UK regulator Ofcom has described plans to clear DTT services out of the 700MHz spectrum by Q2 in 2020. Two documents are available: ‘Maximising the benefits of 700MHz clearance’ (http://tinyurl.com/z3s97zq) and ‘Management of transitional coverage issues’ (http://tinyurl.com/zrdue8v). When the transition is over, there will be a 9MHz ‘guard band’ to protect 600MHz DTT services from mobile broadband interference in the 700MHz band.
In related news, Italy is seeking more time for broadcasters to transition from 700MHz. The country’s Senate argues that the 2020 deadline set by the European Commission is ‘overly stringent’ and proposes extending it to 2022. The Italian broadcasters’ association, Confidustria Radio Televisioni, would prefer it be postponed to 2025.
