WBU Technical Committee Position on Spectrum Allocation Associated with WRC-15
Jun 23, 2014 / TORONTO, Canada – It is the WBU’s position that:
The use of radio-frequency spectrum by broadcasters remains an important vehicle for the efficient and scalable delivery of high-quality media content and emergency alerting services to both fixed and mobile audiences, specifically relying on the following services and systems;
DTV Broadcasting Service
The WBU does not support any change to the current spectrum allocations at UHF frequencies (470 – 694/ 698 MHz). Contiguous spectrum should be allotted in the bands assigned to the broadcast service to allow for the robust delivery of high-quality media content, data and signaling that meets or exceeds the capabilities of current fixed and mobile reception and display devices as well as those that are expected to be deployed in the future.
Satellite Distribution Systems
The WBU does not support any change to the current spectrum allocations at Cband or extended C-band frequencies. The use of downlink spectrum allocated at C-Band (3.7 – 4.2 GHz) or extended C-Band in the Fixed-Satellite Service is essential to broadcasters’ operations around the world. Systems employing this FSS band have been extensively deployed over decades, primarily for the distribution of content from network centers to affiliated stations, cable head-ends and to other receiving systems.
Summary
This WBU position has been supported by spectrum studies both at UHF and Cband frequencies which have demonstrated that major interference to broadcast operations would result from sharing in these bands with IMT. These studies have been filed with the ITU.
The WBU will continue to participate actively in spectrum studies of the radiofrequency bands both assigned and associated with broadcasting, in order to ensure the continued efficient use of these bands for broadcast media content distribution.
About NABA:
NABA is a non-profit association of the most influential broadcasting organizations throughout North America committed to advancing the interests of broadcasters at home and internationally. Network broadcasters, both public and private, in the United States, Mexico and Canada, work together to provide a common voice for the North American broadcast community. As a member of the World Broadcasting Unions (WBU), NABA creates the opportunity for North American broadcasters to share information, identify common interests and reach consensus on issues of an international nature. NABA provides representation for North American broadcasters in global forums on topics including journalism issues, protection of content, spectrum related concerns, the territorial integrity of broadcasters’ signals, and digital transmission issues. For further information about NABA, please visit www.nabanet.com
About WBU-ISOG:
Founded in 1985, the International Satellite Operations Group is a committee of the World Broadcasting Unions. ISOG provides a global forum for members of the WBU to exchange information, outline requirements and resolve common operational problems. WBU-ISOG’s mission is to identify, evaluate, and implement solutions for all operational matters associated with transmission (by satellite or any other means) of video, audio, and broadcast-related data material from sites of news, sports, special events and entertainment, and to work with all international groups, institutions, organizations, and appropriate bodies to achieve these solutions. For further information about WBU-ISOG, please visit http://isog.worldbroadcastingunions.org.
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