BNE Urges Europe to Embrace 5G Broadcast for Future of Terrestrial TV

Brussels, Belgium – Broadcast Networks Europe (BNE) has released its position paper, "Terrestrial Broadcasting for Europe’s Digital Future," making a strong case for an ambitious European policy focused on 5G broadcast innovation. This move underscores Europe's growing recognition of 5G Broadcast's pivotal future role as the continent steadily advances towards its adoption. The advocacy comes as another influential European broadcast group, The 5G Broadcast Strategic Task Force (5BSTF), recently announced achieving a population coverage of 125 million residents, with plans to launch commercial 5G Broadcast services across six European markets by 2027.

BNE, a Brussels-based trade organization, represents a significant segment of Europe's terrestrial broadcast network operators for radio and TV. Its 17 members, including major players like Cellnex (Spain), Arqiva (UK), Media Broadcast (Germany), and TDF (France), collectively represent billions of dollars in investments, infrastructure, and revenue across 19 European countries, reaching a substantial percentage of the viewing population. Notably, Media Broadcast and TDF hold membership in both BNE and the 5BSTF.

BNE’s paper stresses that the successful implementation of its innovation roadmap hinges on robust support from public authorities at both European and national levels. BNE acknowledges the foundational role played by existing provisions within the Radio Spectrum Policy Program, the UHF Decision, and the European Electronic Communications Code (EECC) in enabling the broadcasting sector's modernization and continued relevance. Moving forward, BNE insists that upcoming policy initiatives must cultivate an environment conducive to the effective rollout of 5G Broadcast, specifically addressing receiver implementation requirements. Furthermore, these policies should actively facilitate the widespread adoption of interactive hybrid standards such as HbbTV and Ultra High Definition (UHD) technologies throughout the European single market.

A critical component of BNE's advocacy is securing long-term spectrum access to the UHF band for terrestrial broadcasting, extending through 2040 and beyond. The organization emphasizes that the Digital Terrestrial Television (DTT) platform efficiently delivers high-quality content by utilizing the latest coding and transmission technologies, all while ensuring fair access over a limited spectrum among neighboring countries. BNE notes that the recent WRC23 agreement affirmed this spectrum allocation, which is shared by broadcasting and various other services, including those essential to the creative sector. Consequently, BNE urges that the current priority given to broadcasting services in the 470-694 MHz band be maintained, deeming it essential for the sector's continued vitality.

The convergence of BNE's strategic vision and the tangible progress of groups like the 5BSTF clearly indicates a resolute push across Europe to fully embrace 5G Broadcast. This concerted effort by key industry players, backed by a strong advocacy for supportive regulatory frameworks signals a significant transition for the continent's broadcasting landscape, aiming to deliver next-generation, high-quality content directly to mobile devices and ensure the enduring relevance of terrestrial broadcasting in the digital future.

BNE’s position statement can be read here: Terrestrial Broadcasting for Europe’s Digital Future