LONG TERM VISION

FOR THE UHF BROADCASTING BAND

FORECAST 2014, Shaping future broadcasting

EBU, Geneva 5-6 November 2014

Session 1 – How will the UHF band be used in the next decade?

CEPT ECC TG 6 Chairman

Jaime Afonso

Task Group 6Long Term Vision for the UHF Broadcasting band

Creation of Task Group 6 (June 2013): CEPT initiative to address the long term vision for the UHF band

Focus on 470-694 MHz

Main topicsTechnical studiesSocio/economic and cultural issuesRegulatory aspects

Produce an ECC report by mid-2014 (ECC Report 224) http://www.erodocdb.dk/doks/doccategoryECC.aspx?doccatid=4

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Terms of Reference of TG6

TG6 studies DID NOT specifically address the 700 MHz band issuesreview spectrum requirementsconsider the ongoing WRC-15 activities

ECC Report 224 DOES addressthe existing situationevolution of technology, networks and servicesset of indicatorsthe description and assessment of scenarioscross-border coordination issues …

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The background

The “UHF broadcasting band”

Strategic vision, focusing in the 470-694 MHz band;

Consider the demand and supply, e.g. broadcasting, wireless broadband

and other applications;

Harmonised technical approach;

470

MH

z Band 470 – 694 MHz

694

MH

z 700 MHz

790

MH

z 800 MHz

862

MH

z

“Salami slicing” ?

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Current related activities

World Radiocommunication Conference (WRC-15)694-790 MHz band allocated to mobile service as from 2015 Additional spectrum allocations to the mobile service

EC Mandate for 700 MHzPreferred technical channelling arrangement Common least restrictive technical conditions (block-edge mask)Consider applications such as PPDR and PMSE

Radio Spectrum Policy Programme (Decision nº 243/2012/EU) Identification of 1200 MHz to satisfy the wireless broadband demandSupport other wireless communications policies (e.g. further development of innovative audiovisual media and other services)

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Setting the scene

The “diversity”

Current role of DTT

Expiry dates of the existing rights of use: large variation

“Salami slicing” ?

 Required amount of

spectrum in the band 470-862 MHz for DTT

No of Countries

  224 MHz 2

  Between 224 and 320 MHz 4

  320 MHz 16

  >320 MHz 1

  To be determined 13

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Strategic elements

Evolution of platforms DTT: technologies/formats (e.g. resolution, compression, modulation)Cellular networks (LTE broadcast)Evolution of PMSE

The regulatory environment (e.g. Geneva 06)

Coexistence/cooperation of different platforms

Indicators (linear, non-linear consumption, type and

lifecycles of devices, etc..)

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Long term vision – the scenarios

TG6 considered a number of scenarios

Described in four classes :

Class A: Primary usage of the band by existing and future DVB

terrestrial networks

Class B: Hybrid usage of the band by downlink LTE and/or DVB

terrestrial networks

Class C: Hybrid usage of the band by conventional two-way (uplink

and downlink ) LTE mobile broadband and/or DVB terrestrial

networks

Class D: Usage of the band by future communication technologies

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The compatibility constraints

Summary of the analysis

Coexistence between a cellular uplink and a broadcast or

cellular downlink network is difficult and challenging

  Class A Class B Class C

Class A

Class B

Class C

Criteria 1: Technically feasible with similar technologies and network architectures as currently

available. Criteria 2: similar bilateral coordination issues already

dealt with.

Criteria 1: Technically feasible with similar technologies and network architectures as currently available.

Criteria 2: new bilateral coordination methodology need to be developed.

Criteria 1: Technically feasible with similar technologies and network architectures as currently

available.Criteria 2: requires a Region-wide harmonization

(frequency plan and schedule).

Criteria 1: Technically difficult and challenging assuming similar technologies and network architectures as they are

nowadays

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Main conclusions (1/2)

Administrations shall consider, among others:

their national legal and regulatory framework

the implications for the audiovisual industry and user expectations

a realistic time frame for the transition towards a new scenario

Expected developments

Broadcasting services will continue to evolve

The delivery mechanisms (linear services vs on-demand services)

Evolution in DTT technology (e.g. to support larger SFNs)

Delivery of broadcast and multicast content through LTE

Sufficient interference free PMSE spectrum needs to be provided

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Main conclusions (2/2)

Monitoring the developments/assumptions is key

Coexistence of different scenarios/classes needs to be

taken into account

In order to facilitate the different needs/requirements, it

could be necessary to introduce more flexibility in the

regulatory environment

The long term usage of the band mainly foreseen for

downstream audiovisual content distribution

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TG6 - LONG TERM VISION

FOR THE UHF BROADCASTING BAND

Session 1 – How will the UHF band be used in the next decade?

FORECAST 2014, Shaping future broadcasting

EBU, Geneva 5-6 November 2014

END OF PRESENTATION