 video as planned for in Germany post-DSO2. I'd also expect them to maintain at least one VHF multiplex, if not two - there appears to be a trend going on already in a few countries of revisiting VHF Band III for TV broadcast with UHF space running out & being squeezed, and securing frequencies for future use in this band could prove vital. I remember a document a few years ago recommending expanding VHF Band III up to 240MHz for broadcast to allow for DVB-T(2) and DAB services - I wouldn't rule that happening out.

The Cush

TAFKAlawhec wrote: »

The WRC for this matter is on in November if I'm right - it's pretty much a foregone conclusion that the 700MHz band will be sacrificed from broadcasting to mobile.

The co-allocation of the 700MHz band was surprisingly added to the WRC-12 agenda at the request of Arab and African countries without any prior notification and this was opposed by all members of CEPT (Europe).
A compromise was eventually agreed, the band would be released but not until the end of WRC-15. This gave European countries time to put the necessary technical and regulatory standards in place.

TAFKAlawhec wrote: »

If I was a betting man, I'd say right now Comreg are probably looking for when it comes to their "want" sheet for WRC15 for at least two, possibly three UHF frequencies (MFN or regional SFN) to maintain current Saorview coverage with another 3-4 frequencies on a national SFN basis for "future provision" e.g. a possible pay-TV service using DVB-T2 & h.265 video as planned for in Germany post-DSO2. I'd also expect them to maintain at least one VHF multiplex, if not two - there appears to be a trend going on already in a few countries of revisiting VHF Band III for TV broadcast with UHF space running out & being squeezed, and securing frequencies for future use in this band could prove vital. I remember a document a few years ago recommending expanding VHF Band III up to 240MHz for broadcast to allow for DVB-T(2) and DAB services - I wouldn't rule that happening out.

WRC-15 won't be dealing with frequency reallocations, frequency replanning is currently underway, bi-laterally with the UK and multi-laterally through the WEDDIP spectrum planning group and is expected to be completed by next April. Once completed coordinated frequency agreements are signed by the countries involved.

As regards VHF DTT, this is from an RTÉ submission to a Dept of Communications consultation last year

RTÉ believes that VHF spectrum is not a viable alternative for even current digital terrestrial television requirements. It would require an entirely new broadcast network, replacement antennas for all viewers, and a reduced amount of content with no facility for further development. Furthermore, there are no viable alternative or converged technology solutions that can deliver public service free-to-air digital terrestrial television comparable to DVB technology likely to emerge in the medium term.

The Cush

The Cush wrote: »

The German auction ended today at Round 181, total bid €5,081,236,000. The 700MHz band made €1,000,445,000.

http://www.bundesnetzagentur.de/EN/Areas/Telecommunications/Companies/FrequencyManagement/ElectronicCommunicationsServices/MobileBroadbandProject2016/project2016_node.html

As one auction ends another one is just around the corner, this time in France. A draft decision was published today by the regulator ARCEP. Reserve price per block €416m, total min reserve €2.5bn. A sub-1 GHz spectrum cap will apply, any MNO cannot hold more than 2x30MHz in the 700, 800 and 900MHz bands with a max of 2x15 in the 700MHz band.
Of the 4 bidders Orange, SFR and Bouygues Telecom hold 2x20MHz each in the 800 and 900Mhz bands while Free has 1x5Mhz.

http://www.arcep.fr/index.php?id=8571&tx_gsactualite_pi1%5Buid%5D=1754&tx_gsactualite_pi1%5Bannee%5D=&tx_gsactualite_pi1%5Btheme%5D=&tx_gsactualite_pi1%5Bmotscle%5D=&tx_gsactualite_pi1%5BbackID%5D=26&cHash=81da221e448ecb894f8a4f7b6fc5a742&L=1

The French 700 MHz auction is now underway - http://www.arcep.fr/index.php?id=8571&tx_gsactualite_pi1[uid]=1762&tx_gsactualite_pi1[annee]=&tx_gsactualite_pi1[theme]=&tx_gsactualite_pi1[motscle]=&tx_gsactualite_pi1[backID]=26&cHash=15ab8cdee1e49634709f259ab6a85335

The Cush

The Cush wrote: »

Europe’s Conference of Post and Telecommunications Regulators (CEPT) has agreed to oppose the allocation of the 470-694MHz UHF band to mobile services.

At its meeting in Portugal earlier this month the ECC's Conference Preparatory Group (CPG) agreed to adopt a common position ahead of the ITU's WRC-15 conference in Nov to reject the allocation of the UHF band 470-694MHz on a co-primary basis to both broadcasting and mobile (Agenda item 1.1). Of the 30 countries present Denmark opposed and Bulgaria, Finland, Greece and Sweden abstained.

Following on from the European decision to oppose the co-allocation of the 470-694MHz UHF band to mobile services at the next WRC the African Telecommunication Union (ATU) has also agreed to adopt the same position, https://tech.ebu.ch/news/2015/07/african-telecommunication-union

The Cush wrote: »

http://stakeholders.ofcom.org.uk/consultations/700MHz/statement/

Main points are
- decision to make spectrum in the 700 MHz band available for mobile data use
- vewers will not need to take any action until around 2019
- the only impact of this decision on most viewers will be that they need to retune their televisions
- wider adoption of DVB-T2 not necessary
- objective is to make the band available for mobile by the start of 2022 and sooner if possible

Last Nov Ofcom published it statement on the future release of the 700MHhz band.

Their next step is a consultation on an updated Code of Practice on the management of transitional issues during the preparation for the clearance of the 700MHz spectrum band.

The updated Code of Practice is designed to ensure broadcasters and transmission companies make clear arrangements to keep any potential disruption to viewers and listeners to a minimum during the transition stage of 700MHz clearance.

Clearance of the UK's 700MHz band is due to be completed by 2022.

http://stakeholders.ofcom.org.uk/consultations/700-code-practice/

The Cush

Agenda item 1.1 at the 2015 World Radiocommunications Conference deals with the allocation of further spectrum for the mobile service, with identification for use by International Mobile Telecommunication (IMT) applications.

1.1 to consider additional spectrum allocations to the mobile service on a primary basis and identification of additional frequency bands for International Mobile Telecommunications (IMT) and related regulatory provisions, to facilitate the development of terrestrial mobile broadband applications, in accordance with Resolution 233 (WRC-12)

http://www.itu.int/en/ITU-R/conferences/wrc/2015/Pages/default.aspx

There are 19 candidate bands being considered for IMT at WRC-15, including the remainder of the UHF broadcasting band on a co-primary basis.

1. 470-694/698 MHz
2. 1350-1400 MHz
3. 1427-1452 MHz
4. 1452-1492 MHz
5. 1492-1518 MHz
6. 1518-1525 MHz
7. 1695-1710 MHz
8. 2700-2900 MHz
9. 3300-3400 MHz
10. 3400-3600 MHz
11. 3600-3700 MHz
12. 3700-3800 MHz
13. 3800-4200 MHz
14. 4400-45 00 MHz
15. 4500-4800 MHz
16. 4800-4990 MHz
17. 5350-5470 MHz
18. 5725-5850 MHz
19. 5925-6425 MHz

Within ITU's Region 1 both Europe's CEPT and Africa's ATU have agreed a common position to oppose the co-allocation of the 470-694MHz UHF band to mobile services at the WRC, the Arab Spectrum Management Group (ASMG) and CIS's RCC have yet to make their final decision in relation to this band but their preliminary position is similar to that of the other regional telecommunication organizations.

This week the EBU published a factsheet “Can LTE share spectrum with DTT?” which summarised an ITU report of technical sharing studies carried out between February 2012 and July 2014. The studies covered co-channel and adjacent channel cases and considered protection of DTT from LTE and vice versa.

EBU Factsheet - Can LTE share spectrum with DTT?
ITU Report - ITU-R BT.2337 Sharing and compatibility studies between digital terrestrial television broadcasting and terrestrial mobile broadband applications, including IMT, in the frequency band 470-694/698 MHz

The conclusion

... with the current characteristics of the LTE system, the answer to the question “Can LTE share spectrum with DTT?” would be “NO”. However, some mobile systems other than LTE are currently and effectively sharing spectrum with DTT; this is the case of Programme Making and Special Events (PMSE) applications which successfully uses the gaps between DTT channels in a given area, called TV white spaces. Various other mobile systems exploiting the TV white spaces on a secondary basis (no interference to and no protection from the primary broadcasting service) are currently being tested in the UHF band in some countries.

An adequate design of a future IMT system which takes into account the required protection of DTT, and doesn’t impose restrictions on DTT for its own protection, might change the answer to the above question.

The Cush

A possible solution for ever decreasing broadcast spectrum?

Just as HEVC/H.265 is about to go main stream with DTT in Germany and in the early planning stages in Italy and elsewhere with its claim to be approx. 50% more efficient, in subjective video comparisons over MPEG-4 video, another even more efficient codec named PERSEUS has been announced.

It has been endorsed by the EBU and claims to support 3x the amount of SD and HD channels in an 8 MHz multiplex.

"In practical terms, it means that you could stream a SD video at 125 KBit/s, HD video at 500 Kbit/s (720p?), a “good quality” HD video can be broadcast at 2 Mbps, and 4K UHD videos at 4 Mbps using existing hardware and infrastructure. " http://www.cnx-software.com/2015/04/13/perseus-video-codec-claims-2-to-3-times-better-compression-than-h-265-using-legacy-hardware/

http://www.digitaltveurope.net/346362/v-nova-promise-video-at-audio-bitrates-with-revolutionary-compression-technology/

And just like the proverbial No. xx bus another high efficient codec comes along, Nukodec.

The Cush

"DVB study predicts terrestrial TV will need twice the capacity available after 700MHz sell-off - In future, we’ll all need to deliver more services using less spectrum, ”

This is one of the conclusions from a DVB study "DVB – Long Term Vision for Terrestrial Broadcast", to be published later this year, and discussed at an IBC 2015 presentation earlier this month (Graham Mills “Addressing future growth in broadcast TV and video consumption on mobile devices” Chairman, Commercial Module, DVB).

Viewer demand for higher quality video, HD now and UHD later, will require more capacity than is available. The problem is this capacity is reducing fast with the sale of the 700MHz band next, followed by the increasing demand of the mobile lobby for co-allocation of the remaining UHF broadcast band.

This remaining UHF band is one of the bands up for discussion at the next WRC in Nov. Unlikely to be released in Region 1 as all the regional telecommunication organizations have adopted common positions to reject the proposal. Of course this won't prevent the mobile industry putting forward the issue at future WRCs.

To overcome the issue of reduced capacity, existing capacity must be used more efficiently. Germany, Italy and others are moving towards/considering DVB-T2 with HEVC/H.265 video coding. In Germany's case this doubles the capacity available in each mux and in conjunction with HEVC (50% more efficient than MPEG-4) will allow up to 7 HD channels in a 27.5 Mbps mux.

Terrestrial UHD broadcasts are expected to happen in the early 2020's but will require a more efficient video compression standard, a future H.266, so that existing content can be broadcast in a higher quality format.

http://advanced-television.com/2015/09/14/dvb-to-assess-the-future-of-terrestrial-broadcasting/

The Cush

Came across this from the Dept of Communications website recently

Replanning to clear TV from the channels 49-60 is currently underway in conjunction with the UK. It is expected that TV services will clear the channels 49-60 by about 2021, creating a second digital dividend. Associated with that will be much tighter reuse of frequency channels. In these circumstances reception of TV services outside their core service area cannot be guaranteed. Thus people may find that where they are or have been receiving UK TV signals from Northern Ireland or Wales they may not longer be able to do so as the frequencies may be used by neighbouring area Irish TV transmissions.

http://www.dcenr.gov.ie/communications/en-ie/spectrum/Pages/DTT-Spectrum.aspx

Hadn't thought of this before but it could cause problems for viewers who receive both terrestrial services via the aerial. The replanning process plans to squeeze the existing and allocated muxes into a reduced portion of the UHF band. This will most likely require transmitter directional restrictions on both networks and possibly depriving existing viewers of a signal from one of the networks.

As the process is still underway we don't yet know what restrictions will be applied but the information from the Dept's website appears to indicate this will be the case.

Replanning is expected to be completed by next April.

Hotblack Desiato

Bound to be more likely that viewers will find the intended distant signal is now co-channel with a nearer one.

Thank goodness for the physical limitations on the size of a Ku-band 28E spot, and the huge installed base of non-Ka capable dishes and LNBs we will still have access to free UK TV for decades to come via Freesat.

The Cush

Hotblack Desiato wrote: »

Bound to be more likely that viewers will find the intended distant signal is now co-channel with a nearer one.

Of course, that would be the reason for transmitter directional restrictions.

The Cush

The International Telecommunications Union’s (ITU) 2015 World Radiocommunication Conference (WRC-15) commenced today in Geneva. The conference reviews and revises the Radio Regulations, the international regulatory framework for radiocommunications.

The agenda resolutions for this conference were agreed at the last WRC in 2012 and likewise this conference will agree the resolutions for WRC-19.

Agenda items 1.1 and 1.2, respectively the co-allocation of the remaining UHF band to mobile use and approval of the mobile bandplan and channelling arrangements for the 700MHz band in Region 1 fall within the topic of this thread.

Item 1.2 will be approved without issue but 1.1 will most likely fail even though there has been strong lobbying from the mobile industry for its co-allocation.

All 4 regional telecommunication organisations in Region 1 have agreed common positions to oppose the co-allocation of the remaining UHF band but certain countries within those organisations would have an opposite position. Within Europe (CEPT), Finland has gone a step further and submitted its own proposal to the conference to co-allocate the band as has Egypt within the Arab Group supported by Jordan, Lebanon and Morocco. The mobile lobby will push to include the issue on the next agenda for 2019 this is being opposed by the broadcasting lobby and also other countries who want the next conference to concentrate on frequencies above 6GHz.

Ofcom, last week, published the UK's final positions in relation to the various WRC agenda items - http://stakeholders.ofcom.org.uk/binaries/consultations/wrc15/statement/UK_Positions_for_WRC-15.pdf

In Europe broadcasting is guaranteed in the UHF band until 2030 and probably beyond under the Lamy 2020-2030-2025 report for the EU.

The ITU organises the World Radiocommunication Conference every 3/4 four years to review and revise radio regulations, the international treaty governing the use of the radio-frequency spectrum and the geostationary-satellite, and non-geostationary-satellite orbits.

Revisions are made on the basis of an agenda determined by the ITU Council, which takes into account recommendations made by previous WRCs.

The general scope of the agenda of WRC is established four to six years in advance with the final agenda set by the ITU Council two years before the conference with the concurrence of a majority of member states.

Under the terms of the ITU constitution, a WRC can revise the radio regulations and any associated frequency assignment and allotment plans, address any radiocommunication matter of worldwide character, instruct the radio regulations board and the radiocommunication bureau and review their activities, and determine questions for study by the Radiocommunication Assembly and its study groups in preparation for future radiocommunication
conferences.

http://www3.ebu.ch/news/2015/10/ebu-to-defend-spectrum-rights-of
http://www.gsma.com/newsroom/press-release/gsma-welcomes-multi-country-support-for-sub-700mhz-spectrum-for-mobile-broadband-at-wrc-15/

The Cush

EBU - is encouraged to note that the overwhelming majority of proposals support a ‘No change’ position for the UHF band 470-694/698 MHz.

Despite calls from a minority of countries to re-allocate the band to mobile telecommunications services, the coordinated regional positions of European and African countries, the Arab States, the Commonwealth of Independent States, and the Asia-Pacific Telecommunication Union, as well as a joint proposal from 14 South American countries are all clearly opposed to such a move.

http://www3.ebu.ch/news/2015/11/ebu-terrestrial-TV-at-WRC-15#sthash.D3rgZPKT.dpuf

Simon Fell, EBU Director of Technology and Innovation

‘Contrary to what the mobile lobby would have us believe, terrestrial TV is the most popular TV platform in Europe and in many other regions of the world. It also continues to deliver substantial social and economic value, in particular by providing free-to-air services and facilitating innovation’.

‘It is a positive sign that most national administrations at the WRC-15 recognise this point. We urge them to hold their ground against a small minority that is looking to impose its views on the rest of the world’.

‘Every administration has the responsibility to look after the interests of its own citizens. We encourage the national representatives at the WRC-15 to find a way of accommodating their national spectrum requirements without compromising the future of terrestrial TV. Keeping the frequency band 470-694/698 MHz for broadcasting is the key to this future.’

http://www3.ebu.ch/news/2015/11/ebu-terrestrial-TV-at-WRC-15#sthash.D3rgZPKT.dpuf

a516 article - http://www.a516digital.com/2015/11/overwhelming-worldwide-support-for.html
http://www.v-net.tv/as-wrc-15-begins-broadcasters-hope-current-dtt-frequencies-will-emerge-intact

All the WRC-15 proposal documents can be seen here - http://www.itu.int/net4/proposals/WRC15

The Cush

The Cush wrote: »

As one auction ends another one is just around the corner, this time in France. A draft decision was published today by the regulator ARCEP. Reserve price per block €416m, total min reserve €2.5bn. A sub-1 GHz spectrum cap will apply, any MNO cannot hold more than 2x30MHz in the 700, 800 and 900MHz bands with a max of 2x15 in the 700MHz band.
Of the 4 bidders Orange, SFR and Bouygues Telecom hold 2x20MHz each in the 800 and 900Mhz bands while Free has 2x5Mhz.

http://www.arcep.fr/index.php?id=8571&tx_gsactualite_pi1%5Buid%5D=1754&tx_gsactualite_pi1%5Bannee%5D=&tx_gsactualite_pi1%5Btheme%5D=&tx_gsactualite_pi1%5Bmotscle%5D=&tx_gsactualite_pi1%5BbackID%5D=26&cHash=81da221e448ecb894f8a4f7b6fc5a742&L=1

Bidding is underway in the French 700MHz auction, the price during the first round of bidding reached €451 million for each of the six 5 MHz blocks.

http://www.arcep.fr/index.php?id=8571&tx_gsactualite_pi1%5Buid%5D=1803&tx_gsactualite_pi1%5Bannee%5D=&tx_gsactualite_pi1%5Btheme%5D=&tx_gsactualite_pi1%5Bmotscle%5D=&tx_gsactualite_pi1%5BbackID%5D=26&cHash=2c313b181b43c027fbacec8b6e24e37c

The Cush

French 700MHz band auction ended today, €466m for each block, total of €2.796bn.

Bouygues Telecom 2x5MHz
Free Mobile 2x10MHz
Orange 2x10MHz
SFR 2x5MHz

Each MNO will now submit a bid for its position in the band, 1st-4th choice. Highest bid gets 1st choice, the 2nd choice pays two-thirds of its bid, third choice pays one-third with 4th choice paying nothing extra. The bids are then added to the auction total.

http://www.arcep.fr/index.php?id=8571&tx_gsactualite_pi1%5Buid%5D=1804&tx_gsactualite_pi1%5Bannee%5D=&tx_gsactualite_pi1%5Btheme%5D=&tx_gsactualite_pi1%5Bmotscle%5D=&tx_gsactualite_pi1%5BbackID%5D=26&cHash=f201c02515cd734eff10550f0436cf10

The Cush

At WRC-15 today it was announced that the 694-790 MHz band has been officially allocated to mobile broadband in Region 1 (Europe/Africa/ME/CIS) with effect from the end of this conference.

http://www.itu.int/net/pressoffice/press_releases/2015/55.aspx#.VlN2_P8nzDc

Europe will use the lower duplexer of the APT700 bandplan, ITU A7 (703-733MHz / 758-788 MHz) which allows inter-regional harmonisation in the band with most of Asia/Pacific and South/Central America for near global roaming, other areas within Region 1 may choose the European bandplan or the full APT700 bandplan, ITU A5 (703-748 MHz / 758-803 MHz). For equipment manufacturers harmonisation allows for economies of scale. In the US/Canada and a handful of other countries a different bandplan is used.

The Cush

The Cush wrote: »

French 700MHz band auction ended today, €466m for each block, total of €2.796bn.

Each MNO will now submit a bid for its position in the band, 1st-4th choice. Highest bid gets 1st choice, the 2nd choice pays two-thirds of its bid, third choice pays one-third with 4th choice paying nothing extra. The bids are then added to the auction total.

Final auction total - €2,798,976,324

http://www.arcep.fr/index.php?id=8571&L=0&tx_gsactualite_pi1[uid]=1806&tx_gsactualite_pi1[annee]=&tx_gsactualite_pi1[theme]=&tx_gsactualite_pi1[motscle]=&tx_gsactualite_pi1[backID]=26&cHash=7e1d824a1659bb2e7723a117bffbff80

The Cush

Over 150 governments at the WRC-15 conference have decided there should be no change to the remaining UHF band, that it should remain exclusive to broadcasting. The decision will not be reviewed until the 2023 conference and will not be on the WRC-19 agenda.

https://tech.ebu.ch/news/2015/11/broadcasters-applaud-wrc-15-deci
http://advanced-television.com/2015/11/26/ebu-welcomes-wrc-15-uhf-decision/

During the Nov. 26 session, representatives agreed that there would be no change to the allocation in the 470–694 MHz band now or at WRC-19 — in four years’ time. A review of the spectrum use in the entire UHF band (470-960 MHz) will next take place at the WRC in 2023

http://www.radioworld.com/article/broadcasters-welcome-wrc--decision/277607

The decision not to review the band until the next decade is in line with the recommendations of the EU commissioned Lamy Report back in 2014.

European broadcasters also welcome the fact that a vast majority of EU Member States supported the decision to maintain the lower UHF frequency band for terrestrial broadcasting. The WRC-15 decision will have a positive impact at EU level, affirming the direction proposed in the Lamy Report in 2014 that DTT should continue until at least 2030.

http://www.boards.ie/vbulletin/showthread.php?p=92016782
http://www.boards.ie/vbulletin/showthread.php?p=95934224

Gerry Wicklow

I love the twisted logic of removing TV channels so people can watch "tv" on their phones instead:rolleyes:

The Cush

The UK government announced yesterday in its Autumn Statement delivered by George Osborne, to allocate up to £550m to make the 700Mhz spectrum band available for mobile broadband use and this will be spent over the period of the next parliament, which runs until 2020.

This is approximately what Ofcom estimated it will cost to clear the 700 MHz band in its decision on the band last Nov - http://www.boards.ie/vbulletin/showthread.php?p=93107475#post93107475

Sam Russell

Gerry Wicklow wrote: »

I love the twisted logic of removing TV channels so people can watch "tv" on their phones instead:rolleyes:

The logic is simple - going from FTA to Pay to view. You must pay for mobile in whatever way, but UHF TV is - in general - free.

Hotblack Desiato

Sam Russell wrote: »

The logic is simple - going from FTA to Pay to view. You must pay for mobile in whatever way, but UHF TV is - in general - free.

The huge sums raised by spectrum sales have to be paid for. This is really just a tax on the public, although it doesn't look like one.

Sam Russell

Hotblack Desiato wrote: »

The huge sums raised by spectrum sales have to be paid for. This is really just a tax on the public, although it doesn't look like one.

Well, yes. But within the EU there is always a push for privatisation in the pursuit of 'competition' except there is only competition between large multinational entities, and even this is allusion. For example, Sky compete with BT for sports rights, but it is not competition because if you want to watch a particular sports event, it will only be on one of them. If you want to watch, say, all of the PL soccer - even for just one team, you must subscribe to both. That is not competition.

The EU are trying to rid us of roaming charges but the Mobile companies are fighting it tooth and nail.

The Cush

Report from CEPT on WRC-15 which closed on Friday last. Preparations for WRC-19 started today with a 2 day meeting of the WRC-19 Conference Preparatory Meeting (CPM19-1)

The Cush

Digitag & EBU post WRC-15 overviews

http://www.digitag.org/wp-content/uploads/2015/12/DigiTAG-newsletter-10-2015.pdf
https://tech.ebu.ch/files/live/sites/tech/files/shared/factsheets/ebu-fs-WRC-15-results.pdf

The Cush

The European Commission, yesterday, published its proposals for the EU harmonisation of the 700 MHz band for mobile broadband use. The proposal will have to be approved by the European Parliament and Member States, under a co-decision procedure.

What's proposed
- 700 MHz band should be assigned to wireless broadband by 30 June 2020
- national plans for network coverage and for releasing this band by 30 June 2017
- cross-border coordination agreements by the end of 2017
- states can allow other technologies downlink-only transmission in the sub-700 MHz band
- review of the sub-700 MHz band by 2025

European Commission - Press release
European Commission - Fact Sheet

http://advanced-television.com/2016/02/03/ebu-concerned-at-ec-spectrum-proposals/

Separately, Comreg were before the Joint Committee on Transport and Communications last week where mobile phone coverage was discussed, touching on the release of the 700 MHz band.

http://www.independent.ie/irish-news/500000-rural-mobile-users-to-get-better-signal-34408801.html

The Cush

The EBU has expressed its concerns at the EC's proposals for the UHF band.

The primary concern is the financial burden the proposals will place on broadcasters moving services from the 700 MHz band in a strict deadline of mid 2020. The EU commissioned Lamy Report had previously recommended a flexible 2020 +/- 2 years to clear the band.

The second concern is the proposal to allow states to authorise non-DTT transmission technologies in the sub-700 MHz. This proposal was not a requirement of the recent WRC-2015 conference and the EBU said the proposal should be carefully studied and tested so that it doesn't interfere with broadcasting.

https://tech.ebu.ch/news/2016/02/ebu-expresses-concern-at-europea

http://www.broadbandtvnews.com/2016/02/03/ebu-angered-over-commissions-early-700mhz-clearance-plans/
http://www.digitaltveurope.net/493162/ec-spectrum-plan-raises-alarm-at-ebu/