comparison between the impact of the digital dividend on ... · drahtlosen produktionsmitteln und...

Master-Thesis:

Comparison between the impact of the Digital Dividend on the use of

frequencies by professional wireless audio-equipment in Latin-America

and Europe.

Revision 1

Beuth University of Applied Science Berlin

In Co-Operation with:

Federal University of ABC

Information and Communication Engineering

Master of Engineering

FBVII - Elektrotechnik – Mechatronik – Optometrie

01st of May 2018 until 04th of October 2018

Author: Pia Seeger

Matriculation: 853014

1st Advisor: Prof. Dr.-Ing. Matthias Seimetz

2nd Advisor: Prof. Boris Balin

I

Abstract - English

As a consequence of the digitalization of the analogue terrestrial television, at the

World Radio Conference it was decided worldwide, to allocate parts of the UHF

TV spectrum to the Mobile Services, with identification for the ‘International Mo-

bile Telecommunication’ (IMT) application. This new frequency allocation affects

wireless audio production tools (PMSE), which were operated in the same part of

the spectrum. In my thesis, I am analysing how this new frequency allocation is

handled in different regions of the world (Latin-America and Europe) and what

consequences it has on the users of wireless production tools. Therefore, I will

focus on wireless audio production tools (PMSE), to reduce the framework of my

thesis to an appropriate size.

To provide a better understanding of my work, after a short introduction into the

topic, I will start to explain some fundamentals, e.g. the radio frequency spectrum

and its regulation, characteristics and function of wireless audio production tools

(PMSE) and the new digital terrestrial television. The situation in Latin-America

will be analysed mainly by the example of Brazil and two additional countries

(Argentina and Mexico). These countries were chosen on the basis of the results

of my research.

Also, I will consider the results of an online survey about the use of frequencies

by wireless audio production tools (PMSE) in Brazil, which I conducted before the

start of my master thesis as part of a university project. Finally, I have available

spectrum scans from different events in Brazil. One of these spectrum scans I

carried out myself during the development of this thesis; additional scans were

provided to me by various contacts. For the examination of the situation in Eu-

rope, I will refer to the results of my earlier research on this topic and will adjust

and upgrade this data in line with current developments. Finally, I will compare

the situations of Latin-America and Europe to identify similarities and differences

with regards to the impact of the new frequency allocation on the users of wireless

audio production tools (PMSE) and draw my conclusion.

Abstrakt - Deutsch

Infolge der Digitalisierung des terrestrischen analogen Fernsehens, wurde auf

der Weltfunkkonferenz beschlossen, Teile des UHF TV Spektrums an die mobi-

len Dienste zuzuweisen. Diese neue Spektrumzuweisung betrifft auch drahtlose

Produktionsmittel z.B. der Content- und Eventproduktion, welche ebenfalls in die-

sem Bereich des Spektrums eingesetzt werden. In meiner Arbeit untersuche ich,

wie die neue Zuweisung in verschiedenen Regionen der Erde (Latein Amerika

und Europa) gehandhabt wird und welche Auswirkungen diese Änderung in der

Spektrumzuweisung auf drahtlose Produktionsmittel hat. Um den Rahmen der

Arbeit angemessen einzuschränken, werde ich mich auf drahtlose Audio Produk-

tionsmittel beschränken. Um eine bessere Verständlichkeit der Arbeit zu gewähr-

leisten werde ich nach der Einleitung zunächst auf einige Grundlagen, wie das

elektromagnetische Spektrum und seine Regulierung, die Eigenschaften von

II

drahtlosen Produktionsmitteln und dem neuen digitalen terrestrischen Fernse-

hen, eingehen. Die Situation für Latein Amerika wird hauptsächlich am Fallbei-

spiel Brasilien, sowie zwei weiteren Staaten analysiert. Als Grundlage hierzu

dient meine Recherche. Weiter werden außerdem die Ergebnisse einer Online-

Umfrage zur Frequenznutzung drahtloser Audio Produktionsmittel in Brasilien,

welche ich im Rahmen eines Universitätsprojektes vor Beginn der Masterarbeit

durchgeführt habe, in Betracht gezogen. Außerdem liegen Spektrum Scans ver-

schiedener Events, welche ich im Zeitraum meiner Arbeit durchführen konnte o-

der welche mir zur Verfügung gestellt wurden, vor. Zur Ermittlung der Situation in

Europa werde ich meine frühere Recherche zu diesem Thema aufgreifen, mit

den aktuellen Entwicklungen abgleichen und ergänzen. Am Ende werde ich in

einem Vergleich Unterschiede und Gemeinsamkeiten der Auswirkungen der

neuen Frequenzzuweisung auf die Nutzung drahtloser Produktionsmittel erörtern

und meine Schlussfolgerung ziehen.

III

Acknowledgements

The success of this project required a lot of assistance from different people and

I would like to thank all of them for their efforts.

Firstly, I would like to thank my mobility supervisor Professor Mario Minami at the

partner university ‘Federal University of ABC’ (UFABC) of the exchange program

between Brazil and my home university in Germany for his support of my work

and for providing professional contacts for my thesis. As well, I would like to thank

Marta Rodrigues Martins for the access to the laboratories of the UFABC, for

providing the equipment for the spectrum scans and for the test-measurements

in the laboratories.

Further, my special thanks go to the team of Globo TV, for the access to the

soccer game for spectrum measurements, their ongoing support during the

measurements and for the provision of required background information.

I also want to acknowledge the PMSE User and Manufacturer Association

APWPT, the Shure Incorporated, the Sennheiser electronic Brazil and Germany

and Ruben Alvarez (Ampere Mexico) for the impressive support with further in-

formation and contacts.

Thank you.

Pia Seeger

IV

Abbreviations

UHF Ultra High Frequency IEM In-Ear Monitor

TV Television ‘Digital Switch-Over’

Switching from analogue to digital terrestrial TV pro-grammes in the UHF TV spectrum

PMSE Programme Making and Special Event

MHz Megahertz

DVB-T Digital Video Broadcasting - Ter-restrial

WRC World Radio Conference

ISDB-Tb Integrated Services Digital Broadcasting Terrestrial Brazil

LTE Long Term Evolution

DD Digital Dividend ITU-R Radiocommunication Sector of the ITU

IMT International Mobile Telecom-munication

ECC Electronic Communications Committee

HD High Definition SAB Services ancillary to broad-casting

CEPT European Conference of Postal and Telecommunications Ad-ministration

ENG Electronic News Gathering

ETSI European Telecommunications Standards Institute

PWMS Professional Wireless Micro-phone Systems

SAP Services ancillary to programme making

AF Audio Frequency

OB Outside Broadcasting Rx Receiver

ERC European Research Council SNR Signal-to-Noise Ratio

Tx Transmitter dB Decibel

Preamp Pre-amplifier PLL Phase Locked Loop

RF Radio Frequency C/N+I Carrier-over-Noise-and-Inter-ference Ratio

FM Frequency Modulation Amp Amplification

C/I Carrier-over-Interference Ratio VCO Voltage Controlled Oscillator

IF Intermediate Frequency A/D ADC

Analogue to Digital Con-verter

ms millisecond EN European Norm

kHz Kilo Hertz mW milliwatt

dBm Decibel in mW h hour

Hz Hertz ESC Eurovision Song Contest

AM Amplitude Modulation PM Phase Modulation

ASK Amplitude Shift Keying PSK Phase Shift Keying

FSK Frequency Shift Keying QAM Quadrature-Amplitude-Mod-ulation

D/A DAC

Digital to Analogue Converter IQ-Diagram Inphase-Quadrature-Dia-gram

QPSK Quadrature-PSK AMR Adaptive Multi-Rate

dBµV Decibel in µV K Kelvin

°C ° Celsius LED Light-emitting diode

Pnoise Thermal Noise Power dBW Decibel-Watt

k Boltzmann constant J/K Joules / Kelvin

T Temperature B Bandwidth

Pref Reference Thermal Noise Power R Resistor

Ω Ohm Vn Noise Voltage

V Volt Pn Signal level of noise floor

Ps Signal level of wanted signal P.A. Public Address

IM Intermodulation Ch. Channel

λ Wavelength T Time Period

t Time I Current

U Voltage C Speed of light; 299 792 458 metres per second

F Frequency ITU International Telecommuni-cation Union

ULF Ultra Low Frequencies VLF Very Low Frequencies

LF Low Frequencies MF Middle Frequencies

HF High Frequencies VHF Very High Frequencies

SHF Super High Frequencies EHF Extremely High Frequencies

V

UK United Kingdom ITU-T Telecommunication Stand-ardization Sector of the ITU

ITU-D Telecommunication Develop-ment Sector of the ITU

SG5 SG6

Working groups of the ITU

WP5C WP6A

Working Subgroups of the Work-ing Groups of the ITU

WRC World Radiocommunication Conference

RR Radio Regulations RRC Regional Radiocommunica-tion Conference

Anatel Agência Nacional de Telecomu-nicações

SGT-1 Working Subgroup 1 – Com-munications

IRT German: Institut für Rundfunk-technik GmbH English: Institute for Broadcast-ing

T&T Test and Tagging

USA United States of America Res. Resolution

‘Analogue Switch-Off’

Switching off analogue terrestrial TV programmes in the UHF TV band

WRC-07 World Radio Conference in the year 2007



RRC-04 Regional Radiocommunication Conference in the year 2004

RRC-06 Regional Radiocommunica-tion Conference in the year 2006

GE06 Geneva 2006 GSMA GSM Association

Anafima Associação Nacional da Indús-tria Música National Association of the Mu-sic Industry

PLFS Free Space Path Loss

DKE Deutsche Norm Elektrotechnik Elektronik Informationstechnik

R&S Rohde&Schwarz

RA Radio Astronomy SECOM Spanish: Secretaría de Comunicaciones English: Secretariat of Com-munications

COMFER Spanish: Comité Federal de Radiodifusión English: Federal Broadcasting Committee

CNC Spanish: Comisión Nacional de Comunicaciones English: National Commis-sion on Communications

AFSCA Spanish: Autoridad Federal de Servicos de Comunicación Audiovisual English: Federal Authority for Audiovisual Communication Ser-vices

AFTIC Spanish: Autoridad Federal de Tecnologias de la Informacion y las Comunicaciones English: Federal Authority for Information Technology and Communications

CNDC Spanish: Comisión Nacional de Defensa de la Competencia English: National Commission for the Defence of Competition

FTA Free-to-Air

ENACOM Spanish: Ente Nacional de Comunicaciones English: National Authority for Communications

TIC Information and Communica-tion Technologies

CABFRA Cuadro de Atribución de Bandas de Frecuencias de la República Argentina Argentinas national Frequency Allocation plan

DBP Spanish: Dispositivos de Baja Potencia English: Low Power Devices

SCTVC Spanish: Servicio Complementaroo de Televisión Codificada Explanation: coded TV

RAMATEL Spanish: Registro de Actividades y Materiales de Telecomunicaciones English: Registry of Activities and Materials of Telecommu-nications

BACUA Audiovisual Band of Argentinean Universal Content

COFETEL

Spanish: Comisión Federal de Telecomunicaciones English: Federal Commis-sion of Telecommunication

VI

SDSA Spanish: Distribución de Señales de Audio English: Distribution of Audio Signals

CCTDR Consultative Committee for Digital Broadcasting Tech-nologies

SCT Spanish: Secretario de Cominicaciones y Transportes English: Secretariat of Communications and Transpor

CNAF Spanish: Cuadro Nacional de Atribuición de Frecuencias Explanation: Mexicos national Frequency Allocation plan

IFETEL Spanish: Instituto Federal de Telecomunicaciones English: Federal Institute of Tel-ecommunications

SD Standard Quality

CA Complementary Actions ATSC Advanced Television Systems Committee

ALTÁN ALTÁN Redes S.A.P.I. de C.V. DECT Digital Enhanced Cordless Telecommunications

MX Mexico’s National Footnotes in the CNAF

5G 5th Generation

Km Kilometre OFCOM CH L'Office fédéral de la com-munication Explanation: National Frequency Regulation Office of Switzerland

WIFI Wireless Fidelity VPLT German: Verband für Medien und Veranstaltungstechnik English: Association for Media and Event Technology

ST61 Stockholm 1961 Agreement BTR Bühnentechnische Rundschau Explanation: Stage-Technical Review, a german theatre-magazine

PMSE-DB PMSE-Database EC European Comission

APWPT Association of Professional Wireless Production Technolo-gies

BNetzA German: Bundesnetzagentur Explanation: German Frequency Regulation Agency

APT Asian-Pacific Telecommunity IBC International Broadcast Conference and Exhibition

RTR Rundfunk und Telekom Regulie-rungs-GMBH Explanation: Austria’s national telecommunication regulation agency

ISM Industrial, Scientific and Medical

CCI Content and Creative Industry Arcep French: Autorité de régulation des communications électroniques et des postes Explanation: National fre-quency regulation authority of France

SRD Short Range Devices SE7 Working Group of the CEPT/ECC

Ofcom UK Office of Communications RL- UmstKoPMSE700

Bekanntmachung Richtlinie über die Gewährung von Bil-ligkeitsleistungen für Aus-gleichszahlungen an Nutzer drahtloser Produktionsmittel („PMSE“) für aus der Umwid-mung der Frequenzen im Frequenzbereich 694 bis 790 MHz resultierende Umstel-lungskosten

VII

SE07_28 Mandate, on which SE7 is work-ing

F1 Formula 1

MISE Italian: Ministero dello Sviluppo Economico English: Ministry for Economic Development

Table 1: Abbreviations

Note: the abbreviations are not in alphabetic order, instead they are sorted by

their order in the text.

VIII

Table of Content

1. Introduction .................................................................................................. 1

Part A: Fundamentals ........................................................................................ 2

2. Wireless Audio Production Tools (PMSE) ................................................... 2

2.1. International Terminology ...................................................................... 2

2.1.1. SAB/SAP ........................................................................................ 2

2.1.2. ENG/OB ......................................................................................... 3

2.1.3. PMSE ............................................................................................. 3

2.1.4. PWMS ............................................................................................ 4

2.2. Functioning of Wireless Audio Production Tools (Analogue) ................ 4

2.2.1. Wireless Transmitter (Analogue) .................................................... 5

2.2.1.1. Electro-Acoustic Conversion .................................................... 5

2.2.1.2. Preamp .................................................................................... 6

2.2.1.3. Emphasis ................................................................................. 6

2.2.1.4. Companding ............................................................................. 6

2.2.1.5. Frequency Modulation (FM) ..................................................... 8

2.2.2. Wireless Receiver (Analogue) ...................................................... 10

2.2.2.1. Front End, Mixer, IF Filter and IF Amp ................................... 10

2.2.2.2. Demodulation of a Frequency Modulated (FM) Signal ........... 11

2.2.2.3. Expander and De-Emphasis .................................................. 12

2.3. System Requirements, Technical Characteristics and Performance

Parameters of Wireless Audio Production Tools ........................................... 13

2.3.1. Scalability of Performance Parameters ........................................ 13

2.3.2. Performance Parameters and System Requirements .................. 13

2.3.2.1. Audio Quality and Robustness against RF Interference ........ 13

2.3.2.2. Latency .................................................................................. 15

2.3.2.3. Dynamic Range and Transmitter Sensitivity .......................... 15

2.3.2.4. Duty Cycle and Availability ..................................................... 16

2.3.3. Technical Characteristics ............................................................. 16

2.3.3.1. Channel Bandwidth ................................................................ 16

2.3.3.2. Technical Parameters ............................................................ 17

2.3.3.3. Tuning Range ........................................................................ 18

2.3.3.4. Spectrum Requirements ........................................................ 19

2.4. Analogue vs. Digital Technologies ...................................................... 20

2.4.1. Wireless Transmitter (Digital) ....................................................... 21

2.4.1.1. A/D Conversion ...................................................................... 21

2.4.1.2. Encoding ................................................................................ 21

IX

2.4.1.3. Digital Modulation: Phase Shift Keying (PSK) ........................ 22

2.4.2. Wireless Receiver (Digital) ........................................................... 23

2.4.3. Analogue and Digital in Comparison ............................................ 24

2.4.3.1. Robustness Against Interferences ......................................... 26

2.4.3.2. Sound Quality ........................................................................ 26

2.4.3.3. Latency .................................................................................. 26

2.4.3.4. Complexity of the Circuit Technology ..................................... 27

2.4.3.5. Energy Efficiency ................................................................... 27

2.4.3.6. Power Amplifier ...................................................................... 27

2.4.3.7. Spectrum Efficiency / Transmission Bandwidth ......................... 27

2.4.4. Trade-Off ...................................................................................... 28

3. Signal Degradation Effects ........................................................................ 29

3.1. Noise Floor .......................................................................................... 29

3.2. SNR vs. C/I and C/N+I ........................................................................ 33

3.2.1. SNR .............................................................................................. 33

3.2.2. C/I ................................................................................................. 34

3.2.3. C/N+I ............................................................................................ 35

3.3. Interferences ....................................................................................... 36

3.3.1. Co-Channel Interference .............................................................. 37

3.3.2. Adjacent Channel Interference ..................................................... 37

3.3.3. Intermodulation ............................................................................. 38

4. Radio Frequency Spectrum ....................................................................... 43

4.1. Electromagnetic Radiation .................................................................. 43

4.2. The Electromagnetic Spectrum ........................................................... 45

4.3. The Radio Frequency Spectrum ......................................................... 46

4.4. The VHF and UHF TV Spectrum in Brazil ........................................... 47

4.5. Further Division into Frequency Bands ............................................... 48

4.6. TV Channel Arrangement ................................................................... 49

5. Spectrum and Frequency Regulation ........................................................ 49

5.1. International Regulation – ITU ............................................................ 49

5.1.1. ITU-Regions ................................................................................. 49

5.1.2. Sectors of the ITU ......................................................................... 50

5.1.3. Study Groups................................................................................ 50

5.1.4. World Radio Conference .............................................................. 50

5.1.5. Regional Radiocommunication Conferences (RRC)..................... 51

5.1.6. Radio Regulations (RR) ................................................................ 51

5.1.7. Final Acts ...................................................................................... 51

X

5.2. National Regulation – Anatel in Brazil ................................................. 51

5.3. Frequency Coordination for an Event ................................................. 52

6. Digital Terrestrial Television - ISDB-Tb...................................................... 55

7. The Digital Dividends ................................................................................. 56

Part B: Impact of the Digital Dividends on the Use of Frequencies by Wireless

Audio Production Tools in Latin-America ......................................................... 60

8. Brazil.......................................................................................................... 60

8.1. The Digital Dividend in Brazil .............................................................. 60

8.1.1. Background of the DD in Brazil .................................................... 60

8.1.2. The ‘Digital Switch-Over’ in Brazil................................................. 60

8.1.3. Realization of the Digital Dividend in Brazil .................................. 61

8.2. Impact of the DD on the Use of Wireless Audio Production Tools ...... 63

8.2.1. Licensing and Authorization of Wireless Audio Production Tools . 66

8.2.1.1. Before the DD – Res. 506 ...................................................... 68

8.2.1.2. After the DD - Res. 680 .......................................................... 68

8.2.1.3. Temporary licenses – Res. 635 ............................................. 69

8.2.2. Changes in the National Frequency Allocation Plan ..................... 70

8.2.3. Survey: ‘The use of frequencies by wireless Audio-Equipment in

Brazil during the process of the Digital Dividend’ ....................................... 70

8.2.4. Spectrum Scan at a Soccer Game in São Paulo .......................... 73

8.2.5. Major Events in Brazil ................................................................... 81

8.2.5.1. João Rock Festival – Ribeirão Preto, 2018 ............................ 81

8.2.5.2. Carnival 2018 in Rio - Sambódromo ...................................... 88

9. Argentina ................................................................................................... 90

9.1. Frequency Regulation Agencies ......................................................... 90

9.2. Laws regarding Broadcast and Telecommunication ........................... 92

9.2.1. Media Law .................................................................................... 92

9.2.2. Argentina Conectada .................................................................... 93

9.3. The Digital Dividends in Argentina ...................................................... 93

9.3.1. The First Digital Dividend in Argentina ......................................... 93

9.3.1.1. Background of the DD1 in Argentina ...................................... 93

9.3.1.2. Realization of the First Digital Dividend in Argentina ............. 94

9.3.2. The Second Digital Dividend in Argentina .................................... 97

9.3.2.1. Background of the DD2 in Argentina ...................................... 97

9.3.2.2. Realization of the Second Digital Dividend in Argentina ........ 97

9.4. Impact of the DDs on the Use of Wireless Audio Production Tools .... 98

9.4.1. Content Production ....................................................................... 98

XI

9.4.2. Frequency Ranges ....................................................................... 99

9.4.3. Homologation, Certification and Authorization of Radio Devices 101

9.4.4. Alternatives and Solutions in Argentina ...................................... 102

10. Mexico ................................................................................................. 103

10.1. Relevant administrations for Wireless Audio Production Tools ...... 103

10.2. The Digital Dividends in Mexico ..................................................... 104

10.2.1. ‘Digital Switch-Over’ in Mexico ................................................ 104

10.2.2. The First Digital Dividend in Mexico ........................................ 105

10.2.2.1. Background of the DD1 in Mexico ...................................... 105

10.2.2.2. Realization of the First Digital Dividend in Mexico .............. 106

10.2.3. The Second Digital Dividend in Mexico ................................... 107

10.3. Relevant Frequency Allocations and Regulations in Mexico.......... 108

10.3.1. CNAF 1999 ............................................................................. 108

10.3.2. CNAF 2018 ............................................................................. 109

10.3.3. Footnotes in different Frequency Allocation Tables ................ 109

10.4. Cross-Border Frequency Coordination .......................................... 112

10.4.1. Southern Border of Mexico: Belize and Guatemala ................ 112

10.4.2. Northern Border of Mexico: USA ............................................. 112

10.5. Impact of the DD on the Use of Wireless Audio Production Tools . 113

10.5.1. Alternatives and Solutions in Mexico ....................................... 115

10.5.2. Practical Example: Music Festival ‘Vive Latino’ ....................... 116

11. Conclusion about the Situation in Latin-America ................................. 117

Part C: Impact of the Digital Dividends on the Use of Frequencies by Wireless

Audio Production Tools in Europe .................................................................. 120

12. The first Digital Dividend ...................................................................... 120

12.1. Background: How did the DD1 come about? ................................. 120

12.2. Implementation of the DD1 ............................................................ 121

12.3. Impact of the DD1 on the Use of Wireless Audio Production Tools 123

13. The Second Digital Dividend ............................................................... 128

13.1. Background: How did the DD2 come about? ................................. 128

13.2. Implementation of the DD2 ............................................................ 130

13.2.1. Decision Implementation in Germany ..................................... 130

13.2.2. Decision Implementation in Austria ......................................... 131

13.2.3. Decision Implementation in France ......................................... 132

13.2.4. Decision Implementation in United Kingdom ........................... 132

13.2.5. Decision Implementation in Switzerland .................................. 133

13.3. Impact of the DD2 on the Use of Wireless Audio Production Tools 133

XII

13.3.1. Impact on Wireless Audio Production Tools in Germany ........ 135

13.3.2. Impact on Wireless Audio Production Tools in Austria ............ 136

13.3.3. Impact on Wireless Audio Production Tools in France ............ 137

13.3.4. Impact on Wireless Audio Production Tools in the UK ............ 137

13.3.5. Impact on Wireless Audio Production Tools in Switzerland ..... 138

14. Major Events in Europe ....................................................................... 140

14.1. German Regional Elections – Bremen, 2015 ................................. 140

14.2. Olympic Games 2012 – London UK .............................................. 142

14.3. Eurovision Song Contest 2011 – Düsseldorf, Germany ................. 143

15. Considered and Implemented Alternatives and Solutions in Europe ... 144

15.1. Harmonised Frequency Bands ...................................................... 144

15.2. The Air-Band Study ....................................................................... 146

15.3. Financial Compensations............................................................... 148

Part D: Comparisons and Conclusions .......................................................... 149

16. Comparison: Digital Dividends and its impact on the Use of Wireless Audio

Production Tools in Latin-America and Europe .............................................. 149

16.1. Realization of the Digital Dividends in Latin-America and Europe . 149

16.1.1. The First Digital Dividend ........................................................ 150

16.1.2. The Second Digital Dividend ................................................... 150

16.2. Use of Wireless Audio Production Tools (PMSE) .......................... 151

16.2.1. Frequency Ranges for Wireless Audio Production Tools ........ 151

16.2.2. Licensing of Wireless Audio Production Tools (PMSE) ........... 152

16.3. Impact of the DDs on the Use of Wireless Audio Production Tools 153

16.3.1. Survey Results ........................................................................ 153

16.3.1.1. Changed Frequency Usage ............................................... 153

16.3.1.2. Costs and Efforts for affected Users................................... 154

16.3.1.3. Changed Interference Scenario ......................................... 154

16.3.2. Frequency Coordination of Major Events ................................ 156

16.3.3. Solutions for Wireless Audio Production Tools (PMSE) .......... 157

16.3.3.1. Access to Public Information about Wireless Audio Production

Tools and the DDs ............................................................................... 158

16.3.3.2. Spectrum Compensations .................................................. 159

16.3.3.3. Financial Compensations ................................................... 159

16.3.3.4. Market Return or Tuning Range Adjustment ...................... 160

16.3.3.5. Online Databases and Tools for Frequency Coordination .. 160

16.4. Cross-Border Frequency Harmonization ....................................... 161

17. Comparison of the Frequency Coordination at the Formula 1 Races in

Brazil and Italy ................................................................................................ 162

XIII

18. Final Conclusion .................................................................................. 169

18.1. Part A: Fundamentals .................................................................... 169

18.2. Part B: Impact of the Digital Dividends on the Use of Frequencies by

Wireless Audio Production Tools in Latin-America ..................................... 169

18.3. Part C: Impact of the Digital Dividends on the Use of Frequencies by

Wireless Audio Production Tools in Europe ................................................ 170

18.4. Part D: Comparisons and Conclusions .......................................... 170

List of Tables ....................................................................................................... I

List of Graphics ................................................................................................. III

References ........................................................................................................ VI

ANNEX .......................................................................................................... XXIII

A.1 Characteristics / Requirements for Digital Wireless Microphones ....... XXIII

A.2 UHF TV Channel Arrangement in Brazil ............................................. XXIV

A.3 Final Acts – Changes 2000 until 2015 ................................................. XXV

A.4 Calculation: Spectrum Occupation at the João Rock Festival ............ XXVI

A.5 Overview Over the last ‘Annual Latin-American Spectrum Management

Conferences’ ........................................................................................... XXVIII

A.6 Frequency Request Italy ..................................................................... XXIX

1

1. Introduction

The UHF TV spectrum is allocated in a primary basis to the terrestrial broadcasting ser-

vice. In the past the terrestrial television broadcasts were analogue. One TV program

occupied one whole TV channel (6 MHz). Additionally, two TV programs could not be

transmitted in adjacent TV channels due to out-of-band emissions. The gaps between the

locally occupied TV channels are called ‘White Spaces’. In many European and Latin-

American countries wireless audio production tools (PMSE) such as wireless micro-

phones and In-Ear Monitors (IEM) were using the UHF TV spectrum on a secondary

basis. These kinds of devices were earlier mainly used by broadcasters for production of

the content. Nowadays, private organisations use wireless audio production tools (PMSE)

for the production of many types of events, e.g., concerts, shows and musicals. Wireless

audio production tools (PMSE) were mainly operated in the White Spaces between the

locally occupied TV channels.

During recent years, the spectrum allocations inside the UHF TV spectrum changed. The

reason is the transition from analogue to digital terrestrial television. This process is called

‘Digital Switch-Over’. Different standards for digital television are used around the world.

For example, in Europe mainly DVB-T or DVB-T2 is used, while some Latin-American

countries are using the Brazilian-Japanese TV standard ISDB-Tb. With the use of digital

TV transmitters, it is possible, to distribute more than one TV station in one 6 MHz UHF

TV channel. It is also possible to transmit TV stations in adjacent TV channels. Because

of this, with the new digital standards, less spectrum is required to transmit the same

amount of TV programs in the same quality, such as with an analogue TV transmission1.

This process of freeing-up broadcast radio spectrum is called ‘Digital Dividend’ (DD).

It was decided by nations that the so-called ‘Digital Dividend’ (DD) could be made avail-

able for other services and on several World Radio Conferences (WRC) parts of the UHF

TV spectrum were re-allocated to the Land Mobile Service with identification for IMT. The

new allocated frequency bands can be used for the implementation of the LTE technology

and the coverage of mobile internet in rural areas.

Over the years, in ITU-Region 1, which includes Europe, the 800 and 700 MHz frequency

bands, and in ITU-Region 2, which includes Latin-America, the 700 MHz frequency band

were allocated to the Land Mobile Service2. Currently, in some Latin-American countries

it is now under discussion, to allocate the 600 MHz frequency band to the Land Mobile

Service.

In my observation, the situation regarding the DD and its national implementation differ

in different regions around the world. Because of the high interference level from the LTE

technology, the use of frequency bands, which now are assigned to the Land Mobile Ser-

vice, is increasingly restricted for wireless audio production tools (PMSE). Additionally,

the spectrum occupation of UHF TV spectrum underneath the frequency bands of the DD

1 If during the ‘Digital Switch-Over’ the quality is changed to HD, more spectrum will be required for the distribution and conclusively less spectrum will be freed up. 2 Note 1: in Latin-America the 800 MHz frequency band already was allocated to the Mobile Service be-fore the DD. Note 2: in ITU-Region 3 similar changes in the UHF TV spectrum are made, but these will not be consid-ered further in this thesis.

2

are more highly occupied than before: the TV transmission of content, which before the

DD was distributed in the upper frequency bands, has been moved to the lower part of

the UHF TV spectrum, in some geographical regions this results in less White Spaces

into which wireless audio production tools (PMSE) can be deployed. Several sources are

confirming, that fewer ‘White Spaces’ are available in the remaining UHF TV spectrum

[1]. In general, users of wireless audio production tools (PMSE) have fewer available

frequencies for the event and content production and need to deal with a higher risk of

interference. It is suggested that alternative frequency ranges need to be identified for

use by wireless audio production tools (PMSE). Also, some equipment might not be usa-

ble anymore or some existing licenses will no longer be further extended. Therefore, us-

ers of wireless audio production tools (PMSE) needed to buy new equipment and / or

request new licenses. My survey shows, that affected users have additional costs and

efforts [2] [3]. The consequences of the DDs for users of wireless audio production tools

(PMSE) differs in different regions of the world.

Part A: Fundamentals

Part A starts my thesis by summarizing some general fundamentals.

2. Wireless Audio Production Tools (PMSE)

The first part of the fundamentals considers some application-related information regard-

ing wireless audio production tools (PMSE).

2.1. International Terminology

In the international working groups, such as the ITU-R, CEPT/ECC, ETSI and beyond,

various terminologies are used. In this master-thesis I will refer to ‘wireless audio produc-

tion tools (PMSE)’, which in my definition includes all devices covered by the different

terminologies explained underneath.

Note: The same definition of a terminology might be found in various reports, sometimes

with small variations. In this chapter one exemplary definition per term will be presented.

2.1.1. SAB/SAP

‘SAB: Services ancillary to broadcasting support the activities of broadcasting industry

carried out in the production of their program material.

SAP: Services ancillary to programme making support the activities carried out in the

making of “programmes”, such as film making, advertisements, corporate videos, con-

certs, theatre and similar activities not initially meant for broadcasting to general public.

The definitions of SAB and SAP are not necessarily mutually exclusive. Therefore, they

are often used together as “SAB/SAP” to refer generally to the whole variety of services

to transmit sound and video material over radio links.

The SAB/SAP applications include both ENG/OB and SNG/OB applications and also the

communication links that may be used in the production of programmes, such as talk-

back or personal monitoring of sound-track, telecommand, telecontrol and similar appli-

cations.’ [4, Page 7]

3

Note: the same or similar definitions can as well be found in ERC Report 204, ERC Re-

port 42, ECC Report 002 and several more.

2.1.2. ENG/OB

‘ENG: Electronic News Gathering (ENG) is the collection of video and/or sound material

by means of small, often hand-held wireless cameras and/or microphones with radio links

to the news room and/or to the portable tape or other recorders.

OB: Outside broadcasting (OB) is the temporary provision of programme making facilities

at the location of on-going news, sport or other events, lasting from a few hours to several

weeks. Mobile and/or portable radio links are required for wireless cameras or micro-

phones at the OB location. Additionally, radio links may be required for temporary point

to point connections between the OB vehicle, additional locations around it, and the stu-

dio.

The definitions of ENG and OB are not mutually exclusive and certain operations could

equally well reside in either or both categories. Therefore, it has been a long practice

within the CEPT to consider all types of such operations under the combined term

“ENG/OB”. It is also understood that ENG/OB refers to terrestrial radio communication

services, as opposed to SNG/OB term, which refers to similar applications but over the

satellite radio communication channels.’ [5, Page 7 and 8]

Note: the same or similar definitions can as well be found in ERC Report 42, ECC Re-

port 002 and several more.

2.1.3. PMSE

The term ‘Programme Making and Special Event’ (PMSE) examines ‘radio applications

used for SAP/SAB, ENG/OB and applications used in meetings, conferences, cultural

and education activities, trade fairs, local entertainment, sport, religious and other public

or private events for perceived real-time presentation of audio/visual information’ [5,

Page 7] and therefore ‘covers all the wireless production tools used for front-end solutions

in the field of professional multimedia production’ [6].

PMSE can be divided into the following three groups: Audio PMSE; Video PMSE and

PMSE for effect / remote control. This division is as well illustrated in the graphic under-

neath:

Figure 1: Classification of PMSE [6]

4

In this thesis I will focus on Audio PMSE usage. This includes devices such as wireless

microphones, IEMs and Audio Links. In the graphic this area is marked with the red box.

To be more detailed, the ERC Report 204, divides the term ‘PMSE’ into the two sub-

terminologies of ‘Programme Making’ and ‘Special Event’, which are defined as follows:

‘Programme Making includes the making of a programme for broadcast, the making of a

film, presentation, advertisement or audio or video recordings, and the staging or perfor-

mance of an entertainment, sporting or other public event.

A Special Event is an occurrence of limited duration, typically between one day and a few

weeks, which take place on specifically defined locations. Examples include large cul-

tural, sport, entertainment, religious and other festivals, conferences and trade fairs. In

the entertainment industry, theatrical productions may run for considerably longer.’ [5,

Pages 7 and 8]

2.1.4. PWMS

‘The term PWMS (Professional Wireless Microphone Systems) includes all wireless

equipment used at the front-end of all professional audio productions. PWMS are in-

tended for use in the entertainment and installed sound industry by Professional Users

involved in stage productions, public events, TV programme production, public and pri-

vate broadcasters’ installation in conference centres / rooms, city halls, musical and the-

atres, sport / event centres or other professional activities / installation.’ [7]

2.2. Functioning of Wireless Audio Production Tools (Analogue)

In general, all wireless transmissions exist of similar function blocks (i.e. Transmitter and

receiver). The difference is, how the AF Input Signal is generated and also, where and

how the AF Output Signal is processed. A typical transmitter (Tx) at an event during con-

tent production is the wireless microphone. Here the AF Input Signal is an acoustic wave,

which first needs to be transformed into an electrical signal. The AF Output Signal of the

corresponding wireless receiver (Rx) usually goes to a mixer, from where it can be used

for various options, e.g. it can be forwarded to an In-Ear Monitor (IEM) system used by

the artists and / or to the sound system for the audience. Additionally, it may be recorded.

A typical wireless receiver in the event production environment is the IEM. Here the AF

Input Signal is provided from the mixer, which is connected to the IEM transmitter. The

IEM input signal usually is the microphone output signal or a mix of various microphone /

instrument signals. The output of the IEM receiver is an electrical audio signal, which

normally goes straight into the ear of the artist via an acoustic ear plug (earphones).

In this chapter the common function blocks of wireless audio transmitters and receivers

are examined. In this chapter, systems using analogue modulation will be presented.

Later, in subchapter ‘2.4 Analogue vs. Digital Technologies’, the differences between an-

alogue and digital modulated systems will be presented.

5

The figure below shows the general function blocks of a wireless transmission:

2.2.1. Wireless Transmitter (Analogue)

* Transmitter = Tx

Firstly, I would like to describe the wireless transmitter using an analogue modulation via

the example of a wireless microphone.

2.2.1.1. Electro-Acoustic Conversion

The wireless microphone is at the very beginning of the wireless production chain. Here

the sound, e.g. of the voice of the singer or the instruments, is captured in the form of

acoustic waves. The acoustic waves, which are produced by the sound, are captured by

the microphone capsule. The capsule serves as an acoustic-electric converter, because

it transforms the acoustical wave into an electrical signal, which now can be further pro-

cessed inside the wireless transmitter. This step is not necessary in the transmitter of an

IEM. The IEM transmitter input is usually connected directly to the mixer and therefore an

electrical signal is provided directly. The IEM transmitter output is then connected directly

to an antenna or an antenna-combiner.

Note: after the acoustic-electric conversion in the microphone, the different wireless trans-

mitters have similar function blocks.

Simplified, direct modulation transmitters, where the electrical analogue signal is modu-

lated onto the transmission frequency immediately, are used for wireless audio production

tools (PMSE). The function blocks inside the transmitter, including the processing of the

modulation, are shown in the graphic below.

Wireless Transmitter

Tx

Wireless Receiver

Rx Wireless Transmission Channel

Figure 2: Simplified Block Schematic of a Wireless Transmission Path

AF Input Signal

Tx Antenna

Figure 3: Schematic Function Blocks inside the Wireless Transmitter [4, Page 8]

6

2.2.1.2. Preamp

Before the modulation of the RF carrier, the analogue electrical AF Input Signal passes

to a pre-amplifier (Preamp), which increases and / or controls the audio signal level of

the AF Input Signal. In the Preamp, the wanted signal level and the noise floor of the AF

Input Signal are amplified identically. The signal dynamic does not change. Further infor-

mation on the noise floor is provided in chapter ‘3.1 Noise Floor’.

2.2.1.3. Emphasis

After the pre-amplification and / or control of the signal

level, the analogue electrical signal passes through an-

other function block, the so-called ‘Pre-Emphasis’. In

the receiver unit the noise floor inside the audio signal

can be reduced by a low-pass filter. Consequently, high

frequencies are reduced. To keep the frequency re-

sponse of the original signal constant, in the transmitter

unit the high frequencies are boosted. The ‘De-Empha-

sis’ in the receiver will compensate the modified fre-

quency response. These steps are necessary, in order

to reduce the noise of the wireless transmission path in

the receiver and secure the required SNR at the re-

ceiver. This is illustrated, simplified, in the Figure 5: the

red line demonstrates the boost of the high fre-

quencies in the transmitter (‘Pre-Emphasis’) and

the blue line demonstrates the low-pass filter in

the receiver unit (‘De-Emphasis’).

Other references show different graphics, where

the emphasis is just applied above a defined fre-

quency. See graphic on the right.

2.2.1.4. Companding

Before or after the Pre-Emphasis, in the ‘Compressor’ the analogue signal dynamic will

be reduced (compression). Later, in the ‘Expander’ at the receiver side, the signal will be

expanded to reproduce the original

signal dynamic. This process is

called ‘Companding’ (mixture of

the words ‘compression’ and ‘ex-

panding’). Companding is neces-

sary to achieve a higher SNR3 after

passing through the transmission

path (in the receiver section). Com-

panding may lead to artefacts,

which might be audible in the audio

output. [9] [10]

3 For further information on the SNR, see chapter ‘3.2.1 SNR’.

Frequency Response

Sig

na

l L

eve

l

Figure 4: Typical Pre- and De-Emphasis [8]

Figure 5: Simplification of the Emphasis

Inp

ut D

yna

mic

Decrea

sed

Dyn

amic

RF Path

Ou

tpu

t Dyn

am

ic

Decrea

sed

Dyn

amic

Compression Expanding

Figure 6: Simplified Schematic of ‘Companding’

7

How does the Compander work?

Companding is a compression of the source and a subsequent signal re-expansion. Com-

panding mainly is used as a source compression to reduce the required RF channel band-

width4. [11]

There are several options for the design of companders, for example companding with a

fixed or a flexible compression and expanding rate:

• Fix Companding Rate

Compression of the audio of about 2:1 without consideration of the input signal level.

Advantage: simple cost-effective design, especially for vocal signals

A compander using a fixed compression and expanding rate, compresses and ex-

pands the whole signal with the same ratio, e.g. a compression rate of about 2:1 and

correspondingly a similar expanding rate.

• Flexible Companding Rate

Flexible compression of the audio under consideration of the input signal level.

Advantage: best possible adoption of different audio scenarios

A compander with a flexible compression and expanding rate, adjusts the compres-

sion and expanding ratio to the signal dynamic and signal level of the audio input

signal. Audio signals with a low dynamic will not be reduced in their dynamic, but the

effect of the SNR will be reduced. Audio signals with a high dynamic consist of pas-

sages with low and high signal levels. The SNR in passages of the audio input signal

with low signal levels is low as well. Now the signal dynamic of those passages will

be reduced. Consequently, in passages of the audio input signal with low signal lev-

els the SNR will be increased. The dynamic of passages inside the audio input sig-

nal with high levels will be significantly reduced. Here the already good SNR remains

stable. At the receiver side the signal dynamic will be expanded close to its original

dynamic range.

Note: the manufacturers might use different methods of companding in the practical op-

eration of analogue microphones. [11] [12] [13]

A practical example of a compander is shown in the figure below:

Figure 7: Compander with a Fixed Rate (Left) and a Flexible Rate (Right) [13]

4 For further information see reference [11], Stratix Report on the Digitisation of wireless microphones, chapter 4.2.3 Compression in analogue and digital audio transmission, Pages 29 and 30.

8

In the left compander design, on the transmitter side, the analogue electrical signal is

compressed by a defined factor. In the example of Figure 7 [13] the compression ratio of

about 2:1 reduces the original dynamic range of the input audio signal from 100 dB to

50 dB in the transmission path.

Back to the transmitter of wireless audio production tools (PMSE).

After the audio signal processing, the compressed analogue electrical signal will be mod-

ulated onto the high frequency carrier on the required channel frequency. Nowadays,

analogue modulated wireless microphones and IEMs are using frequency modulation

(FM). This will be further described in the section below.

2.2.1.5. Frequency Modulation (FM)

The modulation is necessary to combine an audio signal and RF carrier to a modulated

RF signal. There are different modulation methods. The section below describes the fre-

quency modulation (FM), which is commonly used in wireless audio production tools

(PMSE).

The advantage of the frequency modulation against other modulation schemes is the

robustness against noise and interference. It should be noted that, more transmission

bandwidth is needed for the offset of the high frequency carrier. Consequently, a trade-

off between robustness against interference and transmission bandwidth has to be made.

This is not possible with other modulation techniques. On the other hand, the transmitting

and receiving devices using FM are more complex. [14, Page 157]

How is the frequency modulation generated?

Simplified, the FM signal is produced by the addition of the analogue AF Input Signal and

an unmodulated high frequency carrier. The frequency of the RF carrier has to be signif-

icantly higher than the highest frequency of the AF Input Signal. In the FM modulator the

amplitude and the frequency of the AF Input Signal controls the frequency and deviation

of the RF carrier at the output.

The graphic below shows three typical signals in the time domain in the frequency mod-

ulation block [12, Page 193]:

Acronyms in the graphic:

1. ‘Nutzsignal’ is the AF Input Signal

2. ‘Träger’ is the unmodulated RF carrier

3. ‘FM-Signal’ is the modulated output signal

How does the frequency modulation work?

Figure 8: Frequency Modulation [12]

1.

2. 3.

9

In a frequency modulation block, the frequency of the RF carrier is shifted up or down

according to the changes of the AF Input Signal. The amplitude of the FM signal remains

unchanged. This is illustrated in the figure below:

The FM can be generated with different methods. Here one example of FM generation

will be demonstrated:

• FM of a ‘Phase Locked Loop’ (PLL) Oscillator

The FM using a PLL is illustrated in the block diagram below:

The carrier frequency can be shifted by a Voltage Controlled RF Oscillator (VCO),

which is controlled directly by the analogue input signal. The frequency of the RF os-

cillator changes accordingly to the AF Input Signal. The AF Input Signal is the electri-

cal output signal of the compressor, the function block before the modulator inside the

transmitter. The changes of the oscillator frequency are directly applied to the RF car-

rier frequency. As such, the signal content of the electrical AF Input Signal is directly

modulated onto the RF carrier. It should be noted that, because of its instability the

oscillator might be vulnerable to frequency drifts, which are unacceptable for radio

applications, such as wireless microphones. Frequency stabilization is needed and

can be realized with a feedback signal to recalculate the error. [14, Page 173]

3. Modulated RF Output Signal

2. Analogue AF Input Signal

1. High Frequency Carrier

Figure 9: Schematic of the Frequency Modulation [14, Page 155]

AF Input Signal Modulated FM Output Signal

PLL Control Signal

Oscillator

Figure 10: FM of a PLL Oscillator

10

2.2.2. Wireless Receiver (Analogue)

* Receiver = Rx

After the modulation of the RF carrier, the RF signal will be radiated via the transmitter

antenna. At the receiver side, the RF signal will be captured by the receiver antenna and

forwarded to the receiver section. Therefore, the corresponding wireless receiver has to

be adjusted on the same transmission frequency. The function blocks inside of a wireless

receiver are shown in the graphic below:

The task of the wireless audio receiver is to provide the original audio signal, the ‘AF

Output Signal’. To do this, the receiver must demodulate, expand and de-emphasise the

previously, pre-emphasised, compressed and modulated signal.

Note: a minimum SNR has to be present at the receiver RF input to fulfil the quality re-

quirements of the production (see chapter ‘3.2 SNR vs. C/I and C/N+I’).

In the following section the simplified methodology of the wireless audio receiver is de-

scribed (see Figure 11):

2.2.2.1. Front End, Mixer, IF Filter and IF Amp

As a first step inside the receiver ‘Front End’, the receiver input signal will be filtered by

a band-pass filter. This filter is tuned to the transmission frequency of the wanted signal

(RF Input Signal). This filter block is necessary to reduce unwanted signals like out-of-

band blocking signals and some IM products. Because of the attenuation of the transmis-

sion path the receiver input signal mainly is weak. A weak signal requires high receiver

sensitivity. This receiver feature is provided by a low-noise input amplifier in the ‘Front

End’. The necessary gain of the input amplifier is optimized to the RF noise of the ‘Mixer’.

In the ‘Mixer’, the input signal is down converted with the signal of the Local Oscillator

(LO) to the Intermediate Frequency (IF). Therefore, the LO is adjusted to the receiver

frequency plus or minus a defined frequency offset, typically 10.7 MHz. Because of its

heterodyne behaviour, the Mixer provides several output signals, including the IF. The IF

is the difference between the received signal and the LO signal and is equal to the fre-

quency offset, e.g. 10.7 MHz [13]. The ‘IF Filter’ with the necessary channel bandwidth

is located at the output of the ‘Mixer’. The IF Filter is a bandpass filter, using the IF as the

centre frequency [13]. After the amplification of the IF signal (‘IF Amp’), the audio signal,

modulated in the IF signal will be recovered by the ‘FM Demodulator’.

AF Output Signal

Rx Antenna

Figure 11: Schematic Function Blocks inside the Wireless Receiver [4, Page 8]

11

A further description of the down conversion can be found in a manufacturer handbook:

https://522bb370f5443d4fe5b9-f62de27af599bb6703e11b472beadbcc.ssl.cf2.rack-

cdn.com/publication/upload/827/selection_and_operation_of_wireless_microphone_sys-

tems_english.pdf.

2.2.2.2. Demodulation of a Frequency Modulated (FM) Signal

Before the demodulation of the received microphone signal, the receiver input signal ‘FM

RF Input Signal’ has to pass through several function blocks, e.g. the ‘Front-End’, the

‘Mixer’, ‘IF filter’ and ‘IF amplifier’ (see Figure 11). The output signal of the IF amplifier is

connected to the demodulator input.

There are two basic solutions for FM demodulators, the passive and the active demodu-

lator:

• Passive5 / direct6 demodulator: e.g. ‘FM Slope Detector’

In general, various passive FM demodulators exist. The simplest one is the so-called ‘FM Slope Detector’, which will be described in this section.

In the ‘FM Slope Detector’, the FM input signal will be converted to an amplitude mod-ulated signal inside a resonant circuit. The resonance frequency fres of the res-onant circuit is adjusted above (or be-low) the IF carrier frequency fZF of the FM input signal. This is shown in the left diagram. The voltage of the output signal of the resonant circuit now depends on the frequency offset of the IF signal to the carrier frequency. In the diagram ∆f defines the whole bandwidth of the pos-sible frequency offset. Depending how far the offset is, the voltage will be higher

(closer to the resonance frequency of the resonant circuit) or lower (further away from the resonance frequency of the resonant circuit). The voltage defines the amplitude of the output signal of the resonant circuit. Because of this, the output signal of the res-onant circuit is an amplitude modulated signal, which now can be demodulated with an AM-Demodulator, e.g. envelope detector. On its output the signal has to pass a low pass filter. There the AF Output Signal will be provided. [15]

Note: for information on alternative FM demodulators, see:

https://elektroniktutor.de/signalkunde/fm_demod.html#koinzident

5 Passive: no amplification of the required signal, no control function [16] 6 ‘Direct: This methods employ discriminators‘ [17, Pages 9 and 18].

Figure 12: FM Slope Detector [15]

https://522bb370f5443d4fe5b9-f62de27af599bb6703e11b472beadbcc.ssl.cf2.rackcdn.com/publication/upload/827/selection_and_operation_of_wireless_microphone_systems_english.pdf




12

• Active7 / indirect8 demodulator: e.g. ‘Phase Locked Loop (PLL)’

One example of an indirect FM demodulator is using a feedback loop. The PLL is also illustrated in the graphic below:

The input signal to the phase detector of the PLL demodulator is the frequency mod-

ulated IF signal. Here two input signals will be compared:

1. The modulated IF Signal and

2. the signal of a Voltage Controlled Oscillator (VCO).

Inside the Phase Detector the phase offset between the both signals will be detected

and forwarded as the output signal to the loop filter input. The filtered signal will control

the frequency of the VCO. This signal is known as the ‘Demodulated AF Output Signal’

(Signal 3. in Figure 13). The advantage of a PLL Demodulator is, that partly interfered

signals can be demodulated. There are of course also disadvantages [18]:

- More circuit components and often higher battery energy are required.

- The VCO signal must be carefully shielded as there is a risk of internal receiver

interference.

2.2.2.3. Expander and De-Emphasis

After the FM demodulation, the function blocks ‘Expander’ and ‘De-Emphasis’ finalize

the audio signal processing of the receiver and its output will provide an analogue elec-

trical audio signal (AF Output Signal).

Due to noise, the audio signal processing and other effects on the transmission path, the

quality of the AF Output Signal might be slightly degraded in comparison to the original

AF Input Signal.

In professional event and content production, usually the AF output of the wireless micro-

phone receiver is connected to an audio mixer e.g. in the production environment.

In this audio mixer, the audio signal can be further processed and, for example, be for-

warded to the sound system of the event or the IEM of the artist. In the case of an IEM,

the AF audio output of the receiver provides an electrical signal, which is forwarded to an

earphone. The earphone serves as an electric-acoustic converter and provides an

7 Active: preamplification of the required signal, control of the signal is possible [16] 8 ‘Indirect: These types of demodulator use a phase-locked loop‘ [17, Pages 9 and 18].

PLL Demodulator

Phase

Detector

Loop

Filter 1. FM RF Input Signal

VCO

3. Demodulated AF Output Signal

2.

Figure 13: PLL Feedback Loop

13

acoustic signal for the artist inside his ear. This is the inverse function block to the acous-

tic-electrical conversion inside the wireless microphone.

2.3. System Requirements, Technical Characteristics and Perfor-

mance Parameters of Wireless Audio Production Tools

2.3.1. Scalability of Performance Parameters

In section ‘2.9 Discussion and summary of the properties of the new technologies’ (page

47) the ITU-R Report BT.2338 describes the performance parameters of wireless audio

production tools (PMSE) as follows:

1. Acoustic and audio signal

quality,

2. Robustness to interfer-

ence,

3. Latency,

4. Spectrum efficiency,

5. Required transmitter

power and required re-

ceiver signal strength,

6. System adaptability.

The trade-off between these per-

formance parameters is limited

in analogue systems, as can be

seen in the graphic on the right.

For example, the latency is low

and the audio quality good, but

the system is not adaptable, and

it is not robust against interfer-

ences.

Note: using a digital modulation scheme, there are more trade-off possibilities (see

chapter ‘2.4 Analogue vs. Digital Technologies‘). [4]

In this chapter, I would like to explain further those parameters as well as the connected

technical characteristics and system requirements of wireless audio production tools

(PMSE).

2.3.2. Performance Parameters and System Requirements

2.3.2.1. Audio Quality and Robustness against RF Interference

First of all, the microphone is the first component of the audio transmission chain. There-

fore, it is important, that the signal quality of the microphone is as high as possible. As

one of the key requirements for wireless audio production tools (PMSE), ITU-R Report

BT.2338 lists ‘providing an audio quality similar to an equivalent wired system‘ [4,

Page 11]. The same report notes as well, that users of wireless audio production tools

(PMSE) ‘do not accept reduction in performance or interference‘ [4, Page 11] and ‘no

interference is acceptable‘ [4, Page 8]. For further information on interference, see

Figure 14: Trade-Off between the Performance Parameters of an ana-logue modulated wireless system [4]

14

chapter ‘3.3 Interferences‘. The system needs to be robust against RF interference. Using

an analogue modulation scheme, this is only partly possible, because no error correction

is possible. Organisational precautions like frequency coordination might help to reduce

or avoid intermodulation effects, interference from television transmissions or similar pre-

dictable interferences.

Due to error correction techniques, digital modulated systems are more robust against

RF interferences than analogue (further information see chapter ‘2.4 Analogue vs. Digital

Technologies’). ITU-R Report BT.2338 notes, that ’any perceived interference of any form

will impact the whole transmission chain‘ [4, Page 11] and, therefore, it will be audible at

the audio output, e.g. via the sound system for the audience of the event or in the IEM for

the artist. Further, the ITU-R Report BT.2338 notes that ’any interference may generate

peaks of sound, which can hurt or damage audience hearing‘. This is important in the

case of IEM. Here the audio output goes directly into the ear of the user. There is no

distance between the speaker of the earphone and the ear of the user, like there is be-

tween the speaker of the sound system and the ears of the audience. Therefore, there is

no path attenuation of the acoustic signal. Additionally, the headphone of the IEM has a

shielding effect against environmental sounds. Those sounds are perceived by the user

of an IEM much less than by the audience. Therefore, with an IEM, harmful interferences,

which might not be perceivable by the audience can be heard through an IEM and harmful

interference might be heard louder through an IEM than through the sound system.

Many events are unique and therefore cannot be repeated. If the event is recorded, the

harmful interference or drop-out will be audible in the recording and therefore the perfor-

mance might be abandoned [4, Page 11]. This is also mentioned in the Stratix Report: ‘if

there is a drop-out on production, it will be present in any distribution’ [11, Page 22].

According to section ‘5.2 Future challenges’ of ITU-R Report BT.2338,’Compression on

any form, including dynamic compression is not desirable’ [4, Page 19]. During the com-

pression process some information of the audio signal is modified and therefore its final

quality will inevitably be degraded. ITU-R BT.2338 notes as well, that ‘compression al-

ways means losses’ [4, Page 19]. If the production is recorded with compression, this

means that parts of the audio signal are modified or lost in the audio recording. If in the

future new technologies exist, the audio recording cannot be upgraded, because the nec-

essary information in the audio signal has been modified or lost. In this context the Stratix

Report notes ‘what isn’t there can’t be used’ [11, Page 24] and gives an example of the

Beatles: the Beatles mixed their sound in mono, but later the record was reprocessed in

stereo. To do so, the audio recording needs to be available in a high quality. [11, Page 22]

Because of this, the objective of the professional event and content production is ’to pro-

duce loss-less audio with full dynamic range’ [4, Page 20]. [19]

Anyways, Stratix is noting that wireless audio production tools (PMSE) cannot provide

the same audio quality as wired audio production tools, because of the latency and the

limited transmission channel bandwidth. Therefore, certain signal processing, such as

compression, is required (see chapter ‘2.2 Functioning of Wireless Audio Production

Tools (Analogue)’). [11]

15

2.3.2.2. Latency

Another critical parameter is the latency in the transmission channel from the microphone

to the receiver AF output signal.

Low latency is necessary e.g. in a live event for lip-synchronisation. In this example, the

sound of the voice has to be synchronised with the movement of the lips – it has to be

played back via the sound system of the event simultaneously. Otherwise it will not look

real for the audience (like a playback). [4, Page 11]

Another example is the personal monitoring. The sound of the instrument of a musician

can be transmitted back to him via an IEM - delay of the sound from the microphone via

three transmission paths (microphone to audio mixer, the audio mixer and audio mixer to

IEM) to the headphone of the performer. This has to happen in real time (below 5 ms,

see paragraph below). [4] [19] The Stratix Report notes, that ‘Otherwise it is impossible

to keep pitch and rhythm’ [11, Page 27].

For further information on latency and reference values see also ITU-R Report

BS.2161-09. For example, it is stated that a good singer will recognise a delay of about

three milliseconds and therefore the maximum acceptable latency of a wireless micro-

phone is defined as two milliseconds for plays and musicals. A delay of more than 5 ms

is considered ‘unacceptable’ [19, Page 2 For IEMs a maximum delay of 1 ms is defined

as ‘acceptable’ [19, Page 2]. For the IEM the Stratix defines a maximum total delay of 3

to 5 ms (roundtrip from microphone via audio mixer to IEM) [11, Page 23]. The total la-

tency cannot pass ‘the critical threshold of 5 ms’ [11, Page 23]. In general, for wireless

audio production tools (PMSE), it can be calculated with a ‘latency requirement of 2 ms

one way’ [11, Page 36].

Note: a digital audio mixer will add an additional latency to the total transmission path10.

Analogue systems support a minimum latency for the end-to-end transmission11. In com-

parison, digital wireless audio production tools (PMSE) systems in general have higher

latency due to the additional A/D conversion and / or signal processing including error

correction. Further information on systems with a digital modulation can be found in chap-

ter ‘2.4 Analogue vs. Digital Technologies’.

2.3.2.3. Dynamic Range and Transmitter Sensitivity

The ability of wireless audio production tools (PMSE) to transmit audio in its entire dy-

namic range is limited. According to ITU-R Report BT.2338, to secure a high quality of

the wireless production tool, ’adjustments have to be made individually to each audio

SAB/SAP link’ [4, Page 20]. The available dynamic range is fixed and cannot be adjusted.

Therefore, the AF sensitivity of the audio input of the transmitter is adjusted manually.

This is difficult, when more than one person is using the same device, e.g. a wireless

microphone is passed on from one person to another. ITU-R Report BT.2338 defines,

that a headroom of 10 dB should be given, before the internal limiter acts on the signal.

9 https://www.itu.int/dms_pub/itu-r/opb/rep/R-REP-BS.2161-2009-PDF-E.pdf 10 Stratix reports a delay of 0.5 ms for the audio mixer. [11, page 28] 11 Some software-based compander systems might provide some delay.

https://www.itu.int/dms_pub/itu-r/opb/rep/R-REP-BS.2161-2009-PDF-E.pdf

16

If the limiter is active, it will be audible because the peaks of the signal will be reduced.

[4, Page 20]

2.3.2.4. Duty Cycle and Availability

Furthermore, the audio signal of wireless audio production tools (PMSE) has to have a

duty cycle of 100 % during the whole time of the performance. They need to be reliable

as close as possible to 100 %. That means, no audible interruptions in the audio trans-

mission are expected, as long as the device is in operation. ITU-R Report BT.2338 notes:

‘In all applications users do not tolerate any corruption or interruptions in audio output‘ [4,

Page 11]. The time of the usage of the wireless audio production tools (PMSE) can vary

from a few hours to many days or weeks, depending on the type of event (duration of the

event production). In theatres and similar event locations wireless production tools are in

use permanently. In comparison, the actual operating time of a device is usually only a

few hours. If the device is in use, it does not necessarily need to be operated. For exam-

ple, backup equipment, redundant equipment or during the breaks of events, e.g. be-

tween the shows or the nights between two conference days. [4] [19]

Further the Stratix report notes, that some events, especially historic events, cannot be

repeated12 [11, Page 22] and therefore ‘drop-outs are not tolerated’ [11, Page 22]. If the

event is recorded or transmitted live, e.g. in television, the harmful interference or drop-

out ‘will be present in any distribution’ [11, Page 22], e.g. in the audio recording. Because

of this, wireless audio production tools (PMSE) have to work in a highly reliable manner.

2.3.3. Technical Characteristics

2.3.3.1. Channel Bandwidth

The current ETSI Standard EN 300 422 from Revision 2 defines the channel bandwidth

for wireless audio production tools (PMSE) from 50 kHz up to 20 MHz, depending on the

kind of device [20, Page 17]. For wireless microphones, that are currently on the market,

the RF channel bandwidth is limited to 200 kHz or below [4, Page 25] [11, Pages 15, 29

and 30]. According to the ITU-R Report BT.2338, the typical channel bandwidth of mod-

ern IEM equipment for personal monitoring is up to 200 kHz [4, Page 25]. Some older

IEM equipment might have a channel bandwidth of up to 300 kHz. ITU-R Report BT.2338

notes, that the reason for the larger bandwidth is the stereo transmission [4, Page 25].

Additionally, the standard ETSI EN 300 422 states, that IEM require a larger bandwidth

than wireless microphones, because multiple audio channels are transmitted over one

RF channel. [20, Page 15] For further information on the channel bandwidth of profession

wireless audio production tools (PMSE), see ETSI EN 300 42213.

Stratix notes, that ‘a certain space between links in the spectrum’ [11, Page 15] (fre-

quency offset between two operating systems) is needed to avoid inter device interfer-

ence. In one 8 MHz TV channel between ten and 16 devices can be operated on an

interference-free basis [11, Pages 3 and 15] The Stratix Report notes, that today high

quality wireless microphones and IEM ‘make use of isolators/circulators to filter out any

12 ‘capturing historic events, they cannot be repeated‘ [11, page 20]. 13 https://www.etsi.org/de-liver/etsi_en/300400_300499/30042202/02.00.00_20/en_30042202v020000a.pdf

https://www.etsi.org/deliver/etsi_en/300400_300499/30042202/02.00.00_20/en_30042202v020000a.pdf


17

intermodulation products from retransmission of other devices‘ [11, Page 2]. The use of

isolators / circulators reduces transmitter intermodulation products. This allows the coor-

dination of microphone frequencies to be optimized, e.g. through smaller distances be-

tween the transmission frequencies14. [11, Page 49] Consequently, ‘a more close spac-

ing‘ [11, Page 53] is possible. Isolators / Circulators15 ‘prevent RF signals traveling back-

wards into a PMSE transmitter‘ [11, Page 53]. This is realized by a termination resistor,

which turns the power of the signal, which is entering the transmitter, into heat16 [11,

Page 53]. Using isolators / circulators, higher numbers of wireless microphones or IEM

can be operated in one 8 MHz TV channel (16 to 23) [11, Page 3]. Isolators / Circulators

are mainly used in digital modulated wireless audio equipment. Further information see

chapter ‘2.4 Analogue vs. Digital Technologies’.

Note: In Latin-America the channel grid of the TV channels is 6 MHz. Because of this

fewer wireless audio production tools (PMSE) at one location can be operated interfer-

ence-free in one 6 MHz TV channel.

Table 4 of the Stratix Report summarizes, how many wireless audio production tools

(PMSE) can be operated in one 8 MHz TV channel under which conditions:

< 1GHz > 1 GHz

Assumed channel bandwidth 200 kHz 200 kHz

Spacing / Guard band derived from modulation mask 250 kHz 200 kHz

Packing from mask: no of channels in 8 MHz 17 20

Today’s Packing: High quality mode in 8 MHz 23

Today’s Packing: reduced quality mode in 8 MHz 63

Table 2: Frequency Packing according to Stratix [11, Page 49]

2.3.3.2. Technical Parameters

The transmitter RF power of wireless audio production tools (PMSE) is typically lower

than 250 mW; for wireless microphones and IEM below 50 mW, see the table below. The

typical minimum receiver sensitivity for wireless microphones is defined as –90 dBm and

for an IEM –85 dBm. These values depend on the channel bandwidth and used modula-

tion format. [4]

Note: certain ENG systems exist with a higher output power, see table below.

The following table summarized some technical characteristics of wireless microphones,

IEM and Audio Links: [4]

Characteristics Wireless microphones IEM Audio links

Application Voice (Speech, Song), music instruments

Voice or mixed feed-back to stage

ENG/OB, voice

Transmitter

Placement of a transmit-ter

Body worn or handheld Fixed base Body worn/vehicle mounted

Power source Battery AC mains Battery

14 ‘Today’s dense packing is facilitated by isolators‘ [11, page 49]. 15 Isolators are based on a YIG ferrite material, while for circulators silicon is used. [11, page 53 to 55] For further information on isolators and circulators, see section 5.4.2 Integration of ferrite isolators and output filters of the Stratix Report. 16 ‘The power of signal getting backwards into the transmitter is turned simply into heat at the termination resistor‘ [11, page 53].

18

Transmitter RF-Output power

Below 50 mW Below 50 mW Above 50 mW up to be-low 25W

Transmitter audio input Microphone or line level Line level Microphone or line level

Receiver

Placement of a receiver Fixed/Camera mounted Body worn Fixed/vehicle mounted

Power Source AC mains/Battery Battery AC mains/Battery

Receiver audio output Line level Earphone Line level/Earphone

Receiver type Single or diversity Single or diversity Single or diversity

General

Link scheme Unidirectional Unidirectional Bidirectional Plus talk back channel

Battery/power pack op-eration time

> 6 – 10 h > 6 – 10 h > 6 – 10 h

Typical audio frequency response

≤ 20 to ≥ 20.000 Hz ≤ 80 to ≥ 15.000 Hz Link to base: ≤ 20 to ≥ 20.000 Hz Fold back to mobile unit: 12,5 kHz

Audio mode Mono MPX-Stereo 2 way Mono

RF frequency ranges TV bands III/IV/V, 1.8 GHz (Note 1)

TV bands III/IV/V, 1.8 GHz (Note 1)

TV Bands I/ III/IV/V, 1.8 GHz

Signal to noise ratio (op-timal/possible)

>100/119 dB > 60/110 dB > 100/119 dB Talk back link: lower

Dynamic range of the RF link

117 dB Typical 90 dB 115 dB Talk back link: lower

Modulation FM wideband as well proprietary digital modu-lation

FM wideband as well proprietary digital modu-lation

FM wideband as well proprietary digital modu-lation Talkback link: FM nar-row

RF peak deviation (AF = 1 kHz)

±50 kHz ±50 kHz ±50 kHz Talkback link: voice quality

RF bandwidth ≤ 200 kHz (Note 2) ≤ 300 kHz legacy equip-ment ≤ 200 kHz modern equipment (Note 2)

2 times < 200 kHz plus 12.5 kHz

Useable equip-ment/channel (ΔRF = 8 MHz)

> 12 6…8 Not applicable

Table 3: Technical Characteristics of Wireless Microphones IEM and Audio Links [4, Page 25]

2.3.3.3. Tuning Range

The tuning range of a wireless audio production tool (PMSE) is defined as the frequency

range, in which the transmission frequency of the transmitter and related receiver can be

adjusted. The tuning range itself is fixed and cannot be adjusted. Just the transmission

frequency of the wireless system can be changed within the system’s tuning range. [21]

Due to the Digital Dividend (DD), the RF environment has changed for wireless audio

production tools (PMSE). For compensation, some regions (e.g. Europe) have opened

alternative frequency ranges for wireless audio production tools (PMSE) (see chapter

‘15 Considered and Implemented Alternatives and Solutions’), other regions might follow.

To support flexibility and security in the choice of the transmission frequency for the wire-

less device, the tuning range of the equipment should be wide and cover the harmonized

frequency bands. [4, Pages 20 and 40]

19

2.3.3.4. Spectrum Requirements

In this section, I would like to analyse the spectrum requirements of wireless audio pro-

duction tools (PMSE) – how many devices are in use simultaneously in a specific region

and how much spectrum do they need?

Firstly, the spectrum demand of the number of wireless audio production tools (PMSE)

can be distinguished between ‘peak demand’ (midsized or large events) and ‘regular de-

mand’ (daily production).

The ‘regular demand’ demand is referred to as the amount of spectrum which is needed

daily for wireless audio production tools (PMSE). This ‘regular demand’ might differ re-

gionally, e.g. in a rural area the ‘regular demand’ might be low, while in urban areas the

‘regular demand’ is usually high.

The ‘peak demand’ can be further divided into temporary peaks and geographical peaks.

Temporary peaks of the spectrum demand refer to major events (or a lot of small events,

which are held simultaneously in the same location), which last for just a short period of

time, e.g. a music festival over several days or a political meeting (e.g. election reporting)

over a couple of days. In these kinds of events it is usual for a lot of wireless audio pro-

duction tools (PMSE) to be operated simultaneously and therefore these events have a

high demand on spectrum. Geographical peaks refer to regions, where the spectrum de-

mand for wireless audio production tools (PMSE) is high on a long-term basis. These

locations can be urban areas with a lot of theatres, sound studios and other institutions,

which use a lot of wireless production tools on a daily basis. The ITU-R Report BT.2338

of the ITU-R concludes, that for touring shows, e.g. concerts, a typical demand is 20 to

60 channels. Different production scenarios might have different spectrum demand. [4,

Page 57]

The figures below show the spectrum scans, which were taken at the event location of

the Eurovision Song Contest 201117:

Figure 15: Spectrum Occupation during the Event ESC 2011 [22, Page 5]

17 For further information on the Eurovision Song Contest 2011, see chapter ‘14.3 Eurovision Song Con-test 2011 – Düsseldorf, Germany’.

20

Figure 16: Spectrum Occupation after the Event ESC 2011 [22, Page 5]

In both scans active TV channels are marked in green and the 800 MHz frequency band,

which already was liberated for the Mobile Services, is marked in light red. It can be seen,

that these signals are the same in both scans. The scan on the top shows the spectrum

occupation of the UHF TV spectrum during the period of the event. Here a lot of signals

were detected. The spectrum looks very occupied. The scan on the bottom shows the

UHF TV spectrum at the same location after the event. In comparison to the upper scan,

the spectrum looks very clean. Just the TV signals and a few additional signals with a low

signal strength were detected. This comparison shows, that the spectrum demand of

wireless audio production tools (PMSE) mostly is a ‘peak demand’ limited to the time-

period of the event. [22]

2.4. Analogue vs. Digital Technologies

Simplified, the modulation methods can be subdivided into ‘Analogue’ and ‘Digital’ mod-

ulation. The diagram below briefly gives an overview over the different analogue and dig-

ital modulation schemes [23]:

For analogue wireless audio production tools (PMSE), in general the frequency modula-

tion (FM) is used. The analogue modulation was already described in the anterior chapter

‘2.1 International Terminology’. In this chapter, I would like to describe, how systems,

which are using a digital modulation, are working.

Modulation

Analogue Digital

AM

PM

FM

ASK

PSK

FSK

QAM

And more

Figure 17: Analogue and Digital Modulation Methods

21

The figure below simplified shows the function blocks of a digital transmission chain:

2.4.1. Wireless Transmitter (Digital)

* Transmitter = Tx

2.4.1.1. A/D Conversion

First of all, it is important to clarify, that the transmitted RF signal still is analogue. Basi-

cally, the input signal at the beginning of the transmission chain is converted into a digital

signal. The process of converting an analogue to a digital signal is called ‘digitization’ and

is realized in an ‘Analogue to Digital Converter’ (A/D or ADC). The digitization of an ana-

logue signal happens in the two steps ‘sampling’ and ‘quantization’, which will not be

explained further in this thesis.

2.4.1.2. Encoding

After the concluded A/D conversion, the digital signals pass the ‘Encoder’ block. Here

different types of coding might be applied, e.g. source coding and channel coding. The

source coding is responsible for the signal compression and therefore deletes unneces-

sary / irrelevant information from the signal. The channel coding adds new information to

the signal, e.g. for the error correction. [12]

Note: The signal coding is optional.

After the A/D conversion and / or the Encoding, the digital signal will be modulated onto

the RF carrier. Manufacturer use proprietary digital modulation schemes.

Transmitter

AF Input

Signal

Optional

Encoding

Generation of

Correction Code

Digital Modulator RF Transmitter

Radiated

RF Output

Signal

RF Transmission Path

Receiver

Received

RF Input

Signal

RF Receiver Digital Demodulator Optional

Decoding

Error Correction

AF Output

Signal

D/A

digital to analogue

conversion

A/D

analogue to digital

conversion of the

AF Input Signal

Figure 18: Simplified Digital Transmission Chain

22

As far as I know, publications provide only basic information, e.g.

• the ITU-R Report BT.2338 notes: ‘SAB/SAP systems using digital modulation

schemes are also commercially available’ [4, Page 7]

• the manufacturer Shure notes: ‘The basic method of transmitting digital data in a radio

signal involves modulating the carrier in discrete steps, a process called "shift keying".

This can be done with frequency (Frequency Shift Keying or FSK), amplitude (Ampli-

tude Shift Keying or ASK), or phase (Phase Shift Keying or PSK)’ [13, Page 62].

• on the webpage ‘RF Venue’ it is reported: ‘A digital modulation of a radio wave is one

that creates a waveform which has, in simplified terms, only two values (although in

practice digital modulation schemes may have multiple values)’ [45]

In this section the PSK will be explained exemplary. Even if the signal is digital, the trans-

mission is still analogue.

2.4.1.3. Digital Modulation: Phase Shift Keying (PSK)

Digital PSK is a phase modulation that uses fixed phase steps as pre-configured signal

constellations. The frequency and amplitude remain constant, while the phase is shifted

according to the digital input signal. Therefore, a defined phase is allocated to every pos-

sible signal constellation. This allocation process is also called ‘Bit Mapping’. Two exem-

plary Bit Mappings are shown in the IQ diagrams below:

Figure 19: Exemplary Bit Mapping of 2-PSK (Left) and 4-PSK (Right) [24]

In the simple case of a 2-PSK, the digital 1-bit input signal just has two possible constel-

lation points (e.g. 1 and 0). Correspondingly, 2 different phases are needed for the Bit

Mapping, e.g. 0° and 180°. This is shown in the left IQ-diagram above.

In case of a 4-PSK, also called ‘Quadrature PSK’ (QPSK), the 2-bit digital input signal

consists of four different constellation points (e.g. 00, 01, 11 and 10) and therefore four

different phases are needed for the Bit Mapping (e.g. 0°, 90°, 180° and 270°). Therefore,

four different phases are needed for the Bit Mapping. This is as well shown in the right

IQ-diagram in Figure 19. [24]

23

The following table provides a brief overview on the advantages and diadvantages of

high-order modulation formats:

Advantages Disadvantages

Higher Spectral Efficiency: less band-width is required for the same amount of data

Susceptibility to noise and interference due to the closer proximity of the constel-lation points

Higher Data Rates: more data can be transmitted in the same bandwidth

Table 4: Some Advantages and Disadvantages of High-Order Modulation Formats

Further explanation of the table:

In general, high-order modulation formats allow ‘higher levels of spectral efficiency’ [45].

Shure explains, that ‘it is possible to transmit the same amount of data in less bandwidth’

[13, Page 63] From this advantage, it can be concluded that, as well a higher amount of

data can be transmitted in the same bandwidth. This would result in a higher datarate: ‘it

is possible to transmit more bits per symbol’ [45] and ‘the data rate of a link can be in-

creased’ [45]

On the other hand, high-order modulation formats are ‘less resilient to noise and interfer-

ence’ [45], because ‘the points on the constellation must be closer together and the trans-

mission becomes more susceptible to noise. This results in a higher bit error rate’ [45].

Note: for a further comparison of the advantages and disadvantages of various

modulation schemes, including high-order digital modulation, please see

https://studylib.net/doc/18319913/advantages-disadvantages-applications-of-various-

modulation

2.4.2. Wireless Receiver (Digital)

* Rx = Receiver

In the related wireless receiver, the signal has to be demodulated and decoded again. As

already said earlier in this section, the transmitted RF signal is always analogue. There

are various options for the demodulation of a digital modulated signal, e.g. coherent de-

modulator. In the ‘Digital Demodulator’ the received analogue PSK modulated RF input

signal will be demodulated to a digital output signal, which than can be decoded (‘De-

coder’), like already explained earlier (see description of ‘Encoder’). Finally, the digital

signal will be converted back to an analogue signal in the ‘Digital to Analogue Converter’

(‘D/A’ or DAC).

https://studylib.net/doc/18319913/advantages-disadvantages-applications-of-various-modulation

https://studylib.net/doc/18319913/advantages-disadvantages-applications-of-various-modulation

24

The following figures show the function blocks of a digital transmission chain according

to the ITU-R Report BT.2338:

Note: these figures are an extension to the Simplified Digital Transmission Chain in Figure

18 and show more detailed function blocks.

A table with the characteristics of digital wireless microphones in different scenarios can

be found in Annex A.1 Characteristics / Requirements for Digital Wireless Microphones.

2.4.3. Analogue and Digital in Comparison

In the chapters before, the analogue and digital modulation in wireless audio production

tools (PMSE) was described. In this section I would like to compare the system require-

ments and technical characteristics of analogue and digital modulated systems. The fol-

lowing table lists simplified some advantages and disadvantages of analogue and digital

modulated wireless audio production tools (PMSE). A further explanation can be found

below the table.

Tx Antenna

AF Input Signal

Figure 21: Function Blocks of the Digital Wireless Receiver [4, Page 9]

Rx Antenna

AF Output

Signal

Figure 20: Function Blocks of the Digital Wireless Transmitter [4, Page 9]

25

Analogue Digital

Advantages Signal-Fading: with a decreasing

C/N+I, the signal quality will start to

decrease as well, the sound engineer

has opportunity to react before a loss

of signal

Constant Quality of the Signal: no

degradation in the sound quality until

minimum possible C/N+I is reached.

Low Latency Robustness against Interference: er-

ror correction code; interference and

noise will not be audible in the AF

Output Signal

No A/D and D/A Conversion Errors No Compander Artefacts

Relatively simple Circuit Technology Defined Constellation Points (see

section above: Phase Shift Keying)

Higher Energy Efficiency: with mod-

ern technologies digital modulation

might already reach the same energy

efficiency

Constant Power Amplifier possible,

linearity not necessary

Disadvantages Signal-Fading: AF Output Signal

starts to fade with decreasing C/N+I

and interferences

Digital-Cliff: no signal fading before

dropout, sudden dropout, when the

minimum C/N+I is reached

Noise and Interferences will audible

in the AF Output Signal

Latency: A/D conversion and signal

processing

Compander-Artefacts will be audible

in the AF Output Signal

A/D and D/A Conversion Errors, e.g.

quantization noise

Relatively complex Circuit Technol-

ogy

Low Energy Efficiency: with modern

technologies the same energy effi-

ciency as in analogue modulation

might be reachable

Linear Power Amplifier necessary for

digital modulation

Table 5: Advantages and Disadvantages of Analogue and Digital Modulated Wireless audio production tools (PMSE) in Comparison

Note: the table just lists some advantages and disadvantages, which also will be ex-

plained in this chapter, but of course there exist more advantages and disadvantages.

26

2.4.3.1. Robustness Against Interferences

In wireless audio production tools (PMSE),

any kind of audible noise and interference

in the AF Output Signal is inacceptable. In

analogue modulated transmissions interfer-

ences already became noticeable at an

early stage. In comparison, a digital modu-

lated transmission tolerates low interfer-

ence level without any degradation of the

sound quality. This is possible due to error

correction techniques, which already were explained earlier this section. On the other

hand, if the C/N+I degrades to its limit, suddenly the audio output is lost. In the Stratix

Report, this effect is called ‘digital cliff’18 [11, Page 39]. In analogue transmissions the

sound quality degrades, which is a warning before a possible loss of signal. When the

sound engineer recognises a degradation in the audio quality, usually he will react and

try to prevent a loss of the AF Output Signal. [11]

2.4.3.2. Sound Quality

Because of the error correction, the signal quality of the AF Output Signal (until the Digital

Cliff) is constant in digital modulated signals. With a decreasing C/N+I the signal quality

of an analogue modulated AF Output Signal is fading. In addition to the noise and inter-

ference, compander artefacts (see chapter ‘2.2.1.4 Companding’) sometimes will be au-

dible in the AF Output Signal. A digital modulation does not use analogue companders.

Because of this, digital modulated signals do not have compander artefacts. The Stratix

Report notes: ‘The sound-engineer may prefer digital microphones as they are likely to

deliver a more “clean” and consistent sound’ [11, Page 2]. Anyways, other types of errors,

like A/D and D/A conversion errors (e.g. quantization noise, clipping) might be audible in

digital modulated signals, but do not exist in analogue modulated signals. Those error

partly can be compensated by adding more latency. [12]

2.4.3.3. Latency

Latency is one key parameter of wireless audio production tools (PMSE). Because of the

additional A/D (and D/A) conversion and eventually the encoding and decoding, the la-

tency in digital systems is higher than in analogue systems. For example, the robustness

against interferences, which is an advantage of digital modulated audio systems, can as

well be negative, because the corresponding signal processing produces further latency.

The trade-off has to be made (see Figure 25).

18 ‘Digital transmission with channel coding in contrast to analogue transmission works excellent down to a certain threshold in RF C/N, but then digital transmission totally collapses. This is sometimes called the “digital cliff”‘ [11, Pages 38 and 39].

Au

dio

Qua

lity

Digital Cliff

Analogue

Decrease of C/N+I

Figure 22: Analogue Signal Fading vs. Digital Cliff

27

2.4.3.4. Complexity of the Circuit Technology

As can be seen by the comparison of Figure 3 with Figure 20 and Figure 11 with Figure

21, that the circuit for a wireless audio production tool is more complex for digital than for

analogue. [11]

2.4.3.5. Energy Efficiency

The Stratix report explains: ‘From circuit design point of view analogue processing typi-

cally is more energy efficient than digital but being energy efficient and small may limit

the radio characteristics’ [11, Page 23]. Furthermore, the report adds, that in digital mod-

ulated wireless microphones the conversion from analogue to digital inside the micro-

phone capsule and the additional signal processing are the reasons for the required en-

ergy. It is as well stated, that with the improvements of the existing technologies, the

energy efficiency of some digital modulates production tools already is as low as in ana-

logue modulated ones19. [11, Pages 23 and 24]

2.4.3.6. Power Amplifier

While for digital modulation a linear power amplifier is necessary, for the analogue mod-

ulation as well constant power amplifiers can be used. [11] The linearity of the power

amplifier depends strongly on the used modulation. For modulation formats, where the

signal amplitude is modulated in addition to the phase, a high linear transmitter / power

amplifier is required. [25]

2.4.3.7. Spectrum Efficiency / Transmission Bandwidth

Often it is expected, that the transmission bandwidth of a digital modulated wireless audio

production tool is smaller than in analogue modulated equipment: ‘Particularly digitisation

would allow the more efficient use of spectrum’ [11, Page 2]. Therefore, it is important to

know, that to reach a higher spectrum efficiency, the compression (source coding) of the

signal needs to overcompensate the overhead, such as synchronisation information, error

correction etc. (channel coding)20 [11, Page 30]. The compression factor in digital modu-

lated wireless audio production tools

(PMSE) of about 2:1 is similar like in

analogue modulated equipment21,

which is using a fixed companding ra-

tio of 2:1 (see chapter ‘2.2.1.4 Com-

panding’). The transmission band-

width of analogue and digital modu-

lated wireless audio production tools

(PMSE) is similar (200 kHz). [11,

19 ‘However advances in battery technology and digital communication, in addition to potential low power modes in digital microphones have lead some in the industry particularly from manufacturers to claim that there is no distinct advantage anymore or even say that digital has an advantage‘ [11, page 24]. 20 ‘Digital transmission is from an information theory perspective only attractive for higher compression factors beyond 2:1, when the compression starts to overcompensate the additional overhead due to digi-tal transmission‘ [11, page 30]. 21 ‘If analogue and digital PMSE both use 2:1 compression analogue and digital transmission within an identical RF channel bandwidth of 200 kHz are par‘ [11, page 30].

Orig

inal S

ignal

Compressed

Signal

Overhead

Figure 23: Simplified Compression and Encoding in Wireless Audio Production Tools

28

Page 30] In his presentation on the

European Microwave Week 2017,

Prof. Dr.-Ing. Georg Fischer noted:

‘Practical experience tells that Digitiza-

tion of PMSE does not allow for less

spectrum’ [26, Page 4]. In comparison,

smart-phones using the AMR codec

have a compression rate of about 22:1

[11, Page 39]. It can be seen, that in wireless audio production tools (PMSE) (analogue

and digital) a relatively low compression rate is used. Figure 23 shows simplifies demon-

strates the compression and channel Coding in wireless audio production tools (PMSE).

It can be seen, that digital due to the overhead the same bandwidth like for the analogue

signal is needed. Figure 24 shows in comparison the compression and encoding with a

high compression ratio, like for example in smart phones. It can be seen, that even with

the overhead of the channel coding a reduction of the bandwidth can be realized. [19]

2.4.4. Trade-Off

Last, I would like to consider the possible trade-offs between the performance parameters

of digital modulated wireless audio production tools (PMSE), which were already ex-

plained further in chapter ‘2.3 System Requirements, Technical Characteristics and Per-

formance Parameters of Wireless Audio Production Tools’. In comparison, the trade-off

offers more possibilities for digital modulation than for analogue. For example, a very high

audio quality can be reached by error

correction techniques, but therefore the

latency will be higher, because of the ad-

ditional signal processing and as well the

transmission bandwidth will be higher,

because of the additional information. In

comparison to the analogue technology,

the transmission bandwidth for digital

signals can be reduced using source en-

coding. On the other hand, this is an ad-

ditional signal processing step and the

latency will increase. As well, the signal

quality will decrease because less infor-

mation will be transmitted compression).

The left diagram shows the possible

trade-off between the performance pa-

rameters for digital modulated wireless audio production tools (PMSE). [4]

In the next part of the fundamentals, different effects of signal degradation will be ex-

plained.

Reduction of Bandwidth

Orig

inal S

ignal

Compressed

Signal

Overhead

Figure 24: Simplified Compression and Encoding with a high Compression Ratio, e.g. AMR Codec

Figure 25: Trade-Off between Performance Parameters in a

Digital Transmission Chain

29

3. Signal Degradation Effects

Signal degrading effects can be divided into ‘Noise’ and ‘Interferences’. ‘Noise’ refers to

stochastic interfering signals, while ‘Interference’ refers to interfering signals due to the

parallel transmission of various signals. The different types of noise and interference will

be explained in the following sub-chapters.

3.1. Noise Floor

In this section I will define the term ‘Noise Floor’ and how it is used in this thesis. In my

observation the term ‘Noise’ is in use in different technical contexts, e.g. audio, RF.

I focus myself on the noise signal in the transmission path of wireless production tools.

In my definition, the ‘Noise Floor’ is a mixture of various types of stochastic noise, which

affect the RF transmission path (e.g. stochastic thermal noise, man-made-noise, electri-

cal noise, noise of amplifier, noise of RF mixer, quantization noise22 and so forth). The

noise floor received by an antenna can be measured, e.g. in dBm or dBµV, at the receiver

input.

Simplified, another signal degrading effect are Interferences, which occur in the trans-

mission path or in the receiver unit / sections. In general, noise can be co-channel or

adjacent channel interference, including intermodulation products. A detailed description

of the different interference scenarios will follow in chapter ‘3.3 Interferences’. [5, Page

50] [4, Page 41]

The thermal noise is defined by reference [27, Page 1] as a ‘random fluctuation in volt-

age by the random motion of charge carriers in any conducting medium at a temperature

above absolute zero (K = 273 + °Celsius)’. At absolute zero temperature, (0 K / about -

273 °C), the thermal noise level, e.g. on an antenna connector, is zero. In general, the

noise level depends on the ambient temperature of the noise source. At a higher ambient

temperature of the noise source, its material particles (electrons) move faster (see also

reference [28]). Because of its random fluctuation, the thermal noise floor has a random

power level.

Man-made-noise occurs from the spurious radiation of electrical and / or electronic de-

vices in the surroundings of the receiver antenna. Man-made-noise can be produced by

computers, LEDs, transmitting devices and similar equipment. In the ERC Report 42 on

page 16, it is written: ‘The introduction of fast computers and similar digital control equip-

ment with high (legal) levels of spurious radiation has meant the ambient noise for fre-

quencies between 170 MHz and 300 MHz has typically risen above the receiver noise

floor by 10 dB. This problem will continue to affect ever higher frequencies unless the

spurious radiation limits are improved’.

So-called ‘electrical noise’ (e.g. the amplifier internal noise) is produced by electrical

components inside the circuit, for example transistors. The greater the number of electri-

cal components that are implemented in a wireless system, the higher the internal elec-

trical noise will be. The difference to the man-made-noise is that the internal electrical

22 See reference [30, page 21]

30

noise is produced inside the device, while the man-made-noise is an electrical noise sig-

nal in the environment, which can be received by an antenna. [29, Page 3]

In the input block(s) of the wireless receiver, the noise floor limits the minimum power

level of the smallest receivable signal which can be demodulated and still meets the re-

quired performance parameters / quality. If the wanted signal level is lower than the level

of the noise floor, the wanted signal cannot be demodulated and its content will get lost.

If the wanted signal is sufficiently higher than the noise level, it can be demodulated at

the required quality. If the signal passes an amplifier any noise will be increased as well.

The noise floor acts as a limitation of the applicable distance between wireless transmitter

and its receiver.

According to reference [27], the thermal noise power can be calculated as demonstrated

below.

Note: subsequently the calculation can be checked by using a different method.

Step 1: Thermal Noise Power (Pnoise) Formula in dBW

The Thermal Noise Power (Pnoise) can be calculated in dBW using the following formula:

Pnoise [dBW] = 10 log10(k x T x B) (1)

Parameters: * k: Boltzmann constant, k = 1.38 x 10-23 Joules / Kelvin [J/K]23

* T: Temperature in Kelvin [K]

* B: Bandwidth in Hertz [Hz]

Step 2: Calculation of a ‘Reference Thermal Noise Power’ (Pref,dBw) in dBW

In a second step a reference thermal noise power at a room temperature of 17°C (290 K)

within a bandwidth of 1 Hz will be calculated:

Pref,dBw [dBW] = 10 log10(1.38 x 10-23 x 290 x 1) = -204 dBW/Hz = Pref,dBw (2)

Parameters: * k = 1.38 x 10-23 J/K

* T = 17°C / 290 K

* B = 1 Hz

Note: Other references might define the room temperature differently, e.g. 20°C [4].

Step 3: Conversion of Noise Power from dBW to dBm (Pref,dBm)

Now the reference noise power value Pref will be converted to dBm. To do so, the following

equation can be used:

0 dBW = 1 W = 30 dBm (3)

It follows a general formula for the conversion of a power level in dBW to a power level in

dBm:

PdBm = PdBw + 30 dBm (4)

23 Further information on the Boltzmann constant can be found in reference [31].

31

This can be adopted to our special case of the reference thermal noise power value

(Pref,dBm):

Pref,dBm = Pref,dBW + 30 dBm = -204 dBw/Hz + 30 dBm = - 174 dBm/Hz = Pref,dBm (5)

The reference noise power value of 174 dBm/Hz is used for noise power calculations e.g.

for the system design of radio equipment. The noise floor per Hz does not change in the

different frequency ranges, it will be the same in the 700 MHz frequency band like in the

1.8 GHz frequency band. Because of that, the reference noise power value can simply

be multiplied with the required channel bandwidth (see Step 4).

Step 4: Thermal Noise Power calculation in the receiver bandwidth (Pnoise,ref)

To calculate the noise level for another channel bandwidth, the reference value Pref,dBm

can simply be multiplied with the new bandwidth B [Hz]:

Pnoise,ref [dBm] = -174 dBm/Hz + 10 log (B) (6)

Parameter: * B = required channel bandwidth in Hertz [Hz]

Note: This formula is just true for an ambient temperature of 17°C / 290 K. For other

temperatures the reference value has to be adopted.

Step 5: Example

The thermal noise level for a 200 kHz channel (Pnoise,200kHz) at a temperature of 17°C /

290 K can now be calculated using Pref:

Pnoise,200kHz [dBm] = -174 dBm/Hz + 10 log (200 000 Hz) = -121 dBm = Pnoise,200kHz (7)

Parameter: * B = 200 kHz = 200 000 Hz

Note: to calculate the entire noise power level, additional calculations, e.g. for considera-

tion of the man-made-noise need to be made.

I have checked the thermal noise power calculation of reference [27] by using my own

methodology. My concern was to check the present calculation with an alternative meth-

odology. This calculation is demonstrated below:

Step 1: Definition of the input values

For reasons of comparability, I used the same input values as were used in reference [27]

for my own calculation. Those are defined in the table below:

Input: Abbr. Parameter Unit Value

B: Bandwidth in Hertz [Hz] 1

Tc: Temperature in ° Celsius [°C] 17

R: Resistor in Ohm [Ω] 100 000

K: Boltzmann Constant [J/K] 1.38065 x 10-23 Table 6: Input Parameter for Thermal Noise Power Calculation

Step 2: Calculate the temperature in Kelvin Tk [K]

The temperature in °Celsius can be transferred to Kelvin using the following formula:

32

Tk [K] = 273.15 + Tc (8)

Tk [K] = 273.15 + 17°C = 290.15°C = Tk (9)

Parameters: * Tc = 17°C

Step 3: Calculation of the Noise Voltage Vn [V]

The noise voltage can be calculated as follows:

Vn [V] = √(4 * k * B * Tk * R) (10)

Parameters: * k: Boltzmann constant in Joules / Kelvin [J/K]

* T: Temperature in Kelvin [K]

* B: Bandwidth in Hertz [Hz]

Vn [V] = √(4 * 1.38065 x 10-23J/K² * 1 Hz * 290.15 K * 100 000 Ω)

= 4.00298 x 10-8 V = Vn (11)

Parameters: * k = 1.38 x 10-23 J/K * T = 290.15 K * B = 1 Hz * R = 100 kΩ = 100 000 Ω

Step 3: Calculation of the Thermal Noise Power Pnoise in Milliwatt [mW]

Finally, the thermal noise power Pnoise in Watt [W]can be calculated, using the following

formula:

Pnoise [W] = (Vn / 2 )2 / R (12)

Pnoise [W] = (4.00298 x 10-8 V / 2)² / 100 000 Ω = 4.00596 x 10-21 W = Pnoise (13)

Step 4: Conversion of the Thermal Noise Power from Watt [W] to dBW (Pnoise,dBW)

In a last step, the thermal noise power is converted to dBW using the logarithmic function.

Pnoise,dBW [dBW] = 10 * log10(Pnoise / 1W) (14)

Pnoise,dBW [dBW] = 10 * log10(4.00596 x 10-21 W / 1 W) = -203.97 dBW = Pnoise,dBW (15)

Parameters: * Pnoise = 4.00596 x 10-21 W

Step 5: Thermal Noise Power Calculation using formula (1)

Now a comparison, using the simplified formula provided by reference [27] can be made

(See also Step 1 until 3 of the former section):

Pnoise,dBW [dBW] = 10 x log10(k x T x B) (1)

Pnoise,dBW [dBW] = 10 x log10(1.38065 x 10-23J/K x 290.15 K x 1 Hz)

= -203.97 dBW = Pnoise,dBW

33

Parameters: * k = 1.38 x 10-23 J/K

* T = 290.15 K

* B = 1 Hz

Step 6: Conclusion

My own methodology as well as formula (1) from reference [27] result in a thermal noise

power of -203.97 dBW/Hz for a room temperature of 17°C and a resistor of 100 kΩ. This

comparison proves, that formula (1) is true. Anyways, by using the same values, refer-

ence [27] calculates a reference noise power of -204 dBW/Hz. This is a difference of

0.03 dBW to my result and occurs from the different rounding of the temperature and the

Boltzmann constant.

3.2. SNR vs. C/I and C/N+I

* Ps = Signal level of wanted signal

* Pn = Signal level of noise floor

As previously explained further in section ‘3.1 Noise Floor’, the noise floor is a limitation

to the lowest receivable signal level of the wanted signal Ps, to achieve a demodulation

at the required audio quality. Therefore, the signal level of the wanted signal has to be

significantly higher, than the level of the noise floor Pn. All signals, wanted signals as well

as the noise, start at zero. Consequently, wanted signals and noise signals form a shared

RF environment.

There are different methods to calculate the ra-

tio between the signal level and the noise level.

In this thesis I will introduce the SNR, the C / I

and the C/N+I. Both can be measured in deci-

bel (dB). The graphic on the left illustrates the

difference between the SNR and the C/N+I.

The C/N+I was introduced to differentiate the

SNR of a demodulated analogue baseband

signal (SNR) and the SNR before the demod-

ulation (C/N+I).

3.2.1. SNR

The ‘Signal-to-Noise Ratio’ (SNR) is defined as the ratio of the wanted signal power level

Ps to the power level of the noise Pn:

SNR = Ps / Pn (1)

Parameters: * Ps: wanted signal power level in Watt [W]

* Pn: noise power level in Watt [W]

Note: in this case the SNR is unit-less because both power levels are defined in Watts

and therefore the units can be reduced (1 W / 1 W = 1).

Usually, the SNR is calculated in a logarithmic value, because the power level of the

wanted signal is often significantly higher than the noise power level [32]:

SNR = 10 log(Ps / Pn) [dB] (2)

Wa

nte

d S

ign

al

C/N+I

C

Inte

rfere

r

Noise

SNR

Pn

Figure 26: SNR vs. C/N+I

34

Parameters: * Ps: wanted signal power level, e.g. in dBm or Watt [W]

* Pn: noise power level in, e.g. in dBm or Watt [W]

In practical usage, the SNR describes the end-to-end performance of a wireless system.

It can be measured at the input (SNRin) and at the output (SNRout) of an electronic mod-

ule, e.g. an amplifier.

Usually, the SNR at the input is better than the SNR at the output, because of the addi-

tional noise components. The difference of the SNR at the input (SNRin) to the SNR at

the output (SNRout) represents the noise figure of the investigated module. [33]

Just above the SNR, the wireless receiver can de-

modulate the information carried on the wanted sig-

nal. Thus, a specific SNRout value is needed to

guarantee a clean demodulation of the signal con-

tent. If the SNR is too low, the noise will be audible

in the audio output, e.g. via the P.A. system. Differ-

ent applications might require a different SNR. Ac-

cording to [4], the optimal SNR for wireless micro-

phones is 100 dB or more and for IEM above 60 dB.

The minimal required SNR for a demodulation of a

wireless microphone signal is defined as 30 dB in [34]. In case of any amplification, the

SNR will stay the same, because noise and signal level are amplified equally. The

Graphic on the right illustrates the SNR.

3.2.2. C/I

The ‘Carrier-over-Interference Ratio’ (C/I) is defined as

the difference between the power levels of the wanted

signal and the sum of all interferences inside a defined

bandwidth. ‘C’ represents the power level of the desired

carrier and ‘I’ stands for sum the power level of the inter-

fering signal. ‘I’ includes all interferences occurring inside

the bandwidth of the observed signal (BS). If the inter-

ferer-bandwidth exceeds the signal bandwidth, ‘I’ just rep-

resents the part of the interfering signal which is con-

tained inside the signal bandwidth.

Function Block SNR on receiver input SNR on receiver output

Figure 27: Schematic illustration of the SNR at the input and output of a function block

Wan

ted S

ign

al

Noise

SNR

Pn

Ps

Figure 28: SNR

Wa

nte

d S

ign

al

C/I

C

Inte

rfere

r

I

Figure 29: C/I

35

These cases are illustrated in the table below:

Scenario More than 1 interfering signal inside ob-

served Bandwidth BS Interfering signal Bandwidth BI

Interfering Signal Sum of all interferer Reduced to signal bandwidth Bs

Graphic

Table 7: Interfering Signal Bandwidth Bs

Note: in the table above, I1, I2 and I3 represent different interferences inside the observed

bandwidth BS.

If the wanted signal level is low and therefore close to the noise floor, the noise level also

has to be taken into account.

3.2.3. C/N+I

The ‘Carrier-over-Noise-and-Interference Ratio’ (C/N+I) is defined as the difference be-

tween the power levels of the wanted signal and the sum of all interferences and the noise

inside a defined bandwidth. The definition of ‘C’ and ‘I’ stays the same as for the C/I (see

section above). The new parameter ‘N’ describes the noise floor level inside the observed

bandwidth BS.

In practice, a signal level at the receiver above the minimum C/N+I is needed to prevent

the effect of the interferences and to secure the required audio quality. The quality re-

quirements must correspond to the modulation form used. For a modulation with 5

bit/s/Hz a C/N+I of about 30 dB is required. For the demodulation of the signal content of

analogue wireless microphones, practical tests resulted in a minimum C/N+I of about

20 dB24.

Practical Example:

In a typical event and content production scenario, the C/I could represent the difference

between the power levels of a LTE signal and (a) wireless microphone(s) and / or IEM

signal(s), as presented in reference [4, Page 33], ITU-R Report BT.2338, section 2.5.1.1.

Minimal required C/I for microphone links in the presence of a wideband interferer:

24 ‘The 1 kHz audio test signal was interference free with a C/I value of ~ 22 dB. This confirms the initial hypothesis that a minimal C/I of 20 dB is needed for analogue microphone use’ [4, Page 34].

I1 I2 I3

BS

I

BS

36

Figure 30: Required C/I for Analogue Microphone Usage by the Example of a LTE Test Signal [4, Page 34]

‘This lab test example shows a test LTE signal (2) and a SAB/SAP measuring signal (1)

at a measurement bandwidth of 100 kHz. To ensure the minimum necessary production

quality, the useful carrier to interference ratio (C/I) can be determined from the difference

between the LTE (2) and SAB/SAP (1) signal strengths. Monitoring and control was

achieved by means of a headset.’ [4, Page 34].

3.3. Interferences

As already mentioned in chapter ‘3.1 Noise Floor’, in addition to the stochastic ‘Noise’,

interferences are another signal degrading effect. Interferences are signals, that change

the SNR, C/I and C/N+I in an undesirable way, making it difficult (loss of range) or impos-

sible (complete signal loss) to demodulate the signal content of the wanted signal. At this

point, it has to be said, that the signal strength of a signal at the receiver input antenna

varies, with the movement of the transmitting device, e.g. the wireless microphone. Con-

sequently, when the transmitter is closer to the receiver antenna the signal strength of

the wanted signal is high and might be higher than the interference. The C/N+I is good

and the signal content can be demodulated. Now the transmitter is moved away from the

receiver, e.g. the singer of a music group is walking with the microphone in his hand to

the other side of the stage. The signal strength of the wanted signal at the receiver an-

tenna now is lower and might drop below the minimum C/N+I or even below the interfer-

ence level. In this case the signal content cannot be demodulated correctly anymore, and

the interference will be audible in the audio output, e.g. for the audience of the concert

via the P.A. system. The different interference scenarios, which can occur in wireless

audio transmissions, will be explained further in this section. Mainly, there are three dif-

ferent kind of interferences: co-channel interference, adjacent channel interference and

the special case of intermodulation (IM) products.

37

3.3.1. Co-Channel Interference

In case of a co-channel interference, the interference is

happening inside the transmission channel of the wanted

signal. This scenario is shown in the graphic on the left. In

the practical usage, this could happen, when two wireless

systems are operated on the same transmission fre-

quency, e.g. two wireless microphones are adjusted on the

same transmission frequency, an intermodulation prod-

uct25 occurs on the transmission frequency of a wireless

microphone or a wireless microphone is adjusted on a fre-

quency, which is inside a locally occupied TV channel. If

the co-channel interference has a higher power level than the wanted signal, the signal

content of the wanted signal cannot be demodulated. To demodulate the content of the

wanted signal correctly, the wanted signal has to be significantly higher than the interfer-

ence. The difference between the power level of the wanted signal and the interfering

signal is called C/N+I. For a successful demodulation, a C/N+I of 20 dB is needed. Further

information on SNR, C/I and C/N+I can be found in chapter ‘3.2 SNR vs. C/I and C/N+I’.

3.3.2. Adjacent Channel Interference

In comparison to the co-channel interference, the adjacent channel interference occurs

from the out-of-band emission / out-of-channel emission of signals in the neighbouring

channel(s). In the practical usage an adjacent channel interference can happen, when

two wireless devices are operated in neighbouring channels or on two frequencies close

to each other. Examples are the operation of one or more wireless microphones close to

or inside the LTE band, e.g. the LTE duplex gap, or in a free TV channel next to one or

in between of two locally occupied TV channel(s). Those scenarios are demonstrated

simplified in the graphics below:

Scenario 1:

In the first scenario, the three

TV channels, Ch. 1 until Ch. 3,

are free of interfering RF carri-

ers. Six wireless microphones

can be operated in one TV

channel without any problem of

interference. The signal levels

of the microphone signals are

significantly higher than the

noise floor, the SNR is high,

and the content of the transmit-

ted microphone signals can be

demodulated interference-free.

25 Intermodulation will be explained further in the following subchapter.

Co-Channel Interference

Figure 31: Co-Channel Interference

Ch. 1 Ch. 2 Ch. 3

Noise Floor

SNR

Figure 32: Scenario without interfering RF Carriers

38

Scenario 2:

In the second scenario, one of

the neighbouring TV channels,

in this case Ch. 1, is occupied

with the wideband signal of a lo-

cal TV station, who is transmit-

ting their TV program on Ch. 1.

The out-of-band emission of the

TV station interferes with some

of the microphone signals in the

adjacent channel Ch. 2. Any-

ways, if the C/N+I still is high

enough, the signal content of

the affected microphone trans-

missions can still be demodu-

lated. But if the adjacent chan-

nel interference is too high, the

C/N+I decrease significantly,

like in the lower picture, and the

wireless microphone receiver

might not be able to demodu-

late the signal content in the re-

quired quality.

Scenario 3:

In the third scenario both adja-

cent television channels (Ch. 1

and Ch. 3) are in use for a local

TV distribution. Like in Sce-

nario 2, the C/N+I is reduced

drastically by the harmful out-

of-band emission of the TV sta-

tions. The wanted signal con-

tent of the wireless micro-

phones in Ch. 2 cannot be de-

modulated in the required qual-

ity anymore.

3.3.3. Intermodulation

A special interference scenario is called ‘Intermodulation’ (IM). Because of the interaction

of two or more simultaneously operated transmitters in a non-linear circuit, signals on new

frequencies, of harmonics in different orders and / or their mixing products, can be gen-

erated. Those new frequencies are called ‘Intermodulation (IM) Products’ and are pro-

duced inside the circuit components. IM products pose a problem by the simultaneous

usage of at least three wireless systems, because the third system cannot be adjusted

on a frequency, which is affected by an IM. How IM products are created, what problems

they cause and what can be done to prevent IM, is explained further in this subchapter.

Figure 33: Adjacent Channel Interference from one Adjacent Channel

Ch. 1 Ch. 2 Ch. 3

C/N+I << 20 dB

Noise Floor

Figure 34: Adjacent Channel Interference from both Adjacent Channels

Ch. 1 Ch. 2 Ch. 3

C/N+I << 20 dB

dB

Noise Floor

out-of-band

emission

Ch. 1 Ch. 2 Ch. 3

C/N+I > 20 dB

dB

Noise Floor

out-of-band

emission

39

IM products can be mainly generated in the transmitter output (receiving signals of an

adjacent transmitter; ‘Reverse Transmitter IM’) or the receiver input (receiving a mix of

several input signals). ‘Reverse Transmitter IM’ usually happens in the power output

stage of the transmitter. When two transmitters are operated within a too short distance

from one transmitter antenna to the other, the transmitters will interact and produce new

frequencies: the signal of the other transmitter enters the output of a wireless transmitter

via the transmission antenna on its transmission frequency. The output of a transmitter is

not designed to receive signals. Consequently, the amplifier in the output stage of the

transmitting device mixes the received signal with the signal, it is amplifying in that mo-

ment (the transmission signal). New signals on other frequencies, the IM products, will be

produced and transmitted. As a consequence, the IM products also will be radiated in the

RF environment. In practise, this can happen when, for example, several singers are

holding their microphones close to each other while singing (e.g. the Ten Tenors, see

picture below).

Figure 35: The 'Ten Tenors' are holding their Wireless Microphones within a close Distance to one another [35]

A typical IM scenario in the practical production environment is combining of several IEM

transmitters to a single antenna port. Anyways, transceivers might have a selective output

filter as a ‘protection’ against IM.

In the opposite direction receivers have not only one but many input signals on their an-

tenna input. Strong signals lead to intermodulation. In addition, a very strong signal leads

to ‘Blocking’ and ‘clipping’26. Those effects impact small wanted signals at the receiver.

26 Definition Clipping: If an amplifier is overdriven, the voltage / current, it has to deliver, exceeds its maxi-mum capacity (maximum output power) and the signal is ‘cut-off’ at this threshold. At this point, in the audio output a clipping will be audible. [36] [37]

Antennas of the wireless microphones are

hold within a short distance to each other.

Reverse Transmitter IM might be a

consequence.

40

Blocking might happen, when a transmitter is operated within too close proximity to the

receiver antenna and therefore the power level of the interfering carrier is too high in the

receiver input. In the receiver the incoming signals are combined and signals on new

frequencies, the IM products, are created. This can happen, for example, in the receiver

pre-amplifier or before the receiver in an active splitter. Anyways, receivers might have a

selective input filter as a possible reduction of ‘blocking’.

Going back to the IM products, the following table gives an oversight over the calculation

of IM products up to the fifth order:

IM2 2 F2-F1 ----- F1+F2 -----

IM3 3 2*F1-F2 F1-2*F2 2*F1+F2 F1+2*F2

IM4 4 3*F1-F2 3*F2-F1 3*F1+F2 F1+3*F2

IM5 5 3*F1-2*F2 3*F2-2*F1 3*F1+2*F2 2*F1+3*F2

Table 8: Formulas to calculate IM Products up to the Fifth Order

Note: the calculation of IM products of higher orders is neglected in this table, although

they exist.

IM products occur in intervals equal to the frequency offset between the two original trans-

mission frequencies (see Figure 37). An increase of carrier frequencies, which are in use

simultaneously, results in an exponential growth of IM products.

Frequencies, which are affected by IM products might not be usable for other wireless

transmissions, e.g. of a wireless microphone system, during the period of the interference.

Conclusively, an increase of IM products means as well a decrease of for other equipment

usable frequencies. In general, just IM products close to the originally transmitted fre-

quencies, e.g. IM3 and IM5, cause problems, e.g. co-channel or adjacent channel inter-

ference. Anyways, IM products of higher orders might cause harmful interference as well

and therefore cannot be neglected. It was observed, that an increase of 10 dB of the

transmitter output power rises the signal level of the third order IM products, which were

produced in the receiver, about 30 dB [33, Page 15]27.

If all transmission frequencies are

arranged in a constant frequency

spacing / grid, all receiving and

transmitting devices will be af-

fected by IM products, because

all IM products have the same

distance to one another and the

original transmission frequencies,

like the original transmission fre-

quencies have to each other. In

addition, due to the high amount

of IM products, adjacent channels

might be unusable for other trans-

missions. The alternative is a

27 ‘Increasing all transmitter power by 10 dB produces a 30 dB increase in receiver generated 3rd order intermodulation levels‘ [33, Page 15].

Figure 36: Required Spectrum in MHz vs. Number of Channels in IM-free Operation [4, page 42]

41

non-linear frequency spacing. It follows: if more transmission frequencies are in use at

the same time, the needed spectrum for an intermodulation-free frequency arrangement

rises exponentially. This is as well shown in the figure above.28

There exist various options to prevent IM effects, e.g. additional filters on the receiver

input or transmitter output will remove interfering signals or decrease their level.

In addition, for a reduction of IM products, the transmission power of adjacent systems

can be decreased, wireless transmitter antennas could be kept within a distance to re-

ceiver antennas and two transmitter antennas might not be hold together closely. In prac-

tice the realization of those scenarios sometimes is limited.

Anyways, an experienced frequency coordination to guarantee an IM free frequency ar-

rangement for all wireless systems, which are in use at the same event, might be the ‘best

option’. Together with the manual of a wireless system, manufacturers mostly provide

frequency sheets with different options for IM-free frequency allocations29. The use of

digital technologies might improve the situation in regards to IM products because of in-

tegrated error correction techniques, but in general digital modulated wireless systems

as well are vulnerable for IM effects. Further information on digital technologies can be

found in sub-chapter ‘2.4 Analogue vs. Digital Technologies’.

The following series of figures visualises the anterior information on IM:

Two wireless transmitters, e.g. wireless microphones, are operated on the transmission

frequencies F1 and F2 within a frequency offset of F (F = F2 – F1). Passing a Non-Linear

circuit, these two signal carriers produce new signals on different frequencies, so-called

‘Intermodulation (IM) products’ of different orders. The IM products have the same dis-

tance F to the original carriers and to one another, but the signal strength is decreasing

28 ‘In real world situations, the maximum number of IM free channels will depend on the quality of the links as well as the equipment use. The following figure illustrates the behaviour of one typical system‘ [4, Page 41]. 29 Audio Technica, 3000 series, Pages 13 and 14 of the manual contain possible IM-free frequency ar-rangements for up to 16 channels in the different bands: https://www.audio-technica.com/cms/re-source_library/literature/746ffca13f247d2d/p52165_03_3000b_series_om.pdf

F1 F2

F

Input Spectrum

IM7 IM5 IM3 F1 F2 IM3 IM5 IM7

F F F

Output Spectrum

Non-Linear

Block Two Input Signals Two plus N Output Signals

Figure 37: Passing a Non-Linear Block, two input signals create various IM products

https://www.audio-technica.com/cms/resource_library/literature/746ffca13f247d2d/p52165_03_3000b_series_om.pdf

https://www.audio-technica.com/cms/resource_library/literature/746ffca13f247d2d/p52165_03_3000b_series_om.pdf

42

with the increasing order. IM products outside of the relevant frequency range (in the

graphic this is the blue box) can be neglected.

Note: The graphic symbolically shows IM products up to order seven. In reality IM prod-

ucts of higher orders will be created as well. Some of them might not be harmful because

of the low power level and others might be outside of the relevant frequency range.

If a third carrier is added, there are three input signals to the non-linear circuit and even

more IM products are created:

If a third signal carrier is added, there are different possibilities, which are visualised in

the figures below:

Scenario A:

In extension of Figure 37 a

third transmitter, e.g. a third

radio microphone is added to

the scenario. It is operated

on the frequency F3. If on

this frequency an IM product

already is present, like in the

left graphic, a co-channel in-

terference will happen.

Scenario B:

An alternative approach is to

locate the new microphone

F3 on an IM-free frequency

within a distance D to IM

products.

Non-Linear

Block Three Input Signals Three + N Output Signals

Figure 38: Production of IM Products with Three Input Signals


F3

Co-Channel Interference

F F F

A

Figure 39: Co-Channel Interference as a Consequence of IM


F3 – OK

F F F

D

B

Figure 40: IM-free Frequency Arrangement of Three Signal Carriers

43

Scenario C:

In some situations, the dis-

tance D between the new

carrier and an IM product

might be too small. In this

case, an adjacent channel

interference might occur.

The next part of the fundamentals summarizes, what is the radio frequency spectrum?

4. Radio Frequency Spectrum

4.1. Electromagnetic Radiation

Definition: ‘In free space, the fields propagate in the form of spherical waves, whose am-

plitudes are inversely proportional to their distance from the antenna’ [29, Page 22].

To explain, what the electromagnetic spectrum is, I would like to start with the explanation

of how electromagnetic waves are produced. Radio signals are transmitted on frequen-

cies, which can also be represented as an electromagnetic wave. This electromagnetic

wave is produced inside the antenna of the wireless audio transmitter and receiver. Here

current and voltage are converted into electromagnetic radiation and the other way

around. This is realized using a feeding-based circuit, such as the λ/2 dipole (combination

of two λ/4 Dipole sections). The total length of the λ/2 dipole is half of the wavelength λ of

the frequency, which will be created. As can be seen in the figure below, the dipole is

separated into two halves, each of them has a length of λ/4. The dipole is fed in the

middle.

The dipole acts as an oscillation circuit and electrical and magnetic fields are produced.

The electrons can just go until the edge of the dipole. Accordingly, the current I at the

edges of the dipole is zero and in the middle of the dipole the current is the highest.

Conclusively, one edge of the dipole has an excess of electrons and the other side a lack

of electrons. That means, the voltage is the highest at the dipole edges and zero in its

middle. This changing distribution of the electrical current and voltage produces electrical

and magnetic fields. Those fields are 90° shifted in their phase. The time period T is

Figure 41: Adjacent Channel Interference as a Consequence of IM


F3

Adjacent Channel Interference

F

F F

D

C

TX

Magnetic

area Electric area Electric

area

λ/2

Figure 42: Schematic of a λ/2 Dipole

44

defined, as the time t, which the electrons need to move from one edge of the dipole to

the other and back. At the time t = 0 all electrons are at one side of the dipole. This side

has an excess of electrons, while the other dipole edge suffers a lack of electrons. The

current I at t = 0 is zero, the voltage U is at its maximum. An electrical field is produced.

Now the electrons start to move to the other side of the dipole, because electrons always

try to reach a balance. At the time t = ¼ T the current I is at its peak and the voltage U is

zero. A magnetic field is produced. The electrons reach the other side of the dipole. Now

the loads are reversed: the dipole edge, which first had a lack of electrons now has an

excess of electrons and the other side suffers a lack of electrons. Conclusively the whole

procedure repeats itself into the other direction: At the time t = ½ T the other dipole edge

has an electron excess and therefore the current I is zero and the voltage U at its maxi-

mum. An electrical field is produced. Now the electrons start moving back to the other

dipole side to reach a balance. The current I is at its maximum and the voltage U zero at

the time t =3/4 T. A magnetic field is produced. After this, the process will repeat itself

until the power source of the dipole is cut off. The time t = 1 T is the same as t = 0. The

described process is as well shown in the graphics below. The first graphic shows the

changes of the current I and the voltage U during the time period T. The second graphic

shows, when electric and when magnetic fields are produced [38].

Figure 43: Electrical Current I (black) and Voltage U (Blue) at a Dipole [38]

45

Figure 44: Electrical Fields (Blue) and Magnetic Fields (Red) at a Dipole [38]

4.2. The Electromagnetic Spectrum

The electromagnetic spectrum is defined as the whole range of frequencies of electro-

magnetic radiation, including the visible infrared spectrum and the invisible spectrum, e.g.

ultraviolet, x-rays and gamma rays. The electromagnetic waves have different wave-

lengths and propagation characteristics. The wavelength λ of an electromagnetic wave is

defined as the length of one period of the wave (the length, until the wave starts to repeat

its form):

An electromagnetic wave also has a frequency and wave lengths. The frequency f is

defined as its propagation velocity in relation to its wavelength. Radio frequencies prop-

agate with the speed of the light c: c = 299 792 458 metres per second30. Therefore, the

frequency f can be calculated using the following formula: f = c/λ. Attenuation and similar

effects might affect the propagation of the radio frequencies

30 The speed of light is defined as a constant for a propagation in vacuum. That would be in the free

space. Travelling through a medium, such as air, the velocity can change depending on the medium. [39] [29]

λ

Figure 45: Electromagnetic Wave and its Wavelength λ

46

In a single and flat propagation plane, an electromagnetic

wave propagates in the air like a circle wave, similar to the

waves, created by a waterdrop dropping into a puddle. For

an isotropic antenna the electromagnetic wave spreads like

a sphere (ball) into all directions and might be reflected and

/ or absorbed by certain materials along its way, e.g. the air,

walls or metal pieces. The isotropic antenna is a hypothet-

ical ideal model of a spherical emission. In praxis, all (other)

antennas have a special antenna radiation characteristic.

The special propagation characteristics of the electromag-

netic wave depend strongly on the frequency range and will be explained more detailed

in chapter ‘4 Radio Frequency Spectrum’.

In the praxis the electromagnetic spectrum is divided into more specific spectra, fre-

quency blocks, frequency ranges, frequency bands and even channels by certain regu-

lation organs, e.g. the ITU. For this thesis the UHF TV spectrum is important (see chapter

‘4.4 The VHF and UHF TV Spectrum in Brazil’). It is part of the electromagnetic spectrum

and the radio frequency spectrum and further divided into frequency bands and TV chan-

nels (see chapters ‘4.5 Further Division into Frequency Bands’ and ‘4.6 TV Channel Ar-

rangement’). This arrangement is explained further in the following subchapters.

4.3. The Radio Frequency Spectrum

Currently, the ITU definition of radio frequency spectrum includes the frequency range

from 3 kHz to 3 000 GHz. It is extremely used by modern wireless technologies, e.g. for

the transmission of telecommunication services. In General, the radio frequency spec-

trum is free available in the air – it is a public resource. However, national or regional

frequency use requires approval / licensing. For example: if some frequencies are already

in use, interferences might occur (see chapter ‘3.3 Interferences’) and certain frequencies

might not be available anymore for other usages. Radio Frequencies are a limited but

highly demanded resource. To ensure an efficient spectrum usage a spectrum coordina-

tion on different levels is required. Frequencies are not bound to national borders and,

even though frequencies are allocated to specific services on a national basis, the trans-

mission of several applications / services will not stop at the country border. Conclusively,

an international frequency coordination to avoid cross border interference is necessary.

[41] Further information on the spectrum coordination can be found in chapter ‘5 Spec-

trum and Frequency Regulation’).

The focus of this chapter lays on the further subdivision of the radio frequency spectrum

into blocks, ranges, bands and channels. The Radio Frequency Spectrum is divided into

different blocks by national or regional relevant administrations / organisations, according

to the special characteristics of these frequencies.

The table below briefly provides an overview of the RF spectrum. It summarizes the in-

formation from several references:

Abbr. Description Lower Limit Upper Limit Usage

ULF Ultra Low Frequencies 300 3 kHz

VLF Very Low Frequencies 3 kHz 30 kHz

LF Low Frequencies 30 kHz 300 kHz e.g. Broadcast

Figure 46: Propagation of Waves like a Waterdrop [40]

47

MF Middle Frequencies 300 kHz 3 MHz e.g. Broadcast

HF High Frequencies 3 MHz 30 MHz e.g. Long-Distance Land / Sea

Communication

VHF Very High Frequencies 30 MHz 300 MHz e.g.

Broadcast;

Long-Range Radar Systems;

Radio Navigation Systems;

Radio Microphones

UHF Ultra High Frequencies 300 MHz 3 GHz e.g.

Wireless Microwave Links;

Fixed and Mobile Cellular Sys-

tems;

Mobile Satellite

Communication;

Medium Range Radars;

Wireless audio production tools

(PMSE)

SHF Super High Frequencies 3 GHz 30 GHz

EHF Extremely High Frequencies 30 GHz 300 GHz

Table 9: Division of the RF Spectrum into different Frequency Ranges [5, Page 22] [29, Pages 2 and 3] [42]

Note: The usage in each part of the RF spectrum differs in various countries / world re-

gions. The UHF spectrum also includes the so-called ‘UHF TV spectrum’ with its broad-

casting services. This sub-division will be explained further in the paragraph underneath.

4.4. The VHF and UHF TV Spectrum in Brazil

The RF blocks from the upper table, can be divided further into smaller frequency ranges.

Here I will just list the frequency ranges of the TV bands in Brazil, which are mainly in use

for the transmission of the terrestrial television. The border frequencies of these frequency

ranges might differ in the different regions of the world, e.g. in Europe. In comparison: in

Europe the UHF TV spectrum includes the whole frequency range from 470 to 862 MHz.

Description Frequency Range TV channels

Lower VHF 54 to 88 MHz 2 to 6

Upper VHF 174 to 216 MHz 7 to 13

UHF TV 470 to 806 MHz 14 to 69

Table 10: VHF and UHF TV Spectrum in Brazil after the DD [1] [43]

Note: As a consequence of the Digital Dividend the upper part of the UHF TV spectrum

from 698 to 806 MHz (channel 52 to 69) are not in use for the TV transmission anymore.

The frequency ranges have different propagation characteristics for wireless audio pro-

duction tools. The VHF TV and UHF TV bands have a good propagation, what makes

these bands interesting e.g. for the usage of wireless audio equipment, television trans-

mission and Mobile Services. These frequency bands have a wide coverage.

The UHF TV spectrum has a significant body absorption, which changes depending on

the frequency and the practical use-case close to the human body31. The body effect is

important, because a lot of wireless audio equipment is operated close to the human

31 Note: currently CEPT is finalizing on the ECC Report 286, that will summarize information for the body effect of wireless audio production tools.

48

body, e.g. the IEM receiver or handheld microphones. Anyways, small and still efficient

antennas are possible in the UHF TV band.

In the VHF TV spectrum from 174 to 216 MHz larger antennas are required or the effi-

ciency of the short antennas is limited. In addition, the man-made-noise floor is higher. In

comparison to the UHF TV spectrum, the body absorption is significant lower.

The ERC Report 204 concludes on page 22: ‘The UHF band below 1 GHz is the best

band for Audio PMSE due to the combination of antenna size, propagation, current noise

floor’ [5, Page 22]. Higher frequencies have a higher path loss and, in addition, a higher

body absorption. However, in some countries higher frequency bands, e.g. the 1.8 GHz

LTE duplex gap or the 2.4 GHz WIFI band, are identified for wireless audio production

tools (PMSE). Lower frequency ranges are not suitable for the usage of wireless audio

production tools (PMSE) because of the mostly available man-made-noise floor and the

larger antenna sizes. For further information on the propagation characteristics of the

different frequency bands, see ECC Report 204, Page 22, chapter A1.3.4 Propagation

Characteristics of Frequency Bands. [5, Page 22]

4.5. Further Division into Frequency Bands

The previously described frequency blocks can be separated into further frequency

bands. In this thesis I will focus on the 700 and 800 MHz frequency bands, because these

bands are affected by the Digital Dividend(s) (DDs) in Latin-America and Europe.

Frequency Band Europe Latin-America

800 MHz 790 to 862 MHz 806 to 890 MHz

700 MHz 698 to 790 MHz 698 to 806 MHz

Table 11: Frequency Bands in Latin-America and Europe

Note: In Brazil the Broadcast Service is not allocated in the frequency band above

806 MHz. The 800 MHz frequency band is not part of the UHF TV spectrum in Brazil.

Because of this, there was no Digital Dividend in this band. It already before was allocated

to the Mobile Services. The frequency allocation for this band according to Brazilians

National Frequency Allocation plan from the year 2001 can be found in the table below. I

was not able to find earlier version of the frequency plan in the internet. [44, ]

MHz

REGIÃO 2 BRASIL

806-890 FIXO MÓVEL RADIODIFUSÃO S5.317 S5.318

806-890 FIXO MÓVEL

Table 12: Frequency Allocation in the 800 MHz Frequency Band in Brazil 2001 [44, Page 62]

Furthermore, in different world regions additional frequency bands are in use for wireless

audio production tools (PMSE), e.g. the 2.4 GHz WIFI band, in Europe the LTE duplex

gap of the 1.8 GHz frequency band and in the UK the frequency band from 960 to 1164

MHz. For further Information see ‘Part C: Impact of the Digital Dividends on the Use of

Frequencies by Wireless Audio Production Tools in Europe’.

49

4.6. TV Channel Arrangement

As a last step, the TV spectrum is split in TV channels. The channel bandwidth might

differ in different regions / nations around the world, e.g. while the bandwidth of a UHF

TV channel in Europe commonly is 8 MHz, in Latin-America normally a channel grid of

6 MHz is used. A list with the TV channels in Brazil can be found in the Annex ‘A.2 UHF

TV Channel Arrangement in Brazil’ [43].

The following section of the part fundamentals explains, how is the radio frequency spec-

trum regulated, e.g. by the relevant administrations?

5. Spectrum and Frequency Regulation

5.1. International Regulation – ITU

Radio frequencies are a limited resource and their use does not end at regional borders.

To regulate the frequency access of specific services, to defined frequency bands and to

harmonise the frequency usage for specific regions of the world, an international fre-

quency regulation is required. Therefore, the ‘International Telecommunication Union’

(ITU), a sub-organisation of the United Nations, was established. In this chapter I briefly

would like to explain, what is the ITU and how is the ITU working process?

In summary, it can be said, that the ITU is responsible for the global and cross-border

allocation of radio frequency spectrum to the different wireless services. Hereafter, I

would like to explain the for this work important terminologies of the ITU. [47]

5.1.1. ITU-Regions

For its work, the ITU divided the world into three world regions [48]:

• ITU-Region 1: Europe and Africa,

• ITU-Region 2: the Americas,

• ITU-Region 3: Asian-Pacific.

Figure 47: ITU Regions [48]

50

Note: since this thesis is focused on Europe and Latin-America, the ITU-Region 1 and

ITU Region 2 are the two Regions, which will be considered in this work.

5.1.2. Sectors of the ITU

The ITU has divided their work into the following three different activity sectors [49]:

• The ‘Telecommunication Standardization Sector’ - ITU-T

see https://www.itu.int/en/ITU-T/about/Pages/default.aspx

• the ‘Telecommunication Development Sector’ - ITU-D

see https://www.itu.int/en/ITU-D/Pages/About.aspx

• the ‘Radiocommunication Sector’ ITU-R

see https://www.itu.int/en/ITU-R/information/Pages/default.aspx

In this chapter, I will focus on the work of the radiocommunication sector ITU-R, because

the ITU-R is also responsible for frequency ranges regarding the wireless audio produc-

tion tools (PMSE).

5.1.3. Study Groups

Within the three ITU sectors, there are certain study groups. Each group focuses on one

specific topic and is built of experts in this field. Exemplary working groups, which are

working on topics related to wireless microphones, are:

• SG5

Working Subgroup WP5C is currently working on Resolution 59-1 for spectrum

usage by wireless audio production tools (PMSE)

see https://www.itu.int/en/ITU-R/study-groups/rsg5/Pages/default.aspx

• SG6

Working Subgroup WP6A is working on a mandate for spectrum usage by wireless

audio production tools (PMSE)

see https://www.itu.int/en/ITU-R/study-groups/rsg6/Pages/default.aspx

The work of these study groups will be considered in meetings of further working groups

and conferences, which will be explained further in the following part

5.1.4. World Radio Conference

Every three to four years a ‘World Radiocommunication Conference’ (WRC) takes place.

The scope of the agenda for a WRC is made in advance of the conference by the council

of the ITU-R and includes recommendations, which were made on previous WRCs. The

final agenda is decided by the ITU council two years before the actual WRC. ‘Under the

terms of the ITU Constitution, a WRC can:

• revise the Radio Regulations and any associated Frequency assignment and al-

lotment Plans;

• address any radiocommunication matter of worldwide character;

• instruct the Radio Regulations Board and the Radiocommunication Bureau, and

review their activities;

• determine Questions for study by the Radiocommunication Assembly and its Study

Groups in preparation for future Radiocommunication Conferences’ [50].

https://www.itu.int/en/ITU-T/about/Pages/default.aspx

https://www.itu.int/en/ITU-D/Pages/About.aspx

https://www.itu.int/en/ITU-R/information/Pages/default.aspx

https://www.itu.int/en/ITU-R/study-groups/rsg5/Pages/default.aspx

https://www.itu.int/en/ITU-R/study-groups/rsg6/Pages/default.aspx

51

In the end of the conference, a preliminary final report is established, which gives detailed

information on the outcome of the WRC and will be finalized in the next month. This report

is called ‘Final Acts’. More information on the Radio Regulations (RR) and the Final Acts

can be found in the end of this subchapter.

Note: the next WRC is in ongoing preparation, see https://www.itu.int/en/ITU-R/confer-

ences/wrc/2019/Pages/default.aspx.

5.1.5. Regional Radiocommunication Conferences (RRC)

The RRC is a ‘sub-conference’ of the WRC. A RRC is a meeting of an ITU region or a

study group of countries, which work together on a special mandate, concerning a certain

topic, e.g. a specific frequency band. Only participating countries are obligated to the

Final Acts of the RRC. RRs cannot be revised without an approval of the WRC. [51]

5.1.6. Radio Regulations (RR)

The Radio Regulations (RR) contain all frequency allocations made by the ITU at the

WRC. The RRs were firstly stablished on the WRC-95 in Geneva in the year 1995. Since

then, they were revised, updated and accepted by all following WRCs – including Reso-

lutions and ITU-R Recommendations. [52]

5.1.7. Final Acts

The ‘Final Acts’ are the outcome of the WRCs and the RRCs. They contain all decisions,

which were taken in the conference. In comparison to the RRs, the Final just contain the

changes of the RRs, e.g. modifications and additions of footnotes and changed frequency

allocations. The RRs will be updated after each WRC with these changes. [53]

5.2. National Regulation – Anatel in Brazil

The ITU as the international regulator of radio frequency spectrum publishes guidelines

and recommendations for frequency allocations. Anyways, the national implementation

of the ITU recommendations still is the authority of the national radio frequency regulation

administration. How the national frequency regulation is realized, I will now explain by the

example of Brazil.

In Brazil the national telecommunication regulation agency ‘Agência Nacional de Teleco-

municações’ (Anatel) (Translation: ‘National Agency of Telecommunications’) is respon-

sible for the spectrum regulation and coordination of telecommunication services. This

includes for example radio broadcasting services, mobile phone services and as well

wireless audio equipment. All regulations are recorded in form of so-called ‘Resoluções’

(Translation: ‘Resolutions’). Those resolutions can be found on the webpage of the

Anatel: http://www.anatel.gov.br/legislacao/en/resolutions. The resolutions, which are im-

portant for wireless audio production tools (PMSE) as well as for the content and event

production sector, will be explained more detailed in the chapter ‘8.2.1 Licensing and

Authorization of Wireless Audio Production Tools’. Furthermore, the Anatel represents

Brazils interests in different international telecommunication organisations, e.g. the ITU

(see chapter ‘5.1 International Regulation – ITU’). For the interaction of the Anatel with

various governments and other national telecommunication regulators, frequent meetings

https://www.itu.int/en/ITU-R/conferences/wrc/2019/Pages/default.aspx

https://www.itu.int/en/ITU-R/conferences/wrc/2019/Pages/default.aspx

http://www.anatel.gov.br/legislacao/en/resolutions

52

to exchange experience and accomplish common goals are held, e.g. in the Working

Subgroup 1 – Communications (SGT-1). The ‘Office of International Affairs’ is liable to

manage the international relations of Anatel. Summing up, Anatel’s job is the national

frequency regulation as well as the positioning of Brazil’s foreign policy. [54] [55]

The Anatel is an entity of the ‘Administração Pública Federal‘ (Translation: ‘Federal Public

Administration’) and is bound to the law 9.472, published on the 16th of July 1997. This

law defines the duty of the Anatel: edit and update a plan of allocation, distribution and

destination of radio frequencies, which are associated with various services and activities

of the telecommunication. This Brazilian frequency allocation plan is called ‘Plano de Atri-

buição, Destinação e Distribuição de Frequências no Brasil’ (Translation: ‘Plan of Alloca-

tion, Destination and Distribution of Frequencies in Brazil’).

The Brazilian Frequency Allocation Plan contains two different kind of tables. The first

table type is the so-called ‘Tabela de Atribuição’ (Translation: ‘Allocation Table’) and is

made of two columns: the first column holds the Frequency Allocation for the ITU-Re-

gion 2 according to the ITU and the second column shows the frequency allocation of the

Brazilian Administration, which is based on the one of the ITU. The second type of table

is called ‘Tabela de Destinação e Distribuição’ (Translation: ‘Destination and Distribution

Table’). This table has three columns, which contain specified information on the desti-

nation, the distribution and the governmental regulations for the frequency bands and / or

telecommunication services in Brazil. [56]

Going one step further, an individual frequency coordination for events might be neces-

sary.

5.3. Frequency Coordination for an Event

The production of high-quality audio content must meet high quality requirements. There-

fore, the operation of PMSE on interference-free frequencies is a good operating condi-

tion.

The IRT describes in reference [57]:

‘The effort that is needed to plan the frequency coordination of such a big event is im-

mense and often takes several weeks or months. And despite of that great effort it is not

impossible, that there are problems showing up during the event. To ensure a high pro-

duction quality, it is important to be able to respond to these unexpected problems in an

adequate way. To achieve high sound quality of the radio links it is mandatory to avoid

intermodulation‘ [57, Page 1].

This is mandatory in mid-sized and large events, where a high number of wireless pro-

duction tools are in operation, for example the Eurovision Song Contest [58], reporting of

Election Events, the World Soccer Championship, Formula 1, Carnival in Rio or Olympia

and many more.

Note: at lot of events, wireless production tools are needed not just for the event produc-

tion, but as well for the news reporting.

In this subchapter an exemplary frequency coordination procedure is presented.

53

Step 1: On-Site Visit of the Event Location

At first the event location is visited to get an overview of the area with its possibilities and

restrictions. Normally (various) spectrum scans are made to analyse the spectrum occu-

pation. Possible interference scenarios can be identified and already excluded in ad-

vance, e.g. TV channels, LTE and existing installations of local wireless applications.

If an event production takes place indoor, e.g. in an event arena, the building absorption

can be determined. This can be done by, for example, comparing the receiver power level

of local TV stations inside and outside of the event location, using the same receiving

antenna on both sides. Another option would be to radiate a signal inside the event loca-

tion and measuring the power level inside and outside of the event location, both with the

use of antennas, whose technical data are known, e.g. dipole antennas. In addition to the

above-mentioned scans, additional spectrum scans might be performed within a distance

to the location. It can be seen, in what distance, signals which are generated inside the

location, are still available in the RF environment. Reversely, this means, that unwanted

signals within that same distance, will still be available in the RF environment of the event

production and therefore are another possible source of interference. This scenario

strongly depends on the surrounding of the event location: in urban areas with neighbour-

ing event location the risk of further interferences is higher than in rural areas.

Step 2: Planning and Preparation according to the conditions / requirements of the event

In a second step, the event has to be planned and prepared under consideration of the

special conditions / requirements of the event. The equipment has to be planed: What

kind of equipment is needed, e.g. wireless microphones, IEM, Antennas, Cables, Talk-

Back Systems, etc.? How many units of each equipment are needed? If it is necessary,

involved manufacturer parameters have to be considered. It has to be decided, if equip-

ment of just one manufacturer or a mix of manufacturer will be used.

Then, the detailed frequency coordination has to be made. Therefore, some questions

need to be solved in advance:

• How many devices are in use simultaneously?

• How much bandwidth do these devices need individually (specifications of the de-

vices)?

• What is the required frequency channel spacing, including guard bands between

the transmission frequencies of the individual systems?

• How many TV transmitters are in the air and how much protection distance is

needed?

In the end the total required bandwidth can be calculated for an IM free frequency coor-

dination. It has to be decided, which frequency bands will be used, e.g. the UHF TV spec-

trum and / or the 2.4 GHz WIFI frequency band. The exact frequency allocation for every

link has to be defined. It is important, that this arrangement is intermodulation (IM) free to

avoid possible interference scenarios. To do so, all IM products have to be calculated and

then it has to be decided, which IM products are harmful and should be considered in the

frequency planning, e.g. just IM3 or as well IM5. IM products outside of the used fre-

quency ranges can be neglected. As well, a frequency spacing has to be defined.

For example:

54

• Persons, who stand next to each other should not use wireless microphones,

which are adjusted on neighbouring transmission frequencies;

• Some people might not use just one but several wireless devices simultaneously.

They might wear a wireless microphone, an IEM and an instrument transmitter on

body. The transmission frequencies of these devices should be adjusted within a

guard band to each other.

Guard bands to TV stations and LTE channels and similar precautions have to be ar-

ranged. Usually it is good, to plan some spare frequencies for emergency cases, e.g. in

case of interference the transmission frequency of the interfered system can be changed

or unplanned / unauthorized equipment e.g. of reporters, who show up on short notice,

can still be coordinated. If the frequency coordination is very complex and the available

spectrum rare, additional rules might be defined to prevent additional interference sce-

narios. This could be, for example, a limitation of the number or technical parameters of

wireless equipment for production teams at the event or the prohibition of short-notice

frequency usage, e.g. a reporter who show up unannounced at the day of the event.

As soon as all the planning is done, a frequency coordination table is written and individ-

ual or on-side authorizations can be requested. As well, all required technical drawings

can be generated with the related information, e.g. of the antenna positions and produc-

tion locations in-side and / or out-side of the event location(s).

Step 3: Testing

After the planning and preparation, the next step is the testing-phase. Eventually special

equipment has to be produced. The planned setup has to be tested. Therefore, the setup

might be built up in a testing area. All devices, which go to the production, will be checked

individually to exclude probable equipment failure. As well pre-configuration and pre-pro-

gramming of the equipment can already be realized.

Step 4: Load-In and Setup

Before the start of the rehearsals and the event, the equipment is transported to the event

location and set-up according to the earlier planning, e.g. the drawings and coordination

tables.

Step 5: Soundchecks and Rehearsals

Before the rehearsals several soundchecks will be made. Usually they require more time

than the final event. Here final adjustments and configurations are made, e.g. every IEM

is adjusted individually to the person, who is using it. The same (hand-held) device might

be used by various persons, e.g. in a show with various artists, the wireless microphone

might be passed on from one artist to the next. Usually all adjustments for all devices like

wireless microphones and IEM, are documented, e.g. different adjustment parameters for

the different artists or different scenes.

Step 6: Spectrum Monitoring during the event

During the event the frequency monitoring and coordination is an ongoing working task.

Normally the spectrum is monitored by (a) related engineer(s) with (a) portable and / or

stationary RF spectrum analyser(s). Like this, interference can be identified and elimi-

nated immediately. Usually, during the ongoing ‘on-stage’ performance, there is not

enough time to identify all sources of interference. Because of this, it is very common to

55

change the transmitter and receiver frequency of the interfered audio link. As well unco-

ordinated frequency usage can by identified by comparing the coordination data with the

signals shown in the spectrum scan. Some software might have this function included.

Unauthorized users have to shut down their equipment. Eventually further provisions to

prevent interferences are taken. This could be an additional access control, like the

‘Test&Tag’-System, which is presented further in chapter ‘8.2.1 Licensing and Authoriza-

tion of Wireless Audio Production Tools’. In addition, the presence of the national fre-

quency regulation agency at the event can support the required frequency setup. Even-

tually a spontaneous frequency coordination for unannounced frequency usage (previ-

ously not coordinated frequency usage), e.g. by reporters who arrive on short-notice, has

to be made. As already explained in Step 2, the short-notice usage of frequencies might

be forbidden by the specific rules for the event. [57] [58] [59]

In the next section, it will be explained, what is the difference between a digital and an

analogue TV transmitter?

6. Digital Terrestrial Television - ISDB-Tb

In this subchapter I briefly would like to explain the differences between the usage of

spectrum by the analogue and the digital terrestrial television with the focus on Brazil and

how this changed spectrum usage affects the remaining frequencies for wireless audio

production tools (PMSE).

In general, an analogue TV transmitter can provide a single content channel in a 6 MHz

UHF TV channel. To improve the efficiency of the spectrum usage, TV stations around

the world are being switched to digital modulation, which requires a suitable TV standard.

For the digital terrestrial television, Brazil developed its own standard: ‘Integrated Ser-

vices Digital Broadcasting Terrestrial Brazil’ (ISDB-Tb). It is based on the Japanese trans-

mission standard ISDB-T, but it includes some modifications, e.g. the used compression

format.

Note: this standard was later adopted by several Latin-American countries.

Comparison to the previous analogue TV standard: with the implementation of the new

digital TV standard, it now is possible to transmit several content channels simultaneously

in one single 6 MHz UHF TV channel or to transmit one content channel in a higher qual-

ity, e.g. HD. In Brazil public broadcasters distribute up to four content channels per UHF

TV channel, while commercial broadcasters provide one content channel with a high qual-

ity per 6 MHz UHF TV channel. In addition, because of the modulation of the new digital

TV standard, the TV signal occupies the 6 MHz UHF TV channel completely and due to

error correction technologies, which are implemented in the ISDB-Tb TV standard, con-

tent channels can be transmitted in adjacent UHF TV channels. This was different using

the previous analogue terrestrial TV standard. [60] [61].

How does this changed UHF TV channel occupation impact the frequency usage of wire-

less audio production tools (PMSE)?

Before the digitalization process, a guard band between two adjacent analogue TV trans-

mission was required. These gaps between two adjacent TV channels are called ‘White

Spaces’ and could be used by wireless audio production tools (PMSE).

56

Now, with the digital terrestrial television, smaller guard bands between two adjacent TV

transmissions are required. It is possible to allocate two digital TV content channels in

neighbouring 6 MHz UHF TV channels. Because of this, there aren’t as much ‘White

Spaces’ for the operation of wireless audio production tools (PMSE) available anymore,

as there have been available before the digitalization of the terrestrial television.

Sometimes, the analogue television transmission did not occupy the entire 6 MHz UHF

TV channel. In this case, it was possible to allocate various wireless microphones in one

occupied 6 MHz UHF TV channel. This is not possible anymore with the digital ISDB-Tb

standard, because the digital transmission always fills the entire 6 MHz UHF TV channel.

This is as well illustrated in the following spectrum scans:

Analog TV channel with 9 mics Digital TV channel with 1 mic

Figure 48: Comparison between an Analogue and a Digital Television Channel [1]

In the left graphic, one can see the plot of a spectrum scan of an analogue UHF TV

channel and in the graphic on right the spectrum scan of a digital TV transmission. In

each graphic, the yellow line shows the signal of the television transmission. It can be

seen, that on the contrary to the analogue transmission (left), the digital TV transmission

occupies nearly the whole 6 MHz TV channel (right). The green vertical lines show the

coordinated frequencies for wireless microphones. In left edge of the digital TV channel

just one wireless microphone was coordinated, while the analogue TV channel had

enough space for nine wireless microphones. The scenario shown in the analogue UHF

TV channel is only possible if there aren’t any TV receivers in the close vicinity, otherwise

the analogue TV reception would be disturbed. [1]

The final part of the fundamentals will focus on the developments of the Digital Dividends.

7. The Digital Dividends

* The ‘freed-up’ UHF TV spectrum after the Switch-Off of analogue TV and the channel

re-packing is called the ‘Digital Dividend’ (DD) and could be made available for other

services.

With the evolution / digitizing of the terrestrial TV it became possible to increase the spec-

tral efficiency of TV transmitters by source compression. Therefore, worldwide different

digital standards, such as DVB-T and ISDB-T, have been developed.

The digital transmission of terrestrial television brings a lot of advantages over the rather

instable analogue transmission, e.g. video and audio quality, quantity of transmitted pro-

grams per TV channel, new opportunities such as interactive TV (requires a feedback

channel for communication).

In ITU-Region 2 the switch-over to digital terrestrial transmission started 1998 in the

United States of America (USA) [61]. This movement together with the growth of the in-

ternet usage and development of ‘International Mobile Telecommunication’ (IMT)

57

technologies brought some significant changes in the frequency allocation table and with

it, the so-called ‘Digital Dividend’ (DD). But what exactly is the DD?

Before 2007 in the ITU-Region 2, the UHF TV spectrum from 470 MHz to 806 MHz was

allocated on a primary basis to the broadcasting service. Fixed and Mobile Services had

a secondary status in this frequency range. An exception is the UHF TV channel from

608 to 614 MHz, where Radio Astronomy was and still is allocated individually on a pri-

mary basis. In comparison to Europe, here the 800 MHz frequency band from 806 to 890

MHz was already than allocated to fixed, mobile and broadcasting services on a primary

basis and according to Resolution (Res.) 224 of the Final Acts of the WRC 2000 ‘exten-

sively used in the three Regions by first- and second-generation mobile systems’ [62,

Page 472]. That year a footnote, S5.317A, had been added to the frequency allocation

plan. This footnote suggests, that interested administrations implement the International

Mobile Telecommunications-2000 (IMT-2000) in the frequency range from 806 to

890 MHz, because this particular band is already allocated to Mobile Services on a pri-

mary basis [62, Page 16]. This is as well resolved in the earlier mentioned Res. 224

(WRC-2000). This resolution recognises, that an allowance of the usage of IMT-2000

systems in frequency bands, which they are currently using, might facilitate the evolution

of the IMT technology32 and that in countries, which have wide areas with a low population

density, it is suitable to implement ‘cost-efficient’ IMT technologies in frequency bands

below 1 GHz because of the good propagation characteristics. Also ‘the particular needs

of developing countries must be met’ [62, Page 473]. Anyways, the implementation of the

IMT technology remains a national decision. Hence, Res. 224 (WRC-2000) invites the

ITU-R for compatibility studies ‘between mobile systems with different technical charac-

teristics’ [62, Page 473].

As already explained further in chapter ‘6 Digital Terrestrial Television - ISDB-Tb’, after

the finalized transition to digital television, the broadcasting service require fewer spec-

trum for the transmission of their programs (in the same quality). This ‘freed-up’ UHF TV

spectrum after the Switch-Off of analogue TV and the channel re-packing is called the

‘Digital Dividend’ (DD) and could be made available for other services. It was argued, that

the implementation of the IMT technology in the 700 MHz frequency band could improve

the economic situation in Latin-America by providing a wide-area broadband coverage

and reduce cross border interference [6]. This was discussed further on WRC-07. In the

World Radio Conference in the year 2007 (WRC-07) the UHF TV spectrum of ITU-Re-

gion 2 was divided into two parts: The 700 MHz frequency band from 698 to 806 MHz is

now allocated on a co-primary basis to Mobile Services There was one exception to this

new allocation: A new footnote was added: 5.313 B. This footnote excluded Brazil from

the new frequency allocation [65, Page 24 The existing footnote 5.317A, which so far

referred to the 800 MHz frequency band, was extended to the 700 MHz band for ITU-

Region 2 [65, Page 25]. I assume, this change was made to integrate a new service into

the UHF TV spectrum, which in this case serves the implementation of the IMT technol-

ogy. The new Resolution 749 (WRC-07) confirms my assumptions: ‘the switch-over to

digital may result in spectrum opportunities for new applications’ [65, Page 479]. It con-

siders the advantage of providing solutions for a large coverage of Mobile Services in the

32 ‘recognizing that the evolution of first- and second-generation cellular-based mobile systems to IMT-2000 can be facilitated if they are permitted to use their current frequency bands‘ [62, Page 472].

58

band from 470 to 806/862 MHz because of its good propagation characteristics33. It as

well considers, that an operation of broadcasting transmitters and IMT base stations in

the same location might cause incompatibility problems34. Additionally, in all three ITU

regions there are ‘applications ancillary to broadcasting’35 sharing the UHF TV spectrum

from 470 to 862 MHz with the Broadcast Service and ‘are expected to continue their op-

erations in this band’ [65, Page 478]. Therefore, Res. 749 (WRC-07) sees the necessity

to protect broadcasting services and other systems, which are currently operated in this

band36. Furthermore, the resolution recognizes, that during the transition period an even

higher amount of spectrum is needed because of the simultaneous transmission of ana-

logue and digital television. This transition process of switching from analogue to digital

terrestrial television transmission is called ‘Digital Switch-Over’ and might be handled dif-

ferently in various countries. Thereof occur different ways and timings for the transition

from analogue to digital terrestrial television. This includes the act of turning-off analogue

terrestrial television transmissions, which is called ‘Analogue Switch-Off’.

Finally, Res. 749 (WRC-07) invites for spectrum sharing studies between different ser-

vices. [65, Page 478]

Note: in WRC-07 also the 800 MHz frequency band was allocated on a co-primary basis

for Mobile Services in ITU-Region 1.

At first, after the WRC-07 just a few Latin-American countries announced the release of

the 700 MHz frequency band for Mobile Services. At that time (2010), in Latin-America

the upper UHF TV spectrum seemed to be lightly used in comparison to the lower UHF TV

spectrum and the VHF TV spectrum. [63] Case studies for various countries showed, that

it should not be a problem to locate all digital television channels in the UHF TV spectrum

below 698 MHz. Also, the ‘Digital Switch-Over’ in Latin-America proceeds slowly in com-

parison to USA and Europe, where it already mainly is finalized37. Some Latin-American

countries decided for a geographical realization of the ‘Digital Switch-Over’. [63] I suspect

that the larger size of Latin-American countries is the reason for the delay of the ‘Digital

Switch-Over’ in comparison to European countries. [63]

In the following WRCs, WRC-12 and WRC-15, the frequency allocations for ITU-Region 2

did not change, but there were some changes in the footnotes. In 2012 footnote 5.317A

was updated. The main change was the update of Res. 749 (WRC-12), which now, in

comparison to before, just applies to ITU-Region 1 [64, Pages 23 and 354] In 2015 the

footnotes 5.308 and 5.308A were added, the footnote 5.313B deleted and again the foot-

note 5.317A was modified. Footnote 5.308 (WRC-15) allocated the frequency band from

614 to 698 MHz on a primary basis to the Mobile Service in two countries (Belize and

33 ‘considering a) that the favourable propagation characteristics of the band 470-806/862 MHz are bene-ficial to provide cost-effective solutions for coverage, including large areas of low population density‘ [65, Page 478]. 34 ‘that the operation of broadcasting stations and base stations in the same geographical area may cre-ate incompatibility issues‘ [65, Page 478]. 35 Term according to the Final Acts of the WRC 2007. On the WRC 2015, the term was changed to ‘appli-cations ancillary to broadcasting / applications ancillary to programme making‘. See also paragraph below and chapter ‘2.1.1 SAB/SAP‘. 36 ‘that it is necessary to adequately protect, inter alia, terrestrial television broadcasting and other sys-tems in this band‘ [65, Page 478]. 37 The Report on ‘Digital TV Spectrum Requirements‘ [63], notes, that in Europe about five years and ten to 20 years in Latin-America are required for the ‘Digital Switch-Over’ [63, Page 7].

59

Colombia) and footnote 5.308A (WRC-15) identifies the frequency band from 614 to

698 MHz for the IMT technology in the countries Bahamas, Barbados, Belize, Canada,

Colombia, USA and Mexico [66, Page 17]. Before 2015 footnote 5.313B excluded Brazil

from the primary allocation to the Mobile Services in the frequency band from 698 to

806 MHz. In 2015, with the deletion of the corresponding note, this allocation is now also

valid in Brazil. The modification of the footnote 5.317A [66, Page 19] mainly includes the

update of Res. 224 (WRC-15) and Res. 749 (WRC-15) and addition of Resolution 760

(WRC-15). In my observation, in 2015 the update of Res. 224 adds all frequency bands,

which since 2007 were identified for IMT during the Digital Dividends in the different ITU

Regions, to the different items of the resolution. I assume that these changes result from

the outcome of WRC-07, where the process of opening frequency bands for the Land

Mobile Service started (see paragraph above about the WRC-07). [65]

Another important change at the WRC-15 was the extension of the expression ‘service,

intended for applications ancillary to broadcasting’ (SAB: Service Ancillary to Broadcast-

ing) to ‘service, intended for applications ancillary to broadcasting and programme-mak-

ing’ (SAB/SAP: Service Ancillary to Broadcasting / Service Ancillary to Programme Mak-

ing). This way the terminology also includes the requirements of the event productions

outside the broadcasting.

In comparison to the developments in ITU-Region 2, in next section I would like to de-

scribe briefly the process of the Digital Dividend in ITU-Region 1. Before both Digital Div-

idends, the 800 MHz band from 790 to 862 MHz and the 700 MHz band from 694 to

790 MHz were allocated on primary basis to the broadcasting services. These allocations

had been changed during the Digital Dividends 1 and 2. First, two Regional Radio Con-

ferences, RRC-04 and RRC-06, took place with the objective to replan the frequency

ranges, which were currently allocated to the digital terrestrial television. The output of

the RRC-06 was the so-called ‘GE06’ agreement, which specifies details on the transition

from the analogue to the digital terrestrial television transmission standard DVB-T, which

is / was commonly used in Europe. After the transition to digital television, part of the UHF

TV spectrum was not needed anymore for terrestrial broadcasting. This ‘freed-up’ spec-

trum is referred to as the Digital Dividend (DD). As a consequence of the DD and after

certain coexistence studies between different services, on the WRC-07 the co-primary

allocation to Mobile Services in the 800 MHz frequency band in ITU-Region 1 was real-

ized. Afterwards, the 800 MHz frequency band was auctioned to mobile phone compa-

nies in European countries. This process now is called the first Digital Dividend (DD1). In

Africa, which belongs as well to ITU-Region 1, the 800 MHz frequency band was partly

allocated to another services/applications [67]. Therefore, at the WRC-12 studies of a co-

primary allocation for the Mobile Services in the 700 MHz frequency band were re-

quested. Because of its good propagation characteristics this frequency band is well

suited for a broadband coverage, especially in wide areas with a low population density.

This Topic was discussed on the WRC-12 and after corresponding compatibility studies

confirmed on the WRC-15. This process is called the second Digital Dividend (DD2).

Another key element for the DD2 has been the improvement of the digital TV standard

DVB-T to DVB-T2. Due to the higher source coding of DVB-T2, it was expected, that with

DVB-T2 even more spectrum could be made available for other services (DD2). European

countries are now implementing this new digital TV standard. This process is called the

second Digital Dividend (DD2).

60

After these two significant changes, wireless audio production tools (PMSE) can just be

used in the lower UHF TV spectrum from 470 to 694 MHz (before: 470 to 862 MHz), but

in Europe the LTE duplex gap in the 800 MHz frequency bands was harmonised for wire-

less audio production tools (PMSE) (harmonization of 700 MHz LTE duplex gap might

follow). Further information on the DD in ITU-Region 1 can be found in the document

‘Auswirkungen der Digitalen Dividende 1 und 2 auf die Frequenznutzung drahtloser Über-

tragungstechnik in verschiedenen Ländern der europäischen Gemeinschaft.’ [68]. In An-

nex ‘A.3 Final Acts – Changes 2000 until 2015’ tables with all mentioned changes of

frequency allocations and the footnote 5.317A are provided. Further information can be

found in the corresponding Final Acts.

Part B: Impact of the Digital Dividends on the Use of Frequencies

by Wireless Audio Production Tools in Latin-America

In the second part of my thesis I would like to analyse on the impact of the Digital Divi-

dends on the use of frequencies by wireless audio production tools (PMSE) in Latin-

America. Therefore, I will consider the situation in three different countries of Latin-Amer-

ica. Anyways, the focus will be on the developments in Brazil.

8. Brazil

First, the development and implementation of the Digital Dividend (DD) in Brazil is con-

sidered.

8.1. The Digital Dividend in Brazil

8.1.1. Background of the DD in Brazil

The terrestrial TV distribution plays in important role in the Brazilian lifestyle. TV is an

important part of the daily life in Brazil. During my stay in Brazil, I have observed, that

already in the morning the favourite channel on the TV is turned on.

In 2010, in a report for the GSMA, it is noted, that seven television networks were oper-

ated in Brazil, such as ‘Rede Globo’ [63]. Globo TV updates this information and reports

about 145 terrestrial TV networks and a total of 2748 TV channels in 2010 and 936 ter-

restrial TV networks and a total of 9073 TV channels in 2018. [69]

8.1.2. The ‘Digital Switch-Over’ in Brazil

Before the ‘Digital Switch-Over’ the majority of the analogue programs was transmitted in

the VHF TV frequency spectrum from 174 to 230 MHz. The UHF TV spectrum above

746 MHz was exclusively used for TV repeater stations and frequencies above 806 MHz

were already by that time allocated to the Mobile Service. In 2006 the Brazilian govern-

ment decided to use the ISDB-Tb standard for the transmission of digital terrestrial broad-

casting38 [70].

38 See also http://www.scielo.br/scielo.php?pid=S1809-58442015000200119&script=sci_arttext&tlng=en.

http://www.scielo.br/scielo.php?pid=S1809-58442015000200119&script=sci_arttext&tlng=en

61

It was decided for a variation of the Japanese ISDB-T standard because it ‘was consid-

ered to be the most robust system for reception by small indoor antennas’ [63, Page 10]

it ‘includes MPEG-4 compression to provide greater capacity per multiplex and specific

middleware to meet the needs of Brazil’ [63, Page 10].

Note: further information on ISDB-Tb can be found in chapter ‘6 Digital Terrestrial Televi-

sion - ISDB-Tb’.

Because of the high spectrum usage density of the VHF TV spectrum by the analogue

terrestrial television stations, it was decided to install all new digital TV transmitters in the

UHF TV spectrum. At first all programs are distributed analogue as well as digital and just

after a defined period of time the analogue TV stations will finally be turned off. This pro-

cess is called the ‘Digital Switch-Over’ Further, the ‘Digital Switch-Over’ is taking place

geographically region by region. [63]

Globo TV reported in September 2018, that after the finalization of the ‘Digital Switch-

Over’, just the VHF TV channels 7 to 13 can be further used for the transmission of digital

terrestrial TV. In 2018, 100 digital TV program channels are operated in these VHF TV

channels. The VHF TV channels 1 to 6 are allocated to another service. [69]

In 2007 Brazil's first terrestrial digital TV transmission started in São Paulo. During the

following years, further cities followed this evolution. At the beginning it was planned to

finalize this process until the end of 2016, but this process has been changed several

times (first November 2018, now it is the end of 2023). [63]

The Anatel is noting in source [71], that according to the current Switch-Off schedule of

the analogue television: ‘Up to the end of 2018, Brazil will switch off the analog TV in all

the state capitals and metropolitan areas, and in all other areas where the analog Switch-

Off is required to clear the 700 MHz band’ [71, Page 10]. Outside the metropolitan areas,

the Switch-Off of analogue TV has to be finalized by the end of 2023.

How is the ‘Digital Switch-Over’ in the UHF TV spectrum realized in Brazil?

8.1.3. Realization of the Digital Dividend in Brazil

The special advantage, of an improved efficiency of the spectrum usage and optimized

content distribution by the broadcast, is the clearance of spectrum for Land Mobile Ser-

vice: the same number of TV content channels, that were available in times of analogue

television, can now be transmitted in less RF spectrum with the same quality.

In general, a smaller number of TV transmitters is required, and parts of the UHF TV

spectrum could be allocated for other services - the Digital Dividend (DD). [71] Therefore,

in 2013 the Brazilian government decided to release the 700 MHz frequency band (698

to 806 MHz, UHF TV channel 52 to 69) to the Land Mobile Service. TV stations, which

are operated in this frequency range, have to move to the UHF TV spectrum below 698

MHz.

The Anatel assumes, that altogether about 1000 planned and operating TV channels

need to be refarmed. The graphic below shows the number of analogue (red) and digital

(blue) TV programs transmitted per UHF TV channel in 2015. It also can be seen, that in

2015 the majority of the analogue TV channels were located in the VHF TV spectrum

(channel 2 to 12). In this part of the spectrum, there haven’t been a single digital

62

transmission. The digital programmes were distributed in the UHF TV spectrum (channel

14 and above). In the graphic, the 700 MHz frequency band is marked with a blue block.

In comparison to the UHF TV spectrum below, the 700 MHz frequency band seems to be

rarely in use, the spectrum density is comparably low.

Figure 49: Channel Repacking of Analogue (Red) and Digital (Blue) TV Channels [72]

In September 2014 the government auctioned the aforementioned frequency band to mo-

bile phone companies, who are now starting to operate the LTE technology in the

700 MHz frequency band. The four winners of the auction as well have to cover the costs

for the auction.

The Anatel reports an income of the auction amounts round about 10 billion Brazilian

Reais (that is about 3,2 billion American Dollars) [72, Page 10]. 36 % of it will be used to:

• reimburse broadcasters (compensation for broadcasters), who transmit their pro-

grams in the 700 MHz frequency band

• provide the necessary equipment for television viewers with a low income

• set up a communication campaign about the ‘Analogue Switch-Off’

• and to diminish interference between IMT and broadcasting services. [72]

63

The following graphic shows the new usage of the 700 MHz frequency band:

Figure 50: Allocation of 700 MHz Frequency Band in Brazil [73]

It can be seen in the figure above, that most part of the 700 MHz frequency band is as-

signed to mobile phone companies, who are now operating the LTE technology in this

band. The Uplink is operated from 703 MHz to 748 MHz and the Downlink from 758 MHz

to 803 MHz. Marked in green are I have marked:

• the lower Guard-Band

guard band to protect the Broadcast Service in the adjacent lower frequency

band

from 698 to 703 MHz

• the Upper-Guard Band

the guard band to protect the Mobile Service in the adjacent upper frequency

band

from 803 to 806 MHz

• the ‘LTE Duplex Gap’

The so-called ‘LTE Duplex Gap’ to separate the LTE Up- and Downlink

from 748 MHz to 758 MHz.

In addition to broadcast and Land Mobile Service, there are also the wireless production

tools (PMSE) using the UHF TV spectrum on a secondary basis

8.2. Impact of the DD on the Use of Wireless Audio Production Tools

After my consideration of some background information on the Digital Dividend and its

realization in Brazil, I now would like to determine, how these changes affect the use of

frequencies by wireless audio production tools (PMSE). These users access the UHF TV

spectrum on a secondary basis in the ‘White Spaces’ and are also affected by the Digital

Dividend (DD).

Before the DD, the majority of all wireless microphones were operated within the 700 MHz

frequency band [74]. I assume, this was mainly because of the lower density of broad-

casters in the 700 MHz frequency band. [40]

Several references note, that after the full implementation of the Mobile Service, it will not

be possible anymore to operate wireless microphones in the 700 MHz band, due to the

interference scenario with the LTE technology [1] [74]. Already in December 2017 it was

64

reported, that in some regions of Brazil wireless microphones with a tuning range inside

the 700 MHz frequency band were not working anymore [75]. Further, it will be illegal to

operate wireless microphones in this band [1].

Anyways, if companies still have equipment for the 700 MHz frequency band in stock,

they can use it as long as this frequency band still is locally available. Once LTE has been

switched on in this region, further usage by wireless audio production tools (PMSE) is no

longer possible: ‘As empresas que têm estoque acima de 700 MHz podem trabalhar seus

produtos até que as bandas sejam ocupadas totalmente pela telefonia 4G’ (Translation:

‘The companies, who have in stock equipment above 700 MHz can work these products

until the bands are fully occupied by the 4G telephony’) [75].

According to Resolution 62539 there are still some free frequency blocs inside the

700 MHz frequency band, which still can be used by wireless microphones in some parts

of the country:

• 703 to 708 MHz;

• 708 to 718 MHz;

• 758 to 763 MHz;

• 763 to 773 MHz.

These frequency blocks will be available mainly until the 31st of December 2018. [74] [75]

I wonder:

• Would a long-term operation of wireless audio production tools (PMSE) be possi-

ble in the LTE duplex gap from 748 to 758 MHz (see Figure 50), similar to the

800 MHz band in Europe?

• Which other frequencies can be used by wireless audio production tools (PMSE)

in Brazil, in addition to the ending access to the 700 MHz band?

Frequency ranges, which are allocated for wireless audio production tools (PMSE) are

listed in the Table 13. Anyways, these already have been available for wireless audio

production tools (PMSE) before the DD. As far as I am concerned, no additional frequency

bands were opened as a compensation for the loss of the 700 MHz frequency band.

Name Frequency Band Comments

From [MHz] To [MHz]

VHF Low 54 88 Without 72 to 76 MHz

VHF High 174 216

UHF 470 698 / 806 806 MHz until the Analogue

Switch-Off in the region; 698

MHz after the analogue

Switch-Off in that region

ISM 902 907.5

ISM 915 927.75

DECT 1910 1920

WIFI 2400 2495

39 http://www.anatel.gov.br/legislacao/resolucoes/2013/644-resolucao-625

http://www.anatel.gov.br/legislacao/resolucoes/2013/644-resolucao-625

65

5 GHz 5150 5350

5470 5725

5.8 GHz 5725 5850

Table 13: Frequency Ranges for Wireless Microphones in Brazil [76]

How can users of wireless audio production tools (PMSE) inform themselves about the

Digital Dividend and the related ongoing changes in the spectrum usage?

Manufacturers and other organisations, who are aware of the changes in the UHF TV

spectrum and its consequences for wireless audio production tools (PMSE) inform on

various platforms, e.g. on their websites, interviews, (YouTube) Videos and much more:

• Information on the Digital Terrestrial TV Transmission and Wireless Microphones:

https://pt-br.sennheiser.com/service-support-digital-video-broadcast-terrestrial-

and-wireless-microphones-interaction

• Interview on the future usage of wireless audio production tools (PMSE):

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=2QSGYpbM4Uo

• Updates by professional microphone users on systems operated in the 700 MHz

band:

https://www.enginear.com.br/single-post/2018/02/21/ANAFIMA-e-ANATEL-

%E2%80%9Clavam-as-m%C3%A3os%E2%80%9D-acerca-dos-sistemas-700-

MHz

• Meeting of professionals with the Anatel:

http://www.anafima.com.br/site/microfones-sem-fio-fabricantes-nacionais-e-es-

trangeiros-se-reunem-com-superintendencia-da-anatel-em-brasilia/

Further, representatives of local microphone manufacturer agencies together with the

‘Associação Nacional da Indústria Música’ (Anafima) (Translation: ‘National Association

of the Music Industry’) were attending a meeting with the head of the Anatel, Vitor Elísio.

Here open questions of the standardization and regulation regarding frequency alloca-

tions for wireless microphones were discussed. In this meeting, Anatel noted, that the

standardization of wireless microphones should be approximated to European standards

(e.g. EN 300 422) and standards of the USA (e.g. the Code of Federal Regulations, Ti-

tle 47, Part 15.23640): ‘A Anafima também pleiteou que a padronização dos testes para

a obtenção dos selos da Anatel seja equivalente à utilizada na Europa ou nos Estados

Unidos’ (Translation: ‘The Anafima also brought up, that the standardization of the tests

to obtain the Anatel’s certificate is equivalent to the ones used in Europe or in the United

States.’) [75] [77]

Note: during the work on this thesis, I could not find information on standardization or

harmonised frequency bands for wireless microphones within whole Latin-America nor

am I aware of a regional regulation agency within Latin-America, comparable to, for ex-

ample, the CEPT.

Not just the users, but as well manufacturers of wireless audio production tools (PMSE)

have to react to the changing spectrum access.

In an interview, a representative of the company Shure is noting, that some manufactur-

ers already stopped producing and selling devices for the 700 MHz frequency band in

40 See https://www.law.cornell.edu/cfr/text/47/15.236

https://pt-br.sennheiser.com/service-support-digital-video-broadcast-terrestrial-and-wireless-microphones-interaction

https://pt-br.sennheiser.com/service-support-digital-video-broadcast-terrestrial-and-wireless-microphones-interaction


https://www.enginear.com.br/single-post/2018/02/21/ANAFIMA-e-ANATEL-%E2%80%9Clavam-as-m%C3%A3os%E2%80%9D-acerca-dos-sistemas-700-MHz



http://www.anafima.com.br/site/microfones-sem-fio-fabricantes-nacionais-e-estrangeiros-se-reunem-com-superintendencia-da-anatel-em-brasilia/


https://www.law.cornell.edu/cfr/text/47/15.236

66

2010. Even though, some stores still sell equipment for this frequency range. [1] This is

legally possible before the homologation certificate of the sold device is expired. Further

information on the homologation procedure, and why the Anatel was still issuing certifi-

cates for wireless microphones in the 700 MHz frequency band are provided in the fol-

lowing chapters ‘8.2.1 Licensing and Authorization of Wireless Audio Production Tools’.

In general, manufacturers recommend, to invest in wireless audio production tools

(PMSE) with a tuning range outside of the 700 MHz frequency band, to prevent problems

in the production, e.g. due to the interference scenario between wireless audio production

tools (PMSE) and LTE. It is not possible to send in affected devices to the manufacturers

to adjust the tuning range of the device. In praxis this might be possible, but this procedure

often is too expensive. [1]

Additionally, it is not possible, to give back affected devices, because stores in Brazil don’t

have to exchange or take back production tools, which are affected by the DD: ‘O lojista

está isento de qualquer responsabilidade caso o equipamento não funcione devido a

interferências, ou seja: O risco é de quem compra o sistema’ (Translation: ‘The store is

free of any responsibility in case, the equipment is not working due to interference, or, in

other words: The risk is on the side of the buyer of a system’) [78] The responsibility for

the purchase is completely on the side of the customer, who has to inform himself before

buying. [78]

Comparison to Europe: while in several European countries a financial compensation for

affected users of wireless audio production tools (PMSE) were issued, I am not aware of

comparable compensations in Brazil.

To examine the consequences of the DD for users of wireless audio production tools

(PMSE), further, in the following section I would like to present the corresponding regula-

tions and their changes. After, I would like to focus on the results of a survey and a spec-

trum scan, which I have been conducting during the period of my internship in Brazil.

Further events will be further presented in the following sub-chapters.

8.2.1. Licensing and Authorization of Wireless Audio Production Tools

The licensing and authorization for the use of wireless audio production tools (PMSE) is

regulated by the Brazilian Telecommunications Agency ‘Anatel’ in the form of resolutions,

as already explained in chapter ‘5.2 National Regulation – Anatel in Brazil’. Wireless au-

dio production tools (PMSE) are further specified as part of ‘Radio Restricted Equipment’.

To be able to sell and use this kind of equipment in Brazil, radio restricted transmitters

need to have the so-called ‘certificação homologada’ (Translation: ‘homologation certifi-

cate’). First, for the certification, the equipment must be sent to a specified laboratory, for

example ‘eldorado’41 in São Paulo. There it has to pass various tests. Not always the

equipment passes the tests passed straight away. Eventually some modifications have

to be made at the devices. After the equipment passed the test, a certificate will be issued.

This certificate must then be sent to the Anatel for the second part of the procedure: the

homologation. The Anatel is authorized to check and approve the certificate and add the

equipment and organisation to their database. A little badge which includes the person-

alized number of the certificate has to be placed onto each device. The homologation

41 http://www.eldorado.org.br/laboratorios/certificacao/equipamentos-radiacao-restrita/

http://www.eldorado.org.br/laboratorios/certificacao/equipamentos-radiacao-restrita/

67

certificate has a validity of two years. After two years the procedure has to be redone. All

homologated radio restricted equipment can be used without an authorization on a sec-

ondary basis in all legal frequency bands in Brazil. Please note, that the homologation

certificate is personalized. That means, everyone, who imports equipment into Brazil for

selling or using needs an own certificate. For example, one manufacturer imports their

own equipment to Brazil. In order to sell it, they need to go through the homologation

procedure for every model of their equipment. If it is approved, they will gain the certifi-

cate. The manufacturer will place the little badge on each of their imported devices. Now

the manufacturer can use and sell the equipment legally in Brazil. In the opposite direc-

tion, another company imports the same equipment of the same manufacturer into Brazil.

The manufacturers certificate is not valid for the company’s equipment. The company has

to get its own certificate.

Often it happens, that foreign productions bring their own equipment, which will be used

in Brazil for a short period of time (usually a couple of days). For this case exists a tem-

porary authorization. This must be requested a defined period of time in advance of the

event at the Anatel. A late request causes extra fees. The exact date, time, location, fre-

quencies and similar information have to be listed. A tax per used frequency has to be

paid. Radio restricted equipment with an authorization by the Anatel does not need the

homologation certificate. As well it has a protection against interferences produced by

other devices, which are operated on a secondary basis. That means, when a device is

used on the same frequency as an authorized device, or an interference is caused in an

authorized frequency, the disturber has to turn off the corresponding device, if he as well

is operating his equipment on a secondary basis. In reality it often is difficult to identify

who is causing the disturbance. For that reason, some users of wireless production tools

might prefer to change the frequency, even though they have an authorization42. [79]

Another option in cases of interference at authorized frequencies would be to inform the

Anatel, who then is obligated to identify the disturber and turn off the interfering device(s).

Anyways, for the reason of the primary character a lot of professional users of audio pro-

duction tools prefer to request a temporary license for the use of their equipment in

events, also if their equipment is homologated.

Additionally, at some events there are organisational provisions to secure the spectrum

coordination. A common procedure is called ‘Test and Tagging’ (T&T): Everyone, who

will use wireless devices, such as wireless microphones, in an event has to enter the

event via a defined entrance and present their equipment at the T&T checkpoint. There

the user must show his equipment and his authorization. If he does not have an authori-

zation, he cannot enter the event with his radio equipment. If an authorization exists, the

equipment will be tested. If the equipment and its settings, e.g. the adjusted frequency,

concords with the authorization, the equipment will be ‘tagged’ – that means, a label will

be positioned at a visible place at the transmitting device. The tag can be seen from a

distance. Different types of tags, e.g. different colours, might have different meanings.

There are as well labels for devices, which did not pass the test and therefore cannot be

operated in the event. Like this an illegal usage (usage without authorization or usage of

devices, which failed the testing procedure) of wireless equipment at the event can be

42 'As a practical matter, convincing someone else to change their frequency or forcing them to repair de-fective transmitters is not often feasible, so changing the frequency of the wireless system may be the only realistic option’ [79].

68

easily identified. Persons, who are operating unallowed equipment, will addressed to stop

the operation. This procedure was, for example, realized at the Soccer World Cup 2014.

[80] [81]

The corresponding resolution(s) had been changed as a consequence of the DD. In the

following subchapters I want to give a more detailed overview over the important resolu-

tions and their changes.

8.2.1.1. Before the DD – Res. 506

The Resolution (Res.) 506 was valid until June 2017. Until that time Res. 506 defined the

regulations for radio restricted equipment. This kind of equipment could be used without

an operational license and as well without an authorization – the use was license free.

According to the definition in Res. 506, radio restricted equipment includes all devices,

which are relevant in this research, such as wireless microphones, In-Ear Monitors (IEM)

and Audio-Links. Further, radio restricted equipment is defined as a service on secondary

basis. That means, there exists no protection against interference from the primary ser-

vice and as well it cannot produce any interference in a primary service. If a device oper-

ated on a secondary basis causes interference in a primary service, the device has to be

turned off immediately. In addition, the resolution declares, that all radio restricted devices

have to be certified by the Anatel. To get the homologation certificate, the device must

fulfil all the current norms according. A label has to be attached to the device itself, or to

the inside of its manual. This did not change with the new Res. 680. Last, Res. 506 spec-

ifies frequency bands and technical parameters for radio restricted equipment. In this part

I will mainly focus on the specifications for the UHF TV spectrum, because this part of the

spectrum is affected by the DD and therefore objective of this thesis. In the UHF TV fre-

quency spectrum, just the usage of the TV channel 37, 608 to 614 MHz, was – and still

is - not permitted. This channel is allocated to the radio astronomy.

For wireless audio applications operated in the UHF TV spectrum a general emission limit

of 200 microvolt per meter field intensity at a measurement distance of three meters is

set. Further information can be found in [82].

In the UHF TV spectrum, less the radio astronomy channel, and as well the VHF TV

spectrum, there are some special technical requirements for the practical use of wireless

microphones, which are summarized below: the channel bandwidth cannot be greater

than 200 kHz. Those 200 kHz have to be completely inside the aforementioned frequency

band. The transmitters frequency stability has to be 0.005 % / 5 ppm. The maximum out-

put power of an unmodulated carrier is limited to 250 mW. [82]

8.2.1.2. After the DD - Res. 680

Resolution (Res.) 680 replaces Res. 506, that means Res. 506 is not valid anymore43. It

defines new technical characteristics and conditions for the use of radio restricted equip-

ment. In this part, I will just determine the for this work important changes to Res. 506.

The earlier Res. 506 allowed radio restricted equipment the licence free usage of the UHF

43 ‘Art. 2° Revogar a Resolução n° 506, de 1° de julho de 2008, publicada no Díario Oficial da União de 7 de Julho de 2008.’ (Translation: ‘Art. 2° Revoke of the Resolution n° 506, of the 1st of July 2008, pub-lished in the Official Journal of the meeting on the 7th of July 2008.’) [82].

69

TV spectrum from 470 up to 806 MHz. This included the 700 MHz frequency band from

698 to 806 MHz. This frequency band is now, after the DD, allocated to the Mobile Ser-

vices. Because of that, a usage of the 700 MHz frequency band by radio restricted equip-

ment, which includes wireless microphones and IEM, is forbidden. These changes are

defined in the new Res. 680. Anyways, Res. 680 declares as well, that stores, which still

have radio restricted equipment for the 700 MHz frequency band in stock, can still sell it,

if the homologation certificate is still valid. No new certificates will be issued for radio

restricted transmitters (including wireless microphones and IEM) in the 700 MHz fre-

quency band. [83] A special form of a use case is the temporary licenses, which is further

explained in the chapter below.

8.2.1.3. Temporary licenses – Res. 635

Another important regulation is Resolution (Res.) 635. This resolution regulates the tem-

porary authorization for the use of radio frequencies in different kind of events. This in-

cludes as well the temporary use of radio frequencies by foreign authorities. These tem-

porary licences are issued on a secondary basis. If an interference on a primary service

is caused by a device with a temporary license, the device has to be turned off. The holder

of the temporary license has no right for postponement of the validation period of the

temporary authorization or a reimbursement of any fees. As already mentioned in the

introduction to this chapter ‘8.2.1 Licensing and Authorization of Wireless Audio Produc-

tion Tools’, the holders of a temporary licence have a protection against interferences of

other devices, which are operated on a secondary basis. To apply for a temporary au-

thorization, a self-registration including a request with all necessary information have to

be made via the interactive online system of the Anatel44. The registration and request

have to be sent latest 15 days before the start of the operation of the radio equipment.

Requests for major events (so far now detailed specification on-hand) need to include

some additional information in the online application form, e.g. the region of the event.

The deadline for a request for a major event is 60 days before the start of the operation

of the radio equipment. The requested period for the frequency usage has to include the

whole period of the event as well as additional periods, where the requested frequencies

will be in use, e.g. for tests and / or rehearsals. The maximum length of the requested

period is limited to 60 days nonstop. This is not true for diplomatic missions and major

events. Furthermore, a temporary authorisation for the use of radio frequencies is not fee

exempted. There are various fees, depending on the special characteristics of the event.

The authorization, after the payment of all fees, or the rejection, e.g. because of non-

payment of the fees, are issued via the Anatel online system. Authorized equipment does

not need the homologation certificate. In the end, there are certain penalties, e.g. for non-

observance of the duties and obligations resulting from the temporary authorization or the

unauthorized use of radio frequencies. In this case the operation will be stopped by the

Anatel. [84]

Note: for the usage of radio frequencies on the terms of international agreements, which

were signed by Brazil, a temporary authorization is not needed.

44 For further information see: http://www.anatel.gov.br/setorregulado/index.php/uso-temporario-do-espectro

http://www.anatel.gov.br/setorregulado/index.php/uso-temporario-do-espectro

http://www.anatel.gov.br/setorregulado/index.php/uso-temporario-do-espectro

70

8.2.2. Changes in the National Frequency Allocation Plan

Although for ITU-Region 2 the 700 MHz frequency band already had been opened for

Mobile Services in 2007, in Brazil this change just happened in the year 2015. At the

WRC-15 footnote 5.313B was erased (further information see chapter ‘7 The Digital Div-

idends’).

The changes in the national frequency allocation plan of Brazil for the UHF TV spectrum

are shown in yellow in the following table:

2012 2015 2017

470 – 608 MHz

BROADCASTING

470 – 608 MHz

BROADCASTING

470 – 608 MHz

BROADCASTING

5.292 5.293 5.297

608 - 614 MHz

RADIO ASTRONOMY

608 – 614 MHz

RADIO ASTRONOMY

608 – 614 MHz

RADIO ASTRONOMY

614 - 806 MHz

FIXED

BROADCASTING

614 – 698 MHz

FIXED

BROADCASTING

614 – 698 MHz

BROADCASTING

FIXED

5.293 5.308 5.308A 5.311A

698 – 806 MHz

FIXED

MOBILE

BROADCASTING

698 – 806 MHz

BROADCASTING

FIXED

MOBILE

5.317A 5.293 5.311A

806 – 890 MHz

FIXO

MOBILE 5.317A

806 – 890 MHz

FIXO

MOBILE 5.317A

806 – 890 MHz

FIXO

MOBILE 5.317A

Table 14: Changes in the National Frequency Allocation Plan of Brazil from 2012 until 2017

As can be seen in the table, just in 2015, the Mobile Service was allocated on a primary

basis in the 700 MHz frequency band. Also, a number of footnotes were added to the

frequency allocation plan. Anyways, most of these footnotes refer to different frequency

allocations in various countries in ITU-Region 2, including some neighbours of Brazil, e.g.

Argentina and Venezuela. Because of this, it is included in the footnotes, that countries,

which allocated parts of the UHF TV spectrum to different services than defined in the

Radio Regulations (RR) as agreed by WRC-15, this service does not have any protection

against, nor can it cause any interference in, services of neighbouring countries, which

allocated the UHF TV spectrum accordingly to the RRs. [56] [85] [86]

After the last section discussed the effects of the Digital Dividend (DD) on the use of

frequencies by wireless audio production tools (PMSE) in rather theoretical terms, in the

following section some practical examples are presented.

8.2.3. Survey: ‘The use of frequencies by wireless Audio-Equipment in Brazil dur-

ing the process of the Digital Dividend’

In preparation for this thesis, I created an online-survey to determine realistic values. It

was my intention to find out, how operators of wireless audio production tools (PMSE) in

Brazil are affected by the DD in their everyday work. Since the DD is still not completed

yet, its effect cannot be finally analysed. Hence, this survey determined the effect during

the implementation process of the DD until the 12th of August 2018 (this day the survey

was closed). The results are summarized in this chapter:

71

48 organisations from all over Brazil and behind took part in my survey, e.g. manufactur-

ers of wireless audio production tools (PMSE) and providers of event technology.

The new allocation of the 700 MHz frequency band affects all devices, which were or are

acting in this frequency band. The objective of the questionnaire was, to get a general

idea of the technology used by Brazilian organisations, which are working in the field of

event technology, before and after the DD. According to the results of the survey,

• more than one third of all survey participants are no longer able to use their equip-

ment;

• about a third sees the possibility to continue using existing equipment.

The reasons for these different answers could be:

• that because the ‘Digital Switch-Over’ in Brazil is realized regionally, the equipment

might still be working in some regions and in other not anymore;

• that some companies aren’t providing equipment for the affected frequency band

anymore (700 MHz frequency band);

• and / or that some users already shifted their frequency usage to alternative ranges

before the implementation of the Digital Dividend.

The responses show, that devices with a tuning range inside the remaining UHF TV spec-

trum from 470 to 698 MHz are still usable and mainly equipment with a tuning range in

the 700 MHz frequency band from 698 to 806 MHz is not usable anymore. This confirms,

the earlier presumption, that wireless audio production tools (PMSE), which are operated

in the 700 MHz frequency band are strongly affected by the DD.

Furthermore, the survey observed, how much work the new frequency allocation created

for the affected organisations.

According to the responses, no devices were returned to the stores or sales offices. The

organisation, ‘Engenho da Arte’, explains: ‘Empresas não aceitam devolução’ (Transla-

tion: ‘Stores don’t accept returns’) [3, Page 3]. Stores in Brazil don’t have to exchange or

take back production tools, which are affected by the DD. In my observation, the respon-

sibility for the purchase is completely on the side of the customer, who has to inform

himself before buying.45 It seems, that, in Brazil, there is no compensation so far for own-

ers of wireless audio production tools (PMSE), which are not usable anymore in this re-

gion after the DD [78]. According to the survey results, some organisations had to buy

new production tools to exchange their 700 MHz devices.

To identify, if there has been a significant change in the use of frequencies by wireless

audio production tools (PMSE), post DD, information on the used frequency bands and /

or tuning ranges before and after the DD was asked for. It seems, that before the DD, the

majority of the survey participants focused on frequencies of the UHF TV spectrum up to

930 MHz, but most have used the 700 MHz band, based on the license-exempt spectrum

allocation for wireless production tools. During the implementation of the DD, a change

of the frequency usage was noticed:

45 See also section ‘8.2 Impact of the DD on the Use of Wireless Audio Production Tools’

72

• Half of the participants did not have to change their use of the frequency bands. In

my observation, they already had taken care of these changes in advance or al-

ternatively the DD was not implemented in their region, at the time, when the sur-

vey was answered. Organisations, which are located in these regions, might al-

ready had to change or will have to change their frequency usage in the future.

• The other half of the participants had already moved their usage to adjacent fre-

quency bands or alternative frequency bands.

The last part of the survey analysed, if there had been any problems during the new

allocation process, which were not expected before. Did the problems increase during

the Digital Dividend (DD)?

• 48 % of the interviewed organisations stated, that so far there was no increase of

interference during the new allocation process. These participants reported, that

they did not notice any increased interference in the practical use of wireless audio

production tools (PMSE). In my preliminary observation, most of these organisa-

tions are located in São Paulo. In this region the ‘Analogue Switch-Off’ did not take

place at the time of the related responses. The implementation of the DD was still

ongoing, and the LTE based services and its applications were still not in opera-

tion. For that reason, the mentioned organisations might not have recognised any

increase of interferences yet.

• 28 % of the organisations reported an increase of interference, which was still con-

trollable due to appropriate precautions. I assume, that the recognised interfer-

ences occur from the higher spectrum density after the channel re-packing.

• 24 % of the participating organisations reported limitations of their productions be-

cause of interference.

Some of these organisations were located in Amazonas and in Natal. Until the date

of their participation there was no DD in these regions. I wonder, what is the back-

ground to this interference scenario?

Further answers were given by organisations from São Paulo. Here the DD was

already implemented at the time of the responses. The affected organisations

noted, that their equipment before the DD was mainly operated in the 700 MHz

band and the interferences were mostly detected in this band. I suspect, that this

is the reason for the noted limitation of productions. This as well applies to other

regions than São Paulo.

Note: In my view, a limitation of a production is not equal to a cancellation – the event

could be continued, but with restrictions.

Most recognised interferences were identified in the 700 MHz frequency range, but some

interferences were as well recognised in its adjacent lower frequency band around

600 MHz.

Further, the majority of the survey participants reported, that the interference was pro-

duced by a mixture of interferences occurring from neighbouring events and interference

probably produced by mobile radio / phone devices. The operation of mobile phones or

television stations close to the production environment was reported as source of inter-

ference as well. These interferences might be explained by the increasing use of the

lower UHF TV spectrum by wireless audio production tools (PMSE) and the refarming of

digital television programmes into the same frequency spectrum. This could be a

73

foreseeable overload of the lower UHF TV spectrum. However, the full extent of the

changed scenario will only be clearly identifiable after the DD has been completed.

The final question in the

survey examined, what

users of wireless audio

production tools (PMSE)

do, when they recognise

interference(s) in their

tuning range. In cases of

interference(s), the great

majority of all participat-

ing organisations

changes the operating

frequency, e.g. after spectrum scans to identify clean spectrum. About 20 % of the par-

ticipants change the location of the receiver antenna.

All remaining survey participants are noting alternative solutions, e.g. changing the re-

ceiver antenna or adding filters to the antenna. In addition, some noted to inform the

relevant organisation, e.g. the spectrum administration, in Brazil that is the Anatel.

8.2.4. Spectrum Scan at a Soccer Game in São Paulo

0. Introduction

A lot of productions use wireless audio production tools (PMSE), such as wireless micro-

phones, In-Ear Monitors and Talk-Back Systems. To record the UHF TV spectrum usage

of wireless audio production tools (PMSE) in Brazil, a spectrum scan was taken at a soc-

cer game in São Paulo. Further information on the event will be provided in the following

chapter. To realize the measurement, a method and a scanning software, which were

already used in Europe, were applied. Like this a comparison between the spectrum us-

age of various events in both countries is possible.

The initial objective of the spectrum scans was firstly, to get an overview of the spectrum

occupation at a typical event and content production scenario in Brazil and secondly, to

see how the event production in Brazil is realized.

1. The Event

The Spectrum Scans were taken on Sunday, 15th of April 2018, at a soccer game in São

Paulo. It was the first game of the ‘Campeonato Brasileiro 2018’ (Brazilian Championship

2018) and hosted in the Arena Corinthians. The opponents were the winner of last year’s

championship ‘Corinthians’ against ‘Fluminense’. The stadium was filled with 28.777 vis-

itors. The game was transmitted live by different television and radio stations, such as

Sport TV and Globo. Globo Television offered the opportunity to do a spectrum scan of

the UHF TV spectrum in this event. These results can be used for further research and

will be presented in this thesis.

A soccer game is a typical event production scenario in Brazil (and as well in Europe).

Soccer games take place frequently. The date of the event was before the ‘Analogue

Switch-Off’ in São Paulo and before the start of the operation of LTE in the 700 MHz

I change the frequency /

tuning range.

I change the antenna.

I change the location of

the antenna.

I add filters to the antenna.

I inform the relevant

administration (Anatel).

Other.

‘I make a Spectrum Scan‘ ‘I exchange the used equipment.‘

‘I change the transmission frequency of my equipment.‘

‘I stop to use the microphone.’

68,2 %

4,5 %

18,2 %

4,5 %

4,5 %

27,3 %

Figure 51: Arrangements in Case of Interference(s) in the used Tuning Range [3]

74

frequency band. Because of this, the frequencies of the 700 MHz frequency band could

still be used in this production.

Figure 52: The Press is taking Pictures of the Game

2. The TV Production

The following pictures illustrate, how the live content production is working, and which

wireless tools are used:

Figure 53: Live Moderation during the Half-Time Break using the Headset

Figure 54: Live Moderation during the Game using the Hand-held Microphone

Headset

Hand-held Microphones

Hand-held Microphone

Headset

75

Figure 55: Receiver Antennas

3. Used Scanning Equipment

The following equipment was used for the procedure of the spectrum scans:

• Signal Analyser: Rohde&Schwarz, FSQ-8

• Plugin-Antenna

• Notebook: Lenovo V320-17IKB

• Scanning Software „PMSE Occupation Recorder”, Revision 4.9d

Receiver Antennas

for Wireless Cameras

76

The right picture below shows the setup of the equipment:

The scanning location inside the stadium

is marked red in the right picture.

4. Scanning Results

The scanning range at the Brazilian soc-

cer match was 410 to 870 MHz. This is

larger than the UHF TV range, which is

available for wireless audio production

tools (PMSE) in Brazil. The software was

mainly developed for scans in Europe and

because of this the upper limit of the scan-

ning range is 870 MHz. In Brazil, wireless

audio production tools (PMSE) could just

be used up to 806 MHz before the Digital

Dividend (DD) and 698 MHz after the DD.

The following diagram shows the recorded

spectrum allocations from 410 to

870 MHz.

The following diagrams show the recorded spectrum allocations from 410 to 870 MHz. It

can be seen, that the scanning receiver input level various from -119 dBm up to 14 dBm.

The maximum scanner input attenuator, controlled by the scanning software, various from

0 dB to 50 dB.

Figure 58: Recorded Spectrum Allocations, 410 to 870 MHz

Computer with special

Scanning Software

Scanner

Location of

Scanning Setup

Figure 56: Setup of Scanning Equipment

Figure 57: Location of the Scanning Setup inside the Sta-dium

Radio Astronomy Channel

77

Note: The marked Radio Astronomy channel is reserved for a passive Service e.g. of

scientific institutions. In many regions, like in Brazil, wireless audio production tools

(PMSE) cannot use in this channel.

Figure 59: Percentage of the Frequency Usage Exceeding the Stat Threshold Value of -90 dBm

Figure 61: Occupation of Each UHF TV Channel

Above the Figure 61 shows the received occupation of each single UHF TV channel:

• The yellow marked channels have a low occupation: one until three narrow band

signals

were detected inside these channels.

• Orange highlighted channels were occupied with four to eight narrow band signals.

• Red demonstrates the highest occupation. Here nine or more narrow band signals

were detected.

24 TV channels blocks are in white colour. No signal was detected on these channels, by

our limited equipment configuration. Just six of these channels, 25 %, were actually free.

On the other 19 channels, 75 % of the white channels, terrestrial TV programs are trans-

mitted. These signals probably were not detected, because the transmission stations

were located within a distance to the soccer stadium and therefore the signal level was

too low to be received by the frequency analyser. As already explained above, the chan-

nel 37 is the Radioastronomy channel and cannot be used for radio audio equipment.

The statistic function of the software detected 67 narrow band links, which occupied about

40.400 MHz of the scanned spectrum (in a reference channel grid of 600 kHz and a guard

channel of 200 kHz). The frequency coordination list of Globo TV just contains 22 fre-

quency allocation in the UHF TV spectrum. Other broadcasters and radio stations might

have their own frequency allocation tables.

In addition, 24 TV or LTE channels were marked manually. These occupy about 150 MHz

(channel bandwidth of 6 MHz and a guard channel of 6 MHz). In all marked TV or LTE

channels, the automatic statistic function is not detecting narrow band links. In these re-

gions narrow band links have to be marked manually.


Locally free TV channels

Figure 60: Aggregate Spectrum Allocations, which exceed the Stat Threshold Level of -90 dBm (all received Signals)

78

Altogether, wireless audio production tools (PMSE) plus marked TV and LTE channels,

lead to a spectrum occupation of 190.4 MHz in the spectrum range from 410 to 870 MHz

(460 MHz). In Brazil a usage of TV and wireless production tools is just permitted up to

806 MHz before and 698 MHz after the Digital Dividend (DD). In total, that would be 396

MHz before and 288 MHz after the DD. It can be expected, that already before the finali-

zation of the DD nearly half of the available spectrum is occupied by digital TV and radio

microphones. With the same amount of wireless audio production tools (PMSE) and dig-

ital TV channels, after the DD about 2/3 of the available spectrum will be needed. Bigger

events, with more wireless audio production tools (PMSE), e.g. soccer world cup, For-

mula 1 or Olympia, might be having more problems. Additionally, Interference and Inter-

modulation effects might limit the available bandwidth for wireless audio production tools

(PMSE) even more. This will be further explained in the following chapter.

Cross-reference to another world-region: In comparison to Europe, Brazil is at the mo-

ment realizing its first DD, which is the transition from analogue to digital television and

the digital TV standard ISDB-Tb is used. In Europe, after the DD1, at first the digital TV

standard ‘DVB-T’ was used. Later this was changed to the more spectrum efficient stand-

ard DVB-T2 (DD2).

My preliminary interpretation: on the contrary in Brazil a transition to another (more spec-

trum efficient) digital TV standard is not foreseen so far. Furthermore, during the transition

period, analogue and digital television is transmitted simultaneously. In the spectrum

scans no analogue TV signals were found. This is because all the remaining analogue

transmissions are located in the VHF TV spectrum (174 to 240 MHz) and therefore are

outside of the scanning range.

5. Problems

The figure below shows the radio spectrum usage in the time domain:

Figure 62: Radio Spectrum Usage in the Time Domain

This time-domain diagram illustrates, how long a signal was near or above the statistic

level. The purple and blue signals show devices such as radio microphones and IEM on

coordinated frequencies, while the orange signals were not coordinated. It can be seen,

that the majority of the signals were uncoordinated, referring to the frequency coordination

79

list of Globo TV. It is possible, that local organisations, such as further broadcasters or

radio station, had further coordination list. The grey signals were up to 10 dB below the

statistic threshold of -90 dBm. These signals mostly were just ongoing for short periods.

As well, as can be seen in the diagram before, there were some strong signals. One of

the signals, with the highest input power, is shown in the following figure:

Figure 63: Frequency 618.3 MHz, 14.11 dBm

The reason can probably be found in the left picture:

1. From time to time transmitters of used wireless audio

production tools (PMSE) were stored close to the scanning

antenna. Some of them probably were still turned on.

2. The scanning antenna was positioned at the spectrum

analyser and close to other equipment. This has a couple

of disadvantages, for example interference and the shield-

ing of the analyser.

3. The scanning antenna was positioned in a height of 1.20

m. Because of this, signals within a bigger distance to the

antenna may not be received and got lost.

4. In addition, the antenna was positioned inside a tent,

which might as well had a shielding effect.

Figure 64 shows, that a radio microphone transmitter was stored within a close distance

to the receiver antenna of the spectrum analyser. The signal strength of a signal varies

with the movement of the transmitter. The more distance between transmitter and re-

ceiver, the less signal strength is available. The other way around, this means that if the

transmitter is positioned closely to the receiver, like in the picture, the signal strength is

very high (strong signal). This scenario probably caused an effect, which is called ‘block-

ing’: a strong signal overloads preamplifier of the receiver. As a consequence of blocking,

weak signals might get lost in the spectrum scans.

Another resulting effect are intermodulation (IM) products. For further information on IM

products and how they can be calculated, please see chapter ‘3.3.3 Intermodulation’.

Intermodulation occur, when two signal carriers are active at the same point of time.

Tent

Transmitter

Antenna

1.20 m

Figure 64: Problems in the Setup

80

Under the assumption, that this was true to the time of the intermodulation, such a sce-

nario is shown in the following figure:

Figure 65: Intermodulation Scenario

The figure shows two very strong signals. Those two signals might create IM products.

The IM3 products are calculated in the table below. Just the two green marked signals

are relevant, because the other two signals are outside of the relevant frequency range.

In the graphic above just one of the IM3 products, at 641.6 MHz can be seen with a signal

strength of -47 dBm. If, for example an additional radio microphone, is now started to be

operated on this same frequency, a co-channel interference will happen. As well the IM

scenario will change – there will arise more IM products, which than may interfere with

other signals.

2F1-F2 2F1+F2 2F2-F1 2F2+F1

606.800 MHz 1866.800 MHz 641.600 MHz 1878.400 MHz

Table 15: IM3 Products of Figure 13

Anyways, as already briefly stated before, it cannot be seen in Figure 65, if the signal

carriers F1 and F2 were active at the same time, because the scenario shows all scanned

signals during the whole scanning period. To find out, when the carriers were active, we

can take a look into the time-domain diagram underneath:

Figure 66: The Time Domain Diagram shows the Carriers F1 and F2

Clearly, carrier F1 and F2 were not active at the same point of time and therefore were

not able to produce interferences. This explains, why the IM3 product on 606.4 MHz (or-

ange in the Table 15) is not shown in Figure 65. Conclusively, the detected carrier on

642.1 MHz (green in Table 15) has not been an IM product of F1 and F2 and just acci-

dently happened to be on the same frequency. If the two carriers F1 and F2 would have

F1 = 618.4 MHz F2 = 630 MHz

IM3 = 641.6 MHz

IM3 = 606.8 MHz

F1

F2

81

been active to the same time, there probably would have been a co-channel interference

on F3 = 642.1 MHz.

6. Solutions

To avoid the before mentioned problems, it is necessary to position the antenna within a

line of sight to the wireless audio production tools (PMSE). Therefore, it would have been

better to position the antenna:

• with a distance to the other equipment, like the frequency analyser and the laptop

• outside (of the tent)

• in about 3 to 5 m of height.

The picture on the right shows some

antennas, possibly receiver antennas

of wireless audio production tools

(PMSE). It is my intention to improve

the setup for the scanning hardware

by:

• positioning the scanning an-

tenna similar to the antennas

in the picture;

• or getting the receiver signals

directly from the antenna split-

ter.

7. Summary

All in all, about 67 narrow band links were recorded and detected or marked. Most of

these carriers were non-coordinated. In addition, some signals might not have been rec-

orded due to the unfavourable position of the scanning antenna: The low height of the

antenna made it impossible to receive signals in the distance. The antenna position inside

a tent and behind the frequency analyser had a shielding effect. The closeness to other

equipment might have caused interference. Some signals were received with a very high

receiver input power level, up to about 14 dBm, and as a result low power signals got lost.

This mistaken antenna position must be taken care of in future spectrum scans. The an-

tenna should than be positioned outside, within a line of sight to all signals, in a height of

3 to 5 m and within a distance to other equipment, such as the frequency analyser and

the laptop. Alternatively, the incoming signals of the receiver antenna(s) for the wireless

production tools can be taken directly from the antenna splitter. To gain realistic values, I

would like to repeat the spectrum scan in another comparable event. [87]

8.2.5. Major Events in Brazil

8.2.5.1. João Rock Festival – Ribeirão Preto, 2018

‘João Rock’ is a rock music festival in Brazil, which was realized the first time in 2002.

The festival is located in ‘Ribeirão Preto’, a city in the state of São. The duration of the

festival is one day. Different artists play on four different stages. This year (2018) ‘João

Figure 67: Correct Positioning of the Receiver Antennas

82

Rock’ was hold on the 09th of June 2018. [88] For further information on the festival, see:

https://www.joaorock.com.br/

As part of my thesis, I was provided with information on the frequency coordination of the

event ‘João Rock’ 2018. To establish a comparability with other events analysed in this

thesis, e.g. in the chapter ‘14 Major Events in Europe’, in this section I would like to eval-

uate the provided information.

At first, I would like to demonstrate the locally UHF TV spectrum occupation at the ‘João

Rock’ festival. Therefore, I choose a graphical illustration comparable to how the DKE

demonstrated the spectrum occupation of the ‘14.1 German Regional Elections – Bre-

men, 2015’ in 2015 in Figure 94:

At the ‘João Rock’ festival in 2018, all in all, a total number of 122 frequencies for wireless

microphones and IEMs, which allocate a total bandwidth of 44 MHz, were coordinated for

all four stages. The frequency coordinator of the event noted, that to consider the locally

occupied TV channels at the location of the ‘João Rock’ festival, the website ‘Portal BSD’

was used: http://www.portalbsd.com.br/terrestres_channels.php?channels=88. ‘Portal

BSD’ is a database, which lists all receivable programs in a specific region. From a list at

first the state and after the city can be chosen. [89]

The graphic below shows the UHF TV spectrum occupation at the event ‘João Rock’ in

2018 (further explanation below the graphic):

Figure 68: Spectrum Occupation at the Music Festival 'João Rock' 2018 in Ribeirão Preto

In the first row, the UHF TV channels 14 to 69 are numbered. The second row, marks in

red the 700 MHz frequency band from UHF TV channel 52 to 69 (698 to 806 MHz). At

the time and place of the event, this frequency band was already allocated to the Mobile

Service on a primary basis as a consequence of the Digital Dividend (DD) and the LTE

technology was already operated in this band46. The remaining UHF TV spectrum from

470 to 698 MHz (UHF TV channel 14 to 51) is marked in green. The UHF TV channel 37

is marked yellow. This channel is allocated on a primary basis to the Radio Astronomy

Service. As reported by the frequency coordinator of the event ‘João Rock’ in 2018, this

channel is blocked for other applications / services and because of this no frequencies

were allocated in this channel. In the third row, some UHF TV channels are marked in

purple. According to Portal BSD, these UHF TV channels are locally occupied in Ribeirão

Preto. The numbers show, how many devices (wireless microphones and IEM) were co-

ordinated in the related UHF TV channel (all four stages). In the frequency coordination

table there were all in all 27 devices without a frequency assignment. Instead of a coor-

dinated frequency, the note ‘Find Best’ frequency was assigned. For these devices, the

transmission frequency has not been coordinated in advance, but was chosen directly at

the event location before the event. These frequencies are not included in the Figure 68.

46 'Após a liberação pela Anatel da exploração da faixa de 700 MHz em São Paulo, a Vivo anunciou nesta quarta-feira, 30, a disponibilidade da banda em 4G no município de Ribeirão Preto' (Translation: ‘After the liberation of the 700 MHz frequency band trough the Anatel in São Paulo, VIVO announced this Wednesday, 30th, the availability of 4G in this band in the district ‘Ribeirão Preto’’) [90].

14 15 16 17 18 19 20 21 22 23 24 25 26 27 28 29 30 31 32 33 34 35 36 37 38 39 40 41 42 43 44 45 46 47 48 49 50 51 52 53 54 55 56 57 58 59 60 61 62 63 64 65 66 67 68 69

1 8 5 3 4 1 11 5 1 6 1 6 6 4 4 6 5 3 1 4 4 6

UHF TV SpectrumDigital Dividend

700 MHz Frequency Band

https://www.joaorock.com.br/

http://www.portalbsd.com.br/terrestres_channels.php?channels=88

83

This is the reason, why all in all the graphic just shows 95 instead of 122 coordinated

frequencies. As well it can be seen, that some frequencies were allocated in locally oc-

cupied TV channels. There might be different reason for this: First of all, the frequency

coordinator reported, that if the TV signal in an occupied TV channel was low, and there-

fore the necessary C/N+I and with it the required audio quality could be guaranteed, fre-

quencies for wireless microphones and IEMs were allocated in these UHF TV channels.

Another reason could be, that Portal BSD lists all receivable TV programs in the whole

region of Ribeirão Preto. Those can also be TV programs, which are transmitted in a

neighbouring region, but still are receivable in Ribeirão Preto. These TV programs might

just be receivable in parts of Ribeirão Preto but not in the whole city. Conclusively, there

might be some UHF TV channels listed by Portal BSD as ‘occupied’, but at the festival

location these TV programs are not receivable and therefore the UHF TV channel is not

occupied.

In the following part, I would like to compare the spectrum occupation of the ‘João Rock’

further with how the DKE calculated the spectrum occupation at the Eurovision Song

Contest in 2011. The Eurovision Song Contest is a one-venue site, because it just has

one stage. All coordinated frequencies might be in use at the same time. Further infor-

mation on the event and the calculation of the spectrum occupation can be found in chap-

ter ‘14.3 Eurovision Song Contest 2011 – Düsseldorf, Germany’.

In comparison, the João Rock Festival is a multi-venue site, because it has four different

stages. The frequency usage was split in locations (four different stages) and time, de-

pending on the schedule of the stages. The schedule for the four stages with the begin-

ning time and the artist are listed in the table below:

Stage JR Stage Brazil Stage FAC Stage RedBull

15:20 h Napkin 15:00 h Kilotones

16:00 h Cordel do Fogo

Encantado

16:10 h Dônica

17:00 h Supercombo 17:05 h Mutantes 17:05 h Marujos

18:00 h Raimundos 18:10 h Sinara

19:00 h Shank 19:05 h Refavela 40 19:05 h Mari Nolasco

20:05 h Pitty 20:10 h Rael

21:10 h Natiruts 21:05 h Ofertório 21:05 h Motriz

22:15 h Gabriel O Pen-

sador

22:10 h Froid

23:20 h Criolo 23:05 h Tom Zé 23:05 h Emversos

00:25 h Planet Hemp 00:10 h Francisco El

Hombre

Table 16: Timetable of the João Rock Festival 2018 [88]

It can be seen, that Stage Brazil and Stage RedBull have the same beginning times for

all artists. The times of Stage FAC differ more or less one hour to the times of the stages

Brazil and RedBull. Stage JR has the most artists. The beginning times of the shows differ

between five and twenty minutes to the beginning times of all other stages. That means,

that some stages were in use simultaneously. To see, which stages are played simulta-

neously, I created the following graphic. It shows the timing of the four stages of the ‘João

Rock’ festival (further explanation, see below):

Figure 69: Duration of the Shows on the different Stages at the João Rock Festival 2018

Stage Brazil

Stage JR open end

Stage RedBull

Stage FAC

23:05

23:20

00:10

00:25

18:00

18:10

19:00

19:05

20:05

20:10

21:05

21:10

22:10

22:15

15:00

15:20

16:00

16:10

17:00

17:05

84

On top of the graphic, the times of the beginnings of the shows on the different stages

are written. Underneath, in each line the playing times of the four different stages are

marked in four different colours:

• Blue: Stage Brazil;

• Grey: Stage JR;

• Yellow: Stage RedBull;

• Orange: Stage FAC.

I just have available the exact playing times of the stage JR (purple). Of all other stages

just the beginning times, but not the duration of the shows, are available to me. Anyways,

it can be seen, that not all stages were in use the whole time. This means, that not all

coordinated frequencies were in use at the same time. But it can be seen, that at times

three of the four stages were in use simultaneously. This means, that all coordinated

frequencies from these three stages were in use simultaneously. For the first time, this

was the case at 17:05 h, when the shows of the stages Brazil, JR and FAC began more

or less at the same time (five minutes difference).

In a next step, I calculated the required bandwidth for all wireless microphones and IEM,

which were in use simultaneously at 17:05 h as follows:

Table 17: Numbers of Coordinated Devices and Required Bandwidth (BW) per Stage At the João Rock Festival 2018

BW per Unit BW all units BW all units

[kHz] [kHz] [MHz]

Stage Brazil

UR4D 12 MIC 200 2400 2,40

PSM1000 10 IEM 600 6000 6,00

Backup Brazil

UHFR 14 MIC 200 2800 2,80

PSM1000 9 IEM 600 5400 5,40

Total No. Devices: 45 Total BW: 16,60

Stage JR

UR4D 14 MIC 200 2800 2,80

PSM1000 14 IEM 600 8400 8,40

Backup JR

UHFR 13 MIC 200 2600 2,60


Stage RedBull

UR4D 10 MIC 200 2000 2,00

PSM900 10 IEM 600 6000 6,00

Backup RedBull

UHFR 1 MIC 200 200 0,20

PSM900 1 IEM 600 600 0,60

Total No. Devices: 22,00 Total BW: 8,8

Stage FAC

UR4D 8 MIC 200 1600 1,60

PSM1000 4 IEM 600 2400 2,40

Backup FAC

PSM1000 2 IEM 600 1200 1,20


SystemNumber of

UnitsMIC / IEM

85

The Table 17 lists for all stages separately all coordinated devices (wireless microphones

and IEMs) and the needed bandwidths per stage. It can be seen, that the upper three

stages require the most bandwidth (Brazil = 16,6 MHz; JR = 13,8 MHz and RedBull 8,8

MHz). Those three stages were in use simultaneously various times, e.g. at 17:05 h. To-

gether for these three stages frequencies 108 devices (wireless microphones and IEMs)

were coordinated. They required a total bandwidth of 39,2 MHz.

In a next step, at the ESC 2011 the guard bands between occupied TV channels and

wireless audio production tools (PMSE) and between the wireless audio production tools

(PMSE) were calculated. The DKE used a linear channel grid for the calculation of the

spectrum occupation with defined values for the guard bands. In case of the ‘João Rock’,

the guard bands between the coordinated frequencies can be chosen smaller, because

of the signal attenuation due to the path loss effect47 depending on the distance between

the different stages.

Note: the path loss effect will not be discussed further in this thesis, because this is not

subject to this work und would go beyond the scope of this thesis (for further information

on the path loss effect, see ITU-R Report BT.2338; section 2.4.1 Transmission path loss:

worst case scenario; Page 31).

ERC Report 204 demonstrates a method for an intermodulation-free frequency coordina-

tion of a multi-venue event. Every venue, at ‘João Rock’ every stage, has to have an

intermodulation-free frequency arrangement to meet the required sound quality. For an

intermodulation-free frequency arrangement, the frequencies of each venue can be co-

ordinated in a non-regular spacing. The different venues, here the four stages, are within

a certain distance to one another. Due to the effect of the free space path loss48 and

additional attenuation effects, the intermodulation products of one venue are relatively

low in the other venues49. Because of this, the same frequencies, which were already

used at one venue, can be used again at another venue with an offset. For the frequency

coordination of the ‘João Rock’ in 2018 the ‘Shure Software WWB’ with its guard band

parameters was used.

47 Attenuation [dB] in the transmission path between the transmitter and receiver antenna; depends on the distance between the antennas and the transmission frequency 48 The ITU-R Report BT.2338 provides the following formula to calculate the free space path loss: PLFS = 32,44 + 20*log10(D/1000) + 20*log10(F); with D = Distance and F = Frequency [4, Page 31] 49 It is noted in the report, that this method ‘will work outdoors only if the distances between the venues deliver a signal attenuation of more than 15 dB in addition to the path loss’ [5, Page 54] and ‘Taking this into account, the intermodulation of [one venue] will be very low in the neighbour room or neighbour venue’ [5, Page 53].

86

The frequency coordination for the four stages is shown in the following diagram (see

further explanation below):

Figure 70: IM-free Frequency Coordination of All 4 Stages at the João Rock Festival 2018

Note: the free spaces the figure above, where no frequencies are coordinated, were

mainly occupied by local TV stations, as can be seen in Figure 68.

During the João Rock Festival all frequencies for wireless microphones and IEM were

coordinated in the lower UHF spectrum, underneath the 700 MHz frequency band. At the

time of the festival, the LTE technology was already operated in the 700 MHz band as a

consequence of the Digital Dividend (DD). Because of this, no frequencies were coordi-

nated in this band. The frequency range of the diagram is from 500 to 700 MHz and

includes all coordinated frequencies of all four stages. In the diagram, there can be seen

coordinated frequencies in four different colours. Each colour stands for another stage:

• Blue: Stage Brazil;

• Orange: Stage FAC;

• Grey: Stage JR;

• Yellow: Stage RedBull.

In the coordination table, there are 12 devices for stage Brazil and 15 devices for

Stage JR (altogether 27 frequencies) not coordinated in advance. Instead of a coordi-

nated frequency, the comment ‘Find Best’ was assigned. These devices were allocated

at the event location before the event, depending on the locally free frequencies and are

not included in the diagram above.

Conclusion:

If all coordinated frequencies of all four stages were in use simultaneously and the guard

bands chosen as defined by the DKE (see chapter 14.3 Eurovision Song Contest 2011 –

Düsseldorf, Germany), the available spectrum of 222 MHz (already without the RA chan-

nel) would not have been enough, to cover the spectrum requirements of 254,6 MHz in

total (see calculation in Annex ‘A.4 Calculation: Spectrum Occupation at the João Rock

Festival’). Anyways, due to the free space path attenuation, the guard bands between the

wireless microphones and IEMs could be chosen smaller, than defined by the DKE, e.g.

620.575 MHz at Stage RedBull and 620.2 MHz at Stage Brazil is a guard band of just

375 kHz (see section above Figure 70). Additionally, not all frequencies were in use at

the same time. It seems, that at maximum three stages were played simultaneously. Also,

some frequencies were not coordinated in advance (Frequency Allocation Table: ‘Find

Best’). As well, some of the TV channels listed by the Portal BSD might not have been

87

receivable or just receivable with a low signal level at the event location of the ‘João Rock’

festival in 2018. As can be seen in Figure 68, some frequencies were coordinated in TV

channels, which are listed as 'occupied'. These TV channels were probably locally free

during the time of the event at the event location or the signal level of these TV signals

were low enough, to operate wireless microphones and / or IEMs without a reduction of

the audio quality. Underneath, an exemplary screen shot of a spectrum scan at the ‘João

Rock’ festival on 2018 is shown. It was taken at the Stage JR during the Artist 'Super-

combo'. During this show the three stages were played simultaneously.

Figure 71: Spectrum Scan at the Stage JR during the first simultaneous Operation of all 4 Stages [91]

As already noted above the graphic, the spec-

trum scan was taken at stage JR. All frequen-

cies of this stage were coordinated between

600 and 700 MHz, but all 13 backup frequen-

cies were coordinated between 500 and 600

MHz. In the scan, some of the signals with the

highest signal levels were detected between

600 and 700 MHz and two RF signals with a

very high signal level were detected between

550 and 600 MHz. In my interpretation these

signals are microphone and / or IEM signals

from the stage JR. It seems, that in two cases

the backup frequencies had to be used, e.g. be-

cause of interferences. The other stages were

within a distance to the stage JR, as can as well

be seen in the map on the right.

In addition, in the spectrum scan, there can be seen some low RF signals between 400

and 500 MHz and between 700 and 800 MHz. In these frequency ranges, there were no

coordinated frequencies, for none of the four stages.

Figure 72: Map of the Stages at João Rock 2018 [92]

88

One wide-band RF signal was detected between 750 and 800 MHz. I assume, that this

is a LTE signal. As already noted earlier in this section, the mobile phone company al-

ready operated the LTE technology in the 700 MHz band in Ribeirão Preto at the time of

the event.

8.2.5.2. Carnival 2018 in Rio - Sambódromo

The Brazilian Carnival in the city Rio de

Janeiro is the ‘maior espetáculo da terra’

(Translation: ‘biggest spectacle on

earth’) [93]. Every year for six days dur-

ing the Carnival samba schools from Rio

de Janeiro present themselves in the

‘Sambódromo’, the event location. ‘Sam-

bódromo’ is a 700 m long street with dif-

ferent blocks (sector 1 to 13) along its

sides to host the audience. The pictures

on the right show the ‘Sambódromo’. On

the upper picture the samba schools are

dancing along the ‘Sambódromo’. The

audience is seated on the blocks at the

sides of the street. The picture in the mid-

dle is a map of the ‘Sambódromo’ and

shows the visitor areas (sector 1 to 13) in

different colours. The samba schools

walk along the grey marked street be-

tween the coloured sectors with self-con-

structed cars and present their samba

shows. Please see a picture of a typical

samba school on the right at the bottom.

In 2018, the event had about 500 000

visitors.

The Carnival in Rio is recorded (TV pro-

duction) by a local broadcaster to be dis-

tributed in the television in all states of

Brazil and to more than 100 countries

worldwide. [93] At the event, for the re-

cording of the content, wireless audio

production tools (PMSE) are operated in

several use-cases:

• for the TV production of the event;

• for the sound environment at the event location;

• on the different wagons by the Samba Schools (IEM);

• and for the crew communication (Talk-Back Systems).

There were two organisations operating wireless audio production tools (PMSE) at the

Carnival in Rio de Janeiro: Gabisom (sound of the event location) and Globo TV (TV

Figure 73: Sambódromo, Carnival in Rio 2018 [93]

Figure 74: Map of the Sambódromo [93]

Figure 75: A Samba School presenting their Cars and Dances [93]

89

production). These two organisations needed a frequency coordination. Gabisom hired

the company Sennheiser with the frequency coordination. Therefore, all are working

closely together in the production preparation and event environment. A frequency coor-

dinator noted [94], that the number of wireless production tools had to be reduced, in

order to operate all wireless microphones and IEMs in the required quality and on an

intermodulation free basis in the UHF TV spectrum. The following graphic shows the co-

ordinated frequencies at the event:

Figure 76: Coordinated Frequencies at Carnival 2018

Note: the empty sections in the figure above were in use by local TV distribution.

It seems interesting to me, that six frequencies were coordinated in the 700 MHz fre-

quency band. These were four IEMs and two spare frequencies. In Rio de Janeiro the

remaining analogue TV transmissions were switched off on the 25th of October 2017 [95].

This was already before the event. Anyways, as far as I am concerned, at the time and

place of the event, the LTE technology was not operated in the 700 MHz band yet [96]. I

assume, that because of this some frequencies of the 700 MHz band could still be used

for wireless microphones and IEMs at the event, similar to the long-term phase of LTE

implementation in Austria and Germany.

A frequency coordinator noted [94], that since 2016 every year a few days before the

events, spectrum scans were taken at the event location. Based on these scans, changes

in the spectrum occupation can be identified. The frequency coordinator can react to

these changes. Used was the following spectrum analyser: R&S FSH8.

The following graphics show in comparison on the left side a spectrum scan from the

Carnival 2017 and on the right side from the Carnival 2018 in the ‘Sambódromo’ in Rio

de Janeiro.

2017 2018

Figure 77: Spectrum Scans from the Carnival in Rio from 2017 (left) and 2018 (right) in Comparison [94]

90

The scanning range of both scans is from 470 to 800 MHz. This includes the 700 MHz

frequency band. The yellow line is the last real-time scan at the moment of the screen

shot, and the green line is the aggregated maximum hold. The maximum hold presents

the highest detected signal during the scanning period. At the time, when the spectrum

scan in 2017 was taken (February) the ‘Analogue Switch-Off’ was not finalised in Rio de

Janeiro. In comparison, in 2018 the ‘Analogue Switch-Off’ was already finalized. In the

spectrum scan of 2018, the UHF TV spectrum seems to be denser than in 2017. However,

in my view, further background information is required for a detailed assessment.

In the following chapter, I would like to analyse the development of the Digital Dividends

(DDs) and its consequences for the frequency usage by wireless audio production tools

(PMSE) in Argentina.

9. Argentina

During the recent years, there have been taking place a lot of changes in the Argentinean

frequency regulation authorities and the laws regarding broadcasting and telecommuni-

cation services. In this section I first would like to summarize the development of the

frequency regulation agencies and the modifications of the laws (binding decisions) for

broadcasting and telecommunication services, before I go over to the developments of

the first and second Digital Dividend and its consequences for the users of wireless audio


9.1. Frequency Regulation Agencies

In my observation, the situation regarding spectrum regulation in Argentina seems to be

very complex, e.g. in comparison with Brazil:

• Earlier, several agencies were responsible for the spectrum regulation.

• In the recent years, one main regulator was formed.

In this section I briefly would like to give an overview over the development of the national

frequency regulation agencies in Argentina. In the following table summarize the, in my

view, relevant Argentinian regulation agencies with a short description of their specific

task:

Frequency Regulator

Abbreviation Spanish Name English Translation Area of Responsibility Period

COMFER Comité Federal de

Radiodifusión

Federal Broadcasting

Committee

National Frequency Reg-

ulation Agency

Until

2009

SECOM Secretaría de

Comunicaciones

Secretariat of Com-

munications

Frequency Assignment to

the Telecommunication

Services; Issuance of li-

censes

Until

2015

AFSCA Autoridad Federal

de Servicos de

Comunicación

Audiovisual

Federal Authority for

Audiovisual Commu-

nication Services

Frequency Assignment

to the Broadcast Service;

Management of Broad-

cast Licenses

2009 to

2015

91

CNC Comisión Nacional

de Comunicaciones

National Commission

on Communications

Monitoring of Spectrum

Availability; Technical

and Geographical Com-

patibility;

Until

2014

CNDC Comisión Nacional

de Defensa de la

Competencia

National Commission

for the Defence of

Competition

Prevention of overcrowd-

ing the Spectrum

unavaila-

ble infor-

mation

AFTIC Autoridad Federal

de Tecnologias de

la Informacion y las

Comunicaciones

Federal Authority for

Information Technol-

ogy and Communica-

tions

Replacement of CNC 2014 to

2015

ENACOM Ente Nacional de

Comunicaciones

National Authority for

Communications

Media Regulation

Agency

Since

2015

Table 18: Argentina’s National Frequency Regulators

Further explanation of the table above:

In 2009, the ‘Media Law’, which will be described further in the next section, established

the ‘Autoridad Federal de Servicos de Comunicación Audiovisual’ (AFSCA) (Translation:

‘Federal Authority for Audiovisual Community Services’) as the new national frequency

regulation agency in Argentina for Broadcasting and Telecommunication Services. Pre-

viously, this was the task of the Comité Federal de Radiodifusión (COMFER) (Translation:

‘Federal Broadcasting Committee’). [63]

Until 2015 the ‘Secretaría de Comunicaciones’ (SECOM) (Translation: ‘Secretariat of

Communications’) and the ‘Autoridad Federal de Servicos de Comunicación Audiovisual’

(AFSCA) (Translation: ‘Federal Authority for Audiovisual Communication Services’) were

responsible to assign frequencies to Broadcast and the telecommunication services/ap-

plications. [100] The SECOM is the authority for spectrum application and administration

and assigns spectrum for the radiocommunication services, except the Broadcast Ser-

vice. The AFSCA is responsible for the Broadcast Service, e.g. approval of licenses, re-

newal of licenses, detection of illegal TV stations. [101] Both were requesting the

‘Comisión Nacional de Comunicaciones’ (CNC) (Translation: ‘National Commission of

Communications’) to check the spectrum availability and to carry out compatibility studies.

[100] Based on the approval of the proposals by the CNC, SECOM or AFSCA issued the

corresponding license. The ‘Comisión Nacional de Defensa de la Competencia’ (CNDC)

(Translation: ‘National Commission for the Defence of Competition’) worked closely with

the SECOM and the AFSCA. The reference ‘APC’ notes, that the task of the CNDC was,

‘to prevent crowding of the spectrum and overallocation of frequencies to the same licen-

see‘ [100].

In December 2014 the ‘Autoridad Federal de Tecnologias de la Informacion y las

Comunicaciones’ (AFTIC) (Translation: ‘Federal Authority for Information Technology and

Communications’) was formed to replace the CNC and in November 2015 Argentina’s

current frequency regulator, the ‘Ente Nacional de Comunicaciones’ (ENACOM) (Trans-

lation: ‘National Authority for Communications’) was founded by the AFTIC and AFSCA.

[102]

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In 2016 the AFTIC and AFSCA dissolved. Until today the ENACOM is the only national

frequency regulator in Argentina. [103] For further information on the task of the

ENACOM, see: https://www.enacom.gob.ar/que-es-enacom_p33.

9.2. Laws regarding Broadcast and Telecommunication

In this section, I would like to describe two laws, which, in my view, are important for the

process of the Digital Dividends, the changes in the UHF TV spectrum and the changing

Broadcast sector:

1.) Media Law

2.) Argentina Conectada

9.2.1. Media Law

In 2009 the new ‘Law on Audio-Visual Communications’ (short: ‘Media Law’) was pub-

lished to replace the old ‘Law on Radio Broadcasting’. The objective was:

• to break the monopole in the media business and

• hand-over the control of the media to the government.

Below, I would like to describe briefly some relevant changes of the law.

According to the old law, every broadcaster was allowed to hold a maximum of 24 li-

censes. By the new law, this limit was decreased to ten licenses per broadcaster. Broad-

casters, who were holding more than ten licenses, had one year to sell these. As a con-

sequence, over 20 broadcasters had to sell existing licenses.

Further, the ‘Media Law’, divides the total amount of the available licenses into thirds:

• 1/3 to the private broadcasters,

• 1/3 to the government and

• 1/3 to non-profit broadcast organisations.

Additionally, a minimum of 60 % of the television content must be produced in Argentina

and it was forbidden, that mobile phone companies could participate in the broadcast

business. Because of this, some phone companies had to give up existing broadcast

licenses.

Finally, the ‘Media Law’ as well established the AFSCA as a new regulator of frequency

spectrum for broadcast and telecommunication services.

Just in the year 2013 the new Media Law was fully enforced. A reorganisation of the

broadcasters and licenses had to be done. This process continued until March 2014.

[104] [105]

In 2014 the ‘Digital Law’ (also called ‘Digital Argentina’) was published to replace the old

telecommunication law. This law allowed telecommunication companies to participate in

broadcasting again. As well the new regulation agency AFTIC was built to replace the

CNC. [106]

In 2015 a new government was elected. This was related to changes to the media devel-

opments in Argentina. The existing ‘Media Law’ was updated. The AFSCA and the AFTIC

https://www.enacom.gob.ar/que-es-enacom_p33

93

were combined into the ENACOM. As well, the law now forbids to sell existing licenses.

[107]

In 2016 the ‘Media Law’ was updated again. The limit of ten licenses was increased to 15

licenses per license holder. Furthermore, the prohibition to sell licences was revoked

again and existing licenses would automatically extend for five years. ENACOM was an-

nounced as the only national regulation agency in Argentina and therefore the AFTIC and

the AFSCA were deleted [103]

One can assume that this complex change process has implications for users of wireless

audio production tools (PMSE), see further information in chapter ‘9.4 Impact of the DDs

on the Use of Wireless Audio Production Tools’.

9.2.2. Argentina Conectada

Another law, which I find important, was released in 2010: the new telecommunication

law ‘Argentina Conectada’ (‘Connected Argentina’). The law focusses on the improve-

ment and development of telecommunication technologies. Therefore, among many other

aspects, it considers that everyone should have access to modern telecommunication

technologies, regardless of their geographical region and the social, economic or physical

condition and that the access to information and communication technologies is an im-

portant factor in the social development. [108]

Note: a nationwide improvement in telecommunications also has a nationwide effect on

the frequency usage by wireless audio production tools (PMSE).

9.3. The Digital Dividends in Argentina

After, in the section before, I provided some background information on regulation agen-

cies and law regarding the spectrum regulation in Argentina, I now would briefly like to

analyse the process of the Digital Dividends in Argentina.

9.3.1. The First Digital Dividend in Argentina

9.3.1.1. Background of the DD1 in Argentina

In Argentina, before the first Digital Dividend (DD1) the frequency band from 698 to

806 MHz (700 MHz) was mainly used by ‘Pay-TV’ stations. Some of them were already

using the digital transmission standard DVB-T, which is commonly used in Europe. ‘Pay-

TV’ has many subscribers in Argentina. [63] [109] In reference [63], a Report for the

GSMA, it is noted, that in 2010 in Argentina ’60 % of households’ [63, Page 23] payed for

this service.

In addition, the UHF TV channels 14 to 20 were not available for the Broadcast Service,

these UHF TV channels were allocated to the Fixed Service and the Land Mobile Ser-

vices. This is as well defined in footnote 5.293 of the Final Acts 2015. [63] [66] [109]

In the year 2009 there was a further milestone in Argentina: the new ‘Media Law’ was

released. For further information see section above ‘9.2.1 Media Law’. As shown before,

in the section ‘9.1 Frequency Regulation Agencies’, this law defined the AFSCA as the

new national frequency regulation agency in Argentina. As a preparation for a new

94

frequency allocation plan, which includes digital terrestrial TV, the AFSCA submitted a

survey to include broadcasters in the planning process. [110]

Note: it is open to me whether the users of wireless audio production tools (PMSE) have

been considered as well.

In 2009 a decree was signed by the Argentinean president to implement the ISDB-Tb

standard for digital terrestrial television (for further information on ISDB-Tb, see chapter

‘6 Digital Terrestrial Television - ISDB-Tb’). In a Report for the GSMA (reference [63]), it

is noted, that this decision ‘aims to promote the cooperation between Argentina and Bra-

zil’ [63, Page 25].

At this point it is important to say, that some ‘Pay-TV’ stations already were using the

digital transmission standard DVB-T. The usage of two different transmission standards

could complicate the implementation of digital terrestrial TV in Argentina. Because of this,

the ‘Pay-TV’ stations would have to adopt the ISDB-Tb transmission standard. [63] [109]

A switchover schedule for the implementation of the digital terrestrial TV in Argentina was

defined. The switchover was intended to be realized in ten years. In this time analogue

and digital terrestrial TV programs were transmitted simultaneously. The final ‘Analogue

Switch-Off’ in Argentina is intended for 2019. [63]

9.3.1.2. Realization of the First Digital Dividend in Argentina

The first Digital Dividend: 700 MHz Frequency Band

The decision and the final allocation of the 700 MHz frequency band to the Land Mobile

Service and its identification for the application IMT has been a process over many years.

In this section, I would like to examine the implementation of the first Digital Dividend

(DD1) in Argentina.

In a report for the GSMA (reference [63]) It was estimated, that: ‘the total requirement

post-switchover is likely to be of the order of 35 – 40 frequencies’ [63, Page 26]. Further

the report notes, that after the re-allocation of the 700 MHz frequency band for the Land

Mobile Service, there would not remain enough free UHF TV spectrum for the Broadcast

Service: ‘only 29 frequencies would be available’ [63, Page 26]. A solution for this problem

was, to move the non-broadcast services (Fixed and Mobile Service in the UHF TV chan-

nels 14 to 20) inside the UHF TV spectrum to alternative frequency ranges. [63] [109]

Taking a look in Argentina’s current Frequency Allocation Plan, the ‘Cuadro de Atribución

de Bandas de Frecuencias de la República Argentina’ (CABFRA) (Revision 2018), I

would like to note that this change can be confirmed:

• The frequency ranges from 470 to 698 MHz (this includes UHF TV channels 14 to

20) are now allocated to the service ‘RADIODIFUSIÓN’ (Broadcast Service) on a

primary basis and identified for the analogue and digital TV (‘Servicio de

Televiosión – TV’).

• One exception is the UHF TV channel 37 from 608 to 614 MHz, which is still allo-

cated to the Radio Astronomy Service.

• The 700 MHz frequency band from 698 to 806 MHz is already allocated to the

service Land Mobile Service (‘MÓVIL TERRESTRE’) on a primary basis. [111] This

is also resolved in the Resolution N° 31/2015 of the CNC. [112]

95

The footnote 5.293 of the Final Acts WRC-15, which defines different categories of ser-

vices in certain frequency ranges from 460 to 890 MHz, still does not contain this change:

‘In Argentina and Ecuador, the allocation of the frequency band 470-512 MHz to the fixed

and mobile services is on a primary basis’ [66, Page 16]. It would be interesting, if this

footnote will be changed by the next WRC.

The table below shows the frequency allocation of Argentina’s current national frequency

allocation plan, revision 2018, from 470 to 806 MHz [111]:

Frequency Range [MHz]

Channel Service Comment

470 to 512 14 to 20 Broadcasting Analogue TV and digital TV


608 to 614 37 Radio Astronomy


698 to 806 52 to 69 Mobile Service

Table 19: Actual National Frequency Allocations Plan (2018) from 460 to 806 MHz in Argentina

The figure below shows the in the year 2010 occupied TV channels in the VHF and UHF

TV spectrum in Buenos Aires (capital of Argentina) in the year 2010:

In Figure 78 the UHF TV channels are marked in four different colours:

• Red: Analogue Free-to-Air (FTA) stations

• Green: Digital Free-to-Air (FTA) stations

• Orange: Pay-TV stations, hereof more or less ten were already digital (DVB-T)

• White: Free UHF TV channels

It can be seen, that the analogue Free-to-Air (FTA) stations were mainly located in the

VHF TV spectrum (VHF TV channels 6 to 13). Just one FTA station was allocated in the

UHF TV spectrum in UHF TV channel 21.

The UHF TV channels 14 to 20 are excluded from the graphic, because at the time of the

graphic, non-broadcasting services were allocated on a primary basis in these UHF TV

channels.

Furthermore, it can be recognised, that the majority of occupied TV channels were in use

by digital and analogue ‘Pay-TV’ transmitters. [111]

In Figure 78 I have marked the 700 MHz frequency band (channel 52 to 69) with a dark

red square frame. Before the ‘Digital Switch-Over’ this frequency band was intensively

used by Pay-TV stations. [63] [109]

700 MHz

Digital Dividend

Figure 78: VHF and UHF TV Channel Occupation in Buenos Aires, 2010 [63, Page 24]

96

The auction of the 700 MHz frequency band was originally intended for 2010. The auction

was finally carried out in October 2014. The frequencies have been allocated to the win-

ning phone companies in 2015, with the intention to implement the LTE technology. Alto-

gether three licenses for a total bandwidth of 70 MHz were issued to mobile phone com-

panies. Anyways, so far, the 700 MHz frequency band is not in use by LTE (2018). [63]

[102] [109] [110]

I would like to note that possible reason for the delay in the auction might be found in:

• Decree 2426, published in 2012,

Decree 2426/2012 gives instructions to allocate certain frequency ranges includ-

ing the 700 MHz frequency band on a primary basis to the Land Mobile Service.

Therefore, first corresponding compatibility studies should be carried out. In this

year the auction of the 700 MHz frequency band was abandoned [113]

• Resolution 18, published in 2014.

In 2014 Resolution 18/2014 allocates the 700 MHz frequency band to the Land

Mobile Service on a primary basis with the identification to implement IMT. This

year the 700 MHz auction took place. Existing operations in the700 MHz fre-

quency band had to migrate during the next two years (until 2016). The migration

procedure was defined in Decree 746/200, ANEXO IV, Article 1250 [114]

• Valid Broadcast Licenses

As can be seen in Figure 78, in 2010, there were still existing broadcast licenses

in the auctioned frequency band. [63]

Details of the intended refarming of the 700 MHz frequency band:

Res. 2531/2016 was released two years after the allocation of the 700 MHz frequency

band to the Land Mobile Service51 and provided specifies details on the refarming of the

700 MHz frequency band. [115]

The resolution considered, that there still are valid licenses for coded television52

(SCTVC) in the affected frequency band. The affected broadcasters are requested to

move to other frequencies. [115]

Res. 2531/2016 defines, that all coded TV operations inside the 600 MHz frequency band

from 512 to 698 MHz also need to move to alternative frequency bands. The 600 MHz

frequency band will be needed for the digital terrestrial television, because the 700 MHz

frequency band is no longer available for the Broadcast Service. [115]

In Res. 2531/2016, it is defined, that SCTVC does not necessarily need to be operated

in frequency bands for the Broadcast Service. An operation in bands identified for ‘Infor-

mation and Communication Technologies’ (TIC) also is possible. It is defined to migrate

coded TV to frequency ranges above 10 GHz. Therefore the 12 GHz frequency band from

50 https://ppp.worldbank.org/public-private-partnership/sites/ppp.worldbank.org/files/documents/Argen-tina_Decreto%20764.00_EN.pdf 51 This re-allocation was already resolved in Res. 18/2014. 52 ‘Servicio Complementaroo de Televisión Codificada’ (SCTVC)

https://ppp.worldbank.org/public-private-partnership/sites/ppp.worldbank.org/files/documents/Argentina_Decreto%20764.00_EN.pdf

https://ppp.worldbank.org/public-private-partnership/sites/ppp.worldbank.org/files/documents/Argentina_Decreto%20764.00_EN.pdf

97

12.2 to 12.7 GHz was found most suitable. Hence this band was allocated to the Broad-

cast Service. On the long-term coded TV programs should migrate to this band. [115]

The lack of availability of equipment for SCTVC is also considered in the Res. 2531/2016.

It resolves, that SCTVC inside the 600 MHz frequency band have two years (until 2018)

to migrate to the 12 GHz band. The technical requirements for this frequency band are

defined in Annex 1 of the Resolution. The ENACOM will than issue the corresponding

licenses. [115]

At this time, the market does not provide any TV equipment to realize a TV transmission

in the 12 GHz frequency range. Because of this, it was decided, that during a transition

period of four years, affected TV station can first move their transmissions to the 600 MHz

frequency band from 512 to 698 MHz. In 2020 all coded TV stations have finally to be

migrated to the 12 GHz frequency range. [116]

In 2017 the ENACOM extended the migration period for the still existing coded TV sta-

tions in the 600 MHz frequency band to the 12 GHz frequency band until 2021, because

of the lack of required equipment for a coded TV transmission in this frequency range.

[117]

9.3.2. The Second Digital Dividend in Argentina

9.3.2.1. Background of the DD2 in Argentina

It seems, that in Argentina the first Digital Dividend (DD1) nearly is finalized, and the

second Digital Dividend (DD2) is already on its way.

In Latin-America, already before the World Radio Conference 2015 (WRC-15) the dis-

cussion to allocate further UHF TV spectrum from 470 to 698 MHz to the Land Mobile

Services was started. [118] [119]

It seems, that Argentina wishes to allocate the whole UHF TV range from 470 to 698 MHz

to the Land Mobile Service, but also wants to respect existing regulations. On the other

hand, Decree 2426/201253 defines, that the UHF TV spectrum needs to be protected to

secure the Broadcast Service. [120]

9.3.2.2. Realization of the Second Digital Dividend in Argentina

Second Digital Dividend: 600 MHz Frequency Band

One year after the WRC-15 the second Digital Dividend (DD2) was announced for Argen-

tina. The second Digital Dividend in ITU-R Region 2 refers to the clearance of the 600

MHz frequency band. This way, not the whole UHF TV spectrum from 470 to 698 MHz

as discussed before (see section ‘9.3.2.1 Background of the DD2 in Argentina’), but just

part of it would be released for the Land Mobile Service, while simultaneously the Broad-

cast Service could continue its existence in the UHF TV spectrum.

53 See also http://servicios.infoleg.gob.ar/infolegInternet/anexos/205000-209999/206135/norma.htm

http://servicios.infoleg.gob.ar/infolegInternet/anexos/205000-209999/206135/norma.htm

98

In 2016, in Res. 2531/16 the ENACOM requested, that coded TV stations have to clear

the 600 MHz frequency band. These TV stations have to migrate to the 12 GHz frequency

band from 12.2 to 12.7 GHz. [115]

According to the TeleGeography [102], the ’auction of 600MHz spectrum is now expected

to take place later in 2018, as soon as the band is freed up by the nation’s broadcasters‘

[102].

These developments seem interesting to me, because:

• Firstly, as already shown earlier, Res. 2531/2016 noted, that the reason for the

clearance of the 600 MHz frequency band was the need for more UHF TV spec-

trum for the Broadcast Service. In my opinion, the auctioning of the same fre-

quency band contradicts this reasoning.

• Secondly, in 2017 the ENACOM extended the migration period for the Broadcast-

ers from the 600 MHz frequency band to the 12 GHz frequency band until 2021,

but the auction should take place in 2018, as soon as the 600 MHz band is

cleared. In my eyes, this is another contradiction. If the Broadcasters have time

until 2021 to clear the band, the band cannot be cleared in 2018 and if the auction

should take place as soon as the band is cleared, this will not be in 2018.

• A solution is to migrate Broadcasting to the 12 GHz frequency band. The 12 GHz

band has a bandwidth of 0.5 GHz or 500 MHz. In comparison, the 600 and 700

MHz bands from 512 to 806 MHz have a total bandwidth of 294 MHz. Conclu-

sively, the 12 GHz band offers 204 MHz more bandwidth. Anyways, the propaga-

tion characteristics differ as well. I wonder, if wireless audio production tools

(PMSE) also have to migrate to this new frequency band and if such a frequency

usage is possible / effective.

9.4. Impact of the DDs on the Use of Wireless Audio Production Tools

In general, some manufacturers report on their websites about the ongoing and future

changes of the UHF TV spectrum and its consequences for users of wireless audio pro-

duction tools (PMSE). Different solutions are suggested. [121]

In the next section, I would like to analyse, how the frequency usage of wireless audio

production tools (PMSE) is affected by the Digital Dividends, by taking a closer look at

the Content production, the frequency ranges and the homologation procedure.

9.4.1. Content Production

As a consequence of the ‘Media Law’ a national content production inside Argentina was

started.

Until 2015, 4 000 hours of TV program content were produced and stored in the national

archive ‘Audiovisual Band of Argentinean Universal Content’ (BACUA) to be used by

broadcasters. In this time, 2 000 hours of this content were distributed on digital television.

Further, the so-called ‘Polos Program’ decentralized the content production from the cap-

ital Buenos Aires. Local and regional production networks were built. When the new gov-

ernment was elected in 2015, the public content production for BACUA was stopped.

[122]

99

Note: I do not have any information about the impact of this change on the use of wireless

production tools in content and event production.

In the next section I would like to describe which frequency ranges are available for the

wireless production tools (PMSE).

9.4.2. Frequency Ranges

Resolution 2519/2012 is a technical norm for ‘Dispositivos de Baja Potencia’ (DBP)

(Translation: ‘Low Power Devices’). This term includes as well wireless microphones and

comparable equipment. I wonder if DBP focusses on semi-professional use.

Res. 2519/2012 defines the minimum conditions, which DBP have to fulfil, to be used in

the identified frequency bands. During the following years, the resolution was updated

several times. [123] [124] [125]

The following table gives an overview over the field strength limits in each frequency

band, updated in 2017:

Frequency Band [MHz]

Distance of Measurement

[m]

Field Strength Level [µV/m]

0.009 – 0.490 300 2400/F (kHz)

3.155 – 3.400 30 100

7.400 – 8.800 30 100

10.440 – 10.760 30 30

13.553 – 13.567 30 15848

30 – 37.5 3 100

88 – 108 3 250

138.200 – 138.450 3 150

216 – 217 3 200

310 – 314 3 200

401 – 402 3 18260

402 – 405 3 18260

405 – 406 3 18260

433,075 – 434,775 3 366000

902 – 928 3 50000

2 400 – 2 483.5 3 50000

3 100 – 10 600 3 1000

22 000 – 26 650 3 1000

Table 20: Limitation of Field Strength Level for Low Power Devices (DBP) [123]

Further information see the linked document: http://servicios.infoleg.gob.ar/infolegInter-

net/anexos/275000-279999/277554/res6639.pdf

Out of band emissions are defined as follows:

Frequency Band [MHz]

Distance of Measurement [m]

Field Strength Level [µV/m]

13,11 – 14,01 30 30

433,075 – 434,775 3 200

902 – 928 3 200

Above 960 MHz 3 500

Table 21: Out of Band Emission Levels for Low Power Devices (DBP) [123]

In Argentina’s actual national frequency allocation table, DBP applications are allocated

on a secondary basis in the following frequency ranges [111]:

http://servicios.infoleg.gob.ar/infolegInternet/anexos/275000-279999/277554/res6639.pdf


100

From To Unit From To Unit

9 490 kHz 216 217 MHz

3155 3400 kHz 310 314 MHz

7400 8800 kHz 433.075 434.775 MHz

10 440 10 760 kHz 902 928 MHz

13 553 13 567 kHz 2400 2483.5 MHz

30 37.5 MHz 3.1 10.6 GHz

88 108 MHz 22 26.65 GHz

138.2 138.45 MHz Table 22: Frequency Ranges for Low Power Devices (DBP), incl. Wireless Microphones [111]

Comparing the listed frequency bands in Table 20 (according to the resolution for DBP

and the frequency allocations for DBP in the actual frequency allocation plan (version

2018), there are just a few differences (marked in red in Table 20).

Note: the information provided does not seem to be complete for an evaluation.

Anyways, taking a look at the frequency allocations for DBP in 2018, it can be seen, that

there exists no allocation in the UHF TV spectrum from 470 to 806 MHz. Some allocations

can be found in the VHF TV spectrum. Additionally, some higher frequency ranges above

the UHF TV spectrum are allocated. This includes, for example, the 2.4 GHz WIFI band.

Already in 2012, there haven’t been any allocations for low power devices in the UHF TV

spectrum, as can be seen in the corresponding resolution of that year54 (Res. 2519/2012).

It would be interesting, how these allocations have been before the Media Law in 2009

was published and the decision to allocate the 700 MHz frequency band to the Land Mo-

bile Service was made. Unfortunately, no further information could be found during the

period of my thesis.

For further work, it would be interesting to know whether wireless microphones were al-

lowed to use the UHF TV spectrum before DD as a secondary user or not, and how this

changed after the DD. If they are not allowed to use the UHF TV spectrum, it would be

interesting to know how major events are produced, which frequency ranges can be used,

and which equipment is used.

Additionally, in the national frequency allocation plan of Argentina, there can be found the

categories ‘Sistemas en Modalidad Exclusiva para bandas superiores a 30 MHz’ (Trans-

lation: ‘Systems in Exclusive Mode for bands above 30 MHz’) and ‘Sistemas en

Modalidad Exclusiva para bandas entre 30 MHz y 960 MHz’ (Translation: ‘Systems in

Exclusive Mode for bands between 30 MHz and 960 MHz’). Both of these categories offer

an exclusive status in the corresponding frequency bands. It is differentiated between

‘superiores a 30 MHz’ (Translation: ‘above 30 MHz’) und ‘entre 30 MHz y 960 MHz’

(Translation: ‘between 30 MHz and 960 MHz’). Both categories include parts of the VHF

as well as the UHF TV spectrum. The related licenses will be issued for a geographical

region and over a defined time period. Both mentioned categories include the so-called

‘Distribución de Señales de Audio’ (SDSA) (Translation: ‘Distribution of Audio Signals’).

Furthermore, it is defined, that no interferences can be produced in other services, an

interference-free operation has to be guaranteed. [126]

54 http://www.enacom.gob.ar/infotecnica/homologaciones/archivos/normas/CNC-Q2-60.14%20v12.1.pdf

http://www.enacom.gob.ar/infotecnica/homologaciones/archivos/normas/CNC-Q2-60.14%20v12.1.pdf

101

I wonder, if wireless microphones and other wireless audio production tools (PMSE) be-

long to the SDSA. So far, I was not able to find a complete definition of SDSA or specific

regulations regarding wireless audio production tools (PMSE), such as wireless micro-

phones.

In the national frequency allocation plan, ‘Sistemas en Modalidad Exclusiva en Bandas

Superiores a 30 MHz’, are allocated in the following frequency ranges [111]:

From [MHz] To [MHz]

467.7375 469.0125

467 467.5375

465.9875 467

463.8375 465.5125

460 463.7625 Table 23: Frequency Ranges for 'Sistemas en Modalidad Exclusiva en Bandas Superiores a 30 MHz'

Comparison: in Europe wireless production tools for team communication are operated

in 410 to 470 MHz, so-called ‘Talk-Back Systems’.

All these allocations are below the UHF TV spectrum, which starts at 470 MHz. So far, I

could not find any further information on frequency ranges identified for wireless audio


9.4.3. Homologation, Certification and Authorization of Radio Devices

To use and / or sell wireless audio production tools (PMSE), in addition to the require-

ments for DBP, a valid homologation, certification or authorization is required.

Similar to Brazil, in Argentina all radio devices for radiocommunication and telecommuni-

cation require an approval before they can be sold in Argentina. A special registry, the

‘Registro de Actividades y Materiales de Telecomunicaciones’ (RAMATEL) (Registry of

Activities and Materials of Telecommunications) is responsible for the approval. [127]

RAMATEL provides three different types of approvals:

• Homologation

The homologation is a permission to sell the homologated equipment in Argentina.

Therefore, the equipment needs to be tested in a specific laboratory. [127]

• Codification

The codification is similar to the homologation. The difference is, that it just con-

siders equipment, where there does not exist a standard. Because of this, the

equipment will not be tested. [127]

102

• Authorization

The last approval is the authorization. The authorization is a restricted permission,

which allows the usage, but not the selling, of specific equipment. For the authori-

zation, no equipment has to be tested. [127]

The approved equipment than has to be labelled. If the device itself cannot be labelled,

the label has to be attached into the user’s manual and on the package. [128]

The Resolution 2519/2012 on DBP as well specifies the explicit testing procedure for the

homologation and certification. At that time, three samples of the equipment were re-

quested to be send to the laboratory of the RAMATEL. These samples have to fulfil all

technical conditions. Just if all three samples passed the tests, the license would be is-

sued. [125]

In August 2017 the resolution was updated and now only one sample is required for the

homologation testing procedure. [124]

9.4.4. Alternatives and Solutions in Argentina

Comparison with Europe:

As shown in section ‘15 Considered and Implemented Alternatives and Solutions’, in Eu-

rope various solutions for users of wireless audio production tools (PMSE) were provided.

I wonder, whether comparable solutions are possible in Argentina?

One common solution in Europe is the allocation of additional frequency bands for wire-

less audio production tools (PMSE). For example, in Europe, the LTE duplex gaps in the

800 MHz and 1.8 GHz frequency bands have been harmonized for wireless microphones

and the so-called ‘Air-Band’ around 900 MHz is currently under discussion. I wonder

whether a comparable regulation is possible in Argentina. I have researched the current

mobile radio frequency allocation.

103

The following graphic shows this information:

Figure 79: Mobile Radio Frequencies in Argentina [73]

I have marked some possible frequency ranges in the graphic (gaps in the 800 MHz,

900 MHz and 1.8 GHz bands). Others, e.g. further LTE duplex gaps and some guard

bands, may appear.

Note: further calculations are required to investigate the current frequency usage in the

marked areas

In the following chapter, I would like to analyse the development of the Digital Dividends

(DDs) and its consequences for the frequency usage by wireless audio production tools

(PMSE) in Mexico.

10. Mexico

10.1. Relevant administrations for Wireless Audio Production Tools

Summary of the relevant administrations for Wireless Audio Production Tools (PMSE) in

Mexico:

In Mexico, the ‘Secretario de Cominicaciones y Transportes’ (SCT) (Translation: ‘Secre-

tariat of Communications and Transport’) ‘regulates, inspects and oversees mail and

104

telegraph services’ [129]. In 1996, the ‘Comisión Federal de Telecomunicaciones’ (CO-

FETEL) (Translation: ‘Federal Commission of Telecommunication’) was founded as an

independent frequency regulator as part of the SCT. In 2013 the COEFTEL was replaced

by the ‘Instituto Federal de Telecomunicaciones’55 (IFETEL) (Translation: ‘Federal Insti-

tute of Telecommunications’). [130] [131] ‘IFETEL’s responsibilities will include:

• Define the radiofrequency bands to be used for telecommunications and broad-

casting that can be utilized by concessionaries

• Grant concessions and approve any concessions transfers

• Issue/update regulations for the telecom industry

• Identify and regulate monopolies’ [130].

10.2. The Digital Dividends in Mexico

10.2.1. ‘Digital Switch-Over’ in Mexico

In 2004 the SCT published the plan for the ‘Digital Switch-Over’ of terrestrial television

the ‘Digital Switch-Over’ from analogue to digital was intended to be realized geograph-

ically in six periods. Thus, the cities are mainly divided by the number of inhabitants.

However, the first period consists of the nine largest and most important Mexican cities.

The final ‘Analogue Switch-Off’ is planned to happen at the 31st of December 2021. [131]

[132] The following graphic shows the Switch-Over schedule [131]:

Figure 80: ‘Digital Switch-Over’ Schedule for Mexico [131]

Furthermore, a committee to observe the Switchover process was founded, the so-called

‘Consultative Committee for Digital Broadcasting Technologies’ (CCTDR). [131]

In the following years, there were two attempts to accelerate the process of the ‘Digital

Switch-Over’:

• In September 2010 the presidential Decree to clear the 700 MHz frequency band

already by 2012 and to prepone the date of the final ‘Analogue Switch-Off’ to the

31st of December 2015, was suspended.

55 http://www.ift.org.mx/

http://www.ift.org.mx/

105

• In September 2011 the Mexican frequency regulator COEFTEL proposed the so-

called ‘Complementary Actions’ (CA), which suggested a regional Switch-off

schedule with a pilot ‘Analogue Switch-Off’ in Tijuana and Tecate in 2012 and a

final national ‘Analogue Switch-Off’ on the 31st of December 2016. [131]

As a result of the attempts, to change the ‘Digital Switch-Over’ plan, in May 2012 the

COEFTEL published an updated schedule for the ‘Digital Switch-Over’. According to the

new schedule, the final ‘Analogue Switch-Off’ date was the 31st of December 2015. [133]

10.2.2. The First Digital Dividend in Mexico

10.2.2.1. Background of the DD1 in Mexico

Similar to Brazil, the 800 MHz frequency band has long been assigned to the Land Mobile

Service. Because of this, the DD1 refers to the 700 MHz frequency band.

Already before the DD1 the usage density of the Broadcast Service in the 700 MHz fre-

quency band was relatively low. Already when the ‘Secretariat of Communications and

Transport’ - SCT stablished the national frequency allocation plan, the ‘Cuadro Nacional

de Atribuición de Frecuencias’ (CNAF) (Translation: ‘National Frequency Attribution

Chart’), only a few TV stations were assigned in the 700 MHz frequency band, mainly

operated in the north of Mexico, close to the common border with the USA. The following

graphic shows analogue TV stations inside the 700 MHz frequency band in 2011:

Figure 81: Analogue TV stations inside the 700 MHz Frequency Band (red circles) [131]

All digital TV assignments were already made below the 700 MHz frequency band. This

shows, that the occupation of the 700 MHz frequency band by broadcast stations was

already low before the DD1. With Mexico’s ‘Digital Switch-Over’ plan, no clearance of the

700 MHz frequency band is required, because after the switchover there won’t be any-

more TV assignment in this band. When Mexico created its switchover plan, the 700 MHz

band plan of the USA already was established. Mexico oriented its own switchover plan

on the developments in the USA. This has advantages for both countries, e.g. cross-

border coordination, less interferences. [131]

106

In comparison, in Brazil there still have some assignments of digital TV stations inside

the 700 MHz frequency band. All remaining TV stations are intended to be refarmed.

10.2.2.2. Realization of the First Digital Dividend in Mexico

Implementation of the Land Mobile Service into the 700 MHz band:

In 2010, the COEFTEL already intended to release the 70 MHz frequency band for the

Land Mobile Service and studies for different possibilities of auctioning the 700 MHz band

were planned. [63]

In 2011, the aetha reports, that ‘Regarding the timing of the 700MHz assignment process,

it appears from its public announcements that COFETEL wishes to do this quickly, in

order for the benefits of the additional capacity and competition to be realised as soon as

possible’ [131, Page 4]. The benefits of the re-allocation of the 700 MHz band were ex-

pected in:

• the increased spectrum efficiency (e.g. more than one program is transmittable per

TV channel, reduction of guard bands),

• the benefits for the costumer (e.g. HD) and

• the benefits for the industry (e.g. production and income). [131]

How did the 700 MHz spectrum auction take place?

The conditions for the 700 MHz spectrum auction were announced to be published on

the 17th of July 2015. The auction of the 700 MHz frequency band was planned for the

29th of October 2015 and the winner was intended to be announced in the beginning of

2016. The deployment of the LTE networks was noted to start in the second half of 2016.

[134]

According to the TeleGeography, that this plan has changed:

In November 2016 the SCT announced the telecommunications service ‘ALTÁN Redes

S.A.P.I. de C.V.’ (ALTÁN) as the winner of the 700 MHz frequency band auction. The

second bidder, Rivada Network, was disqualified, because it could not guarantee to meet

the financial necessaries. Consequently, ALTAN has exclusive access to the auctioned

frequency band. The start of operation of the network was scheduled for the 31st of March

2018. [135]

107

Ruben Alvarez provided these two spectrum scans. The scans show the local UHF TV

spectrum usage before and after the ‘Analogue Switch-Over’ in Mexico City:

16th of December 2015

1 day before the ‘Analogue Switch-Off’

Analogue and Digital TV

17th of December 2015

1 day after the ‘Analogue Switch-Off’

Digital TV only

Scanning Range: 470 to 707.659 MHz

Centre Frequency: 588.829 MHz

Scanning Range: 476.197 to 698.584 MHz

Centre Frequency: 587.390 MHz

Table 24: Spectrum Scans taken in Buenos Aires before and after the ‘Analogue Switch-Off’ [136]

Note: the scanning ranges and centre frequencies of both scans differ slightly.

Both scanning ranges include the UHF TV channels 14 to 51 (see white numbers in grey

boxes below the scanning window). This is the UHF TV spectrum excluding the 700 MHz

frequency band.

10.2.3. The Second Digital Dividend in Mexico

In several countries, e.g. USA and Canada, a second Digital Dividend (DD2) already has

been started by identifying the 600 MHz frequency band, or parts of it, for the IMT appli-

cation. Source [137] notes that Mexico is ‘following in the footsteps of the US, which allo-

cated the band over the past two years’ [137] and announced its second Digital Dividend.

In March 2018 the IFETEL approved the complete refarming of the 600 MHz frequency

band from 614 to 698 MHz. After the ‘Analogue Switch-Off’ in 2015 there were 151 digital

TV transmissions inside the 600 MHz frequency band. In March 2018, 103 digital TV

transmissions already have been refarmed or were under the process of refarming. It was

decided to reallocate the remaining 48 digital TV transmissions to the lower UHF TV

spectrum from 470 to 608 MHz (UHF TV channels 14 to 36). These are 22 UHF TV chan-

nels, which allow the transmission of 34 HD programs or 58 SD programs. This is more

than the available number of TV channels in Mexico. [137] It is reported, that ‘Mexico

plans to auction the spectrum by the end of 2018’ [137].

According to the IFETEL, the refarming of the 600 MHz frequency band is expected to be

completed in the first quarter of 2019. From then on, the 600 MHz frequency band will be

available for the implementation of the 5G technology. [138]

With this schedule of the second Digital Dividend Mexico seems to be ‘the first country to

completely free up the band for high-speed 5G services’ [137].

To me this evolution seems interesting, because other countries, which, similar to Mexico,

are releasing the 600 MHz band for the Land Mobile Service, delay with the refarming of

the 600 MHz band, e.g. USA. [137]

108

10.3. Relevant Frequency Allocations and Regulations in Mexico

The national frequency allocation table of Mexico is called ‘Cuadro Nacional de

Atribuición de Frecuencias’ (CNAF). In this chapter, I would like to examine how the fre-

quency allocations in the UHF TV spectrum changed as a consequence of the DD1.

Therefore, I will first take a look at the CNAF before the DD1 in 1999 and afterwards at

the actual CNAF, Revision 2018.

10.3.1. CNAF 1999

The graphic on the left shows an extract of the CNAF

from 1999. Shown are the frequency allocations in the

UHF TV spectrum from 470 to 806 MHz. It can be seen,

that the lower UHF TV spectrum from 470 to 512 MHz

is allocated not just to the Broadcast (Radiodifusíon),

but as well to the Fixed (Fijo) and Land Mobile Service

(Movíl) on a primary basis. This conforms with the

cross-border coordination agreements with the USA,

as will be explained further in the chapter below. The

UHF TV channel from 608 to 614 MHz is allocated on

a primary basis to the Radio Astronomy Service (Radi-

oastronomía), like as well in Brazil and Argentina (see

chapters ‘8 Brazil’ and ‘9 Argentina’). In 1999, the up-

per UHF TV spectrum from 614 to 806 MHz was allo-

cated, like the lower part, on a primary basis to the

Broadcast, Land Mobile and Fixed Service. It can as

well be seen, that already at that time, the 800 MHz

frequency band above 806 MHz was not allocated to

the Broadcasting Service. Here the Mobile Service al-

ready than had an exclusive allocation. [139]

Figure 82: CNAF 1999, 470 to 849 MHz,

[139]

109

10.3.2. CNAF 2018

On the 10th of February 2017 it was agreed to modify the national frequency allocation

table CNAF and the changes published in the 3rd of March 2017. [140]

The Figure below shows the last version of the CNAF (Revision 2018), I am aware of:

Figure 83: CNAF, Revision 2018; 450 to 806 MHz [141]

In the coloured frequency allocation blocks, one can see, that the Broadcast Service is,

in comparison to 1999, just allocated on a primary basis in the frequency range from 470

to 608 MHz. The upper UHF TV spectrum block from 614 to 806 MHz now is allocated

on a primary basis to the Land Mobile Service and on a secondary basis to the Fixed

Service. In comparison to the CNAF from 1999, the Broadcast Service is not allocated to

the 600 and 700 MHz frequency bands – probably as a consequence of the first and

second Digital Dividend. Further, some footnotes were added or modified by Mexico.

These will be analysed further in the next section. [141]

10.3.3. Footnotes in different Frequency Allocation Tables

In this section I would like to compare the footnotes from Mexico with the footnote entries

in the Radio Regulations (RR) of the ITU-R.

National Frequency Allocations

Each service is marked in a different colour.

Bandwidth per Frequency Range

e.g. 470 to 608 MHz = 138 MHz

Mexico’s National Footnotes

Frequency band edges

e.g. 700 MHz band: 898 to 806 MHz

International Footnotes

Radio Regulations (RR)

110

The actual RRs of the ITU-R contain some footnotes, which resolves additional alloca-

tions for Mexico. The following table summarizes the footnotes from the Final Acts of

2012 and 2015, which affect Mexico, and the related changes.

Frequency Band Final Acts WRC 2012 Final Acts WRC 2015

470 to 512 MHz 2.593 2.593

2.595

512 to 608 MHz 2.597 2.595

2.597

614 to 698 MHz 2.593 2.593

5.308A

698 to 806 MHz 2.593

5.317A

2.593

Footnote Final Acts WRC 2012 Final Acts WRC 2015

5.293 Primary Allocation to the Fixed and

the Mobile Service in the frequency

ranges from 470 to 512 MHz and

614 to 806 MHz

Primary Allocation to just the Mobile

Service, not anymore to the Fixed

Service

5.295 Was added in 2015

Portions of the frequency band from

470 to 608 MHz is identified for

IMT, but the usage will not start be-

fore the 31st of December 2018

5.297 The frequency band from 512 to

608 MHz is allocated to the Mobile

Service on a Primary Basis

5.308A Was added in 2015

The frequency band from 614 to

698 MHz is identified for IMT, but

the usage will not start before the

31st of December 2018

5.317A Parts of the frequency band from

698 to 806 MHz are identified for

IMT

Table 25: For Mexico relevant Footnotes from the Final Acts WRC-12 and WRC-15 [64] [66]

In my observation, Mexico’s national frequency allocation table, the CNAF, reflects the

relevant footnotes from the RRs, which were considered in the table above. In the follow-

ing section, I would like to analyse Mexico’s national footnotes. These can be identified

by the abbreviation MX in the CNAF, see Figure 83.

In the CNAF of 2018 the footnote MX141 was added. The footnote points out that the

frequency range from 470 to 512 MHz is under process of reorganizing and in the future

should be used exclusively by the Broadcast Service. [136] At the moment, all digital TV

transmissions inside the 600 MHz frequency band are being reallocated in the lower UHF

TV channels from channel 14 to 36. This includes the frequency segment 470 to 512

MHz. It would be interesting, if after the re-organization of the mentioned frequency range

the primary allocation to the Mobile Service will be deleted in the CNAF and if at the next

WRC the corresponding footnotes, 5.293 (Primary allocation of the Land Mobile Service

from 470 to 512 MHz) and 5.295 (identification of parts of the band from 470 to 608 MHz

for IMT) will be modified conform with the ongoing changes of frequency allocations in

Mexico.

111

MX142 referrers to the cross-border protocol between Mexico and USA, which was

signed at the 16th of June 1994 and agrees on the usage of the frequency range from 470

to 512 MHz for terrestrial Mobile Service along common border. This is conform with the

footnote 5.293 [66] of the RRs. For further information on the Protocol of the 16th June

1994 see Table 25.

MX143 defines a 6 MHz channel grid for the UHF TV channels.

MX143A defines that the frequency range 470 to 608 MHz, or parts of it, is identified for

IMT in conformity with Resolution 224 (WRC-15). The use for IMT will not start before the

31st of December 2018 and may be extended if agreed by neighbouring countries. This

corresponds to the footnote 5.295 (WRC-15). Since according to the CNAF (Revi-

sion 2018) the frequency range from 512 to 608 MHz is also allocated to the Broadcast

Service on a primary basis, I assume, that the lower portion from 470 to 512 MHz is

identified for IMT in Mexico. In my observation, this would as well correspond to the na-

tional footnote MX142, which identifies this same band for IMT in the border region with

the USA and footnote 5.293 (WRC-15) of the RRs, which allocates the Land Mobile Ser-

vice as the primary service in this frequency band.

Footnote MX144 allocates the frequency range from 608 to 614 MHz (UHF TV channel

37) on an exclusively to the Radio Astronomy Service.

I assume, that footnote MX145 was added to the CNAF as a consequence of the DD2,

because it points out the refarming of the TV channels underneath UHF TV channel 37

(Radio Astronomy (RA) channel) so that the 600 MHz frequency band from 614 to 698

MHz (above the RA channel) can be cleared. This process is referred to as the second

Digital Dividend (DD2). [136] This process is ongoing at the moment in Mexico, as can

be read in the section above ‘10.2.3 The Second Digital Dividend in Mexico’. As well it

corresponds to the footnote 5.308A, which was added at the WRC 2015.

Footnote MX147 allocates the frequency range from 698 to 960 MHz on a primary basis

to the Land Mobile Service with the identification for IMT and covers the 700 MHz fre-

quency band. [136] I assume, that this footnote was added as a consequence of the DD1.

In the CNAF from 1999, the Broadcast Service still had a primary allocation alongside the

Mobile Service in the frequency band. The primary allocation to the Mobile Service just

started above 806 MHz. [139]

With footnote MX148, which was added in 2012, Mexico adopted the US band plan for

the 700 MHz band. It should be used for the implementation of the IMT application. [136]

This decision goes along with Mexico’s orientation on the USAs regulation, e.g. the adop-

tion of the ATSC standard for digital TV. For further information see section below ‘10.4

Cross-Border Frequency Coordination’.

Footnote MX149 defines, that no further allocations for TV stations will be made in the

700 MHz frequency band. [136] This corresponds to Mexico’s ‘Digital Switch-Over’ plan

and the developments regarding the first Digital Dividend, which was already described

earlier in this chapter.

It would be interesting, if after the completion of the second Digital Dividend the national

footnote MX147, which so far just refers to the reorganization of the UHF TV spectrum

with the goal to clear the 600 MHz frequency band, will be modified and allocate the

112

600 MHz frequency band from 614 to 698 MHz on a primary basis to the Mobile Service

with the identification for IMT. Also, it would be interesting, if these changes will as well

be adopted by the next WRC.

10.4. Cross-Border Frequency Coordination

10.4.1. Southern Border of Mexico: Belize and Guatemala

In the south, Mexico shares borders with Belize and Guatemala. In these countries, the

transmission of analogue terrestrial TV will continue in the 700 MHz frequency band and

this might cause difficulties, because in 2011 there did not exist any cross-border coordi-

nation between the three countries: ‘there are likely to be co-ordination difficulties imped-

ing mobile use in the 700MHz band, caused by the continued broadcasting of analogue

TV in Guatemala and Belize. We are not aware of any specific recommendations relating

to the cross-border coordination of LTE and analogue TV at around 700MHz’ [131,

Page 11].

10.4.2. Northern Border of Mexico: USA

In the north, Mexico shares a border with the United States of America (USA).

In the USA the ‘Digital Switch-Over’ and the clearance of the 700 MHz frequency band

already happened in 2009. At that time, in Mexico there were still active analogue TV

stations using the 700 MHz band in the border region. [142] For the USA, this seemed to

cause problems for the implementation of LTE in the 700 MHz frequency band, because

according to various cross-border agreements between the two countries, TV stations in

the border region have to be protected, but non-broadcast-services, such as LTE, do not

need to be protected: the international agreements ‘provide interference protection for TV

stations operating in border areas’ [142, Page 5], but it ‘Does not protect new ‘non-broad-

cast’ services in U.S.’ [142, Page 5].

However, it seems that Mexico orientates their decisions regarding the radio frequency

spectrum regulation on the standards of the USA. For example, for the digital terres-

trial TV standard, ATSC was chosen, like in the USA. As well a lot of technical parameters

and frequency allocations are similar to the ones in the USA. This facilitates the cross-

border coordination between both countries and consequently interferences in the border

region between Mexico and USA are unlikely to happen. [131]

The facilitation of the cross-border frequency coordination with the USA also was the

reason to adopt the ATSC standard for digital terrestrial broadcasting. [143]

In general, various agreements between Mexico and the USA for the cross-border fre-

quency coordination exist. In the following table I summarize some of these agreements:

Title Date Frequency Band Content Reference

Agreement Relating to Assign-

ments and Usage of Television

Broadcasting Channels in the

Frequency Range 470-806 MHz

(Channels 14-69) along the

United States-Mexico border

18/06/1982 470-806 MHz Usage of the 56 UHF TV

channels in the Border Region

Border Region: 320 km within

the common border

Definition of technical parame-

ters

[144]

113

Memorandum of Understanding

between the Federal Communi-

cations Commissions of the

United States of America and

the ‘Secretaria de

Comunicaciones y Transportes’

of the United Mexican States re-

lated to the use of the 54-72

MHz, 76-88 MHz, 174-216 MHz

and 470-806 MHz for digital tel-

evision broadcasting service

along the common border

22/07/1998 54-72 MHz

76-88 MHz

174-216 MHz

470-806 MHz

Basis for introduction of digital

TV in the border region


the common border

[145]

Protocol between the Depart-

ment of State of the United

States of America and Trans-

portation of the United Mexican

States concerning the Allotment

and use of the 698-806 MHz

Band for Terrestrial Non-Broad-

casting Radiocommunication

Services along the common

Border

16/06/1994 698 to 806 MHz Objective: Avoid harmful

cross-border interference

Definition of Technical Param-

eters


the common border

[146]

Agreement Amending the

Agreement relating to Assign-

ments and usage of Television

Broadcasting Channels in the

Frequency Range 470-806 MHz

(channels 14 - 69) along the

United States-Mexico Border

21/11/1988 470-806 MHz Low Power TV stations on

secondary character in border

Region

Definition of technical parame-

ters

Modified / terminated with the

protocol of 1994

[147]

Protocol Concerning Use of the

470-512 MHz Band for Land

Mobile Services along the com-

mon Border

16/06/1994 470-512 MHz Allocation to Land Mobile Ser-

vice and TV broadcast


the common border

[148]

Table 26: Cross-Border Frequency Regulations between Mexico and USA

10.5. Impact of the DD on the Use of Wireless Audio Production Tools

In which frequency ranges can wireless audio production tools (PMSE) be operated in

Mexico?

During the work on my thesis, I could not find any information on the specific frequency

bands for wireless audio production tools (PMSE) in Mexico.

In general, the UHF TV spectrum, including the 700 MHz frequency band, is commonly

used by wireless audio production tools (PMSE) on a secondary basis with the Broadcast

in many regions around the world. Regarding the frequency usage of the UHF TV spec-

trum by wireless audio I could identify the following information:

Aetha is noting [131] in 2011 for the 700 MHz frequency band in Mexico: ‘no other au-

thorised uses than the few analogue TV channels’ [131, Page 10]. Here remains the

question, if wireless microphones were operated in this frequency band. Due to the low

usage density by the Broadcast Service, sharing of the ‘White Spaces’ seems to be a

good choice for the usage of wireless audio production tools (PMSE); a successful sce-

nario in practice in other countries around the world.

114

In Mexico the process of the second Digital Dividend (DD2) started in 2018. In the USA,

the second Digital Dividend (DD2) is already in progress a longer time. This could result

in difficulties of the microphone usage in the 600 MHz frequency band along the common

border. [149]

Additionally, I found some information on so-called ‘free spectrum’ and ‘unlicensed

bands’.

I wonder, if these bands can be used by wireless audio production tools (PMSE) and

under which conditions.

In the actual CNAF (Revision 2018), the following frequency ranges are listed as ‘free

spectrum’:

Figure 84: Free Spectrum according to the CNAF 2018 [141]

It would be interesting, what exactly is the meaning of the ‘free spectrum’? It becomes

apparent, that all the ‘free spectrum’ blocks are between 450 and 470 MHz.

Comparison: in Europe wireless production tools for team communication are operated

in 410 to 470 MHz, so-called ‘Talk-Back Systems’.

Reference [150] defines ‘Free Use Spectrum’ as Unlicensed Bands’. The following fre-

quency ranges are noted as free spectrum (e.g. ISM):

Frequency Band From

[MHz]

To

[MHz]

900 MHz 902 928

DECT 1920 1930

WIFI 2400 2483.5

5 GHz 5150 5350

5.8 GHz 5725 5850

Table 27: Unlicensed Frequency Bands in Mexico [150]

Note 1: further details on the conditions of the frequency usage in these bands can be

found here: https://www.law.cornell.edu/cfr/text/47/15.249.

Note 2: these frequencies are probably not suitable for professional content production.


115

The ‘Federal Telecommunications Commission’ reports, that the ‘Unlicensed Bands’

listed in Table 27 provide a total bandwidth of 444.5 MHz available for free spectrum

usage, see figure below:

Figure 85: Unlicensed Frequency Bands for Free Spectrum Usage in Mexico [150]

No further conditions, e.g. technical parameters, or applications are defined for the ‘Free

Use Spectrum’ in reference [150] The question is whether wireless audio production tools

(PMSE) can use these frequency ranges, if so, under which conditions and whether these

frequency ranges meet the high-quality requirements of wireless audio production tools

(PMSE).

How are users of wireless audio production tools (PMSE) are affected by the DDs?

It was reported by an experienced / professional spectrum user, that professional users

of wireless audio production tools (PMSE) are worried about the future of their equipment,

while non-professional users are confused about the ongoing changes. As a conse-

quence of the DD1 for wireless audio production tools (PMSE), certain equipment’s are

not working anymore in the large cities and rental companies need to buy new equipment.

The necessity for more ‘Spectrum Efficient’ solutions56 and specific training for audio en-

gineers and other affected users was reported. [136]

Some manufacturers report on their websites about the ongoing and future changes of

the UHF TV spectrum and its consequences for users of wireless audio production tools

(PMSE). [151]

10.5.1. Alternatives and Solutions in Mexico

Comparison with Europe:

As shown in section ‘15 Considered and Implemented Alternatives and Solutions’, in Eu-

rope various solutions for users of wireless audio production tools (PMSE) were provided.

I wonder, whether comparable solutions were provided / are possible in Mexico?

One common solution in Europe is the allocation of additional frequency bands for wire-

less audio production tools (PMSE). For example, in Europe, the LTE duplex gaps in the

800 MHz and 1.8 GHz frequency bands have been harmonized for wireless microphones.

I wonder whether a comparable regulation is possible in Mexico. I have researched the

current mobile radio frequency allocation.

56 For further information on spectrum efficiency, see [11] Stratix Report, Section ‘5.1 Spectral efficiency’.

116

The following graphic shows this information:

Figure 86: Mobile Radio Frequencies in Mexico [73]

I have marked two possible LTE duplex gaps in the graphic (800 MHz and 1.8 GHz

bands). Others, e.g. some guard bands, may appear.

Note: further calculations are required to investigate the current frequency usage in the

marked areas

10.5.2. Practical Example: Music Festival ‘Vive Latino’

‘Vive Latino’ is a rock music festival over

two days in Mexico City. The festival ex-

ists since 1998 and since then was hold

19th times. Per day there are more than

70 000 visitors, I expect an additional

content distribution in the broadcast. The

artists performed on seven different

stages, from more or less 13 o’clock until

2 am the next morning. [152] The right

picture shows the map of the festival, in-

cluding the seven stages.

Figure 87: Map of the Festival Ground of 'Vive Latino' [152]

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The following two spectrum Scans were taken at the main stage of the Festival ‘Vive La-

tino’ on the 19th of March 2017:

10:00 am

Rehearsals

10:00 pm

Headliner

Table 28: Spectrum Scans taken at the Music Festival ‘Vive Latino' [136]

The scanning range of the two scans includes the UHF TV spectrum underneath the

700 MHz frequency band from 470 to 698 MHz, UHF TV channels 14 to 51. The left scan

was taking at the rehearsal in the morning, while the right scan was taken 12 hours later

during the show of the headliner. [136]

In the following section, a conclusion regarding the Digital Dividends and its impact on

the frequency use by wireless audio production tools (PMSE) in Latin-America will be

provided. This conclusion is based on the presented results.

11. Conclusion about the Situation in Latin-America

First of all, it can be seen, that the ‘Dig-

ital Switch-Over’ is split in time and re-

gion. After a simultaneous transition

period of analogue and digital terrestrial

TV the analogue transmission is turned

off region by region. Mostly this process

is still ongoing. For the digital TV trans-

mission there exist no specific stand-

ard. Instead various digital standards,

e.g. DVB-T, ISDB-Tb or ATSC, are in

use within Latin-America. In the case of

Argentina, there are more than one dig-

ital TV standard used within the coun-

try. The graphic on the right shows,

which Latin-America country decided

for which digital TV standard. [63,

Page 3]

The first Digital Dividend in Latin-Amer-

ica refers to the refarming of the

700 MHz frequency band from 698 to

806 MHz. This band was allocated on a

primary basis to the Land Mobile Service by WRC-07 and therefore identified for the ap-

plication IMT. In my observation, most Latin-American countries decided to adopt this

Figure 88: Digital TV Standards used in Latin-America [63, Page 3]

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new frequency allocation of IMT. This refarming of the UHF TV spectrum are still ongoing

in most countries. Mainly the frequencies of the 700 MHz band were already auctioned,

but the refarming of the 700 MHz band and the implementation of the LTE technology is

still ongoing. Even though, in some countries a second Digital Dividend is already under

discussion, e.g. in Mexico. This would affect the 600 MHz frequency band from to 614 to

698 MHz. The graphic below shows the UHF TV channel plan for Latin-America. Marked

in green is the 700 MHz frequency band (DD1) above 698 MHz (UHF TV channel 52 to

69). The 600 MHz band goes from UHF TV channel 38 to channel 51.

Figure 89: UHF TV channel plan for Latin-America (Green: DD1) [63, Page 5]

Since 2015, every year the so-called ‘Annual Latin-American Spectrum Management

Conference’ is taking place in a different country of Latin-American, e.g. 2016 in Mexico,

2017 in Colombia and 2018 in Argentina. On these conferences, mainly the topic cross

border frequency regulation is discussed. The main topics during the four conferences so

far were the new frequency allocations in the 600 and 700 MHz frequency bands (the

Digital Dividends) and the ongoing implementation of the 4G and possibly 5G technology

inside the UHF TV spectrum. A table with some published topics of each conference can

be found in Annex ‘A.5 Overview Over the last ‘Annual Latin-American Spectrum Man-

agement Conferences’’. I wonder, if secondary users of the discussed frequency bands,

such as wireless audio production tools (PMSE), were considered in the conferences and

if solutions for these users were discussed or agreed? [153] [154] [155] [156] [157]

In the next section I would like to focus on the wireless audio production tools (PMSE).

Comparing the licensing of the frequency usage by wireless audio production tools

(PMSE) in the three countries, which were part of my thesis, I would like to conclude, that

basically for the frequency usage a so-called ‘homologation’ is required for each device.

Devices with an approved homologation do not need a further license.

Devices with such a license do not need a ‘homologation’ and have, in comparison to the

homologated devices with a secondary character, a protection against interferences from

other secondary users. Those licenses are in use and / or required, e.g. for foreign pro-

duction teams using their own equipment.

In the next section, I would like to conclude the possible consequences for wireless audio

production tools (PMSE) in Latin-America.

Summarized, the 700 and 600 MHz frequency bands probably cannot be used anymore

by wireless audio production tools (PMSE), or the frequency usage of these bands will

be limited, after the full implementation of the DD1 and DD2.

Note: The frequency usage of the 600 MHz frequency band depends strongly on which

country will implement the DD2.

In my observation, in Latin-America, some manufacturers of wireless audio production

tools (PMSE) report on their webpages about the ongoing and future changes of the UHF

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TV spectrum and possible consequences for users of wireless audio production tools

(PMSE). Different solutions were suggested. These include:

• Equipment with a wide tuning range

It is argued, that within a wider tuning range of wireless audio production tools

(PMSE), it is easier to find a useful transmission frequency, e.g. in a tuning range

e.g. of 224 MHz, it is easier to find a free space than in 12 MHz.

• Spectrum efficient technologies

The public discussion on spectrum efficiency of wireless audio production tools

(PMSE), relates to technologies, which allow to use more wireless audio produc-

tion devices per empty UHF TV channel.

• Digital technologies

It is reasoned, that digital microphones can as well be used in frequency ranges

with a relatively high risk of interference. For further information on digital wireless

microphones, see chapter ‘2.4 Analogue vs. Digital Technologies’.

• Equipment with a tuning range outside of the DDs

Manufacturers of wireless production tools (PMSE) recommend to the users to

invest in equipment which has a tuning range outside of the frequency bands from

the DDs. Basically, this refers to the 700 MHz frequency band (698 to 806 MHz),

but in some countries as well the 600 MHz frequency band (614 to 698 MHz). The

access to these frequency bands for wireless microphones might be problematic

(or will be in the near future) due to the interferences from the Land Mobile Service

and (in some countries) on a long term it might even be forbidden to use wireless

audio production tools (PMSE) in these frequency ranges. Therefore, it is recom-

mended to buy new equipment for alternative frequency ranges. [1] [121] [151]

From the observed Latin-American countries, it seems to me that Brazil is providing the

most information regarding the changes for users of wireless microphones for the public,

e.g. organisations inform on their websites, interviews are given, videos are recorded.

In my observation, actions were taken by some stakeholders with the intention to discuss

and possibly to improve the situation for users of wireless microphones. For example, it

was reported about a meeting between the association Anafima and some manufacturers

with the regulation agency Anatel to discuss the future of wireless microphones [75].

Still my observation, so far there are no additional frequency ranges were allocated for

wireless audio production tools (PMSE) and no financial compensations for affected us-

ers were considered. Possibly some stores still sell devices for the 700 MHz band and

there is no obligation to exchange these devices.

Further, after a shift of the frequency usage to the lower UHF TV spectrum, users of

wireless microphones reported increased interference.

So far, similar to Brazil, I could not find any information on financial compensations or

similar solutions for users of wireless audio production tools (PMSE) in other Latin-Amer-

ican countries.

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As well, because of a lack of detailed information, I am unaware of the interference sce-

nario in the UHF TV spectrum and changes in the frequency usage by wireless audio

production tools (PMSE) in other Latin-American countries. I am wondering, how the sit-

uation is in the other two analysed countries (Argentina and Mexico) both part of my re-

search:

• Can wireless microphones be used in the UHF TV band, e.g. on a secondary ba-

sis? If so, under which conditions?

• Are there solutions, for users that are affected by the DD, comparable to other

countries?

• Did the interferences in the UHF TV band increase after the DD?

Despite limited information regarding the questions above was available to the public, it

was reported, that [136];

• In Mexico, professional users worry about the future of their wireless audio pro-

duction tools (PMSE).

• Non-professional users are confused by the ongoing changes.

• A need for training regarding the changes in the UHF TV spectrum is seen.

• A need for more spectrum efficient technologies was reported.

Part C: Impact of the Digital Dividends on the Use of Frequencies

by Wireless Audio Production Tools in Europe

After the analysis of the observed developments of the Digital Dividends (DD) and possi-

ble consequences for the affected wireless audio production tools (PMSE) in Latin-Amer-

ica, I would like to analyse the same situation in Europe. This work was already the topic

of my bachelor thesis57. Here five European countries (Austria, France, Germany, Swit-

zerland, and UK) were considered exemplary to draw conclusions on the effect of the

Digital Dividends on users of wireless audio production tools (PMSE). In this chapter, I

will mainly refer to my anterior work and give corresponding updates. Additional research,

especially in relation to the second Digital Dividend (DD2), complements that information

with the actual developments in Europe.

12. The first Digital Dividend

12.1. Background: How did the DD1 come about?

In Europe the so-called ‘Stockholm 1961 Agreement’ (ST61) was the basis for the regu-

lation of analogue TV transmission in Europe for over 45 years [159]

Before the digitalisation of terrestrial television, its transmission was analogue modulated.

The digital transmission of terrestrial TV promised a lot of advantages, like a higher quality

and spectrum efficiency58. Anyways, to introduce the digital TV standard (e.g. DVB-T), a

57 Document just available in German: https://apwpt.org/downloads/piaseegerbachelorarbeit.pdf 58 As already explained in chapter ‘6 Digital Terrestrial Television - ISDB-Tb’, in comparison to analogue TV, the digital TV transmission offers the possibility to transmit more than one TV program per channel.

https://apwpt.org/downloads/piaseegerbachelorarbeit.pdf

121

new frequency planning was necessary [160]. For that reason, in the year 2000 the ‘Eu-

ropean Conference of Postal and Telecommunications Administration’ (CEPT)59 send a

mandate to the ITU with the request for a revision of the ST61. The objective was to

facilitate the introduction of digital terrestrial TV in Europe. As a result, the ITU-R decided

to hold a Regional Radiocommunication Conference (RRC)60 in two sessions (RRC-04

and RRC-06) with the goal of the re-planning of the digital terrestrial television in the VHF

and UHF frequency ranges in ITU-Region 1. The ST61 was updated. The first part of the

conference was hold in May 2004 (RRC-04). Here the technical parameters and planning

criteria were set as a basis for the final agreement, which was established in the second

part of the conference in 2006 (RRC-06). Furthermore, already at the RRC-06 the possi-

bility of introducing new services / application (e.g. IMT) into the UHF TV spectrum was

discussed. It was suspected, that with the new digital transmission standard less spec-

trum will be needed for the broadcasting service. [160]

The outcome of the RRC-06 was the so-called ‘GE06’ (Geneva 2006) agreement. It con-

tains the new frequency plans and regulations in regards to digital terrestrial TV in ITU-

Region 1. The digital TV standard was defined as DVB-T. A lot of different options, e.g.

in the quality or number of programs per TV channel, were given. The channel spacing

should continue with 8 MHz per UHF TV channel and 7 MHz per VHF TV channels. In

comparison, the channel grid in the VHF TV as well as the UHF TV spectrum in Latin-

America is 6 MHz. The frequency ranges defined in the GE06 were the VHF TV range

from 174 MHz to 230 MHz and the UHF TV range from 470 to 862 MHz. As well, a tran-

sition period to switch the terrestrial TV transmission from analogue modulation to digital

modulation was regulated. The validation of the GE06, and along with it a transition pe-

riod, started on the 17th of June 2007. The end of the transition period inside the UHF TV

frequency bands was limited for all countries to the 15th of June 2015. [161]

As a consequence of the RRC-06, another conference to review the ST61 agreement

was hold. The new GE06 agreement covers certain frequency ranges, which before were

included in the ST61 agreement (VHF: 174 to 230 MHz, UHF: 470 to 862 MHz). In the

revision of the ST61, these frequency ranges were excluded. [159]

12.2. Implementation of the DD1

Along other topics, the WRC-07 was addressing the Broadcast Service and IMT applica-

tions. The goal of the WRC-07 was to provide more frequency spectrum for the imple-

mentation of new technologies, such as IMT-2000. The argumentation for the implemen-

tation of IMT into the UHF TV spectrum was the increased spectrum efficiency of Broad-

cast and the convergence between Broadcast and IMT. It was important to identify more

spectrum for integration of IMT applications to reach a great IMT coverage by harmonised

frequency ranges in ITU-Region 1. The UHF TV spectrum seemed suitable because of

its good propagation characteristics. The corresponding decisions were made already on

WRC-07 to give the manufacturers and operators time for the necessary preparation.

59 For further info see: https://www.cept.org/ 60 For further information on the RRC, see chapter ‘5.1.5 Regional Radiocommunication Conferences (RRC)’ or: https://www.itu.int/net/ITU-R/index.asp?category=conferences&rlink=rrc&lang=en

https://www.cept.org/

https://www.itu.int/net/ITU-R/index.asp?category=conferences&rlink=rrc&lang=en

122

Note: I assume, that operators of the IMT application are meant, because the source does

not specify the addressed application: ‘It’s vital that crucial spectrum decisions are made

without delay at WRC-07, giving operators and manufacturers a clear target to plan their

technical and commercial strategies for the years ahead’ [162]. Anyways, to me it is im-

portant to note, that other affected services and applications, e.g. Broadcasters and users

of wireless audio production tools (PMSE) as well need time for the necessary prepara-

tion.

For the above listed reasons, the frequency range from 790 to 862 MHz was allocated to

the Mobile Service and identified for IMT in ITU-Region 1 and 3 on a co-primary basis.

Anyways, the identified frequency ranges were just available for the Mobile Services after

the conclusion of the ‘Digital Switch-Over’. Until then, analogue as well as digital television

stations in this frequency range had to be protected because of their primary character.

The switchover from analogue to digital should be concluded latest by 2015, according to

the Switch-Off schedule at the time of the conference. This as well depended strongly on

the country. Some countries might be finished earlier, because the digitalisation already

was advanced61. Finally, the ITU-R was invited by WRC-07 to study the compatibility

between broadcasting and Mobile Services in the 800 MHz frequency band until the next

WRC (2012). As well, every country should be allowed to use the spectrum for the own

requirements, as long as this usage does not cause problems for the neighbouring coun-

tries. [162]

At the World Radio Conference in the year 2007 (WRC-07), the 800 MHz frequency band

from 790 to 862 MHz was allocated on a co-primary basis to the Mobile Services with the

identification for ‘International Mobile Telecommunication’ (IMT) in ITU-Region 1. Conse-

quently, broadcast stations, which were operated in the 800 MHz frequency band had to

be moved to the lower UHF TV spectrum below 790 MHz. A co-channel usage between

the two services IMT and broadcast is not possible due to the high co-channel interfer-

ences [4, Page 5]

The Footnote 5.316B of the Final Acts of the WRC-07 defines, that the primary allocation

of the Mobile Service inside the 800 MHz frequency band is just valid after the 17th of

June 2015. This date is defined as the end of the transition period in the GE06, which

already was explained earlier in chapter ‘12.1 Background: How did the DD1 come

about?’). Anyways, the Footnotes 5.316 and 5.316A allocate certain parts of the 800 MHz

frequency band in specific countries to the Mobile Service already from 2007 on. [65]

After my analysis of the changes on an international basis in Europe, I now would like to

focus on the situation on a national basis and, therefore, I now will examine the differ-

ences and similarities in the implementation of the DD1 in the five exemplary European

countries of this thesis.

I estimate, that the Digital Dividend 1 (DD1) was realized similar in all European countries:

On a national level, as a consequence of the digitalization of terrestrial television, the

freed-up UHF TV spectrum from 790 to 862 MHz (also called 800 MHz frequency band)

was allocated to Mobile Services with a co-primary status and identified for IMT with the

goal of a greater LTE coverage. This process is referred to as the Digital Dividend 1

61 Res. 749 of the Final Acts 2007 recognises under item e), that ‘the timing of the switch-over to digital is likely to vary from country to country;’ [65, Page 479].

123

(DD1). In my observation, the 800 MHz frequency band was than auctioned to mobile

phone companies62. Anyways, the details of the implementation of the DD1 differed from

country to country.

France, Germany and Switzerland were three of the most advanced countries in regards

to the implementation of the DD1. The first auction was held in the year 2010 in Germany.

Anyways, the 800 MHz frequency band could just be made available for mobile phone

companies in the year 2015. Already 2008 the ‘Digital Switch-Over’ was finalized.

France just finalized its ‘Digital Switch-Over’ in 2011. In the same year the 800 MHz fre-

quency band was auctioned, but the corresponding licenses were just issued one year

later. During that time compatibility studies between the LTE and Broadcast Services

were made.

In Switzerland the ‘Analogue Switch-Off’ took place in the year 2009. Already 2008, just

one year after the corresponding decision on the WRC-07 and even before the ‘Analogue

Switch-Off’, the decision was made to allocate the 800 MHz frequency band to mobile

phone services, but it was just auctioned in the year 2012.

In the United Kingdom (UK) already 2003, before the decisions of the RRC04, RRC-06

and WRC-07, 112 MHz of the UHF TV spectrum were cleared as a consequence of the

‘Digital Switch-Over’. The details of the UKs Switch-Over plan played an important role in

the GE06 agreement. The ‘Digital Switch-Over’ was finalized in 2012, the 800 MHz band

cleared until 2012 and that same year the auction was held. The frequencies were avail-

able already two months after the auction. In Austria the situation was similar. The auction

was held in 2013 and the frequencies were made available straight afterwards. The tran-

sition period for the change from the broadcast to Mobile Service differs from country to

country. While in some countries the new allocated frequencies were available straight

after or just a few times after the auction, in some countries a longer transition period was

given, e.g. because resolutions, which allocated certain services in the 800 MHz fre-

quency band, were still valid. In all the countries the national frequency allocation plan

and eventually the corresponding footnotes were adopted to the changes. Additionally,

agreements between neighbouring countries had to be made to avoid cross-border inter-

ference. [68]

12.3. Impact of the DD1 on the Use of Wireless Audio Production Tools

In ITU-Region 163, which also includes Europe, before DD1 the frequency range from 470

to 862 MHz was intensively used by wireless audio production tools (PMSE) on a sec-

ondary basis. Resolution 749 of the Final Acts 2007 considers under item e), that wireless

audio production tools (PMSE) can continue to use the 800 MHz frequency band: ‘appli-

cations ancillary to broadcasting are sharing the band 470-862 MHz with the broadcasting

service in all three Regions, and are expected to continue their operations in this band’

[65, Page 479]. Anyways, a local co-channel operation between IMT and wireless audio

production tools (PMSE) is not possible due to the high level of interferences. Conse-

quently, wireless audio production tools (PMSE) could just be operated underneath

62 Definition of ‘Mobile Phone Company‘: Company, which provides ‘portable device[s] for connecting to a telecommunications network in order to transmit and receive voice, video, or other data‘ [163]. 63 For further information see chapter ’5.1 International Regulation – ITU’.

124

790 MHz. Because of the additional broadcast stations, which were moved from the

800 MHz to the lower UHF TV spectrum and the higher usage of this same frequency

range by wireless audio production tools (PMSE), the spectrum density in the UHF TV

spectrum from 470 to 790 MHz increased after the DD1. [4, Page 5]

Footnote 5.296 of the Final Acts of WRC-07 defines the allocation on a secondary basis

to ‘the land mobile service, intended for applications ancillary to broadcasting’64 [65,

Page 23]. In other words: this footnote allows the usage of wireless audio production tools

(PMSE) in the frequency band from 470 to 790 MHz. [65]

The consequences of the new frequency allocation for wireless audio production tools

(PMSE) are similar in all European countries: the frequency ranges from 790 to 823 and

from 832 to 862 MHz (this is the 800 MHz frequency band excluding the LTE duplex gap)

are not available anymore for the use of wireless audio production tools (PMSE).

Anyways, the date from which these frequencies can no longer be used by wireless pro-

duction tools (PMSE) differs. As I already noted in the section ‘12.1 Background: How did

the DD1 come about?’ some countries have implemented the 800 MHz frequency access

for IMT faster than others. In these countries, the users of wireless audio production tools

(PMSE) had a limited time for the necessary system changeover, e.g. to buy or rent new

audio equipment or to apply for licenses in other frequency ranges for wireless audio

production tools (PMSE). Even if the necessary steps at international level have already

been agreed by the WRC-07, the local implementation is a task of the responsible na-

tional frequency regulation.

In my observation, users of wireless audio production tools (PMSE) are subject to national

decisions and thereof I conclude, that the national implementation decision on the DD1

had to be awaited, before users could start their own precautions.

In some countries, the decision for implementation of IMT

• was taken early and the realization of the DD1 took place years later

e.g. Switzerland: the implementing decision for the DD1 was taken on the 17th of

November 2008, but the LTE operation just started in 2013.

• or the implementing decision was taken late

e.g. Bulgaria: the implementing decision for the 800 MHz frequency band was

made in 2016. [164]

• or existing resolutions guaranteed a continued usability of the 800 MHz frequency

band by wireless audio production tools (PMSE).

e.g. Germany: the existing resolution 91/2005 guaranteed a continued usability of

the frequency ranges from 790 to 814 MHz and 838 to 826 MHz (2 x 24 MHz inside

the 800 MHz frequency band) by wireless audio production tools (PMSE) on a

license exempt basis up to 31st of December 2015. [165]

In my opinion, in those countries a transition period for the users of wireless audio pro-

duction tools (PMSE) to plan the necessary system changeover was given.

64 The exact definition of the term ‘Applications ancillary to broadcasting’ (SAB) can be found in chapter ‘2.1.1 SAB/SAP‘.

125

On the other hand, in some countries an early decision was taken, and the changes were

realized straight away. For example, in France, the implementing decision for the DD1

was taken in 2010 and the first LTE operation in the 800 MHz frequency band already

started in October 2011 [68]. In my opinion, in those countries the users of wireless audio

production tools (PMSE) had less time to adopt to the changes.

In general, in Europe, as a consequence of the DD1 the spectrum density of all frequency

users in the lower UHF TV (470 to 790 MHz) increased. TV stations, which were operated

before the DD1 in the 800 MHz frequency band were shifted to the remaining part of the

UHF TV spectrum and as well a higher usage density by wireless audio production tools

(PMSE) was observed. I have observed a different scenario for Switzerland: in order to

secure the high quality of the terrestrial TV transmission and to ensure the required fre-

quencies for wireless audio production tools (PMSE), the TV stations in the 800 MHz

frequency band were not moved to the lower UHF TV spectrum. [166, Page 6] Switzer-

land rather took the loss of some TV stations instead of the loss of production quality:

‘lieber Qualität als Quantität’ (Translation: ‘rather quality than quantity’) [166, Page 6].

How were the users of wireless production tools (PMSE) involved in this process?

The consideration of wireless audio production tools (PMSE) during or after the process

of the DD was very different in various countries. In some countries the users were in-

cluded in the preparation process of the DD by public consultations, e.g. in the UK and

France. Affected users were asked for feedback, opinions and spectrum requirements.

In Austria a study about the effect of the DD1 on the frequency usage by wireless audio

production tools (PMSE) was realized before the implementation of the DD. The study

focussed on a worst-case scenario in the city Bregenz, where additional interferences

might occur from the three neighbouring countries. Within this study a temporary solution

for wireless audio production tools (PMSE) was developed. The study identified for Bre-

genz usable TV channels for every production site. Finally, the study is summarising, that

in the same way usable frequencies for the different production sites in the cities of Austria

could be identified and published in the internet. Here, users of wireless audio tools could

inform themselves about possible frequency usages and changes. Anyways, the pub-

lished frequencies just had a limited validity of one year. An additional online application

form for the licensing of wireless audio production tools (PMSE) was uploaded to facilitate

the frequency coordination. [167] [168]

In Switzerland an online-database-tool, ‘PMSE-DB’, was developed for the coordination

of frequencies for wireless audio production tools (PMSE). In this database events can

be registered, and the frequency coordination will take place in real-time online. There-

fore, in Switzerland, since the DD1, the frequency regulation is not anymore task of the

national frequency regulator for a number of use-cases and therefore the management

of the event is responsible for this task.

Note: this does not apply to forms of use that still require approval. This information will

be forwarded by the database-tool to the OFCOM CH.

I think, that a tool similar to the PMSE-DB is helpful and might optimize the process of the

crucial frequency coordination.

126

Anyways, another consequence of the DD1 in Switzerland is, that the usage of wireless

audio production tools (PMSE) since than is license free in the frequency bands from 477

to 782 MHz and 694 to 790 MHz65.

This can be positive or negative:

• On one hand the access to spectrum is easier because you don’t have to apply for

a license.

• On the other hand, whoever wants to can use the spectrum and it might be hard

to have an overview over frequencies in use because no-one needs to register

their usage anymore.

Who takes over the costs for the necessary purchase of alternative production tools?

Basically, the owner of the wireless production tools (PMSE) but in some countries finan-

cial compensations for users/production teams, who were affected by the DD1, were

given, e.g. in Germany and UK. The related conditions vary in the different countries. An

example is shown in chapter ‘15 Considered and Implemented Alternatives and Solu-

tions’.

As well, alternative frequency ranges were identified for wireless audio production tools

(PMSE). In most European countries these were the so-called ‘LTE Duplex Gaps’ of the

800 MHz and 1.8 GHz LTE bands as well as the frequency range from 863 to 865 MHz.

I assume this is because of the harmonisation decisions by the EC, based on studies of

the CEPT.

However, most of the professional users of wireless audio production tools (PMSE) de-

cided to move their operation the remaining UHF TV spectrum from 470 to 790 MHz. In

some countries parts of the VHF spectrum and other frequency ranges are still available,

e.g. the 2.4 GHz WIFI band and further frequency ranges were made available, e.g. in

the UK the 900 MHz frequency band from 960 to 1164 MHz. [68]

Generally, ERC/ECC recommendations harmonize alternative frequency ranges for the

usage of wireless audio production tools (PMSE), e.g. ERC Rec. 25-10 harmonizes, along

much others, the VHF frequency range from 174 to 216 MHz for wireless microphones.

The complete table of harmonized frequency bands by ERC Rec. 25-10 can be found in

Table 34. [169]

In 2016, as part of my bachelor thesis about the impact of the DDs on the usage of wire-

less audio production tools (PMSE) in Europe, I invited to a survey about the impact of

the Digital Dividend 1 on the frequency usage by wireless audio production tools (PMSE)

in Germany and evaluated the results66. Users of wireless audio productions tools were

asked via an online questionnaire, how they are affected in their everyday work by the

DD1. In the following part, I would like to summarize the evaluated results:

Affected were all users, who were operating their equipment in the 800 MHz frequency

band. There the usage by wireless audio production tools (PMSE) was license free until

2015. The results of the survey show, that more or less half of the devices, which were

65 For detailed information, see https://www.apwpt.org/downloads/handoutfrequencies2018.pdf 66 The final Report can be found here (just available in German): https://apwpt.org/downloads/piasee-gerumfrage.pdf

https://www.apwpt.org/downloads/handoutfrequencies2018.pdf

https://apwpt.org/downloads/piaseegerumfrage.pdf


127

bought before the DD1 were not useable anymore after the DD1. The users seemed to

have additional costs up to 150 000 €, for example to buy new equipment. Another addi-

tional effort, which had to be taken after the DD1, was the application for new licenses,

because the licence-free usage ended in 2015. As well it was possible to get financial

compensations, but the responses to related questions in the survey show, that the ap-

plication procedure for these compensations was very complex and therefore some or-

ganisations did not request a compensation.

Before the DD1 the majority of the users seemed to operate their equipment in the 800

MHz frequency band. This changed significantly after the DD1. Most of the users seem

to have shifted their usage to the lower UHF TV spectrum from 470 to 790 MHz. A focus

can be seen on the 700 MHz frequency band, which includes the 98 MHz from 694 to

790 MHz. As a comparison, more or less the same number of users decided for the UHF

spectrum below 694 MHz, which has a bandwidth of 224 MHz and therefore is more than

twice the bandwidth of the 700 MHz frequency band. Some users as well started to op-

erate their equipment in the VHF spectrum or other alternative frequency bands. It seems,

that since the DD there are increased interferences, but they are still controllable due to

preventions like changing the transmission frequency. The interferences were recognised

mainly in the 800 MHz and the 700 MHz frequency band. The results show, that in the

800 MHz frequency band the source of interference probably are the LTE-blocks and in

the 700 MHz band it was a mixture of the out-of-band emission from the LTE in the neigh-

bouring frequency range and the higher spectrum density. [2]

In January 2013, the VPLT reports in his article ‘Update: Digitale Dividende’, that accord-

ing to the German Federal Ministry the frequencies of the 800 MHz frequency band was

still available for the operation of wireless audio production tools (PMSE)67, but due to the

interferences by the Mobile Service they cannot be used anymore for professional pro-

ductions since 2012: ‘Keiner, der professionell arbeitet kann es sich leisten, dass eine

Produktion durch den Mobilfunk gestört wird. Die Frequenzen sind definitive seit Mitte

2012 nicht mehr verwendbar’ (Translation: ‘Nobody, who works professionally, can afford

that a production is disturbed by mobile phones. The frequencies are definitely no longer

usable since mid-2012.’) [170, Page 32]. As well the APWPT reports in a press release,

that until 2015 wireless audio production tools (PMSE) could still be operated in the 800

MHz frequency band, but there might occur harmful interference in regions, where the

IMT is already implemented. It is noted, that of a pilot operation, the implementation of

the IMT in the 800 MHz band should happen region after region. The association APWPT

provided its members with the initial data of the IMT operation in the 800 MHz frequency

band for each affected region in Germany in form of a database.

67 ‘Das Ministerium führte darüber hinaus aus, dass […] die versteigerten Frequenzen bis 2015 weiterhin genutzt werden können‘ (Translation: ‘The ministry also stated, that […] the auctioned frequencies could continue to be used until 2015’) [170, Page 32].

128

In Austria the situation was similar.

The radio administration informed us-

ers of wireless audio production tools

(PMSE) about the ongoing implemen-

tation of the IMT application into the

800 MHz frequency band. The AP-

WPT provided me the graphic on the

left. The graphic shows the active LTE

transmitter locations of the 800 MHz

frequency band in 2014. [171]

I think these scenarios are examples

that show that a spectrum-changing process can be carry out together jointly by the re-

sponsible radio administration, the Mobile Service companies and the user associations.

Access to new equipment

In January 2013, the German magazine ‘Bühnentechnische Rundschau’ (BTR)68 (Trans-

lation: ‘Stage-Technical Review’) reports, that not all German cultural and educational

institutes were able to exchange their wireless audio production tools (PMSE), because

there were not enough financial resources available69. Hence, the affected institutes have

to continue the operation of wireless audio production tools (PMSE) in the 800 MHz fre-

quency band under the risk of interferences from the Mobile Services. [67] I suspect, that

the LTE duplex gap in the 800 MHz band is used.

Note: this probably only applies until the re-financing of the used products.

13. The Second Digital Dividend

13.1. Background: How did the DD2 come about?

In Africa, the 800 MHz frequency band is used by the military in some regions: ‘Auf die

Frage, warum in Afrika nicht dieselben Mobilfunkfrequenzen wie in Europa verwendet

werden sollen, gab es eine interessante Antwort - Militärinteressen’ (Translation: ‘When

asked why Africa should not use the same frequencies for the Mobile Service as Europe,

there was an interesting answer - military interests’) [67, Page 22]. It is noted by the arti-

cle, that it cannot be used for the implementation of the Mobile Service. On the WRC-12

it was requested, to open the 700 MHz frequency band from 694 to 790 MHz in ITU-

Region 1 for the Mobile Service to facilitate the implementation of LTE in the UHF TV

spectrum in Africa. The final decision was made on the WRC-15. The option, to clear the

800 MHz frequency band in Africa and move the military service to another frequency

range was not considered. Anyways, the national implementation is not obligatory, it is

up to the national frequency regulation administration.70 [67]

68 A German Theatre-Magazine, see also https://www.der-theaterverlag.de/buehnentechnische-rund-schau/buehnentechnische-rundschau/ 69 ‘Wegen fehlender Budgets haben nicht alle Kultur- und Bildungseinrichtungen auf die Frequenzen un-terhalb 790 MHz umgestellt’ (Translation: ‘Due to a lack of budgets, not all cultural and educational insti-tutions have switched to frequencies below 790 MHz’) [67, Page 22]. 70 See further information in chapter ‘9.3.2.1 Background of the DD2 in Argentina’.

Figure 90: LTE transmitter locations in Austria in 2014

https://www.der-theaterverlag.de/buehnentechnische-rundschau/buehnentechnische-rundschau/

https://www.der-theaterverlag.de/buehnentechnische-rundschau/buehnentechnische-rundschau/

129

It is interesting to me, that for various countries I found information on a usage of the

800 MHz frequency band for mobile phone services in Africa:

• ‘The 800 MHz band has typically been used for CDMA2000 networks in Africa’

[172].

• In Nigeria, Tanzania and Uganda the 800 MHz frequency band seems to be in use

for LTE. [173]

• In the Republic of Djibouti LTE is implemented in the 800 MHz band as well. [174]

• In Ghana, ‘cellco, which is the country’s largest in terms of subscribers, was the

winner of one lot of 2×10MHz spectrum in the 4G LTE-suitable 800MHz mobile

band in December 2015’ [175].

• ‘The Communications Authority of Kenya (CA) has asked the country’s largest mo-

bile operator by subscribers, Safaricom, to hand back part the 800MHz spectrum

it was awarded last year, so that the 4G LTE-suitable frequencies can be reallo-

cated to two smaller players’ [176].

Back to the developments of the DD2 in Europe.

On the 17th of May 2017 the ‘European Commission’ (EC) published a harmonisation on

the frequency usage of the 460 to 790 MHz frequency band in the European Union (EU):

DECISION (EU) 2017/899 OF THE EUROPEAN PARLIAMENT AND OF THE COUNCIL

of 17 May 2017 on the use of the 470-790 MHz frequency band in the Union71.

In this decision, it has been agreed on a timetable for the European process of the imple-

mentation of DD2:

• ‘By 30 June 2020, Member States shall allow the use of the 694-790 MHz

(‘700 MHz’) frequency band for terrestrial systems capable of providing wireless

broadband electronic communications service’ [177, Page 4, Article 1, Para-

graph 1].

• ‘In order to allow the use of the 700 MHz frequency band in accordance with par-

agraph 1, Member States shall, by 31 December 2017, conclude all the necessary

cross-border frequency-coordination agreements within the Union’ [177, Page 5,

Article 1, Paragraph 2].

The WRC-15 agreed that the lower UHF TV spectrum from 470 to 694 should stay avail-

able for broadcasting services on a primary basis [178, Page 93]. The EC commented in

her Decision (EU) 2017/899: ‘The 470-694 MHz (‘sub-700 MHz’) frequency band remains

exclusively allocated to the broadcasting services on a primary basis and to wireless au-

dio PMSE use on a secondary basis’ [177]. I assume, this is based on the footnote 5.296

of the RRs, which was modified by the WRC-15 (further info see chapter ‘7 The Digital

Dividends’). The band should be available at least until 2030 for the mentioned services

/ applications. It is argued, ‘The DTT and PMSE sectors therefore need a long-term reg-

ulatory predictability with regard to the availability of sufficient spectrum’ [177, Page 3].

The following graphic shows in comparison the CEPT band plan and the Asian-Pacific

Telecommunity (APT) band plans:

71 https://eur-lex.europa.eu/legal-content/EN/TXT/PDF/?uri=CELEX:32017D0899&from=de

https://eur-lex.europa.eu/legal-content/EN/TXT/PDF/?uri=CELEX:32017D0899&from=de

130

Figure 91: CEPT and APT Band Plans for the 700 MHz Frequency Band [179]

For ITU-Region 1 the CEPT band plan or the APT Duplexer 1 band plan are preferred.

[179]

13.2. Implementation of the DD2

In my observation, the second Digital Dividend (DD2) is being implemented differently in

the countries of Europe, similar to the DD1. I assume, this is because of the long-term

deadline (30th of June 2020) given by the EC-Decision (further information on the EC

decision, see section above). Because of this EC-Decision, it can be expected, that the

Land Mobile Service will be implemented into the 700 MHz frequency band on time in the

member states. Consequently, even less UHF TV spectrum will be available for the ter-

restrial TV transmission and the operation of wireless audio production tools (PMSE).

13.2.1. Decision Implementation in Germany

In Germany the ‘Bundesnetzagentur‘ (BNetzA)72 reports in a press release about the an-

nual report of 2013, that already in the year 2013, the 700 MHz frequency band was under

discussion for a DD2 – just one year after the WRC-12. Anyways, a decision was not yet

made. [180, Page 2] The final decision to auction the 700 MHz band to mobile phone

companies was made in the beginning of 2015 and the auction held that same year. [181]

In my observation, Germany was the first country to start the process of implementation

of the DD2.

According to a submitted study of the ‘Technische Universität Braunschweig’ (Transla-

tion: ‘Technical University Braunschweig’) on the spectrum requirements of the terrestrial

TV and broadband services, the 700 MHz frequency band was extensively in use (139 TV

stations) after the DD1. [182]

It was reported, that already in 2014, the first DVB-T2 transmission was started within a

pilot project in Berlin. [183]

The transition from DVB-T to DVB-T2 is taking place region after region and should be

finalized until mid-2019 [184]. For further information on the regions, where the DVB-T2

currently is implemented, see http://www.dvb-t2hd.de/regionen.

72 German Frequency Regulation Agency

http://www.dvb-t2hd.de/regionen

131

In Germany, the 700 MHz frequency band can just be used for the implementation of the

Land Mobile Service, after the transition from DVB-T to DVB-T2 is finalized. Because of

this, the implementation of the Land Mobile Service can just be started on the 30th of June

2020. [185]

13.2.2. Decision Implementation in Austria

In Austria, the auction of the 700 MHz frequency band is planned for 2019 and will be

held by Austria’s national telecommunication regulation agency, the ‘Rundfunk und Tele-

kom Regulierungs-GMBH’ (RTR)73. The band is intended to be used for the integration

of the 5G technology. Anyways, there exists still one valid broadcast allocation in the 700

MHz frequency band. Because of this, the frequency band has not been auctioned yet.

To be able to integrate the Mobile Service into the 700 MHz frequency band, this broad-

caster has to be reallocated in the lower UHF TV spectrum. Therefore, a financial com-

pensation of a few millions is planned: ‘Die öffentliche Hand würde die ORS für die frühere

Abgabe mit einem “niedrigen Millionenbetrag” entschädigen’ (Translation: ‘The public

sector would compensate ORS for the early release with a "few million"’) [186]. As well

the corresponding law / regulation has to be changed. [68] [186]

In December 2016, a new ‘Spectrum Release Plan’ for Austria has been published. Ac-

cording to this plan, the 700 MHz band should be released for the Mobile Services until

2020, like it was harmonised in the EU. A problem in Austria might be existing licenses

for DVB-T2 broadcast transmissions inside the 700 MHz frequency band with a validity

until 2023. As well an existing cross border frequency coordination with neighbouring

countries is still valid until 2022. A new cross border coordination of the broadcast stations

might not be accomplished in time and therefore, in case of an early release of the

700 MHz frequency band, existing broadcast transmissions might suffer cross-border in-

terference. The national frequency regulator RTR knows about these possible problems.

Despite of that the RTR wants to release the 700 MHz frequency band to the Mobile

Service until 2020. The details on the clearance of the 700 MHz frequency band are still

unclear: ‘[…], da aus heutiger Sicht noch Unklarheit hinsichtlich der Räumung des 700-

MHz-Bandes in Österreich […] herrscht’ (Translation: […] ‘because from today's perspec-

tive there is still uncertainty regarding the clearance of the 700 MHz band in Austria’ […])

[187, Page 5]. It is noted in the release plan, that a frequency band can just be allocated

to a new service if,

• a harmonised band plan is available,

• the international cross border coordination is concluded,

• the band is cleared of other services,

• and further special conditions are defined.

In my point of view, these conditions are not fulfilled. The band release plan already

notes, that there still exist valid broadcast allocation in the 700 MHz frequency band74

and a cross border coordination with neighbouring countries cannot be realized in

73 Rundfunk und Telekom Regulierungs-GMBH, for further information see: https://www.rtr.at/ 74 ‘Problematisch stellen sich für diesen Frequenzbereich die aufrechten DVB-T2-Multiplex-Zulassungen […] dar, die […] bis 2023 erteilt wurden’ (Translation: ‘Problematic are the existing DVB-T2 multiplex ap-provals […] for this frequency range, which […] were granted until 2023’) [187, Page 3].

https://www.rtr.at/

132

time75. The band release plan notes, that, if the listed conditions cannot be fulfilled until

the planned auction of the 700 MHz frequency band, the date of the auction must be

postponed. It the responsible administration in Austria manages to fulfil the conditions,

the auction can be held as planned. Summing up the situation regarding the DD2 in

Austria, it was decided to rather pay high financial compensations instead of accepting

a delay in the implementation of the DD2 and guarantee a protection of the Broadcast

Service and wireless audio production tools (PMSE) by respecting the validity of exist-

ing licenses. I wonder, if by this action the reliability of existing agreements in Austria

are lost. [187]

According to the digital concept of Austria from the year 2017, the digital terrestrial TV

should be switched to the new transmission standard DVB-T2. Applications of broadcast-

ers for allocations in the frequency range of the DD2 will just be approved until the 30th

of June 2020. It seems, that until that day the 700 MHz frequency band can still be used

by the Broadcast Service. [188]

13.2.3. Decision Implementation in France

In France, already 2015 the deci-

sion was made to clear the

700 MHz frequency band. The

auction was held on the 16th of

November 2015. Anyways, the

700 MHz frequency band should

be allocated on an individual ba-

sis for the terrestrial broadcast-

ing service until 1st of July 2019.

The implementation of the Land

Mobile Service (IMT application)

into the 700 MHz frequency band

is split in region and time and

started already in 2016, as can as

well be seen in the graphic above [189]. I wonder, if this contradicts the statement, that

the broadcasting service should have an individual status in this frequency band until

2019, because a co-channel usage between the IMT application and the Broadcast Ser-

vices is not possible. Consequently, in regions, where the IMT is already implemented,

broadcasting services cannot use these frequencies anymore. The transition of the

broadcast technology from DVB-T to DVB-T2 happened in one shot in the night from the

04th to 05th April 2016. Since than the 700 MHz frequency band is as well released for

mobile phone companies. [68]

13.2.4. Decision Implementation in United Kingdom

In the United Kingdom (UK) the DD2 should be implemented as soon as possible and

therefore already in 2013, the clearance of the 700 MHz frequency band was prepared:

75 ‘Es wird befürchtet, dass die internationale Koordinierung der Ersatzkanäle für Wien voraussichtlich nicht rechtzeitig für das Jahr 2020 (positiv) abgeschlossen werden könne’ (Translation: ‘It is feared, that the international coordination of the alternative channels for Vienna is not anticipated to be completed (positively) in time for the year 2020’) [187, Page 3].

Figure 92: Implementation of IMT into the 700 MHz Frequency Band in

France [189]

133

‘Preparing for implementation’ [190, Page 4]. In 2020, the clearance should be realized,

and the frequencies auctioned. Before the new frequency allocation, the UK was awaiting

the international decision of the WRC-15. Also, the new frequency allocation of the 700

MHz band had to be coordinated with the neighbouring countries. No neighbouring coun-

tries are named, instead the Ofcom UK refers here to the international frequency regula-

tion activities by the WRC-15 and the CEPT. The TV transmission and other applications,

like wireless audio production tools (PMSE), inside the 700 MHz frequency band were

refarmed to the lower UHF TV spectrum. [68]

13.2.5. Decision Implementation in Switzerland

Switzerland is already releasing the 700 MHz frequency band (2018) [191]. DVB-T trans-

missions inside the 700 MHz frequency band are getting reallocated below 694 MHz. This

process will be finalized until the end of this year (2018). [191] In 2019 the frequencies of

the 700 MHz band will be available for the mobile phone companies. [192]

The 700 MHz frequency band will be allocated to mobile phone companies in the second

half of this year (2018). It is still under discussion, if the frequencies will be auctioned or

divided equally by all operators. The 700 MHz frequency band will be used for the imple-

mentation of the IMT application. Anyways, the start of the operation of IMT is just planned

for 2020. The time between the auction and the start of the operation should be used for

the necessary preparations. [193]

13.3. Impact of the DD2 on the Use of Wireless Audio Production Tools

As a consequence of the DD2, the footnote 5.296 was modified by the WRC-15. In many

regions the access for wireless audio production tools (PMSE) has been restricted to the

remaining UHF TV spectrum from 470 MHz to 694 MHz and the 700 MHz frequency band

cannot be used anymore by wireless audio production tools (PMSE). [66] This means,

that users of wireless audio production tools (PMSE), especially who were changing their

frequency usage to the 700 MHz frequency band after the DD1, are affected again, e.g.

Germany.

In 2016, the European Commission (EC) assumed, that 30 % of all wireless audio pro-

duction (PMSE) are operated in the 700 MHz frequency band and costs for a migration

of wireless audio production tools (PMSE) from the 700 MHz frequency band to the lower

UHF TV spectrum are expected to be 200 Million Euro. [194]

At the time of the second Digital Dividend (DD2), several European Organizations, e.g.

the European Commission (EC) and the European Conference of Postal and Telecom-

munications Administrations (CEPT/ECC) already seemed to be aware of the situation

regarding wireless audio production tools (PMSE). Therefore,

• several compatibility studies were mandated and carried out,

e.g. ‘on the socio-economic aspects of spectrum harmonisation regarding wireless

microphones and cordless video-cameras (PMSE equipment)’ [195, Page 10],

• workshops were held,

e.g. ‘Coexistence challenges of LTE deployment – the readiness of equipment

standards and related issues’ [196]

held on the 18th of October 2012,

134

• and conferences were attended,

e.g. ‘International Broadcast Conference and Exhibition (IBC)’ [197]

on the 16th of September 2013.

It was concluded, that more frequencies need to be made available for wireless audio

production tools (PMSE) to secure the access to culture. More spectrum should be iden-

tified for this purpose. There were already some additional frequency ranges made avail-

able for wireless audio production tools (PMSE), e.g. the LTE duplex gaps in the 800 MHz

and 1.8 GHz LTE bands. For the further consideration of wireless audio production tools

(PMSE) during the process of the DD2, a long-term strategy has to be developed along-

side the primary service broadcasting and co-primary application IMT. [195] [198] Any-

ways, the EC also noted, that ‘Any EU policy measure on PMSE will not aim to meet all

spectrum requirements of PMSE users, but rather to create a baseline’ [195, Page 9].

According to ITU-R Report BT.2338 (mandated by WRC-12), the WRC-15 considered in

several meeting sessions the requirements of wireless audio production tools (PMSE),

e.g. addition of ‘programme-making’ of the footnote 5.296. This was agreed by many

countries of the ITU-Region 176. These developments as well shows, that the awareness

about the situation of wireless audio production tools (PMSE) is improving. [4]

In Germany a study on the spectrum requirements of the terrestrial Broadcast Service,

the Land Mobile Service and other users of the UHF TV spectrum was conducted77. It is

concluded, that users of wireless audio production tools (PMSE) need more security in

the long-term planning of their equipment: ‘Frequency range allocations for PMSE de-

vices must be valid for longer periods than is currently the case, in order to enable reliable

planning by manufacturers and users’ [182 Page 21]. It was stated, that ‘Following the

release of the digital dividend, the 700 MHz frequency range was primarily allocated to

PMSE devices. This means that, in the event of a reallocation, users of these devices will

be burdened once again with the costs and complexities of another switchover’ [182,

Page 21]. After the DD1 especially the 700 MHz frequency band was made available for

wireless audio production tools (PMSE). A change of the operating frequency range is

connected with high costs and efforts: the equipment (e.g. antennas, combiner and re-

ceiver) has to be newly developed. Conclusively, a change of the operating frequency

range results in a high effort for the manufacturers and high costs for the users, because

they have to buy the new equipment. If required, new licences for alternative frequency

bands might have to be bought, which increases the cost and effort for the affected users

additionally. After the DD1, the ‘content and creative industry’ (CCI)78 already went

through this change once. With the DD2, users and manufacturers of wireless audio pro-

duction tools (PMSE), who after the DD1 changed to the 700 MHz frequency band, will

76 Albania, Germany, Angola, Saudi Arabia, Austria, Bahrain, Belgium, Benin, Bosnia and Herzegovina, Botswana, Bulgaria, Burkina

Faso, Burundi, Cameroon, Vatican, Congo (Rep. of the), Côte d'Ivoire, Croatia, Denmark, Djibouti, Egypt, United Arab Emirates, Spain, Estonia, [Yugoslav Republic of Macedonia, Lebanon, Libya, Liechtenstein, Lithuania, Luxembourg, Malawi, Mali, Malta, Mo-rocco, Mauritius, Mauritania, Moldova, Monaco, Mozambique, Namibia, Niger, Nigeria, Norway, Oman, Uganda, the Netherlands, Poland, Portugal, Qatar, the Syrian Arab Republic, Slovakia, the Czech Republic, the United Kingdom, Rwanda, San Marino, Serbia, Sudan, South Africa, Sweden, Switzerland, Swaziland, Tanzania, Chad, Togo, Tunisia, Turkey, Ukraine, Zambia and Zimbabwe. 77 ‘A study of future spectrum requirements for terrestrial TV and mobile services and other radio applica-tions in the 470-790 MHz frequency band, including an evaluation of the options for sharing frequency use from a number of socioeconomic and frequency technology perspectives, particularly in the 694-790 MHz frequency sub-band‘ [182, Page 26] 78 This is also considered under terms ‘cultural and creative economy’ [182, Page 17], ‘Entertainment Sector’ [182, Page 17] and ‘professional event engineering and event production‘ [182, Page 17].

135

be affected again. Until that time the newly bought equipment will not be depreciated.

Furthermore, the study considers the interference situation for wireless audio production

tools (PMSE): case of strong interference a live-event might be interrupted or cancelled:

‘interference with a single transmission path can result in the complete failure of the event’

[182, Page 21]. Because of this, frequency ranges close to LTE signals are not usable for

wireless audio production tools (PMSE): ‘The ISM bands (Industrial, Scientific and Medi-

cal), SRD bands (Short Range Devices) and also the duplex gaps between downlink and

uplink in the mobile communications range are unsuitable in most cases due to the po-

tential for interfering signals’) [182, Page 21].

The LTE duplex gap inside the 800 MHz and 1.8 GHz frequency band as well as the

harmonized band from 863 to 865 MHz are harmonized for the usage of wireless audio

production tools (PMSE). Because of possible interference, the usage of these bands by

wireless audio production tools (PMSE) is limited by close operated LTE applications. A

usage in the VHF frequency range as well is critical due to its high man-made noise level

of the production environment (see chapter 3.1 Noise Floor). According to the study, al-

ready 96 MHz are needed for the daily usage of wireless audio production tools (PMSE):

‘In large urban centres, it is entirely possible that more than 96 MHz of the spectrum may

be required for PMSE systems on a daily basis’ [182, Page 22]. For major events the

whole available UHF TV frequency range might be needed for the duration of the event,

e.g. the Olympic Games. The study concludes, that a secondary frequency allocation

‘only makes sense if’ [182, Page 23]:

• the frequency usage of the primary service is predictable:

‘the primary usage can be foreseen’ [182, Page 23];

• there is still enough available frequency spectrum alongside the primary service:

‘sufficient spectrum remains for the secondary user’ [182, Page 23];

• the compatibility with the primary service is given, because an interference free

operation of secondary service is possible:

‘to use the spectrum without interference’ [182, Page 23].

According to the study, this conditions are given between the Broadcast Service and wire-

less audio production tools (PMSE): ‘a symbiotic relationship between PMSE and broad-

casting is possible first, because broadcasting uses static frequency allocations and sec-

ond, because a sufficient amount of available frequency always remains for secondary

usage within broadcasting networks in any location‘ [182, Page 23], but not between the

IMT application and wireless audio production tools (PMSE): ‘Frequency ranges that are

actually used by mobile communications can no longer be used by PMSE systems‘ [182,

Page 23].

13.3.1. Impact on Wireless Audio Production Tools in Germany

As a consequence of the DD2 in Germany, currently the 700 MHz frequency band (ex-

cepting the LTE duplex gap) cannot be used by wireless audio production tools (PMSE)

anymore, but financial compensation for affected users can be received since 2016. For

further information on the financial compensations, see chapter ‘15 Considered and Im-

plemented Alternatives and Solutions’. Users of wireless audio production tools (PMSE),

who after DD1 had to move their frequency usage from the 800 MHz band to the 700

MHz band, have to move and invest again. Users, who after DD1 were changing to

136

frequencies below the 700 MHz band, feel a higher spectrum density. All in all, in Ger-

many up to 700 000 wireless microphones were affected of both Digital Dividends. [68]

The following table show the frequency ranges, which can be used for wireless audio

production tools (PMSE) on a secondary basis in Germany. A licence is required. [68]

Notifiable frequency ranges

From

[MHz]

To

[MHz]

470 608

614 703

733 823

Table 29: Frequency Ranges for Wireless Audio Production Tools in Germany [68]

13.3.2. Impact on Wireless Audio Production Tools in Austria

In Austria wireless audio production tools (PMSE) can be operated in the 700 MHz fre-

quency band until 2020, because the operation of the Mobile Service will just start that

year. Altogether, the users had a long time to adopt to the new changes in the frequency

spectrum. As well, the lower UHF TV spectrum from 470 to 694 MHz should be available

for broadcasting services until 2026 and until then can be further used by wireless audio

production tools (PMSE). Additionally, the 700 MHz LTE duplex gap and the harmonised

frequency band from 1785 to 1800 MHz were made available for wireless microphones.

[68]

The statement, that wireless microphones can still be operated in the 700 MHz frequency

band until 2020 also gets confirmed by the digital concept of the year 2017. It is noted,

that allocations for Broadcast Services in the 700 MHz band will be available until June

2020. Conclusively, until that time wireless microphones can still be operated in that fre-

quency range, because they are still secondary users to the Broadcast Service. [199]

The following table shows the frequency allocations in Austria according to the current

national frequency allocation plan (Revision 2016):

Frequency Range Frequency Allocations Comments

470 – 694 MHz BROADCASTING

Mobile 5.296

Radiolocation (470-494 MHz)

5.291A

Radio Astronomy (608 – 614 MHz) 5.149

5.306 5.311A 5.312

After DD1 and DD2

remaining UHF TV spectrum

694 – 790 MHz MOBILE except aeronautical mobile

5.316B 5.317A

BROADCASTING (until 1 January 2020)

DD2

700 MHz frequency band

790 - 862 MHz MOBILE except aeronautical mobile

5.312A 5.317A

5.319

DD1

800 MHz frequency band

Table 30: National Frequency Allocations from 470 to 862 MHz in Austria (2016)

In the frequency allocation table, it can be seen that the Mobile Service is already allo-

cated on a co-primary basis in the 700 and 800 MHz frequency band as a consequence

137

of the DD1 and DD2. It can as well be seen, that the Broadcast Service still has a primary

allocation in the 700 MHz frequency band until 2020. [200]

13.3.3. Impact on Wireless Audio Production Tools in France

In France wireless audio production tools (PMSE) can still be operated in the 700 MHz

frequency band until the introduction of LTE. Consequently, the date, until when the

700 MHz band is still usable by wireless audio production tools (PMSE), depends on the

region (see Figure 92). Furthermore, a law regulates the frequency usage from 470 to

694 MHz by the primary broadcasting service until the end of 2030. This as well secures

the frequency usage by wireless audio production tools (PMSE) on a secondary basis.

[68]

The national frequency regulator of France, the ‘Autorité de régulation des

communications électroniques et des postes’ (arcep)79 already recognised, that wireless

audio production tools (PMSE) are affected by the DD2 and defined conditions for the

reallocation. The usage of wireless audio production tools (PMSE) in the 700 MHz fre-

quency band can continue until the 1st of July 2019. Affected users are advised to buy

new equipment, which can be operated outside of the 700 MHz frequency band. Affected

users can apply for financial compensations. Furthermore, the arcep notes, that wireless

audio production tools (PMSE) are essential for the daily professional audio-visual con-

tent production of television, theatres and additional professional events. For major

events a temporary license can be issued for the maximum duration of two month. [201]

The following table shows liberated frequency bands for the license-exempt operation of

wireless audio production tools (PMSE) in France:

Allowed frequency bands Relevant Arcep regulation

VHF Band

174-223 MHz Decisions n° 2010-0849 and n° 2010-0850

UHF Band

470-694 MHz Decision n° 2015-0830

NB: the annex of this decision will be updated to clarify the transitional use within the band 694-790 MHz by PMSE

equipment until 1 July 2019. It will contain the list of cities and the associated dates of re-allocations beyond which the PMSE use will be restricted.

700 MHz Band

694-789 MHz

(until the 1st of July 2019)

800 MHz Duplex gap

823-832 MHz

1800 MHz Duplex gap

Table 31: Frequencies for Wireless Audio production Tools on a License Exempt Basis in France [201]

13.3.4. Impact on Wireless Audio Production Tools in the UK

In the United Kingdom (UK) wireless audio production tools (PMSE) also have to leave

the 700 MHz frequency band on a long term. It was advised, that affected users should

invest into new equipment until 2019. A study in the UK revealed an increase in the usage

of wireless audio production tools (PMSE). Daily events can be realized easily in the

79 See also https://www.arcep.fr/index.php?id=9&L=1

https://www.arcep.fr/uploads/tx_gsavis/10-0849.pdf



https://www.arcep.fr/index.php?id=9&L=1

138

remaining spectrum. A problem are major events. This are ten to twenty events per year.

A coverage of the spectrum demand for those events in the UHF TV spectrum is critical.

A suggested solution was the efficient usage of frequency spectrum by wireless audio

production tools (PMSE), e.g. by a centralized frequency coordination or the usage of

digital technologies. Those preventions will not be able to cover the peak requirements

on spectrum for major events. As well in the UK the 800 MHz and 1.8 GHz LTE duplex

gaps were opened for wireless audio production tools (PMSE). A further step was the

opening of the frequency band from 960 to 1164 MHz, so far as the only European coun-

try. [68] Further information on this band can be found in chapter ‘15 Considered and

Implemented Alternatives and Solutions’.

As already stated above, the wireless audio production tools (PMSE) have to clear the

700 MHz frequency band in the UK. Therefore, the Ofcom UK published a consultation

to integrate the users into the planning process of a transition for wireless audio produc-

tion tools (PMSE). This plan includes on one hand financial compensations and on the

other hand the opening of alternative frequency ranges, e.g. the so-called ‘guard band’

from 694 to 703 MHz. Further specifications on the usage of wireless audio equipment in

the guard band are defined in the document ‘Spectrum for audio PMSE -Use of the 694

to 703 MHz band’ provided by the Ofcom UK80. The technical parameters for the opera-

tion of wireless audio production tools (PMSE) are specified in a document, called ‘UK

Interface Requirements 2038’81. [202]

According to the latest information of the Ofcom UK, the 700 MHz frequency band will not

be available anymore for wireless audio production tools (PMSE) from the 01st of May

2020. To give a guideline for affected users of wireless audio production tools (PMSE), a

so-called ‘Look-up tool’ was provided online [203]: https://pmse.ofcom.org.uk/Pmse/wire-

less/public/microphone700.aspx

Additionally, it was decided, that financial calculation will be granted for affected users of

wireless audio equipment. The corresponding public consultation is still ongoing. For fur-

ther information, see https://www.ofcom.org.uk/consultations-and-statements/category-

1/support-pmse-equipment-owners.

13.3.5. Impact on Wireless Audio Production Tools in Switzerland

In Switzerland, wireless microphones can still be used in the 700 MHz frequency band

until the finalization of the DD2 at the end of 2018. It cannot be foreseen yet, how much

spectrum will be available in the affected frequency band for wireless microphones, be-

cause the harmonization in Europe is still ongoing. The OFCOM CH82 (national frequency

regulation agency in Switzerland) advises users of wireless microphones to migrate to

the UHF TV spectrum underneath 694 MHz. [191]

Later, frequency ranges for wireless microphones were identified based on the European

harmonisations and the corresponding information inclusive technical parameters were

80 https://www.ofcom.org.uk/__data/assets/pdf_file/0027/107775/statement-spectrum-audio-pmse.pdf 81 https://www.ofcom.org.uk/__data/assets/pdf_file/0017/10781/ir2038.pdf 82 Federal Office of Communications, for further information see: https://www.bakom.ad-min.ch/bakom/en/homepage.html

https://pmse.ofcom.org.uk/Pmse/wireless/public/microphone700.aspx

https://pmse.ofcom.org.uk/Pmse/wireless/public/microphone700.aspx

https://www.ofcom.org.uk/consultations-and-statements/category-1/support-pmse-equipment-owners

https://www.ofcom.org.uk/consultations-and-statements/category-1/support-pmse-equipment-owners

https://www.ofcom.org.uk/__data/assets/pdf_file/0027/107775/statement-spectrum-audio-pmse.pdf

https://www.ofcom.org.uk/__data/assets/pdf_file/0017/10781/ir2038.pdf

https://www.bakom.admin.ch/bakom/en/homepage.html

https://www.bakom.admin.ch/bakom/en/homepage.html

139

published on the website of the OFCOM CH. In the following frequency ranges a licence-

free usage of wireless microphones is allowed:

Frequency Range

Maximum Transmission

Power

Technical Specifications

Notes

31.4 - 39.6 MHz 100 mW ERP RIR1009-01 Usage just possible in the channels specified in RIR1009-01

174 - 223 MHz 50 mW ERP RIR1009-02

470 - 694 MHz 50 mW ERP RIR1009-10

694 - 733 MHz 50 mW ERP RIR1009-10 Usage just possible until 31.12.2018

738 - 786 MHz 50 mW ERP RIR1009-10 Usage just possible until 31.12.2018

477 - 694 MHz 250 mW ERP RIR1009-11 Usage just possible in the channels specified in RIR1009-11

701 - 726 MHz 250 mW ERP RIR1009-11 Usage just possible until 31.12.2018 Usage just possible in the channels specified in RIR1009-11

741 - 782 MHz 250 mW ERP RIR1009-11 Usage just possible until 31.12.2018 Usage just possible in the channels specified in RIR1009-11

823 - 826 MHz 20 mW EIRP (ca. 12 mW ERP)

RIR1009-18 100 mW EIRP (ca. 60 mW ERP) for body-worn wireless microphones


RIR1009-13

863 - 865 MHz 10 mW ERP RIR1009-05


RIR1009-09 50 mW EIRP (ca. 30 mW ERP) for body-worn wireless microphones or with integrated Scanning Procedure (SSP)

1800 - 1804.8 MHz 20 mW EIRP (ca. 12 mW ERP)

RIR1009-09 50 mW EIRP (ca. 30 mW ERP) for body-worn wireless microphones or with integrated Scanning Procedure (SSP)

Table 32: Frequencies for Wireless Audio Production Tools on a License Exempt Basis in Switzerland [204]

The usage of wireless microphones in frequency ranges, which are not listed in the table,

is forbidden. In the beginning of next year (2019), together with the beginning of the prep-

arations for the implementation of IMT in the 700 MHz frequency band, the usage will

change again. After 2019, wireless microphones cannot be operated anymore from 694

to 823 MHz. The affected frequency ranges are marked red in the table. The tuning range

of existing wireless audio equipment might include parts of the forbidden frequency

ranges. In the manual of those devices, a visible note has to be made, stating that the

equipment is limited in its usage and specific frequencies cannot be used anymore. This

note is provided with a specific symbol. [205]

From this statement, it can already be concluded, that users of wireless microphones are

negatively affected by the DD2. The OFCOM CH already warns in advance, that existing

equipment will not be usable anymore or limited in its usage. The affected users just have

a short time to adopt to the changes, because at first no statement about the alternative

frequency ranges for wireless microphones was made. Just this year, a couple of months

before the end of the usage in certain frequency ranges, further details were published.

From here on I would like to focus on three exemplary events, that have been studied.

140

14. Major Events in Europe

In the following part I want to analyse the effect of the second Digital Dividend by the

example of some major events, which are realized frequently in Europe.

14.1. German Regional Elections – Bremen, 2015

On the 10th of May 2015 the German Regional Elections of the city ‘Bremen’ were held.

The city is located in the north of Germany. Regional Elections are a typical repetitive

production scenario, where a lot of wireless audio links are needed. The elections were

held after the first Digital Dividend (DD1), but still before the implementation of the second

Digital Dividend (DD2). The DKE83 was making spectrum scans during the event and

summarized their results in a report.84

All in all, 332 frequencies in UHF TV band were in use for wireless audio production tools

(PMSE). The following graphic shows the spectrum occupation of the UHF TV band from

470 to 862 MHz:

Figure 93: Scan of the UHF TV Spectrum during the German Regional Elections 2015 in Bremen [206]

Note: due to the shielding of the building, the scanner cannot record the entire spectrum

usage; signals from outside the building have a small amplitude.

The next graphic simplifies the scanned spectrum combined with some coordination data:

Figure 94: UHF TV Spectrum Occupation during the German Regional Elections in Bremen 2015 [206]

In the graphic above, the line ‘TV Channel’ numbers the UHF TV channels serially. The

800 MHz frequency band is marked red. This frequency range is allocated to the Mobile

Service since the DD1. The green channel in the middle of the LTE band is the duplex

gap, which still is allocated to wireless audio production tools (PMSE) on a secondary

83 Deutsche Norm Elektrotechnik Elektronik Informationstechnik, for further information see: https://www.dke.de/de 84 Full report can be downloaded here: https://apwpt.org/downloads/dke-wahl-in-bremen-2015.pdf

Usab le frequency segment fo r te rrestria l T V and PMSE: 470 - 862 MHz

470 MHz 790 MHz 862 MHz

Rad io Astronomy Channe l

blocked for other use

T V Channe l 21 22 23 24 25 26 27 28 29 30 31 32 33 34 35 36 37 38 39 40 41 42 43 44 45 46 47 48 49 50 51 52 53 54 55 56 57 58 59 60 61 62 63 64 65 66 67 68 69

T V Use T V T V T V T V T V T V T V 332

PMSE Use 18 2 25 6 3 9 6 4 0 21 7 4 7 7 26 6 25 6 6 12 10 3 4 6 2 5 22 6 9 7 6 2 1 7 0 4 0 8 3 9 0 1 4 2 10 1 0 0 0 PMSE

Occupancy types T T T +P T +P

Co Co Co Co Co Co Co Co

T: Talk-Back audio: com m unication only P: Audio PM SECo: co-channel operating, several PM SE could operate on the sam e frequency due to the local d istance

Spectrum use on the evening of the election to 'Bremer Bürgerschaft' on 10 May 2015

IMT - LT E

Dig ita l D iv idend I

IMT - LT E


https://www.dke.de/de

https://apwpt.org/downloads/dke-wahl-in-bremen-2015.pdf

141

basis. Anyways, at the time of the elections, the 800 MHz frequency band could still be

used for wireless microphones, because in Bremen the LTE service was not yet imple-

mented. The blue marked channels were occupied by local TV transmissions and could

not be used by wireless audio production tools (PMSE). In some channels a co-channel

usage was possible, because due to the wall-attenuation of the building the TV signal

was low enough to allow a co-channel usage between the terrestrial TV and the wireless

audio production tools (PMSE). The yellow marked channel is reserved for the radio as-

tronomy service and cannot be used for wireless audio production tools (PMSE). Green

channels were locally free and therefore usable for wireless audio production tools

(PMSE). In the graphic, the line ‘TV Use’ marks the locally occupied UHF TV channels. It

can be seen, that this is confirm with the blue marked UHF TV channels in the line above.

The line ‘PMSE Use’ shows the number of wireless audio production tools (PMSE), that

were operated in each UHF TV channel. It can be seen, that in three of the locally occu-

pied TV Channels a Co-Channel operation was possible. As well it can be seen, that the

LTE duplex gap in the 800 MHz band was intensively in use: 10 wireless audio production

tools (PMSE) were operated here. In comparison, in UHF TV channel 53 just one wireless

audio production tool (PMSE) was allocated. It was noted in the report, that during the

Regional Elections in Bremen transmitters for the news reporting were operated at a

higher power level in order to reach broadcast stations outside of the building, and there-

fore wider guard bands between two operating frequencies of wireless audio production

tools (PMSE) had to be used85. I assume, that this is the reason, why in some UHF TV

channels there were less wireless audio production tools (PMSE) operated than in others.

The line ‘Occupation Type’ shows, which kind of wireless audio production tool (PMSE)

was used in that UHF TV channel. ‘T’ stands for Talk-Back Systems, ‘P’ for audio PMSE

and ‘Co’ indicated a Co-Channel operation of several PMSE in the same UHF TV chan-

nel.

On a long term after the DD2, the 800 MHz (expect the LTE duplex gap) as well as the

700 MHz frequency band will not be available anymore for the transmission of terrestrial

TV and wireless audio production tools (PMSE). Therefore, all TV stations operated in

the TV spectrum from 694 to 862 MHz have to be allocated in the lower UHF TV range

from 470 to 694 MHz. The graphic below shows the new arrangement of TV channels,

which will be used for the new terrestrial TV transmission (blue channels):

Figure 95: UHF TV Spectrum Occupation after the DD2 [206]

85 ‘Da oft Reportage-Sender eingesetzt wurden, die mit einer höheren Leistung strahlen, um einen außer-halb des Gebäude stehenden Übertragungswagen oder das Funkhaus zu erreichen, müssen größere Schutzabstände eingesetzt werden’ (Translation: ‘Since report transmitters were often used, which radi-ate at a higher power level in order to reach an outside broadcast van or the broadcasting centre, larger guard bands must be used’) [206, Page 9].

470 MHz 694 MHz 862 MHz

Ra d io Astro no my Cha nne l

blocked for other use Fre e T V Cha nne l

T V Cha nne l 21 22 23 24 25 26 27 28 29 30 31 32 33 34 35 36 37 38 39 40 41 42 43 44 45 46 47 48 49 50 51 52 53 54 55 56 57 58 59 60 61 62 63 64 65 66 67 68 69

332

T V Use T V T V T V T V T V PMSE

PMSE Use 18 2 25 6 3 9 6 4 0 21 7 4 7 7 26 6 25 6 6 12 10 3 4 6 2 5 22 6 9 7 6 2 1 7 0 4 0 8 3 9 0 1 4 2 10 1 0 0 0

La nd Mo b ile Se rv ice

Simulcast phase: parallel operation of existing DVB-T and new DVB-T2

Dig ita l D iv id e nd II (fro m a b o ut 2018) Dig ita l D iv id e nd I

790 MHz

IMT / LT EIMT / LT EExp iring PMSE usa g e

142

In Figure 95, the orange and red marked parts of the UHF TV spectrum belong to the

DD1 and DD2 and will not be usable for wireless audio production tools (PMSE) and the

terrestrial television on a long-term basis. As a consequence of this new frequency allo-

cation, all wireless audio production tools (PMSE), which were operated in the frequency

bands of the DD1 and DD2 as well as all wireless audio production tools (PMSE), which

were operated in UHF TV channels underneath 694 MHz, which are after the DD2 occu-

pied by DVB-T2 (blue channels), have to be refarmed. All in all, these are 101 links. Ac-

cording to the DKE, this reallocation is not possible in an interference free arrangement.

[206]

Another major event, which should be considered, are the Olympic Games, which were

held in London in 2012. The Olympic Games are a famous sport event and are repeated

every four years in another country around the world86. The spectrum demand is high due

to the transmission in a lot of countries world-wide and the high amount of competitions

going on at the same time.

14.2. Olympic Games 2012 – London UK

In the United Kingdom (UK), usually 10 000 to 12 000 technical assignments are made

per year in the whole country. Just because of the Olympic Games in 2012, 17 000 addi-

tional assignments had to be made. This was just possible due to a careful frequency

planning over many years, starting in 2005. Already then, the Ofcom UK guaranteed ac-

cess to spectrum for all relevant users. To cover this high demand of spectrum, frequency

assignments for wireless audio production tools (PMSE) were made in frequency bands,

which usually are not opened for this application. Normally, around 30 workers of the

responsible administration (Ofcom UK) are dealing with upcoming interference problems.

During the Olympic games four times that number of workers were working on that task.

[207]

The first Digital Dividend (DD1) in the UK was already orientated on the Olympic Games:

in order to secure the demanded access to frequency spectrum for wireless audio pro-

duction tools (PMSE) at the Olympic Games in 2012, the frequencies of the 800 MHz

frequency bands could just be made available for the Land Mobile Service after the event.

It can be concluded that the Olympic Games 2012 would not have been possible after

the Digital Dividends, because even less spectrum is available for wireless audio produc-

tion tools (PMSE). This conclusion can be drawn from the two facts, that

• to secure a content production in a high quality firstly, the frequencies of the DD1

could not be made available for the Mobile Services before the Olympic Games

2012;

• and additional frequencies, which usually are not allocated to wireless audio pro-

duction tools (PMSE), had to be made available during the time period of the event.

Already before the new frequency allocation, when the whole UHF TV range was still

available, a detailed frequency coordination over many years had to be made and addi-

tional spectrum resources had to be found. After the two Digital Dividends even 168 MHz

less spectrum is available for wireless audio production tools (PMSE). Several sources

86 For further information on the Olympic games, see: https://www.olympic.org/

https://www.olympic.org/

143

are noting, that an event like Olympic Games, would not be possible anymore: ‘Nach

einer weiteren Reduzierung des Spektrums für drahtlose Produktionsmittel wird es kein

Großveranstaltungen mehr geben, da nicht ausreichend Spektrum für die Berichterstat-

tung und Kommunikation zur Verfügung steht! Veranstaltungen wie Olympische Spiele

wären betroffen’ (Translation: ‘After a further reduction of spectrum for wireless produc-

tion tools there won’t be anymore big events, because there will not be enough spectrum

available for the news reporting and communication! Events like the Olympic Games

would be affected’) [67, Page 24].

A third major event, which is repeated on a yearly basis in Europe, is the so-called ‘Euro-

vision Song Contest’ (ESC). In the year 2011, the ESC was held in Germany and the

DKE was making spectrum scans in the event. The results were summarized in a report.87

14.3. Eurovision Song Contest 2011 – Düsseldorf, Germany

The ‘Eurovision Song Contest’ (ESC) 2011 was held in Düsseldorf, a city in the west of

Germany. The scenario is similar to the German Regional Elections in Bremen, see chap-

ter ‘14.1 German Regional Elections – Bremen, 2015’. The event was held after the DD1

but before the DD2. Also, in this region, after the full implementation of the DD2, there

will be considerably less radio spectrum available for wireless audio production tools

(PMSE), as during the event.

All frequency usages inside the 800 MHz and 700 MHz bands need to be moved below

694 MHz. TV stations as well as wireless audio production tools (PMSE) are affected by

these new allocations. After the full implementation of the DD2, in the remaining UHF TV

spectrum from 470 to 694 MHz, a total of 224 MHz bandwidth will available for the af-

fected service (TV) and applications (e.g. PMSE) on a long-term basis. For the ERC 2011

the DKE report an overall spectrum demand of 241.8 MHz for wireless microphones and

In-Ear Monitors (IEM), which were in use and local DVB-T stations including all necessary

guard bands, is calculated. This is 17.8 MHz more than available in the remaining UHF

TV spectrum (224 MHz). The left table shows the amount of used bandwidth for IEMs

and microphones, the present DVB-T transmitters and all required guard bands. These

values were used to calculate the required spectrum demand for the ESC 2011. [58]

Spectral components Bandwidth

30 IEM > 72 MHz

32 microphones 72 MHz

IEM/microphone safety bands 45 MHz

DVB-T transmitters 50,4 MHz

DVB-T/ microphone safety bands 2,4 MHz

Total 241,8 MHz

Table 33:Spectrum Demand of the ESC 2011 [58]

Note: further references present similar information on the ESC 2011.

87 The full report can be downloaded here: https://apwpt.org/downloads/esc2011_20122011_eng-lish_framedoc.pdf

https://apwpt.org/downloads/esc2011_20122011_english_framedoc.pdf

https://apwpt.org/downloads/esc2011_20122011_english_framedoc.pdf

144

After the evaluation of these examples in the last section, I now would like to examine:

What solutions and alternatives were there for users of wireless audio production tools

(PMSE) in Europe?

15. Considered and Implemented Alternatives and Solutions in

Europe

As a consequence of the Digital Dividends (DD) in Europe solutions for affected wireless

audio production tools (PMSE) have been studied and implemented, an on-going pro-

cess. These solutions and alternatives might differ in the European countries.

In the next sections I would like to present a brief summary of these.

15.1. Harmonised Frequency Bands

A very common solution in many European countries is to open alternative frequency

bands for wireless audio production tools (PMSE). These might differ in the European

countries. For example, so far, the United Kingdom (UK) is the only country, which

opened the 900 MHz frequency band from 960 to 1164 MHz for wireless audio production

tools (PMSE) (for further information on ongoing studies in the ‘Air Band’ in Europe, see

section ‘15.2 The Air-Band Study’.

After the DD1 in Europe the LTE duplex gaps of the 800 MHz and 1.8 GHz LTE bands

are harmonised for the usage of wireless audio production tools (PMSE).

Note: the frequency usage of the 700 MHz LTE duplex gap by wireless audio production

tools (PMSE) is still under discussion.

The following graphics show the LTE duplex gaps inside the 800 MHz, the 1.8 GHz and

the 700 MHz frequency bands [208]:

Figure 96: LTE Duplex Gap of the 800 MHz Frequency Band [208]

Figure 97: LTE Duplex Gap of the 1.8 GHz Frequency Band [208]

Figure 98: LTE Duplex Gap of the 700 MHz Frequency Band [208]

145

The ERC Recommendation (Rec.25-10) harmonizes frequency bands for SAP/SAB

equipment in the member states of the CEPT. The following table gives an overview over

the harmonised frequency ranges:

Type of link Frequency

Range

Range

code

Technical infor-

mation Background information

Radio microphones and In-

ear monitors

29.7-47.0

MHz A1

See ERC/REC 70-03

[5] Annex 10

Non-professional PMSE use. Legacy sys-

tems still in use. No broadcast quality

equipment available. Shared use. ETSI

EN 300 422 [8]


ear monitors

174-216

MHz (Radio

micro-

phones)

A2 See ERC/REC 70-03

Annex 10 Shared use. EN 300 422


ear monitors

470-694

MHz (Radio

micro-

phones)

A3 See ERC/REC 70-03

Annex 10

Currently a core band for professional

PMSE use. Changes to the band will limit

its utility for PMSE. The extent of the im-

pact is dependent on national decisions

(see ECC/DEC (15)01 [7]). Shared use.

EN 300 422


ear monitors

694-790

MHz (Radio

micro-

phones)

A4 CEPT Report 60 [6]

Currently a core band for professional

PMSE use. Changes to the band will limit

its utility for PMSE. The extent of the im-

pact is dependent on national decisions

(see ECC/DEC (15)01 [7]). Shared use.

EN 300 422


ear monitors

823-832

MHz A5

See ERC/REC 70-03

Annex 10 and EC

Decision

2014/641/EU [9]

Risk of out of band emissions from adja-

cent mobile services means there is lim-

ited utility for broadcast quality audio Har-

monised (within EU member states). EN

300 422


ear monitors

863-865

MHz A6

See ERC/REC 70-03

Annex 10 and EC

Decision

2013/752/EU [10].

Risk of out of band emissions from adja-

cent mobile services and other short

range devices means there is very limited

utility for broadcast quality audio. Shared

use. Note 1. EN 300 422 and EN 301 357

[11]


ear monitors

1350-1400

MHz A7

See ECC Report 245

[20] and ERC/REC

70-03 Annex 10

Newly recommended tuning range in

2016. Shared use EN 300 422


ear monitors

1518-1525

MHz A8

ECC Report 253 [19]

and ERC/REC 70-03

Annex 10

Newly recommended tuning range in

2016. Shared use EN 300 422


ear monitors

1785-1805

MHz A9

See ERC/REC 70-03

Annex 10 and EC

Decision

2014/641/EU [9]

Harmonised (within EU member states).

EN 300 422

Portable audio links, Mobile

audio links and Temporary

point-to-point audio links

(Note 2), Talkback and Pro-

duction communications

(Note 3)

174-216

MHz (Audio

links)

B1 ERC Report 42 [4] Shared use. EN 300 454 [13]




(Note 2), Talkback and

470-694

MHz (Audio

links)

B2 ERC Report 42 Shared use. EN 300 422 and EN 300 454

146

Type of link Frequency

Range

Range

code

Technical infor-

mation Background information

production communications

(Note 3)




(Note 2), Talkback and pro-

duction communications

(Note 3)

694-790

MHz (Audio

links)

B3 ERC Report 42; ERC

Report 89 [12]

Changes to the band will limit its utility for

PMSE. The extent of the impact is de-

pendent on national decisions. Shared

use. EN 300 422 and EN 300 454

Table 34: Harmonised Frequency Bands for SAB/SAP Equipment [169]

Note: the reference numbers in the table are referring to Rec 25-10.

In the recommendation, it is as well noted, that ‘The band 863-865 MHz is available for

radio microphones, however due note should be taken that it is used also for non-profes-

sional and consumer radio applications (cordless audio, etc.)’ [169, Page 6].

Note: Recommendation 70-03 harmonises frequency ranges for Short Range Devices

(SRD), see https://www.ecodocdb.dk/download/25c41779-

cd6e/Rec7003e%20May%202018.pdf

15.2. The Air-Band Study

At the moment, the introduction of wireless audio production tools (PMSE) into the fre-

quency band from 960 to 1215 MHz, the so-called ‘Air-Band’, is under discussion in Eu-

rope. Various services are allocated in this frequency band, as can be seen in the graphic

below (Source: Navigation System Panel at WRC-07) [210]:

Figure 99: Frequency Allocations in the 900 MHz Air Band [210]

Note: a further description of the different technologies inside the Air-Band can be found

in the presentation of Prof. Dr.-Ing. Georg Fischer [26] section ’4. Airband use?’:

https://www.apwpt.org/downloads/eumw2017_wm01_gf_predic-

tion_for_pmse_changed_c.pdf

The compatibility of these technologies with wireless audio equipment has to be tested,

before a decision can be drawn. The discussions and tests are still ongoing. Various

spectrum scans show, that the Air-Band ‘seems to be usable at certain times’ [211,

https://www.ecodocdb.dk/download/25c41779-cd6e/Rec7003e%20May%202018.pdf

https://www.ecodocdb.dk/download/25c41779-cd6e/Rec7003e%20May%202018.pdf

https://www.apwpt.org/downloads/eumw2017_wm01_gf_prediction_for_pmse_changed_c.pdf


147

Page 28] and sometimes it ‘seems to be in intensive use’ [211, Page 30]. This can be

seen in the following diagrams:

‘60 Minutes of “clean spectrum”’ [211, Page 27]

Figure 100: Sometimes the ‘Air-Band’ seems to be usable [211, Page 27]

Large parts of the observed frequency band are not in local use by wireless equipment.

‘60 Minutes of “used spectrum”’ [211, Page 29]

Figure 101: Sometimes the before empty Sections of the 'Air-Band' are in Use intensively [211, Page 22]

In Figure 100, some of the unused frequency ranges of Figure 101, are now occupied by

wireless applications. These frequency ranges are marked in grey blocks in Figure 101.

The working group SE7 of the CEPT/ECC is mandated to work on this topic. Several

meetings are held. Further information can be found on the SE7 webpage:

https://www.cept.org/ecc/groups/ecc/wg-se/se-7/client/introduction/

Note: I was invited as an observer to the November meeting of the SE7 working group.

The related mandate ‘SE07_28’ can be found here: https://eccwp.cept.org/de-

fault.aspx?groupid=44

Note: In the United Kingdom (UK) there is already a practical implementation, because

here the ‘Air-Band’ from 960 to 1164 MHz is already allocated for wireless audio produc-

tion tools (PMSE).

https://www.cept.org/ecc/groups/ecc/wg-se/se-7/client/introduction/

https://eccwp.cept.org/default.aspx?groupid=44

https://eccwp.cept.org/default.aspx?groupid=44

148

The technical use of frequencies is based on their financing.

A further solution, which is already being implemented in some European countries, are

financial compensations users of wireless audio production tools (PMSE), who are af-

fected by the DD2.

15.3. Financial Compensations

In some countries financial compensations for by the DDs affected users of wireless audio

production tools (PMSE) were / are issued. The specifications depend strongly on the

country. As well, financial compensations for the DD1 and DD2 might be different inside

the same country. At this point, I would like to give one example of financial compensation

after the DD2 in Germany:

Since 2016 in Germany financial compensations can be received by users of wireless

audio production tools (PMSE), who are affected by the DD2. This is specified in the so-

called ‘RL-UmstKoPMSE700’88, a guideline on the financial compensation of costs, which

were caused by the DD2, for users of wireless audio production tools (PMSE). Owners of

equipment with an operating frequency range inside the 700 MHz frequency band could

apply for the financial compensation without prove of interferences. Users, who were op-

erating their equipment in the frequency range between 470 and 698 MHz could apply for

financial compensation in case of interference. In comparison to the users of the 700 MHz

band, a proof that new devices had to be bought because of increased interferences, is

requested. The minimum cost for the devices had to be 410 €89. Furthermore, just equip-

ment, which was licensed before the 31st of December 2015 and bought between the 1st

of January 2012 and the 31st of March 2015 will be compensated. In special cases a

longer phase, between 1997 and 2015, will be accepted90. Just equipment for a profes-

sional usage will be compensated, e.g. broadcasting or professional event productions,

such as theatre plays or concerts of professional groups. Sometimes additional devices

like antennas, cables and active amplifiers cannot be used anymore. For these devices

a compensation could be requested as well. The height of the compensation depends

strongly on a lot of factors, such when the interfered equipment was bought. The exact

conditions on the financial compensation can be found in the official document of the

German national frequency regulation Agency ‘BNetztA’91:

http://www.bav.bund.de/SharedDocs/Downloads/DE/Ausgleichszahlungen/Richt-

linie_PMSE.pdf?__blob=publicationFile&v=5

88 Bekanntmachung Richtlinie über die Gewährung von Billigkeitsleistungen für Ausgleichszahlungen an Nutzer drahtloser Produktionsmittel („PMSE“) für aus der Umwidmung der Frequenzen im Frequenzbe-reich 694 bis 790 MHz resultierende Umstellungskosten 89 ‘Eine Billigkeitsleistung wird nur gewährt für Anträge ab einem Anschaffungswert von 410 Euro’

(Translation: ‘A financial compensation is only granted for applications with an purchase value of

410 Euro’) [213, Page 2]. 90 (2) Ausgleichszahlungen werden nur gewährt für Funkanlagen oder einzelne Anlagenteile, die a) in Fäl-len der Bemessung nach §3 nachweislich zwischen dem 1. Januar 2012 und dem 31. März 2015 oder b) in Fällen der Bemessung nach §4 nachweislich zwischen dem 1. Januar 1997 und dem 31. März 2015 angeschafft worden sind’ (Translation: ‘(2) Compensation payments shall only be granted for radio equip-ment or individual components of such equipment which have been purchased a) in accordance with §3 between 1 January 2012 and 31 March 2015 or b) in accordance with §4 between 1 January 1997 and 31 March 2015’) [213, Page 2]. 91 Bundesnetzagentur, Document just available in German.

http://www.bav.bund.de/SharedDocs/Downloads/DE/Ausgleichszahlungen/Richtlinie_PMSE.pdf?__blob=publicationFile&v=5


149

Note: in the UK financial compensation for affected users of wireless audio production

tools (PMSE), who are affected by the DD2, will be granted as well, but the process is

still ongoing.

Part D: Comparisons and Conclusions

In this section the results of the analysis of the Digital Dividends and its impact on the use

of wireless audio production tools (PMSE) in Latin-America and Europe will be compared

and a conclusion will be provided based on the results of this thesis.

16. Comparison: Digital Dividends and its impact on the Use of

Wireless Audio Production Tools in Latin-America and Europe

To conclude my thesis, I would like to analyse the differences and similarities between

the consequences of the Digital Dividends (DDs) for wireless audio production tools

(PMSE) in Latin-America and Europe. Therefore, I would like to point out and compare

some aspects, which were explained further in ‘Part B: Impact of the Digital Dividends on

the Use of Frequencies by Wireless Audio Production Tools in Latin-America’ and ‘Part

C: Impact of the Digital Dividends on the Use of Frequencies by Wireless Audio Produc-

tion Tools in Europe’ of this thesis.

16.1. Realization of the Digital Dividends in Latin-America and Europe

Comparison:

In both regions there has been Digital Dividend(s) (DD). Whilst all European countries

have had two Digital Dividends, in some Latin-American countries, there is just one and

in others two DDs.

Further Explanation:

First of all, the initial situation is similar in both continents: the terrestrial television was

switched from analogue to digital (‘Digital Switch-Over’). While in Europe the GE06 agree-

ment harmonises DVB-T, and now as well the DVB-T2, as the only digital TV standards,

in Latin-America various digital transmission standards are in use, e.g. ISDB-Tb, DVB-T

and ATSC. The transition from analogue to digital TV on both continents happened mostly

region after region.

Another difference regarding the terrestrial TV is the channel grid (in the countries re-

searched by me):

• European UHF TV channels have a bandwidth of 8 MHz,

• Latin-American UHF TV channels just 6 MHz.

In both regions, as a consequence of the transition from analogue to digital terrestrial

television, certain frequency ranges were cleared and allocated on a primary basis to the

Land Mobile Service with the identification for the application IMT. Mostly the reallocated

frequency ranges were auctioned to mobile phone companies, who are now providing

LTE in these frequency ranges. Anyways, the exact realization differs within each country.

150

16.1.1. The First Digital Dividend

Comparison:

The first Digital Dividend (DD1) refers to

• The 700 MHz frequency band in Latin-America

698 to 806 MHz

• The 800 MHz frequency band in Europe

790 to 862 MHz

From the countries, conducted in this thesis, the DD1 has been realized in

• Latin-America: Brazil, Argentina and Mexico

• Europe: Austria, France, Germany, Italy, Switzerland, UK


As far as I am concerned, the starting point for the first Digital Dividend (DD1) was set at

the WRC in 2007; in Europe the 800 MHz frequency band and in Latin-America the

700 MHz frequency band were re-allocated on a primary basis to the Land Mobile Ser-

vice. The DD1 is mostly finalized in Europe, but still ongoing in most Latin-American coun-

tries. The realization of the DD1 in Latin-America is mostly behind European countries

and the USA [63]. I suspect, that more time is needed for the regional transition from

analogue to digital TV, the regional clearance of the 700 MHz frequency band and the

regional implementation of the LTE technology due to the larger size of Latin-American

countries.

Note: in comparison to Europe, in Latin-America the 800 MHz frequency band above

806 MHz was already allocated to the Mobile Service before the DD1.

16.1.2. The Second Digital Dividend

Comparison:

The second Digital Dividend (DD2) refers to

• The 600 MHz frequency band in Latin-America

614 to 698 MHz

• The 700 MHz frequency band in Europe

694 to 790 MHz

From the countries, conducted in this thesis, the DD2 has been realized in

• Latin-America: Argentina and Mexico

The DD2 is still an ongoing process.

• Europe: Austria, France, Germany, Italy, Switzerland, UK

In some countries, e.g. Germany, the DD2 already is finalized, while in other coun-

tries it is an ongoing process.


In my observation, the second Digital Dividend (DD2) for Europe was decided by

WRC-12: it was decided, that on the WRC-15 the 700 MHz frequency band in ITU-

151

Region 1 will be allocated to the Land Mobile Service on a co-primary basis. As a conse-

quence, the digital terrestrial television standard in Europe was changed to DVB-T2.

Again, the transition from DVB-T to DVB-T2 was realized regionally in most countries. An

exception is France, where the Switch-Over happened in one night. The process of the

national implementation of the DD2 is still ongoing in most European countries.

In comparison, in Latin-America the DD1 is still ongoing. Even though, some countries

are already planning and / or preparing a DD2. In comparison to Europe, in Latin-America

the DD2 refers to the 600 MHz frequency band from 614 to 698 MHz. Anyways, the 600

MHz frequency band has not been reallocated to the Land Mobile Service for ITU-Re-

gion 2 by the WRC yet. At the latest ‘Annual Latin-American Spectrum Management Con-

ferences’ this has been discussed as an input for the WRC-19.

I wonder if WRC-19 will go for a second DD in the ITU-Region 2.

16.2. Use of Wireless Audio Production Tools (PMSE)

After showing the differences and similarities of the realization of the DDs in Latin-Amer-

ica and Europe, now I would like to go over to the differences and similarities in the fre-

quency usage by wireless audio production tools (PMSE).

16.2.1. Frequency Ranges for Wireless Audio Production Tools

Comparison:

In my observation, Latin-America and Europe have frequency bands, which are used by

wireless audio production tools (PMSE), in common:

• VHF and UHF TV spectrum

e.g. wireless microphones and IEM;

• Frequencies below 470 MHz

e.g. Team Communication, Talk-Back Systems;

• 2.4 GHz WIFI band

e.g. several wireless audio production tools (PMSE)

Additional frequency ranges for wireless audio production tools (PMSE) in Europe are:

• LTE duplex gaps of the 800 MHz frequency band

EC Harmonisation for all member states

• LTE duplex gaps of the 1.8 GHz frequency band


• LTE duplex gaps of the 700 MHz frequency band


• 900 MHz frequency band (‘Air-Band’)

Already implemented in the UK

Harmonisation for Europe is still under discussion

152

There are as well additional frequency ranges for wireless audio production tools (PMSE)

in Latin-America are, but there does not exist a harmonisation:

• some frequency bands around 900 MHz;

• 1.9 GHz frequency band;

• 5.8 GHz frequency band;

• 5 GHz frequency band.

Note: in both region the exact frequency ranges for wireless audio production tools

(PMSE) differ within the countries.

Further Information:

Even though I did not find details on the exact frequency bands for wireless audio pro-

duction tools (PMSE) in Argentina and Mexico, it seems to me that generally in Latin-

America parts of the VHF and UHF TV spectrum are available for the operation of wireless

audio production tools (PMSE). This is the same in Europe. The exact frequency ranges

inside the VHF and UHF TV spectrum might differ regionally. In Europe, depending on

the status of the DD2, the UHF TV spectrum up to 694 or 790 MHz is available for wireless

audio production tools (PMSE). In Latin-America, as well depending on the status of the

DD1 and the DD2, the UHF TV spectrum up to 806, 698 or 614 MHz is available. Addi-

tionally, on both continents, the 2.4 GHz WIFI band can be used on a license exempt

basis. The further frequency bands differ on both continents. For example, in Brazil further

frequency ranges are the ISM bands around 900 MHz, the 1.9 GHz DECT band, the

5 GHz and the 5.8 GHz bands. For Europe, it was relatively easy to find further infor-

mation on frequency bands for wireless audio production tools (PMSE). Basically, in ad-

dition to the VHF and UHF TV spectrum, the 800 MHz and 1,8 GHz LTE duplex gaps are

available. Further frequency ranges depend on the country. For example, in the UK as

well the 900 MHz air band was opened for wireless microphones. Some other frequency

bands are under discussion.

Further details on frequency ranges for wireless microphones (Rev. June 2018, 26 coun-

tries) can be found here: https://www.apwpt.org/downloads/handoutfrequencies2018.pdf

16.2.2. Licensing of Wireless Audio Production Tools (PMSE)

Comparison:

The licensing of wireless audio production tools (PMSE) is handled differently on both

continents. In both continents, the licensing differs from country to country, because the

licensing is subject to the national regulation.


In my observation, in Europe frequency bands, which can be used on a licence exempt

basis and frequency bands, where a license is needed, exist. To get a license, usually a

request has to be sent to the relevant administration and the defined fees have to be paid.

The details of the licensing differ from country to country.

In comparison, it seems to me that in Latin-America usually a so-called ‘homologation’ is

needed. Homologated devices can be used without further licenses in all identified fre-

quency bands. The exact procedure and types of homologation differ from country to

https://www.apwpt.org/downloads/handoutfrequencies2018.pdf

153

country. In general, the equipment has to be sent to a special laboratory, where it is

tested. Just devices, which passed the tests can be used legally in the country. However,

there might exist additional licenses, which allow a usage of radio equipment without a

homologation, e.g. in Brazil the ‘temporary license’.

Note: in Europe the access to the market is also regulated, e.g. by CE-marking.

16.3. Impact of the DDs on the Use of Wireless Audio Production Tools

Comparison:

The impact of the DDs on the frequency usage by wireless audio production tools (PMSE)

is the same in both regions:

• Less available UHF TV spectrum for the operation of wireless audio production

tools (PMSE)

• Increasing density of the remaining spectrum

• Investments, e.g. in new equipment

• Difficulties in realization of events, e.g. major events

Further explanation:

Obviously, the frequency ranges of the Digital Dividends, in Europe the 800 and 700 MHz

frequency bands and in Latin-America the 700 and 600 MHz frequency band, are no

longer available for the usage of wireless audio production tools (PMSE), as soon as the

LTE technology is fully implemented.

16.3.1. Survey Results

I have been conducting similar surveys in Germany (Europe) and Brazil (Latin-America)

during the work of my bachelor- and master thesis. The results were already presented

more detailed in the chapter ‘8.2.3 Survey: ‘The use of frequencies by wireless Audio-

Equipment in Brazil during the process of the Digital Dividend’’ and for Europe in chapter

‘12.3 Impact of the DD1 on the Use of Wireless Audio Production Tools’. The surveys

analysed:

• How did the frequency usage of wireless audio production tools (PMSE) changed

as a result of the Digital Dividends (DDs)?

• How do the DDs affect professionals, who are working with this equipment in their

every-day work?

16.3.1.1. Changed Frequency Usage

Comparison:

Overall, the surveys of both regions showed, that before the DD1 the upper portion of the

UHF TV spectrum (Germany the 800 MHz frequency band, Brazil the 700 MHz frequency

band) was highly used by wireless audio production tools (PMSE).

154


The results show for both regions, a changed frequency usage, mainly to the lower UHF

TV spectrum, as a consequence of the DD1. In both regions the users of wireless pro-

duction tools (PMSE) as well changed to some alternative frequency ranges, e.g. in both

countries the 2.4 GHz WIFI band.

16.3.1.2. Costs and Efforts for affected Users

Comparison:

My European survey shows, that in Germany there has been a high effort for affected

users, e.g.:

• Request of new licenses;

• Investment in new equipment;

• Applications for financial compensations.

Further, high costs were reported, e.g. for

• new equipment;

• new licenses.

In comparison, a lot of Brazilian participants noted investments in new equipment, but no

amount of expenses was reported.

Note: in regions with a DD2, affected users, who after the DD1 changed to frequency

ranges of the DD1, might have to face the costs and efforts a second time.

16.3.1.3. Changed Interference Scenario

Comparison:

According to the survey-results, after the DD1 the interference scenario differs in both

regions.


In Germany the majority of the participants reported increased, but controllable interfer-

ences due to precautions, e.g. change of the transmission frequency.

In Brazil, the majority of the participants) reported no increase of interferences. I assume,

that these differences between the interference scenario in Germany and Brazil relate to

the status of the DD1 at the time of the survey.

When I conducted the survey in Germany, the DD1 was already finalized. In comparison,

in Brazil, the DD1 was still ongoing during the period of the survey. In some regions, LTE

was already implemented in the 700 MHz band, in other regions the 700 MHz band was

already cleared, but the LTE not yet implemented, and, in some regions, the 700 MHz

band still was not cleared yet. I assume, that because of these ongoing changes the

responses from the Brazilian organisations depend strongly on the status of the DD1 in

their region.

155

Interesting to me is the reported limitation of productions in both countries. Even though

in Germany more participants reported increased interferences, not even 3 % of all par-

ticipants reported a limitation of production due to increased interference. In comparison,

24 % of all participants in Brazil reported a limitation of production due to increased inter-

ferences, also if in general less interferences were reported than in Germany. The follow-

ing graphic shows the answers to the related question in comparison:

Germany Brazil

Figure 102: Reported Increase of Interferences after the DD1 in Germany (left) [2] and Brazil (right) [3]

Answer-Option of the colours:

• Red: Interference did not increase.

• Dark Orange: Increase of interference, but still controllable because we could

switch to other channels.

• Bright Orange: Increase of Interference created serious problems, we had a limi-

tation of productions.

• Yellow: Others.

In both countries it was reported, that the interferences were mainly produced by mobile

phones and neighbouring events.

In case of an interference, in both countries, the majority of the users changes the trans-

mission frequency. Another reported solution in both countries is to change the antenna

or its position. Interesting is, that in Brazil about a third of all participating organisations

informs the relevant administration (in Brazil the Anatel), while in Germany just a minority

of 10 % informs the relevant administration (BNetzA).

156

16.3.2. Frequency Coordination of Major Events

Comparison:

In this thesis I analysed some major events in both regions:

• Latin-America: Soccer Game, João Rock Festival, Carnival in Rio, VIVE LATINO

Festival;

• Europe: German Regional Elections, Olympic Games, Eurovision Song Contest;

• In both regions: Formula 1 in Brazil and Italy

For further information see the following chapters:

• ‘8.2.5 Major Events in Brazil’;

• ‘10.5.2 Practical Example: Music Festival ‘Vive Latino’;

• ‘14 Major Events in Europe’;

• ‘17 Comparison of the Frequency Coordination at the Formula 1 Races in Brazil

and Italy’.

Generally, major events take place both regions, e.g.:

• Music Events, e.g. Music Festivals;

• Political Events, e.g. Elections;

• Sport Events, e.g. Sport Competitions;

• Cultural Events, e.g. Carnival.


How the frequency coordination is realised at major events in Latin-America in compari-

son to Europe?

My first observation while reading the results of all in this thesis analysed events, I rec-

ognised, that in Latin-America as well as in Europe, a careful frequency coordination

ahead of the event is required to avoid interferences.

The exact realization frequency coordination will probably differ from event to event. Sim-

plified the frequency coordination for major events seems to me similar in Latin-America

and Europe. For example, at the Formula 1 races in Italy and Brazil, all frequency re-

quests for the event have to be send to the frequency coordinator, who prepares a fre-

quency coordination table. Therefore, certain tools and methods are used, e.g.

• Spectrum scans are realized before the event to identify free spaces in the spec-

trum.

• Usually a software is used to find an intermodulation free frequency arrangement.

• Eventually other online tools, such as databases, are used for further support.

• The national frequency regulation administration is involved.

In both regions, sometimes spectrum scans are taken in parallel to the event. Various

graphics presented in this thesis show the spectrum occupation during different events in

Europe and Latin-America. It can be seen in all graphics, that the UHF TV spectrum is

rather dense. The following table shows four different graphics, which show the spectrum

occupation of events in Europe and Latin-America:

157

Europe Latin-America

German Regional Elections

Number of coordinated frequencies for wireless mi-

crophones and IEM per UHF TV channel

Page 140

Soccer Game

Spectrum scan at a soccer game (before DD1)

Page 76

ESC 2011

Total Required Bandwidth for all wireless micro-

phones, IEM and TV stations, incl. guard bands

Page 143

Joao Rock

Frequency allocations for the four stages of the

Joao Rock Festival (after the DD1)

Page 86

Table 35: Spectrum Occupation at different Events in Europe and Latin-America in Comparison

Note: a short explanation is given underneath each graphic, for more information, please

check the corresponding page.

It can be concluded from the analysed events, that in Europe as well as in Latin-America,

as a consequence of the DD(s), the lower UHF TV spectrum is denser. The reason are

the TV channels, which are refarmed from the upper frequency bands to the remaining

UHF TV spectrum and the changes of the frequency usage by wireless audio production

tools (PMSE) to the lower UHF TV spectrum. Conclusively, fewer free spaces in the re-

maining UHF TV spectrum is available for wireless audio production tools (PMSE). I as-

sume, that because of this, a more careful frequency coordination is necessary. This as-

sumption was confirmed by several frequency coordinators [69] [94].

16.3.3. Solutions for Wireless Audio Production Tools (PMSE)

Comparison:

In my observation, after the DDs in Europe, several solutions for affected users of wireless

audio production tools (PMSE) were implemented, e.g.:

• Harmonisation of alternative frequency ranges;

• Financial compensations;

• Adjustment of affected equipment.

Note: the national implementation of these solutions might differ.

In comparison, in Latin-America, I could not find helpful information on this topic.

158

16.3.3.1. Access to Public Information about Wireless Audio Production Tools

and the DDs

Comparison:

For me, access to information on wireless audio production tools (PMSE) in Europe was

easier than in Latin-America.


It seems to me, that in Europe various information concerning wireless audio production

tools (PMSE) are available publicly, e.g. regarding

• frequency bands for wireless audio production tools (PMSE);

• the related licenses;

• the ongoing changes because of the DDs.

As mentioned above, in Latin-America, it was relatively difficult do find comparable infor-

mation in the conducted countries, especially for Argentina and Mexico but for Brazil I

found the most assignable information.

In Latin-America and Europe there are information on the Digital Dividend(s) (DD) and

how the DDs affect the frequency usage of wireless microphones, available in the inter-

net, e.g. manufacturers and other organisations inform on their webpages.

Further, in both region information are provided on conferences:

• Latin-America

In Brazil information on the ongoing and future changes in the UHF TV spectrum

after the DD were presented at conferences

e.g. ‘AES Brasil EXPO 2018’.

See http://www.aesbrasilexpo.com.br/

• Europe

On various conferences information are provided in presentations and exhibition

stands

e.g. IBC 2018

see https://www.apwpt.org/history/netherlands/2018/index.html

As well, in both regions interviews of professionals were held and published:

• Latin-America

e.g. Interview with Shure, published on YouTube on other webpages

See https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=2QSGYpbM4Uo

• Europe

e.g. Interview with APWPT, published in a magazine and different webpages

See https://apwpt.org/downloads/vdtmagazin_01_2013_dd_einupdate_kw.pdf

In Europe, additionally it is reported in various magazines for professional users of wire-

less audio production tools (PMSE), e.g. in the ‘VPLT Magazine’ and the ‘Bühnentech-

nische Rundschau’. I am not aware of comparable articles in Latin-American magazines.

http://www.aesbrasilexpo.com.br/

https://www.apwpt.org/history/netherlands/2018/index.html


https://apwpt.org/downloads/vdtmagazin_01_2013_dd_einupdate_kw.pdf

159

Further, Europe participates actively in international working groups, e.g. ITU-R SG5 -

WP5C and ITU-R SG6 - WP6A, which are among other topics considering frequency

ranges for wireless microphones, and attending international conferences regarding the

frequency regulation, e.g. the World Radio Conference, to represent the interests of pro-

fessional users. I am not aware of a similar participation from Latin-American represent-

atives.

In Latin-America, a meeting of professionals was held: in Brazil the national association

Anafima and some manufacturers attended a meeting with the administration Anatel to

discuss the future of wireless microphones, see http://www.anafima.com.br/site/micro-

fones-sem-fio-fabricantes-nacionais-e-estrangeiros-se-reunem-com-superintendencia-

da-anatel-em-brasilia/

Additionally, in Brazil Web-Seminars held, e.g. the manufacturer Shure informed in the

Web-Seminar on the 09th of March 2018 about the Switch-Off of the analogue TV chan-

nels and the changes in the spectrum.

16.3.3.2. Spectrum Compensations

Spectrum Compensation for the Spectrum Loss of the DDs

Comparison:

After the DDs, in Europe, new frequency ranges were agreed for wireless audio produc-

tion tools (PMSE). I am not aware of a similar development in Latin-America.


In Europe, as a consequence of DD1, new frequency ranges, which were not available

for the operation of wireless audio production tools (PMSE) before the DD, were agreed

as a compensation for the loss of the 800 MHz frequency range. These were mainly the

CEPT studies and the EC harmonisation of the LTE duplex gaps in the 800 MHz and

1.8 GHz frequency bands. At the moment, there are ongoing studies with the objective to

harmonise further frequency ranges, e.g. the frequency band from 960 to 1164 MHz, see

chapter Air Band Study.

Note: in addition to Europe-wide harmonisation, the national implementation of new fre-

quency bands for wireless audio production tools (PMSE) varies from country to country.

As far as I am concerned, in Latin-America no studied country allocated alternative fre-

quency ranges to wireless audio production tools (PMSE) as a compensation for the

losses of the DDs and I could not identify compatibility studies. I wonder, if in Latin-Amer-

ica, similar to Europe, a usage of various LTE duplex gaps in the IMT bands by wireless

audio production tools (PMSE) would be possible, see Figure 50, Figure 79, Figure 86,

Figure 96, Figure 97 and Figure 98.

16.3.3.3. Financial Compensations

Comparison:

In some European countries financial compensations were implemented to users of wire-

less audio production tools (PMSE), who were affected by the DDs. In Latin-America I

could not find any information on financial compensations.




160


These results are conforming with the results of my surveys, which were presented

above.

16.3.3.4. Market Return or Tuning Range Adjustment

Market Return or Tuning Range Adjustment of affected Devices

Comparison:

In my observation, in Europe, some equipment could be sent to sales offices or manufac-

turers in to exchange it or to adjust the tuning range.

So far, I know, this is not possible in Latin-America.


In Europe, devices, which were affected by the Digital Dividends, could be exchanged in

the sales offices (of the manufacturers), see https://www.shure.de/damfiles/default/sup-

port/frequencies/de-de/ulx-d-trade-in/teilnahmebedingungen_shure_ulxd_trade_in_ak-

tion_2016.pdf-e34e0cd0f48c8e749c8044393024a0b5.pdf.

Additionally, some manufacturers offered to adjust the tuning range of affected devices,

see https://de-ch.sennheiser.com/ddready.

In comparison, in Latin-America stores are not obligated to take back equipment, which

is limited in its use after the DD. Additionally, it was noted, that an adjustment of the tuning

range is too expensive and because of this not possible: ‘Posso mandar o meu sistema

sem fio Shure para a assitência técnica ou mesmo para a fábrica para que troquem a

frequência? - Não. A troca da frequência requer a troca de centenas de componentes

eletrônicos específicos e também uma reprogramação completa e ajustes. Isto custa

muito caro – mesmo se fosse possível’ (Translation: ‘Can I send my wireless system of

Shure to the technical assistance or to the fabric to change the frequency? – No. The

change of the frequency requires to change hundreds of specific electrical components

and as well a complete re-programming and adjustment. This is very expensive – even if

it is possible.’) [1].

In comparison, in Europe some manufacturer offered to adjust the tuning range of af-

fected devices.

16.3.3.5. Online Databases and Tools for Frequency Coordination

Comparison:

In Europa, in some countries online databases or similar online tools were developed, to

facilitate the frequency coordination of events, e.g.

• PMSE-DB in Switzerland

See https://www.pmse-db.ch/

• ‘Frequenzbuch’ in Austria

See https://www.rtr.at/de/m/FrequenzbuchMUXVGebiet

I am unaware of similar solutions in Latin-America.

https://www.shure.de/damfiles/default/support/frequencies/de-de/ulx-d-trade-in/teilnahmebedingungen_shure_ulxd_trade_in_aktion_2016.pdf-e34e0cd0f48c8e749c8044393024a0b5.pdf



https://de-ch.sennheiser.com/ddready

https://www.pmse-db.ch/

https://www.rtr.at/de/m/FrequenzbuchMUXVGebiet

161


In Europe, organizations in some countries developed online solutions for the frequency

coordination. For example, in Austria the available frequencies for wireless audio produc-

tion tools (PMSE) were published online and in Switzerland an online database, where

the frequency coordination for each event can be realized online, was developed, the so-

called ‘PMSE-DB’. This is a user-database. On the other hand, in the UK there is an

administration-database, which is operated by the Ofcom UK.

Taking into consideration the necessary frequency coordination for major events, which I

already examined earlier this section, to me these online databases seem to be a good

tool to facilitate the frequency coordination.

I am not aware of similar solutions in Latin-America. From my experience, various online

tools are used for the frequency coordination [91]. In Brazil a database of the frequency

regulation administration Anatel, which can be used to identify locally free frequencies,

also exist [69]. Anyways, I am not familiar with the details of these databases and fre-

quency coordination tools.

16.4. Cross-Border Frequency Harmonization

Comparison:

In my observation, there are significant differences between the cross-border coordina-

tion frequency harmonisations in Latin-America and Europe.

For further information, see sections ‘10.4 Cross-Border Frequency Coordination’ and

‘15.1 Harmonised Frequency Bands’.


In Europe I am aware of two cross-border frequency harmonisations for wireless audio

production tools (PMSE):

• LTE duplex gap in the 800 MHz frequency band.

• LTE duplex gap in the 1.8 GHz frequency band.

Additional frequency ranges are currently under discussion, see

https://www.cept.org/ecc/topics/major-topics/programme-making-and-special-events-ap-

plications-pmse/

I am not aware of similar cross-border frequency coordination harmonisations for wireless

audio production tools (PMSE) in Latin-America.

Based on the results of my research, it seems to me that there are more agreements/de-

cisions for harmonisations of the frequency usage in Europe than in Latin-America.

It seems to me, that this is possible due to the CEPT, which harmonises e.g. frequency

ranges for certain services and applications for all member states. It seems to me, that

the CEPT acts on a continental basis, between the ITU on a worldwide level and the

national frequency regulators. It seems to me, that the harmonisations and standardiza-

tions of the CEPT facilitate the cross-border frequency coordination within Europe by, for

example:

https://www.cept.org/ecc/topics/major-topics/programme-making-and-special-events-applications-pmse/

https://www.cept.org/ecc/topics/major-topics/programme-making-and-special-events-applications-pmse/

162

• Deciding for one digital TV standard in whole Europe.

• Defining transition periods and deadlines for the ‘Digital Switch-Over’, the imple-

mentation of the IMT technology and the refarming of the DD-bands within Europe.

• Providing additional frequency ranges for wireless audio production tools (PMSE)

in Europe.

In Latin-America, as far as I know, there are no transnational frequency harmonisations,

e.g. for the usage of wireless audio production tools (PMSE), like in Europe. I assume,

this is because an organisation for frequency harmonisation and standardization on a

continental basis, like the CEPT in Europe, does not exist in Latin-America.

There exist some organisations in Latin-America, e.g. the Inter-American Telecommuni-

cation Commission (CITEL)92, which has as an objective the ‘development of telecommu-

nications and information and communication technologies’ [214]. Anyways, it seems to

me, that these organisations are rather focused on the telecommunication services / ap-

plications, such as IMT. This can as well be seen in the table in Annex ‘A.5 Overview

Over the last ‘Annual Latin-American Spectrum Management Conferences’’, which lists

the program of the ‘Annual Latin-American Spectrum Meeting’. The program of the con-

ference seems to focus solely on the implementation of the Land Mobile Service into the

UHF TV spectrum, but other existing primary and secondary users (Broadcast and wire-

less audio production tools (PMSE)) are not listed. Anyhow, certain neighbouring coun-

tries in Latin-America have cross-border agreements for primary services that affect the

frequency usage by wireless audio production tools (PMSE), e.g.

• Argentina and Brazil;

• Mexico and the USA.

These agreements regulate certain frequency usages in the border region, e.g. the fre-

quency usage of the 700 MHz band after the DD1.

However, not all neighbouring countries have cross-border regulations, there is no cross-

border frequency coordination between e.g.

• Mexico and Belize;

• Mexico and Guatemala.

17. Comparison of the Frequency Coordination at the Formula 1

Races in Brazil and Italy

Formula 1 (F1) is the ’richest, most intense, most difficult, most political and most inter-

national racing championship in the world’ [215]. It is a single-seater car race. 21 races

are carried out worldwide to define a world champion. The event is widely reported on the

media worldwide. Therefore, a lot of broadcasters are present at the event. [215]

In this chapter, I would like to compare the event and content production of F1 in Latin-

America and Europe by the examples of Brazil and Italy.

92 https://www.citel.oas.org/en/Pages/default.aspx

https://www.citel.oas.org/en/Pages/default.aspx

163

The first diagram shows the total number of coordinated frequencies from 2010 to 2017

in Latin-America (green) and Europe (blue) at the corresponding F1 races. This includes

all wireless production tools, such as wireless microphones, IEM, Talk-Back Systems,

wireless cameras and much more.

Figure 103: Total Number of Coordinated Frequencies at F1 in Comparison [216] [217]

The trendlines show (polynome of 3rd order), that in average the numbers of coordinated

frequencies at the F1 race was rising during the observed period in both countries. It

would be interesting to see, how this trend will develop in the next years. In Brazil the

number of coordinated frequencies always depends on the number of broadcasters at

the event [69]. 2010 there were only ten broadcasters. This number increased until 2014

and then started to decrease again. This development is as well shown in the following

diagram (linear trendlines) [216] [217]:

Figure 104: Total Number of Broadcasters present at F1 in Comparison [217] [218]

211

327353

377

582 596545 547544

478

543

616 596568

594644

0

100

200

300

400

500

600

700

2010 2011 2012 2013 2014 2015 2016 2017

Total Number of Coordinated Frequencies

Latin America - Brazil Europe - Italy

Poly. (Latin America - Brazil) Poly. (Europe - Italy)

1011

1416

1820

17

14

19

2426

0

5

10

15

20

25

30

2010 2011 2012 2013 2014 2015 2016 2017

Total Number of Broadcasters

Latin America - Brazil Europe -Italy Linear (Latin America - Brazil)

164

Comparison: In Italy, the number of Broadcasters present at the event is not connected

directly to the number of coordinated frequencies and the number of wireless micro-

phones and IEM in use. According to the frequency coordinator of the F1 race in Italy,

some broadcasters are present at the event, but they only do a commentary over an IP

connection. Therefore, no frequencies need to be coordinated and no wireless micro-

phones and IMEs need to be used.

The third diagram shows the total number of used wireless microphones and IEM from

2014 to 2017 in Latin-America (green) and Europe (blue) at the corresponding F1 races

(linear trendlines):

Figure 105: Total Number of Wireless Microphones and IEM in Use at F1 in Comparison [216] [217]

For the amount of used wireless microphones and IEM in Brazil a slight decrease over

the past four years can be recognised. All in all, 25 devices less were in use 2017 in

comparison to 2014. The coordinator noted, the decrease of used wireless microphones

and IEMs is related to the decreasing number of broadcasters since 2014. In Italy, at first

a decrease of 15 devices from 2014 to 2015 can be seen. After 2015 the amount of used

wireless microphones and IEM raised again up to 266 devices. That is 62 devices more

than in 2014 and 73 more than 2017 in Brazil.

The following table shows the operating frequency ranges for wireless microphones and

IEMs in Brazil and Italy:

Country Brazil Italy

Frequency range 480 to 900 MHz 470 to 790 MHz

Comments * 700 MHz frequency band was still available * 2017: 1 allocation above 806 MHz

* 800 MHz frequency band could not be used for wireless microphones and IEM anymore * 700 MHz frequency band could still be used for wireless microphones and IEM

For further information, see paragraph below

Table 36: Operating Frequency Ranges for Wireless Microphones and IEM in Comparison [69] [218]

218

195 190 193204

189

244266

0

50

100

150

200

250

300

2014 2015 2016 2017

Total Number of Radio Microphones & IEM

Latin America - Brazil Europe - Italy

Linear (Latin America - Brazil) Linear (Europe - Italy)

165

So far, in Brazil the complete UHF TV range was still available for the usage of wireless

audio production tools (PMSE). This is, because the race track is in São Paulo. There the

‘Digital Switch-Over’ was just completed in June 2018 (further information see chapter

‘8 Brazil’. Until than the LTE technology could not be implemented in the 700 MHz fre-

quency band and it could still be used for wireless audio production tools (PMSE). This

will change this year (2018). The mobile phone companies started operating LTE in the

700 MHz frequency band this June. Also, it is interesting, that in 2016 there has been a

frequency allocation for a so-called ‘tyre temperature transmitter’93 above 806 MHz [219].

In Brazil, the frequency band above 806 MHz is allocated to the Land Mobile Service.

It seems, that in Italy the ‘Digital Switch-Over’ was completed in 2012 [220] and the Land

Mobile Service started operating LTE in the 800 MHz frequency band in 2015 [221]. Be-

cause of this, the 800 MHz frequency band above 790 MHz probably was not available

anymore for wireless audio production tools (PMSE) since 2015. The 700 MHz frequency

band from 694 to 790 MHz will just be made available for the Land Mobile Service in

2022. This process is also referred to as the second Digital Dividend (DD2). Until than

the 700 MHz frequency band will still be available for wireless audio production tools

(PMSE). [222] It can be observed, that the spectrum demand in Italy is rising, while the

available UHF TV spectrum is decreasing. Every year more wireless microphones and

IEMs were in use and every year more frequencies for wireless production tools were

coordinated. The majority of the coordinated frequencies has been in frequency ranges

underneath 1 GHz. Additionally, the available spectrum underneath 1 GHz is decreasing

due to the DD1 in 2012 and the DD2, which will follow in 2015.

After the analysis of the main information on the wireless audio production tool usage at

F1 in Brazil and Italy, I now would like to consider, how is the frequency coordination for

major events in Brazil and Italy working? Where are differences and similarities?

In Brazil the central frequency coordinator of Formula 1 fulfils the complete frequency

coordination process for all present broadcasters and their equipment. Every broadcaster

has to send a request with all specifications, like the requested frequencies and the de-

vices. All requests are than allocated manually under consideration of locally occupied

TV channels. Therefore, spectrum scans at Brazils race track ‘Autódromo Interlagos’ are

made before the event.

93 https://www.highpowermedia.com/blog/3908/tyre-temperature-sensors

https://www.highpowermedia.com/blog/3908/tyre-temperature-sensors

166

An exemplary screen copy of a scan can be seen below:

Figure 106: Spectrum Scan at 'Autódromo Interlagos' (Brazil) before the F1 Race in 2017 [223, Page 10]

The spectrum scan was made prior to the F1 race 2017 in Brazil at the race track

‘Autódromo Interlagos’. The scanning range was from 600 to 800 MHz with the centre

frequency at 700 MHz. The green line demonstrates the peak signal level, while yellow

indicates the current level of the scanning receiver signal. Five markers (green squares

with numbers 1 to 5 inside) were set in the scan screen to show the frequency ranges,

where wireless microphones and IEM could be operated. These are listed in Table 37:

Marker Frequency-Interval [MHz] Usable spectrum [MHz]

1 to 2 610 to 618 8

3 to 4 694 to 748 54

5 to upper limit of the scanning range 793 to 800 7

Total amount of usable spectrum from 600 to 800 MHz: 69 MHz

Table 37: For Wireless Microphones and IEM usable Frequencies from 600 to 800 MHz at F1 2017 in Brazil

Overall, the frequency range from 470 to 900 MHz was mainly used for the allocations of

wireless microphones and IEM, but some foreign broadcasters preferred alternative fre-

quency ranges (e.g. VHF or 2.4 GHz). In addition, radio communication applications / ser-

vices (e.g. Talk-Back Systems) were allocated in the frequency range from 450 to

470 MHz. For these allocations, a database provided by the Anatel94 was used. In this

frequency range, the usage of wireless microphones and IEM is forbidden in Brazil. For

the next F1 race in Brazil (2018), the frequency coordination probably will be realized

similar. Anyways, the 700 MHz frequency band from 698 to 806 MHz cannot be used

anymore for wireless audio production tools (PMSE), because the mobile phone

94 National frequency regulation agency of Brazil: http://www.anatel.gov.br/institucional/ . See also chapter ‘5.2 National Regulation – Anatel in Brazil’.

http://www.anatel.gov.br/institucional/

167

companies already operate the LTE technology in this frequency band. This might com-

plicate the frequency coordination. [69]

The frequency coordinator of F1 in Italy noted a similar scenario for Italy: In Italy as well

a central frequency coordinator is in charge. The ‘Ministero dello Sviluppo Economico’

(MISE) (Translation: ‘Ministry for Economic Development’) issues the authorizations and

the host broadcaster RAY creates the frequency allocation plan for the F1 in collaboration

with the MISE. In Italy, the frequency ranges from 174 to 223 MHz and from 470 to

790 MHz are allocated on a primary basis to digital broadcasting services, but radio mi-

crophones and broadband links can use these bands on a secondary basis. A temporary

license has to be requested. In Italy, different kind of licenses for the mentioned frequency

ranges exist. Wireless microphones are defined as ‘Short Range Devices’ (‘SRD’). The

corresponding license is called ‘Temporary General Authorization for the use, on unli-

censed bands, of low-power and/or short-range devices’. The specific application form95

has to be filled by all broadcasters, who wish to use frequencies at the F1 race. It then

has to be sent directly to the MISE some weeks before the race96. The MISE will check

the availability of the requested frequencies, eventually propose alternative frequencies

and then assign the frequencies or decline the request. After the payment of the arising

fees, the license will be issued. This procedure is also illustrated in the diagram in the

annex ‘Frequency Request Italy’. [218] [150]

Furthermore, if a license is requested, an analysis of the radio spectrum at the location

has to be made in advance, to avoid harmful interferences. To check the available fre-

quencies at the location, before the event the host broadcaster RAI made spectrum scans

at the race track ‘Autódromo Nazionale Monza’ and send these to the MISE. Finally, Rai

and the MISE were making the frequency coordination table together. [150] An exemplary

scan can be seen below:

95 http://www.mise.gov.it/index.php/it/comunicazioni/servizi-alle-imprese/autorizzazioni-temporanee-uso-frequenze 96 Usually the application form has to be sent to the MISE 15 days prior to the day of the requested fre-quency usage. [150]

http://www.mise.gov.it/index.php/it/comunicazioni/servizi-alle-imprese/autorizzazioni-temporanee-uso-frequenze

http://www.mise.gov.it/index.php/it/comunicazioni/servizi-alle-imprese/autorizzazioni-temporanee-uso-frequenze

168

Figure 107: Spectrum Scan at 'Autódromo Nazionale Monza' (Italy) before the F1 Race in 2017 [218]

The scanning range of the exemplary scan in Figure 107 was from 470 to 550 MHz.

Wireless microphones and IEM are coordinated in the frequency range from 470 to

790 MHz at the F1 in Italy. The frequency coordinator explained, the meaning of the dif-

ferent lines in the spectrum scan (yellow and blue): The yellow line shows the signal level

recorded with Max Hold during a 360° antenna rotation and the blue line is a screen shot

with the antenna in just one direction. With this method, DVB-T channels with a low signal

level can be detected. In these TV channels it is possible to operate wireless micro-

phones. At the F1 race in Italy low power microphones (ENG) with a maximum output

power of 50 mW are operated in TV channels with a low DVB-T signal power. In TV

channels with a detected medium DVB-T signal level, ENG devices are operated, when

the distance between the receiver and transmitter is less than three or four meters. The

vertical white dot lines present the borders of the TV channel (8 MHz grid)97. Like this,

locally occupied TV channels can be identified easily. It seems, that in 2017 at the F1

race in Italy there were six occupied and four free TV channels in the observed scanning

range. This is a total bandwidth of 32 MHz available for wireless microphones in the ob-

served scanning range. The frequency requests for wireless microphones, IEM and other

wireless production tools are than allocated manually under consideration of the locally

occupied TV channels. To guarantee an intermodulation free frequency arrangement, a

software is used. [218] [150]

In the final section of this thesis an overall conclusion considering all results of this thesis

will be provided.

97 Scanning range of 80 MHz divided into ten = 8 MHz between two lines, in Europe a 8 MHz grid is used in the UHF TV spectrum.

169

18. Final Conclusion

18.1. Part A: Fundamentals

‘Part A: Fundamentals’ summarizes application-related information of my research that

considers the following issues:

• What are wireless audio production tools (PMSE)?

• How do they work?

• What requirements do they have?

• What kind of Interferences are there?

• What is the radio frequency spectrum?

• How is the spectrum regulated?

• What is the difference between a digital and an analogue TV transmitter?

• What is a Digital Dividend is and how did the Digital Dividends develop?

To understand why and how the digital dividend(s) (DD) affect the use of frequencies by

wireless audio production tools (PMSE), it is important to be familiar with these funda-

mentals first.

18.2. Part B: Impact of the Digital Dividends on the Use of Frequencies

by Wireless Audio Production Tools in Latin-America

This part of my thesis examines by the example of three countries how in Latin-America

the Digital Dividend(s) affect(s) the use of frequencies by wireless audio production tools

(PMSE):

• Brazil

o Background and Implementation of the first Digital Dividend

o Impact of the Digital Dividend on the use of frequencies by wireless audio


o Practical Examples: Survey; Spectrum Scans; João Rock Festival; Carnival

• Argentina

o Background and Implementation of the first and second Digital Dividend

o Impact of the Digital Dividends on the use of frequencies by wireless audio


• Mexico

o Background and Implementation of the first and second Digital Dividend

o Impact of the Digital Dividends on the use of frequencies by wireless audio


o Practical Example: Vive Latino Festival

My research focuses mainly on information from Brazil.

My research has shown the following results:

• In all three examined countries a first Digital Dividend is an ongoing process.

• In two of the three examined countries a second Digital Dividend is in preparation.

• In all three examined countries wireless audio production tools (PMSE) are af-

fected by the Digital Dividend(s).

170

• In comparison to Europe, during my research I could not identify any solutions or

alternatives as a compensation (e.g. new frequencies for wireless audio production

tools (PMSE), adjustment of affected devices, financial compensation) for affected

users.

18.3. Part C: Impact of the Digital Dividends on the Use of Frequencies

by Wireless Audio Production Tools in Europe

This section of my thesis examines for Europe:

• The background and realization of the first and second Digital Dividend,

• The impact of the Digital Dividends the use of frequencies by wireless audio pro-

duction tools (PMSE)

Alternatives frequencies and other solutions for affected users.

The focus of my research lays on the following five countries:

• Austria;

• France;

• Germany;

• Switzerland;

• UK.

Whenever possible, information about other countries were added.

My research has shown the following results:

• In all five examined countries the first Digital Dividend is already finalized.

• In some of the examined countries the second Digital Dividend is already finalized.

• In the other examined countries, the second Digital Dividend is an ongoing pro-

cess.

• In all examined countries wireless audio production tools (PMSE) are affected by

the Digital Dividends.

• I could find various solutions and alternatives for affected users of wireless audio


18.4. Part D: Comparisons and Conclusions

The last section of my thesis compares the different researched scenarios in Europe and

Latin-America:

• The development and implementation of the Digital Dividends;

• The use of wireless audio production tools (PMSE);

• The impact of the Digital Dividends on the use of frequencies by wireless audio

production tools (PMSE);

• The event production of the Formula 1 in Brazil and Italy.

171

My comparison has shown the following results;

• In both regions wireless audio production tools (PMSE) are used.

• In both regions the Digital Dividends relate to different frequency bands and are

progressed to different stages.

• In both regions wireless audio production tools (PMSE) are affected by the Digital

Dividends.

• The solutions and alternatives for affected users vary in both regions, partly signif-

icantly.

Finally, I compared the frequency coordination of the Formula 1 in Brazil and Italy. This

was presented to the public at the IBC2018.

I

List of Tables Table 1: Abbreviations ..................................................................................... VII

Table 2: Frequency Packing according to Stratix ............................................. 17

Table 3: Technical Characteristics of Wireless Microphones IEM and Audio Links

......................................................................................................................... 18

Table 4: Some Advantages and Disadvantages of High-Order Modulation

Formats ............................................................................................................ 23

Table 5: Advantages and Disadvantages of Analogue and Digital Modulated

Wireless audio production tools (PMSE) in Comparison .................................. 25

Table 6: Input Parameter for Thermal Noise Power Calculation ...................... 31

Table 7: Interfering Signal Bandwidth Bs .......................................................... 35

Table 8: Formulas to calculate IM Products up to the Fifth Order .................... 40

Table 9: Division of the RF Spectrum into different Frequency Ranges ........... 47

Table 10: VHF and UHF TV Spectrum in Brazil after the DD ........................... 47

Table 11: Frequency Bands in Latin-America and Europe ............................... 48

Table 12: Frequency Allocation in the 800 MHz Frequency Band in Brazil 2001

......................................................................................................................... 48

Table 13: Frequency Ranges for Wireless Microphones in Brazil .................... 65

Table 14: Changes in the National Frequency Allocation Plan of Brazil from 2012

until 2017 ......................................................................................................... 70

Table 15: IM3 Products of Figure 13 ................................................................ 80

Table 16: Timetable of the João Rock Festival 2018 ....................................... 83

Table 17: Numbers of Coordinated Devices and Required Bandwidth (BW) per

Stage At the João Rock Festival 2018 ............................................................. 84

Table 18: Argentina’s National Frequency Regulators ..................................... 91

Table 19: Actual National Frequency Allocations Plan (2018) from 460 to 806

MHz in Argentina .............................................................................................. 95

Table 20: Limitation of Field Strength Level for Low Power Devices (DBP) ..... 99

Table 21: Out of Band Emission Levels for Low Power Devices (DBP) ........... 99

Table 22: Frequency Ranges for Low Power Devices (DBP), incl. Wireless

Microphones................................................................................................... 100

Table 23: Frequency Ranges for 'Sistemas en Modalidad Exclusiva en Bandas

Superiores a 30 MHz' ..................................................................................... 101

Table 24: Spectrum Scans taken in Buenos Aires before and after the ‘Analogue

Switch-Off’ ...................................................................................................... 107

Table 25: For Mexico relevant Footnotes from the Final Acts WRC-12 and WRC-

15 ................................................................................................................... 110

Table 26: Cross-Border Frequency Regulations between Mexico and USA .. 113

Table 27: Unlicensed Frequency Bands in Mexico ........................................ 114

Table 28: Spectrum Scans taken at the Music Festival ‘Vive Latino' ............. 117

Table 29: Frequency Ranges for Wireless Audio Production Tools in Germany

....................................................................................................................... 136

Table 30: National Frequency Allocations from 470 to 862 MHz in Austria (2016)

....................................................................................................................... 136

Table 31: Frequencies for Wireless Audio production Tools on a License Exempt

Basis in France .............................................................................................. 137

Table 32: Frequencies for Wireless Audio Production Tools on a License Exempt

Basis in Switzerland ....................................................................................... 139

II

Table 33:Spectrum Demand of the ESC 2011 ............................................... 143

Table 34: Harmonised Frequency Bands for SAB/SAP Equipment ............... 146

Table 35: Spectrum Occupation at different Events in Europe and Latin-America

in Comparison ................................................................................................ 157

Table 36: Operating Frequency Ranges for Wireless Microphones and IEM in

Comparison .................................................................................................... 164

Table 37: For Wireless Microphones and IEM usable Frequencies from 600 to

800 MHz at F1 2017 in Brazil ......................................................................... 166

Table 38: Requirements for Digital Wireless Microphones in different Production

Scenarios ...................................................................................................... XXIII

Table 39: TV Channel Arrangement in Brazil ............................................... XXIV

Table 40: Changes of the frequency allocations in the Radio Regulations (RR)

from 2000 until 2015 ..................................................................................... XXV

Table 41: Changes in the footnote 5.317A of the RRs from 2000 until 2015

..................................................................................................................... XXVI

Table 42:Total Amount of Required Bandwidth at the João Rock Festival .. XXVII

Table 43: Brief List of Topics discussed at the last 'Annual Latin-American

Spectrum Management Conferences' ........................................................ XXVIII

III

List of Graphics

Figure 1: Classification of PMSE ........................................................................ 3

Figure 2: Simplified Block Schematic of a Wireless Transmission Path ............. 5

Figure 3: Schematic Function Blocks inside the Wireless Transmitter ............... 5

Figure 4: Typical Pre- and De-Emphasis ........................................................... 6

Figure 5: Simplification of the Emphasis ............................................................ 6

Figure 6: Simplified Schematic of ‘Companding’ ................................................ 6

Figure 7: Compander with a Fixed Rate (Left) and a Flexible Rate (Right) ........ 7

Figure 8: Frequency Modulation ......................................................................... 8

Figure 9: Schematic of the Frequency Modulation ............................................. 9

Figure 10: FM of a PLL Oscillator ....................................................................... 9

Figure 11: Schematic Function Blocks inside the Wireless Receiver ............... 10

Figure 12: FM Slope Detector .......................................................................... 11

Figure 13: PLL Feedback Loop ........................................................................ 12

Figure 14: Trade-Off between the Performance Parameters of an analogue

modulated wireless system .............................................................................. 13

Figure 15: Spectrum Occupation during the Event ESC 2011 ......................... 19

Figure 16: Spectrum Occupation after the Event ESC 2011 ............................ 20

Figure 17: Analogue and Digital Modulation Methods ...................................... 20

Figure 18: Simplified Digital Transmission Chain ............................................. 21

Figure 19: Exemplary Bit Mapping of 2-PSK (Left) and 4-PSK (Right) ............. 22

Figure 20: Function Blocks of the Digital Wireless Transmitter ........................ 24

Figure 21: Function Blocks of the Digital Wireless Receiver ............................ 24

Figure 22: Analogue Signal Fading vs. Digital Cliff .......................................... 26

Figure 23: Simplified Compression and Encoding in Wireless Audio Production

Tools ................................................................................................................ 27

Figure 24: Simplified Compression and Encoding with a high Compression Ratio,

e.g. AMR Codec ............................................................................................... 28

Figure 25: Trade-Off between Performance Parameters in a Digital Transmission

Chain ................................................................................................................ 28

Figure 26: SNR vs. C/N+I ................................................................................. 33

Figure 27: Schematic illustration of the SNR at the input and output of a function

block ................................................................................................................. 34

Figure 28: SNR ................................................................................................ 34

Figure 29: C/I ................................................................................................... 34

Figure 30: Required C/I for Analogue Microphone Usage by the Example of a

LTE Test Signal ................................................................................................ 36

Figure 31: Co-Channel Interference ................................................................. 37

Figure 32: Scenario without interfering RF Carriers ......................................... 37

Figure 33: Adjacent Channel Interference from one Adjacent Channel ........... 38

Figure 34: Adjacent Channel Interference from both Adjacent Channels ......... 38

Figure 35: The 'Ten Tenors' are holding their Wireless Microphones within a close

Distance to one another ................................................................................... 39

Figure 36: Required Spectrum in MHz vs. Number of Channels in IM-free

Operation ......................................................................................................... 40

Figure 37: Passing a Non-Linear Block, two input signals create various IM

products ........................................................................................................... 41

Figure 38: Production of IM Products with Three Input Signals ....................... 42

IV

Figure 39: Co-Channel Interference as a Consequence of IM ......................... 42

Figure 40: IM-free Frequency Arrangement of Three Signal Carriers .............. 42

Figure 41: Adjacent Channel Interference as a Consequence of IM ................ 43

Figure 42: Schematic of a λ/2 Dipole ............................................................... 43

Figure 43: Electrical Current I (black) and Voltage U (Blue) at a Dipole ........... 44

Figure 44: Electrical Fields (Blue) and Magnetic Fields (Red) at a Dipole ....... 45

Figure 45: Electromagnetic Wave and its Wavelength λ .................................. 45

Figure 46: Propagation of Waves like a Waterdrop .......................................... 46

Figure 47: ITU Regions .................................................................................... 49

Figure 48: Comparison between an Analogue and a Digital Television Channel

......................................................................................................................... 56

Figure 49: Channel Repacking of Analogue (Red) and Digital (Blue) TV Channels

......................................................................................................................... 62

Figure 50: Allocation of 700 MHz Frequency Band in Brazil ............................ 63

Figure 51: Arrangements in Case of Interference(s) in the used Tuning Range

......................................................................................................................... 73

Figure 52: The Press is taking Pictures of the Game ....................................... 74

Figure 53: Live Moderation during the Half-Time Break using the Headset ..... 74

Figure 54: Live Moderation during the Game using the Hand-held Microphone

......................................................................................................................... 74

Figure 55: Receiver Antennas .......................................................................... 75

Figure 56: Setup of Scanning Equipment ......................................................... 76

Figure 57: Location of the Scanning Setup inside the Stadium ........................ 76

Figure 58: Recorded Spectrum Allocations, 410 to 870 MHz ........................... 76

Figure 59: Percentage of the Frequency Usage Exceeding the Stat Threshold

Value of -90 dBm ............................................................................................. 77

Figure 60: Aggregate Spectrum Allocations, which exceed the Stat Threshold

Level of -90 dBm (all received Signals) ............................................................ 77

Figure 61: Occupation of Each UHF TV Channel ............................................. 77

Figure 62: Radio Spectrum Usage in the Time Domain ................................... 78

Figure 63: Frequency 618.3 MHz, 14.11 dBm.................................................. 79

Figure 64: Problems in the Setup ..................................................................... 79

Figure 65: Intermodulation Scenario ................................................................ 80

Figure 66: The Time Domain Diagram shows the Carriers F1 and F2 ............. 80

Figure 67: Correct Positioning of the Receiver Antennas ................................. 81

Figure 68: Spectrum Occupation at the Music Festival 'João Rock' 2018 in

Ribeirão Preto .................................................................................................. 82

Figure 69: Duration of the Shows on the different Stages at the João Rock

Festival 2018 .................................................................................................... 83

Figure 70: IM-free Frequency Coordination of All 4 Stages at the João Rock

Festival 2018 .................................................................................................... 86

Figure 71: Spectrum Scan at the Stage JR during the first simultaneous Operation

of all 4 Stages .................................................................................................. 87

Figure 72: Map of the Stages at João Rock 2018 ............................................ 87

Figure 73: Sambódromo, Carnival in Rio 2018 ................................................ 88

Figure 74: Map of the Sambódromo ................................................................. 88

Figure 75: A Samba School presenting their Cars and Dances ....................... 88

Figure 76: Coordinated Frequencies at Carnival 2018 ..................................... 89

V

Figure 77: Spectrum Scans from the Carnival in Rio from 2017 (left) and 2018

(right) in Comparison ........................................................................................ 89

Figure 78: VHF and UHF TV Channel Occupation in Buenos Aires, 2010 ....... 95

Figure 79: Mobile Radio Frequencies in Argentina ........................................ 103

Figure 80: ‘Digital Switch-Over’ Schedule for Mexico ..................................... 104

Figure 81: Analogue TV stations inside the 700 MHz Frequency Band (red circles)

....................................................................................................................... 105

Figure 82: CNAF 1999, 470 to 849 MHz ........................................................ 108

Figure 83: CNAF, Revision 2018; 450 to 806 MHz ........................................ 109

Figure 84: Free Spectrum according to the CNAF 2018 ................................ 114

Figure 85: Unlicensed Frequency Bands for Free Spectrum Usage in Mexico

....................................................................................................................... 115

Figure 86: Mobile Radio Frequencies in Mexico ............................................ 116

Figure 87: Map of the Festival Ground of 'Vive Latino' ................................... 116

Figure 88: Digital TV Standards used in Latin-America .................................. 117

Figure 89: UHF TV channel plan for Latin-America (Green: DD1) ................. 118

Figure 90: LTE transmitter locations in Austria in 2014 .................................. 128

Figure 91: CEPT and APT Band Plans for the 700 MHz Frequency Band ..... 130

Figure 92: Implementation of IMT into the 700 MHz Frequency Band in France

....................................................................................................................... 132

Figure 93: Scan of the UHF TV Spectrum during the German Regional Elections

2015 in Bremen .............................................................................................. 140

Figure 94: UHF TV Spectrum Occupation during the German Regional Elections

in Bremen 2015 .............................................................................................. 140

Figure 95: UHF TV Spectrum Occupation after the DD2 ............................... 141

Figure 96: LTE Duplex Gap of the 800 MHz Frequency Band ....................... 144

Figure 97: LTE Duplex Gap of the 1.8 GHz Frequency Band ........................ 144

Figure 98: LTE Duplex Gap of the 700 MHz Frequency Band ....................... 144

Figure 99: Frequency Allocations in the 900 MHz Air Band ........................... 146

Figure 100: Sometimes the ‘Air-Band’ seems to be usable ............................ 147

Figure 101: Sometimes the before empty Sections of the 'Air-Band' are in Use

intensively ...................................................................................................... 147

Figure 102: Reported Increase of Interferences after the DD1 in Germany (left)

[2] and Brazil (right) ........................................................................................ 155

Figure 103: Total Number of Coordinated Frequencies at F1 in Comparison 163

Figure 104: Total Number of Broadcasters present at F1 in Comparison ...... 163

Figure 105: Total Number of Wireless Microphones and IEM in Use at F1 in

Comparison .................................................................................................... 164

Figure 106: Spectrum Scan at 'Autódromo Interlagos' (Brazil) before the F1 Race

in 2017 ........................................................................................................... 166

Figure 107: Spectrum Scan at 'Autódromo Nazionale Monza' (Italy) before the F1

Race in 2017 .................................................................................................. 168

Figure 108: Procedure of a License Request for Temporary Frequency Usage in

Italy .............................................................................................................. XXIX

VI

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VII

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VIII

[27] Iulian Rosu; YO3DAC / VA3IUL; Understanding Noise Figure

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[37] Chuck Mc Gregor; 14th of August 2017; Why should we care about power amplifier clip-

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[38] examio GmbH; abiweb.de; Feldverteilungen am Dipol, Elektromagnetische Wellen, Hertz-

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[39] 27th of July 2018; The Physics of the Universe; Main Topics: Special and General Relativity;

Speed of Light and the principle of relativity

https://www.physicsoftheuniverse.com/topics_relativity_light.html


[40] http://larijames.com/wp-content/uploads/2015/04/raindrop.jpg

Last Reviewed: 03rd of August 2018; 09:41 UTC-3

http://www.qsl.net/va3iul/Noise/Understanding%20Noise%20Figure.pdf

https://www.stat.berkeley.edu/~peres/bmbook.pdf

https://www.itu.int/dms_pub/itu-r/opb/rep/R-REP-BT.2140-10-2017-PDF-E.pdf

http://www.atomsinmotion.com/educators

https://www.electronics-notes.com/articles/radio/radio-receiver-sensitivity/signal-to-noise-ratio-s-n-snr-formula.php

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http://www4.pictures.gi.zimbio.com/2008+Melbourne+Cup+Day+JG8ixPGTzJKx.jpg

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https://www.abiweb.de/physik-elektromagnetismus/elektromagnetische-wellen/hertzscher-dipol/feldverteilungen-am-dipol.html

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http://larijames.com/wp-content/uploads/2015/04/raindrop.jpg

IX

[41] 22nd of July 2013; Spectrum Management Fundamentals, Part 1 – International, The Need

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https://www.itu.int/en/ITU-R/seminars/rrs/RRS-13-Africa/Documents/Tutorial/SM_Fundamen-

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[42] August 2015; ITU-R; Recommendation ITU-R V.431-8; Nomenclature of the frequency and

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[43] 2008; Teleondas; Frequencia exata de cada canal de TV comencando do canal 2 até 83

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Last Reviewed: 03:09 UTC-3, 08th of June 2018

[44] 06th of April 2001; ANATEL; Plano de Atribuição, Destinação e distribuição de faixas de fre-

quências no Brasil; edição 2001

http://www.anatel.gov.br/Portal/verificaDocumentos/documento.asp?null&filtro=1&documento-

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https://www.rfvenue.com/blog/2014/12/15/digital-wiireless-explored

Last Reviewed: 19:43 UTC+1; 01st of October 2018

[47] ITU; 2018; About International Telecommunication Union (ITU)

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[48] ITU; 2018; WRC-03; Regionally harmonized bands

https://www.itu.int/net/ITU-R/index.asp?category=information&rlink=emergency-bands&lang=en


[49] ITU; 2018; What does ITU do?

https://www.itu.int/en/about/Pages/whatwedo.aspx


[50] ITU; 2018; World Radiocommunication Conference (WRC)

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


[51] ITU, 15th of June 2015; Regional Radiocommunication Conferences (RRC)


Last Reviewed: 01:50 UTC-3, 11th of April 2018

[52] ITU; 2018; Radio Regulations

https://www.itu.int/pub/R-REG-RR/en


[53] ITU; 2018; Conference Publications

https://www.itu.int/pub/R-ACT/en


[54] Anatel; 22nd of January 2015; International Operations, International Relations

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[55] Instituto Brasileiro de Defesa do Consumidor, 04th of May 2011; O que é a Anatel?

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https://www.itu.int/en/ITU-R/seminars/rrs/RRS-13-Africa/Documents/Tutorial/SM_Fundamentals_Part1.pdf

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http://www.teleondas.com.br/frequencias.html

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https://www.rfvenue.com/blog/2014/12/15/digital-wiireless-explored

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https://www.itu.int/net/ITU-R/index.asp?category=information&rlink=emergency-bands&lang=en

https://www.itu.int/en/about/Pages/whatwedo.aspx

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


https://www.itu.int/pub/R-REG-RR/en

https://www.itu.int/pub/R-ACT/en

http://www.anatel.gov.br/institucional/en

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X

[56] Anatel, 04th of July 2017, Plano de Atribuição, Destinação e Distribuição de Frequências no

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http://www.anatel.gov.br/Portal/verificaDocumentos/documento.asp?numeroPublica-

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[57] 12th of July 2013; NDR, IRT; Report on PMSE Spectrum Requirements in the UHF Band for

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[58] December 2011; DKE WG 731.0.8; Monitoring radio spectrum use within the context of the

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https://www.apwpt.org/downloads/esc2011_20122011_english_framedoc.pdf


[59] 24th of May 2018; 21st AES Brasil Expo; Presentation of Kevin Jungk; Sennheiser at the

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[60] 08th of September 2003; Dorival Gimenes Júnior; Pedro Humberto de Andrade Lobo, Ana-

tel; 08th of September 2003; Planejamento De Canais De TV Digital


cao=201272&assuntoPublicacao=Planejamento%20de%20canais%20de%20TV%20Digi-

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[61] George Martins da Silva; April 2008; TV Analógico X TV Digital

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[62] Final Acts 2000

ITU; World Radiocommunication Conference; Istanbul; 2000; Final Acts WRC-2000

https://www.itu.int/dms_pub/itu-s/oth/02/01/S020100002E4001PDFE.PDF


[63] AEGIS Spectrum Engineering; 27th of May 2010; Digital TV Spectrum Requirements, WP4:

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[65] ITU; World Radiocommunication Conference; Geneva; 2007; Final Acts WRC-07



[66] 2015; ITU-R; Final Acts WRC-15


Last Reviewed: 10_03 UTC+1; 29th of September 2018

[67] January 2013; Bühnentechnische Rundschau; Matthias Fehr, Norbert Hillbich; Stimmenlo-

sigkeit, Bild, Kunst, Kultur und Kreativindustrie bald ohne TV Frequenzen?

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Last Reviewed: 23:21 UTC-3; 01st of July 2018

[68] 2016; Pia Seeger; Beuth Hochschule für Technik Berlin; Auswirkungen der Digitalen Divi-

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Last Reviewed: 4:26 UTC+1; ; 18th of April 2018

[69] Interview with Felipe Filgueiras; Frequency Coordinator of Globo TV

http://www.anatel.gov.br/Portal/verificaDocumentos/documento.asp?numeroPublicacao=347196

http://www.anatel.gov.br/Portal/verificaDocumentos/documento.asp?numeroPublicacao=347196

https://www.apwpt.org/downloads/esc2011_20122011_english_framedoc.pdf

http://www.anatel.gov.br/Portal/verificaDocumentos/documento.asp?numeroPublicacao=201272&assuntoPublicacao=Planejamento%20de%20canais%20de%20TV%20Digital%20&caminhoRel=Cidadao&filtro=1&documentoPath=201272.pdf



https://meuartigo.brasilescola.uol.com.br/atualidades/tv-analogica-x-tv-digital.htm

https://www.itu.int/dms_pub/itu-s/oth/02/01/S020100002E4001PDFE.PDF

https://www.gsma.com/spectrum/wp-content/uploads/2012/03/aegislatamnotewp4reportfinal.pdf




https://www.apwpt.org/downloads/stimmenlosigkeit_btr_01-2013.pdf


XI

[70] December 2015; Angela S. Brandão; SciELO; Soft Power and Digital Television in South

America: the Brazilian campaign to promote ISDB-Tb according to governmental actors’ narra-

tives



[71] 2nd ITU Regional Frequency Coordination Meeting; 28th of August to 1st of September 2017;

Digital Switchover Brazilian Experience

https://www.itu.int/en/ITU-R/terrestrial/broadcast/Americas/Documents/Presentations_Guate-

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Last Reviewed: 01:23 UTC-3; 13rd June 2018

[72] Anatel; 17th of June 2015; ITU International Symposium on the Digital Switchover; Analog

TV Switch-off in Brazil

https://www.itu.int/en/ITU-R/GE06-Symposium-2015/Session2/211%20%20DTV%20Bra-

zil_ITU%20Symposium.pdf


[73] 16th of September 2018; spectrummonitoring.com; frequencies

https://www.spectrummonitoring.com/frequencies/frequencies2.html#


[74] 23rd Janeiro 2018; MM; Microfones sem fio em 700MHz deverão ser trocados. Saiba o mo-

tivo.

http://musicaemercado.org/microfones-sem-fio-em-700mh/


[75] 22nd of February 2017; Anafima; Microfones sem fio: fabricantes nacionais e estrangeiros

se reúnem com suprintendência da Anatel, em Brasília

http://www.anafima.com.br/site/microfones-sem-fio-fabricantes-nacionais-e-estrangeiros-se-

reunem-com-superintendencia-da-anatel-em-brasilia/


[76] 09th of March 2018; Web-Seminar, presented by Fernando Fortes, Shure; “O Desligamento

dos Canais de TV Analógicos e as Mudanças no Espectro”

[77] 17th of June 2018; LIICornell; 47 CFR 15.236 - Operation of wireless microphones in the

bands 54-72 MHz, 76-88 MHz, 174-216 MHz, 470-608 MHz and 614-698 MHz



[78] 22nd of February 2018; Tairo Arrabal; Enginear Audio Solutions; ANAFIMA e ANATEL “La-

vam as mãos” acerca dos sistemas 700 MHz

https://www.enginear.com.br/single-post/2018/02/21/ANAFIMA-e-ANATEL-%E2%80%9Cla-

vam-as-m%C3%A3os%E2%80%9D-acerca-dos-sistemas-700-MHz


[79] Audio-Technica; Types of Interference

https://www.audio-technica.com/cms/site/6d4b2edb868000db/


[80] Anatel; 04th of August 2016; Equipment (RF) http://www.anatel.gov.br/grandeseven-

tos/en/?option=com_content&view=article&layout=edit&id=65#Testing%20and%20Tagging


[81] 29th of July 2015; Anatel; Test and Tagging (T&T) at the World Cup 2014

http://www.anatel.gov.br/grandeseventos/en/equipments-rf?layout=edit&id=213#dates


[82] 01st of July 2008; Anatel; Resolution No. 506

http://www.anatel.gov.br/legislacao/resolucoes/23-2008/104-resolucao-506



https://www.itu.int/en/ITU-R/terrestrial/broadcast/Americas/Documents/Presentations_Guatemala/Digital%20Switchover%20-%20Brazilian%20Experience.pdf

https://www.itu.int/en/ITU-R/terrestrial/broadcast/Americas/Documents/Presentations_Guatemala/Digital%20Switchover%20-%20Brazilian%20Experience.pdf

https://www.itu.int/en/ITU-R/GE06-Symposium-2015/Session2/211%20%20DTV%20Brazil_ITU%20Symposium.pdf

https://www.itu.int/en/ITU-R/GE06-Symposium-2015/Session2/211%20%20DTV%20Brazil_ITU%20Symposium.pdf

https://www.spectrummonitoring.com/frequencies/frequencies2.html

http://musicaemercado.org/microfones-sem-fio-em-700mh/






https://www.audio-technica.com/cms/site/6d4b2edb868000db/

http://www.anatel.gov.br/grandeseventos/en/?option=com_content&view=article&layout=edit&id=65#Testing%20and%20Tagging

http://www.anatel.gov.br/grandeseventos/en/?option=com_content&view=article&layout=edit&id=65#Testing%20and%20Tagging

http://www.anatel.gov.br/grandeseventos/en/equipments-rf?layout=edit&id=213#dates

http://www.anatel.gov.br/legislacao/resolucoes/23-2008/104-resolucao-506

XII

[83] 29th of June 2017; Anatel; Resolução no 680, de 27 de junho de 2017



[84] 09th of May 2014; Anatel; Resolution no 635 of May 9th, 2014



[85] 14th of April 2012; Anatel; Plano de Atribuição, Destinação e Distribuição de faixas de fre-

quências no Brasil, Edição 2012


cao=276624&assuntoPublicacao=null&caminhoRel=null&filtro=1&documentoPath=276624.pdf


[86] 06th of March 2015; Anatel; Plano de Atribuição, Destinação e Distribuição de faixas de fre-

quências no Brasil Edição 2015


cao=326876&filtro=1&documentoPath=326876.pdf


[87] 15th of April 2018; Spectrum Scan of the UHF Spectrum at a Soccer Game with Globo TV

[88] 09th of June 2018; O JR

https://www.joaorock.com.br/o-jr

Last Reviewed: 10:45 UTC-3; 20th of August 2018

[89] Portal DSB; Lista de Canais Terrestres – Listando canais de São Paulo - SP

http://www.portalbsd.com.br/terrestres_channels.php?channels=1


[90] 30th of Mai 2018; Bruno do Amaral; Teletime; 4 G Vivo libera faixa de 700 MHz em Ribeirão

Preto

http://teletime.com.br/30/05/2018/vivo-libera-faixa-de-700-mhz-em-ribeirao-preto/


[91] Interview with Lazarro Jesus; Frequency Coordinator of Sennheiser Brazil

[92] 07th of June 2018; Stefani Rejane; Vida Loka; 17a edição do Festival João Rock 2018

https://www.vidaloka.net/17a-edicao-do-festival-joao-rock-2018

Last Reviewed: 19:23 UTC+3; 13th of August 2018

[93] 17th of February 2018; Sambódromo; Carnival Rio 2018

https://www.carnaval.rio/sambodromo

Last Reviewed: 14:27 UTC+1; 29th September 2018

[94] Interview with Kevin Jungk; Frequency Coordinator of Sennheiser Germany

[95] 16th of October 2017; Telecompaper; Rio de Janeiro to switch off analogue TV on 25th Oc-

tober

https://www.telecompaper.com/news/rio-de-janeiro-to-switch-off-analogue-tv-on-25-october—

1215982


[96] 30th of May 2018; Teletime; Claro passa a operar com 700 MHz no Rio de Janeiro

http://teletime.com.br/30/05/2018/claro-passa-a-operar-com-700-mhz-no-rio-de-janeiro/


[100] 12th of December 2011; Nodo Tau; APC; Spectrum regulation in Argentina: The need to

move from broadcasting to access

https://www.apc.org/en/spectrum/news/spectrum-regulation-argentina-need-move-broadcasti


[101] January 2012; APC; Espectro Para el Desarrollo Argentina

https://www.apc.org/sites/default/files/countries/factsheet%20argentina_esp.pdf



http://www.anatel.gov.br/Portal/verificaDocumentos/documento.asp?numeroPublicacao=276624&assuntoPublicacao=null&caminhoRel=null&filtro=1&documentoPath=276624.pdf

http://www.anatel.gov.br/Portal/verificaDocumentos/documento.asp?numeroPublicacao=276624&assuntoPublicacao=null&caminhoRel=null&filtro=1&documentoPath=276624.pdf

http://www.anatel.gov.br/Portal/verificaDocumentos/documento.asp?numeroPublicacao=326876&filtro=1&documentoPath=326876.pdf

http://www.anatel.gov.br/Portal/verificaDocumentos/documento.asp?numeroPublicacao=326876&filtro=1&documentoPath=326876.pdf

https://www.joaorock.com.br/o-jr

https://www.vidaloka.net/17a-edicao-do-festival-joao-rock-2018

https://www.carnaval.rio/sambodromo

https://www.telecompaper.com/news/rio-de-janeiro-to-switch-off-analogue-tv-on-25-october—1215982

https://www.telecompaper.com/news/rio-de-janeiro-to-switch-off-analogue-tv-on-25-october—1215982

http://teletime.com.br/30/05/2018/claro-passa-a-operar-com-700-mhz-no-rio-de-janeiro/

https://www.apc.org/en/spectrum/news/spectrum-regulation-argentina-need-move-broadcasti

https://www.apc.org/sites/default/files/countries/factsheet%20argentina_esp.pdf

XIII

Last Reviewed: 13:14 UTC-1; 23rd of September 2018

[102] 20th of February 2018; Tom Leins; TeleGeography; How President Mauricio Macri

Changed Argentina’s Telecom landscape

https://blog.telegeography.com/how-president-mauricio-macri-changed-argentinas-telecom-

landscape

Last Reviewed: 09:50 UTC-3 16th of July 2018

[103] 05th of January 2016; aj; Blickpunkt Lateinamerika; Argentinien Regierung ändert Medien-

gesetz per Dekret

http://www.blickpunkt-lateinamerika.de/news-details/article/regierung-aendert-mediengesetz-

per-dekret.html?no_cache=1&cHash=f19a426e88d1169187f539b575f6f619


[104] 23rd of November 2009; Graciela Rodriguez-Ferrand; Argentina: New Media Law

https://www.loc.gov/law/foreign-news/article/argentina-new-media-law/


[105] 2014; Martìn Becerraa and Guillermo Mastrini, The Audiovisual Law of Argentina and the

Changing Media Landscape

http://www.polecom.org/index.php/polecom/article/view/31/213


[106] 27th of January 2015; Martín Becerra and Guillerma Mastrini; OBSERVACOM; New Rules

of the Game in Telecommunications in Argentina

http://www.observacom.org/new-rules-of-the-game-in-telecommunications-in-argentina/


[107] Freedom House; Argentina Freedom of the Press 2016

https://freedomhouse.org/report/freedom-press/2016/argentina

Last reviewed: 22:05 UTC-3; 02nd of August 2018

[108] 21st of October 2010; InfoLEG; Ministerio de Justicia y Derechos Humanos Presidencia

de la Nación; Telecomunicaciones; Decreto 1552/2010; Créase el Plan Nacional de

Telecomunicaciones “Argentina Conectada”

http://servicios.infoleg.gob.ar/infolegInternet/anexos/170000-174999/174110/texact.htm

Last Reviewed: 15:42 UTC-3; 22nd of July 2018

[109] 12th of June 2015; Patrick Nixon; BN Americas; Argentina awards 700MHz spectrum

http://www.bnamericas.com/en/news/ict/argentina-awards-700mhz-spectrum1


[110] 07th of September 20; Carolina Limbatto; Cullen International; 700 MHz: Americas over-

view, 4th Annual Latin America Spectrum Management Conference

https://www.google.com/url?sa=t&rct=j&q=&esrc=s&source=web&cd=1&cad=rja&uact=8&ved=

2ahUKEwjeuvKg2N_dAhWQyaQKHYsfD8gQFjAAegQIAxAC&url=https%3A%2F%2Fwww.cul-

len-international.com%2Fdam%2Fjcr%3A90827f16-1027-4049-8f8f-888ac15bafb2%2Fcullen-

international_carolina-limbatto_700mhz-americas-overview.pdf&usg=AOv-

Vaw1Gq5lNoHXb79WOHBgganH7


[111] April 2018; ENACOM; Cuadro de Atribución de Bandas de Frecuencias de la República

Argentina (CABFRA)

https://www.enacom.gob.ar/cuadro-de-atribucion-de-bandas-de-frecuencias-de-la-republica-ar-

gentina-cabfra-_p1588


[112] 11th of June 2015; CNC; Secretaría de Comunicaciones; Resolución N° 31/2015 (Boletín

Oficial N° 33.149, 12/06/15)

https://www.enacom.gob.ar/multimedia/normativas/2015/Resolucion-31_15.pdf


https://blog.telegeography.com/how-president-mauricio-macri-changed-argentinas-telecom-landscape

https://blog.telegeography.com/how-president-mauricio-macri-changed-argentinas-telecom-landscape

http://www.blickpunkt-lateinamerika.de/news-details/article/regierung-aendert-mediengesetz-per-dekret.html?no_cache=1&cHash=f19a426e88d1169187f539b575f6f619

http://www.blickpunkt-lateinamerika.de/news-details/article/regierung-aendert-mediengesetz-per-dekret.html?no_cache=1&cHash=f19a426e88d1169187f539b575f6f619

https://www.loc.gov/law/foreign-news/article/argentina-new-media-law/

http://www.polecom.org/index.php/polecom/article/view/31/213

http://www.observacom.org/new-rules-of-the-game-in-telecommunications-in-argentina/

https://freedomhouse.org/report/freedom-press/2016/argentina

http://servicios.infoleg.gob.ar/infolegInternet/anexos/170000-174999/174110/texact.htm

http://www.bnamericas.com/en/news/ict/argentina-awards-700mhz-spectrum1

https://www.google.com/url?sa=t&rct=j&q=&esrc=s&source=web&cd=1&cad=rja&uact=8&ved=2ahUKEwjeuvKg2N_dAhWQyaQKHYsfD8gQFjAAegQIAxAC&url=https%3A%2F%2Fwww.cullen-international.com%2Fdam%2Fjcr%3A90827f16-1027-4049-8f8f-888ac15bafb2%2Fcullen-international_carolina-limbatto_700mhz-americas-overview.pdf&usg=AOvVaw1Gq5lNoHXb79WOHBgganH7





https://www.enacom.gob.ar/cuadro-de-atribucion-de-bandas-de-frecuencias-de-la-republica-argentina-cabfra-_p1588

https://www.enacom.gob.ar/cuadro-de-atribucion-de-bandas-de-frecuencias-de-la-republica-argentina-cabfra-_p1588

https://www.enacom.gob.ar/multimedia/normativas/2015/Resolucion-31_15.pdf

XIV

[113] 13th of December 2013; InfoLEG; Ministerio de Justicia y Derechos Humanos Presidencia

de la Nación; Telecomunicaciones; Decreto 2426/2012; Reglamento sobre Administración,

Gestión y Control del Espectro Radioeléctrico. Reglamento de Licencias para Servicios de

Telecomunicaciones. Modificación.



[114] 12th of May 2014; InfoLEG; Ministerio de Justicia y Derechos Humanos Presidencia de la

Nación; Telecomunicaciones; Decreto 671/2014; Decreto N° 671/2012. Déjanse sin efecto

artículos.



[115] 16th of May 2016; InfoLEG; Ministerio de Justicia y Derechos Humanos Presidencia de la

Nación; Ente Nacional de Comunicaciones; Resolución 2531/2016


Last Reviewed: 22:30 UTC+1; 02nd of August 2018

[116] 22nd of July 2016; Convergencia Latina; Encoded TV services at 700 MHz may migrate to

500-600 MHz

http://www.convergencialatina.com/News-Detail/188195-12-23-Encoded_TV_ser-

vices_at_700_MHz_may_migrate_to_500600_MHz?Lang=EN


[117] 17th April 2017; Carolina Limbatto, Cullen international; Citel-Osiptel Workshop on Digital

Inclusion and Meaningful Broadband Adoption in the Americas; Spectrum Policies for mobile

broadband development

https://www.cullen-international.com/asset/?location=/content/assets/research/presenta-

tions/2017/spectrum-policies-for-mobile-broadband-development---citel-osiptel-workshop-2017--

cullen-international.pdf/spectrum-policies-for-mobile-broadband-development---citel-osiptel-

workshop-2017--cullen-international.pdf


[118] November 2014; Raul Katz; Ernesto Flores-Roux; Fernando Callorda; Telecom Advisory

Services, LLC; Social and Economic Benefits of Using the lower Portion of the UHF Band for

IMT

https://www.gsma.com/spectrum/wp-content/uploads/2014/11/Benefits-of-IMT-in-sub-700-MHz-

English-version2.pdf


[119] 19th of August 2014; Veena Rawat; Regional Telecommunication Congress; WRC-15:

Regulatory Considerations based on the final JTG meeting and Citel preparations

https://www.itu.int/en/ITU-D/Regional-Presence/Americas/Documents/EVENTS/2014/0819-PA-

IMT/CRT%20meeting%20in%20Panama%20VR%200%207.pdf


[120] 30th of March 2015; Ayden Ferdeline; LSE; Allocation of ultra high frequency spectrum in

the Americas

http://blogs.lse.ac.uk/mediapolicyproject/2015/03/30/allocation-of-ultra-high-frequency-spec-

trum-in-the-americas/


[121] Shure; Estamos Preparados para la Transición Digital; Con la introducción de la red móvil

4G y la television digital se está cambiando el panorama de radiofrecuencias (RF) y esto puede

afectar a los usuarios de micrófonos inalámbricos

https://ar.shure.com/help-center/transicion-digital


[122] 30th of January 2016; Ana Bizberge; OBSERVACOM; The decline of digital terrestrial tele-

vision in Argentina




http://www.convergencialatina.com/News-Detail/188195-12-23-Encoded_TV_services_at_700_MHz_may_migrate_to_500600_MHz?Lang=EN

http://www.convergencialatina.com/News-Detail/188195-12-23-Encoded_TV_services_at_700_MHz_may_migrate_to_500600_MHz?Lang=EN

https://www.cullen-international.com/asset/?location=/content/assets/research/presentations/2017/spectrum-policies-for-mobile-broadband-development---citel-osiptel-workshop-2017--cullen-international.pdf/spectrum-policies-for-mobile-broadband-development---citel-osiptel-workshop-2017--cullen-international.pdf




https://www.gsma.com/spectrum/wp-content/uploads/2014/11/Benefits-of-IMT-in-sub-700-MHz-English-version2.pdf

https://www.gsma.com/spectrum/wp-content/uploads/2014/11/Benefits-of-IMT-in-sub-700-MHz-English-version2.pdf

https://www.itu.int/en/ITU-D/Regional-Presence/Americas/Documents/EVENTS/2014/0819-PA-IMT/CRT%20meeting%20in%20Panama%20VR%200%207.pdf

https://www.itu.int/en/ITU-D/Regional-Presence/Americas/Documents/EVENTS/2014/0819-PA-IMT/CRT%20meeting%20in%20Panama%20VR%200%207.pdf

http://blogs.lse.ac.uk/mediapolicyproject/2015/03/30/allocation-of-ultra-high-frequency-spectrum-in-the-americas/

http://blogs.lse.ac.uk/mediapolicyproject/2015/03/30/allocation-of-ultra-high-frequency-spectrum-in-the-americas/

https://ar.shure.com/help-center/transicion-digital

XV

http://www.observacom.org/the-decline-of-digital-terrestrial-television-in-argentina/

Last reviewed: 22:09 UTC-3; 02nd of August 2018

[123] 20th of July 2017; ENACOM; InfoLEG; Norma Técnica ENACOM-Q2-60.14 V17.1

Dispositivos de baja potencia



[124] 25th of July 2017; InfoLEG; Ministerio de Justicia y Derechos Humanos Presidencia de la

Nación; Ministerio de Comunicaciones; Ente Nacional de Comunicaciones; Resolución 6639-

E/2017



[125] 19th of October 2012; CNC; Comisión Nacional de Comunicaciones; Resolución

2519/2012 (Boletín Oficial N° 32.509, 26/10/12)

http://www.enacom.gob.ar/infotecnica/homologaciones/archivos/normas/CNC-Q2-

60.14%20v12.1.pdf


[126] 11th of June 2015; CNC; Secretaría de Comunicaciones; Resolución N° 31/2015 (Boletín

Oficial N° 33.149, 12/06/15)

https://www.enacom.gob.ar/modalidad-exclusiva_p550

Last Reviewed: 11:13 UTC-1; 22nd of September 2018

[127] 26th of November 2014; TÜV Rheinland Argentina S.A.; Homologation of Telecom Equip-

ment: General requirements

http://certdatabase.siemic.com/Siemic_Library/Doc_Packet/Argentina/CNC/NEW/private/Ho-

mologation%20of%20Telecom%20Equipment.pdf


[128] 04th of February 2015; blog: entirety; Argentina: New Rules For Equipment Labelling

https://www.entirety.biz/argentina-new-rules-for-equipment-labelling/

Last Reviewed: 11:09 UTC-3, 17th of July 2017

[129] BN Americas; Secretario de Comunicaciones y Transportes

https://www.bnamericas.com/company-profile/en/secretaria-de-comunicaciones-y-transportes-

sct-mexico


[130] Federal Commission of Telecommunications (Mexico)

https://www.revolvy.com/page/Federal-Commission-of-Telecommunications-%28Mexico%29


[131] 11th of November 2011; aetha, prepared for GSMA; Case studies for the award of the

700MHz/800MHz band: Mexico

https://www.gsma.com/spectrum/wp-content/uploads/DigitalDividend/DDtoolkit/uploads/as-

sets/downloads/08/700mhz-800mhz-band-mexico.pdf


[132] 07th of July 2004; Lisa Hester; Mexico to adopt the ATSC DTV standard – Press Release

https://www.atsc.org/news-release/mexico-to-adopt-the-atsc-dtv-standard-press-release/


[133] 2011; GSMA; Removing Barriers: Country Case Studies

https://www.gsma.com/spectrum/wp-content/uploads/DigitalDividend/DDtoolkit/dd-alloca-

tions.html

Last Reviewed: 15:59 UTC-3, 15th of May 2018

[134] 25th of June 2015; Roberta Prescott; Mexico’s 700 MHz spectrum auction; LTE in Brazil

https://www.rcrwireless.com/20150625/carriers/lte-in-brazil-mexico-spectrum-auction-tag5


http://www.observacom.org/the-decline-of-digital-terrestrial-television-in-argentina/





https://www.enacom.gob.ar/modalidad-exclusiva_p550

http://certdatabase.siemic.com/Siemic_Library/Doc_Packet/Argentina/CNC/NEW/private/Homologation%20of%20Telecom%20Equipment.pdf

http://certdatabase.siemic.com/Siemic_Library/Doc_Packet/Argentina/CNC/NEW/private/Homologation%20of%20Telecom%20Equipment.pdf

https://www.entirety.biz/argentina-new-rules-for-equipment-labelling/

https://www.bnamericas.com/company-profile/en/secretaria-de-comunicaciones-y-transportes-sct-mexico

https://www.bnamericas.com/company-profile/en/secretaria-de-comunicaciones-y-transportes-sct-mexico

https://www.revolvy.com/page/Federal-Commission-of-Telecommunications-%28Mexico%29

https://www.gsma.com/spectrum/wp-content/uploads/DigitalDividend/DDtoolkit/uploads/assets/downloads/08/700mhz-800mhz-band-mexico.pdf

https://www.gsma.com/spectrum/wp-content/uploads/DigitalDividend/DDtoolkit/uploads/assets/downloads/08/700mhz-800mhz-band-mexico.pdf

https://www.atsc.org/news-release/mexico-to-adopt-the-atsc-dtv-standard-press-release/

https://www.gsma.com/spectrum/wp-content/uploads/DigitalDividend/DDtoolkit/dd-allocations.html

https://www.gsma.com/spectrum/wp-content/uploads/DigitalDividend/DDtoolkit/dd-allocations.html

https://www.rcrwireless.com/20150625/carriers/lte-in-brazil-mexico-spectrum-auction-tag5

XVI

[135] 22nd of March 2018; TeleGeography; Red Compartida 700 MHz wholesale network

launches ahead of schedule

https://www.telegeography.com/products/commsupdate/articles/2018/03/22/red-compartida-

700mhz-wholesale-network-launches-ahead-of-schedule/


[136] 03rd of August 2018; Ing. Rubén Alvrez; Situación de RF en México y como affect a los

sistemas inalámbricos para usuarios de Ausio Profesional

[137] 03th of April 2018; Sonia Agnese; Ovum TMT intelligence; Mexico leads the way in 5G by

vacating 600MHz spectrum bans

https://ovum.informa.com/resources/product-content/glb007-000050


[138] 13th of June 2018; TeleGeography; Mexican 600MHz spectrum likely to be available by

1Q19

https://www.telegeography.com/products/commsupdate/articles/2018/06/13/mexican-600mhz-

spectrum-likely-to-be-available-by-1q19/


[139] 1999; Secretaría de Cominicaciones y Transportes; Comisión Federal de

Telecomunicaciones; Cuadro Nacional de Atribución de Frecuencias de México; Uso del

Espectro Radioeléctrico para los Servicios de Radiocomunicación

https://www.itu.int/ITU-D/study_groups/SGP_1998-2002/JGRES09/pdf/mexico1.pdf


[140] 07th of March 2017; MEXICO: IFT Approves Modification for National Table of Frequency

Allocations

https://www.entirety.biz/mexico-ift-approves-modification-for-national-table-of-frequency-alloca-

tions/


[141] IFT; Cuadro Nacional de Atribución de Frecuencias (CNAF)

http://cnaf.ift.org.mx/


[142] 19th of May 2009; Sean Haynberg; 700 MHz Spectrum Transition & Interference Issues

http://nsma.org/wp-content/uploads/2015/04/700-MHz-Spectrum-Transition-and-Interference-

Issues.pdf


[143] 26th of October 2012; Mexico endorses APT’s 700MHz spectrum plan: will it influence the

rest of Latin America?

http://www.analysysmason.com/About-Us/News/Insight/Mexico-700MHz-spectrum-Oct2012/


[144] 18th of June 1982; Agreement relating to Assignments and usage of television Broadcast-

ing Channels in the frequency range 470-806 MHz (Channels 14-69) along the united states -

Mexico Border

https://transition.fcc.gov/ib/sand/agree/files/mex-bc/uhftvbc.pdf


[145] 16th of June 1994; Protocol between the Department of State of the United States of

America and Transportation of the United Mexican States concerning the Allotment and use of

the 698-806 MHz Band for Terrestrial Non-Broadcasting Radiocommunication Services along

the common Border

https://transition.fcc.gov/ib/sand/agree/files/mex-nb/698_806.pdf


[146] 22nd of July 1998; Memorandum of Understanding between the Federal Communications

Commission of the United States of America and the Secretaria de Comunicaciones y

Transportes of the United Mexican States related to the Use of the 54-72 MHz, 76-88 MHz,

174-216 MHz and 470-806 MHz bands for the Digital Television Broadcasting Service along the

https://www.telegeography.com/products/commsupdate/articles/2018/03/22/red-compartida-700mhz-wholesale-network-launches-ahead-of-schedule/

https://www.telegeography.com/products/commsupdate/articles/2018/03/22/red-compartida-700mhz-wholesale-network-launches-ahead-of-schedule/

https://ovum.informa.com/resources/product-content/glb007-000050

https://www.telegeography.com/products/commsupdate/articles/2018/06/13/mexican-600mhz-spectrum-likely-to-be-available-by-1q19/

https://www.telegeography.com/products/commsupdate/articles/2018/06/13/mexican-600mhz-spectrum-likely-to-be-available-by-1q19/

https://www.itu.int/ITU-D/study_groups/SGP_1998-2002/JGRES09/pdf/mexico1.pdf

https://www.entirety.biz/mexico-ift-approves-modification-for-national-table-of-frequency-allocations/

https://www.entirety.biz/mexico-ift-approves-modification-for-national-table-of-frequency-allocations/

http://cnaf.ift.org.mx/

http://nsma.org/wp-content/uploads/2015/04/700-MHz-Spectrum-Transition-and-Interference-Issues.pdf

http://nsma.org/wp-content/uploads/2015/04/700-MHz-Spectrum-Transition-and-Interference-Issues.pdf

http://www.analysysmason.com/About-Us/News/Insight/Mexico-700MHz-spectrum-Oct2012/

https://transition.fcc.gov/ib/sand/agree/files/mex-bc/uhftvbc.pdf

https://transition.fcc.gov/ib/sand/agree/files/mex-nb/698_806.pdf

XVII

Common Border

https://transition.fcc.gov/ib/sand/agree/files/mex-bc/mex-dtv2.pdf


[147] 21st of November 1988; Agreement Amending the Agreement relating to Assignments and

usage of Television Broadcasting Channels in the Frequency Range 470-806 MHz (channels 14

- 69) along the United States-Mexico Border

https://transition.fcc.gov/ib/sand/agree/files/mex-bc/lpuhfbc.pdf


[148] 16th of June 1994; Protocol Concerning Use of the 470-512 MHz Band for Land Mobile

Services along the common Border

https://transition.fcc.gov/ib/sand/agree/files/mex-nb/470-512.pdf

Last Reviewed: 16:09 UITC+129th of September 2018

[149] Chris Huff; Wireless Microphones might stop Working this Weekend: The Latest FCC Up-

date

https://www.behindthemixer.com/wireless-microphones-fcc-600-mhz/


[150] Rafael del Villar Alrich; Federal Telecommunications Commission; “A step closer to next

generation mobile services” Regulatory Perspectives for Mexico

https://www.cullen-international.com/asset/?location=/content/assets/training--conferences/con-

ferences/2010/latam-ict-del-villar.pdf/latam-ict-del-villar.pdf


[151] Shure; Estamos Preparados para la Transición Digital; Con la introducción de la red móvil

4G y la television digital se está cambiando el panorama de radiofrecuencias (RF) y esto puede

afectar a los usuarios de micrófonos inalámbricos

https://mx.shure.com/help-center/transicion-digital


[152] Vive Latino

https://www.vivelatino.com.mx/acerca-del-festival.html


[153] 05th to 06th of September 2018; Annual Latin America Spectrum Management Conference

https://10times.com/annual-latin-america-spectrum-management-conferenc


[154] 2018; Summary

https://eu-ems.com/summary.asp?event_id=4368&page_id=9568


[155] 2017; The 2017 Latin America Spectrum Management Conference

https://eu-ems.com/practical.asp?event_id=4368&page_id=9577


[156] 2016; 2017; The 2016 Latin America Spectrum Management Conference



[157] 13th and 14th October 2016; Spectrum Management Conference; Summary



[159] 30th October to 03rd November 2006; Jean-Marc Paquet, Radiocommunication Bureau;

The Stockholm 1961 Agreement https://www.itu.int/en/ITU-R/terrestrial/broadcast/Documents/Presentations/ST61Rev2006-E.pdf


[160] October 2004; EBU, E. Puigrefagut and T. O’Leary; RRC-04/06 – an overview of the first

Session (RRC-04)

https://transition.fcc.gov/ib/sand/agree/files/mex-bc/mex-dtv2.pdf

https://transition.fcc.gov/ib/sand/agree/files/mex-bc/lpuhfbc.pdf

https://transition.fcc.gov/ib/sand/agree/files/mex-nb/470-512.pdf

https://www.behindthemixer.com/wireless-microphones-fcc-600-mhz/

https://mx.shure.com/help-center/transicion-digital

https://www.vivelatino.com.mx/acerca-del-festival.html

https://10times.com/annual-latin-america-spectrum-management-conferenc





https://www.itu.int/en/ITU-R/terrestrial/broadcast/Documents/Presentations/ST61Rev2006-E.pdf

XVIII

https://tech.ebu.ch/docs/techreview/trev_300-rrc_04.pdf


[161] 15th of May to 16th of June 2016; ITU; Final Acts of the Regional Radiocommunication

Conference for planning of the digital terrestrial broadcasting service in parts of Region 1 and 3,

in the frequency bands 174-230 MHz and 470-862 MHz (RRC-06)



[162] 02nd of July 2018; ITU; WRC-07 decisions secure wireless future

https://www.itu.int/itunews/manager/display.asp?lang=en&year=2007&is-

sue=10&ipage=wrcHighlights&ext=html


[163] David E. Borth; Mobile telephone

https://www.britannica.com/technology/mobile-telephone


[164] 28th of September 2016; Ivaylo Mihaylov; Bulgaria allocated two bands in 800 MHz spec-

trum to 4G networks expansion

https://seenews.com/news/bulgaria-allocates-two-bands-in-800-mhz-spectrum-to-4g-networks-

expansion-541279


[165] June 2018; beyerdynamic; Wie sieht die rechtliche Situation in Deutschland aus?

https://support.beyerdynamic.com/hc/de/articles/201778121-Wie-sieht-die-rechtliche-Situation-

in-Deutschland-aus-


[166] 18th of February 2009; René Tschannen / BAKOM; APWPT Expert Talk, 198th and 19th of

February 2009; Uni Hannover; Die digitale Dividende und deren Auswirkungen auf die Nutzung

des UHF-Spektrums in der Schweiz

https://www.apwpt.org/downloads/experttalkchtschannendiedigitaledividende.pdf


[167] 27th if April 2010; Arne Börnsen, Tim Braulke, Jörn Kruse, Michael Latzer; ARGE ABI;

Wissenschaftliche Studie im Auftrag der Rundfunk und Telekom Regulierungs-GmbH; Die Nut-

zung der Digitalen Dividende in Österreich

http://www.oesta.gv.at/DocView.axd?CobId=39348


[168] February 2011; BMVIT; OFB-InfoLetter 02/2011; Information der Obersten Fernmeldebe-

hörde, Nutzung des Frequenzbereichs 460 – 862 MHz durch Funk-Mikrofone (PMSE)

https://www.rtr.at/de/tk/Spektrum800MHz/26509_ofb_infoletter_022011de.pdf


[169] 18th of October 2016; CEPT, ECC; ERC Recommendation 25-10, Frequency Ranges for

the Use of Terrestrial Audio and Video Programme Making and Special Events (PMSE) applica-

tions

https://www.ecodocdb.dk/download/d3599aad-a5b6/Rec2510.pdf


[170] Interview of the magazine ‘VPLT’ with Matthias Fehr; Update: Digitale Dividende



[171] July 2009; APWPT; APWPT Eckpunkte für eine geordnete Umsetzung der Frequenzbe-

reichszuweisungsplanverordnung

https://www.apwpt.org/downloads/apwpt-eckpunkte-fuer-eine-geordnete-technische.pdf


[172] 31st of March 2014; Steve Song; A Look at Spectrum in Four African Countries

https://manypossibilities.net/2014/03/a-look-at-spectrum-in-four-african-countries/

https://tech.ebu.ch/docs/techreview/trev_300-rrc_04.pdf


https://www.itu.int/itunews/manager/display.asp?lang=en&year=2007&issue=10&ipage=wrcHighlights&ext=html

https://www.itu.int/itunews/manager/display.asp?lang=en&year=2007&issue=10&ipage=wrcHighlights&ext=html

https://www.britannica.com/technology/mobile-telephone

https://seenews.com/news/bulgaria-allocates-two-bands-in-800-mhz-spectrum-to-4g-networks-expansion-541279

https://seenews.com/news/bulgaria-allocates-two-bands-in-800-mhz-spectrum-to-4g-networks-expansion-541279

https://support.beyerdynamic.com/hc/de/articles/201778121-Wie-sieht-die-rechtliche-Situation-in-Deutschland-aus-

https://support.beyerdynamic.com/hc/de/articles/201778121-Wie-sieht-die-rechtliche-Situation-in-Deutschland-aus-

https://www.apwpt.org/downloads/experttalkchtschannendiedigitaledividende.pdf

http://www.oesta.gv.at/DocView.axd?CobId=39348

https://www.rtr.at/de/tk/Spektrum800MHz/26509_ofb_infoletter_022011de.pdf

https://www.ecodocdb.dk/download/d3599aad-a5b6/Rec2510.pdf


https://www.apwpt.org/downloads/apwpt-eckpunkte-fuer-eine-geordnete-technische.pdf

https://manypossibilities.net/2014/03/a-look-at-spectrum-in-four-african-countries/

XIX


[173] 17th of January 2014; Steve Song; Africa’s LTE Future

https://manypossibilities.net/2014/01/africas-lte-future/


[174] GSMA: Mobile World Live; Djibouti, Republic of

http://maps.mobileworldlive.com/network.php?cid=53&cname=Djibouti,%20Republic%20of


[175] 23rd of June 2016; TeleGeography; MTN Ghana launches 4G LTE in all regions

https://www.telegeography.com/products/commsupdate/articles/2016/06/23/mtn-ghana-

launches-4g-lte-in-all-regions/


[176] 17th of December 2015; TeleGeography; Safaricom asked to return 5MHz of 800MHz

spectrum

https://www.telegeography.com/products/commsupdate/articles/2015/12/17/safaricom-asked-to-

return-5mhz-of-800mhz-spectrum/


[177] 25th of May 2017; European Union; Decision (EU) 2017/899 of the European Parliament

and of the council of 17 May 2017 on the use of the 470-790 MHz frequency band in the Union



[178] 2016; ITU; Radio Regulation Articles Edition of 2016



[179] 07th of June 2012; Wladimir Bocquet; ITU Workshop for the CIS countries; Addressing

Spectrum for Mobile Broadband, Challenges for Spectrum Management

https://www.itu.int/ITU-D/tech/events/2012/ResultsWRC12_CIS_StPetersburg_June12/Presen-

tations/Session6/S6_1.pdf


[180] 06th of May 2014; Bundesnetzagentur; Pressemitteilung; Präsentation vom Jahresbericht

2013

https://www.bundesnetzagentur.de/SharedDocs/Downloads/DE/Allgemeines/Presse/Pressemit-

teilungen/2014/140506_Jahresbericht2013.pdf?__blob=publicationFile&v=5

Last Reviewed: 12:03 UTC-3; 23rd of August 2018

[181] 19th of June 2015; Bundesnetzagentur; Frequenzversteigerung in Mainz beendet

https://www.bundesnetzagentur.de/cln_1412/SharedDocs/Pressemittei-

lungen/DE/2015/150619_Frequenzversteigerung.html;jses-

sionid=8C3C5411C2200C5895FB47590B5980AE


[182] 21st of January 2013; Prof. Dr.-Ing. Thomas Kürner, Prof. Dr.-Ing. Ulrich Reimers; Dr.-Ing.

Kin Lien Chee; Dipl.-Ing. Thomas Jansen, M. Sc.; Dipl.-Ing. Frieder Juretzek; Dipl.-Ing. Peter

Schlegel; Technische Universität Braunschweig; A study of future spectrum requirements for

terrestrial TV and mobile services and other radio applications in the 470-790 MHz frequency

band, including an evaluation of the options for sharing frequency use from a number of socio-

economic and frequency technology perspectives, particularly in the 694-790 MHz frequency

sub-band https://apwpt.org/downloads/bmwi-study-spectr-requir-jan13.pdf


[183] 06th of October 2014; Achim Sawall; HD über Antenne, Erste Ausstrahlung mit DVB-T2

gestartet.

https://www.golem.de/news/hd-ueber-antenne-erste-ausstrahlung-mit-dvb-t2-gestartet-1410-

109651.html


https://manypossibilities.net/2014/01/africas-lte-future/

http://maps.mobileworldlive.com/network.php?cid=53&cname=Djibouti,%20Republic%20of

https://www.telegeography.com/products/commsupdate/articles/2016/06/23/mtn-ghana-launches-4g-lte-in-all-regions/

https://www.telegeography.com/products/commsupdate/articles/2016/06/23/mtn-ghana-launches-4g-lte-in-all-regions/

https://www.telegeography.com/products/commsupdate/articles/2015/12/17/safaricom-asked-to-return-5mhz-of-800mhz-spectrum/

https://www.telegeography.com/products/commsupdate/articles/2015/12/17/safaricom-asked-to-return-5mhz-of-800mhz-spectrum/



https://www.itu.int/ITU-D/tech/events/2012/ResultsWRC12_CIS_StPetersburg_June12/Presentations/Session6/S6_1.pdf

https://www.itu.int/ITU-D/tech/events/2012/ResultsWRC12_CIS_StPetersburg_June12/Presentations/Session6/S6_1.pdf

https://www.bundesnetzagentur.de/SharedDocs/Downloads/DE/Allgemeines/Presse/Pressemitteilungen/2014/140506_Jahresbericht2013.pdf?__blob=publicationFile&v=5

https://www.bundesnetzagentur.de/SharedDocs/Downloads/DE/Allgemeines/Presse/Pressemitteilungen/2014/140506_Jahresbericht2013.pdf?__blob=publicationFile&v=5

https://www.bundesnetzagentur.de/cln_1412/SharedDocs/Pressemitteilungen/DE/2015/150619_Frequenzversteigerung.html;jsessionid=8C3C5411C2200C5895FB47590B5980AE



https://apwpt.org/downloads/bmwi-study-spectr-requir-jan13.pdf

https://www.golem.de/news/hd-ueber-antenne-erste-ausstrahlung-mit-dvb-t2-gestartet-1410-109651.html

https://www.golem.de/news/hd-ueber-antenne-erste-ausstrahlung-mit-dvb-t2-gestartet-1410-109651.html

XX

[184] DVB-T2 HD; Regionen



[185] 26th of April 2017; Achim Sawall; Europa, 700-MHz-Band soll Mobilfunk verbessern

https://www.golem.de/news/europa-700-mhz-band-soll-mobilfunk-verbessern-1704-127505.html


[186] 21st of February 2018; derStandard.at; 5G-Frequenzen sollen in Österreich mindestens 30

Millionen Euro bringen

https://derstandard.at/2000074727514/5G-in-Oesterreich-Frequenzen-sollen-mindestens-30-

Millionen-Euro-bringen


[187] December 2016; RTR; Spectrum Release Plan

https://www.rtr.at/de/tk/FRQplan/Spectrum_Release_Plan.pdf

Last Reviewed: 22:34 UTC-3, 01st of July 2018

[188] 2017; KommAustria; 19. Verordnung der Kommunikationsbehörde Austria (KommAustria)

über ein Digitalisierungskonzept zur Einführung, zum Ausbau und zur Weiterentwicklung von

digitalem Rundfunk (Fernsehen und Hörfunk) und anderen Mediendiensten – Digitalisierungs-

konzept 2017

https://www.rtr.at/de/m/Digikonzept2017/KOA_4.000-17-008_-_Digikonzept_2017.pdf


[189] ARCEP; Le processus de réaffectation de la bande 700 MHz



[190] 24th of April 2013; Ofcom; Future use of the 700MHz band, Implementing Ofcom’s UHF

strategy

https://www.ofcom.org.uk/__data/assets/pdf_file/0015/63330/uhf_si_call_for_inputs.pdf


[191] 29th of January 2015; BAKOM; Vorausschauen beim Kauf neuer Funkmikrofone

https://www.bakom.admin.ch/bakom/de/home/das-bakom/medieninformationen/bakom-infomai-

ling/bakom-infomailing-38/vorausschauen-beim-kauf-neuer-funkmikrofone.html


[192] 05th of January 2016; BAKOM; Allocation of new mobile radio frequencies: consultation

launched

https://www.admin.ch/gov/en/start/documentation/media-releases.msg-id-66889.html


[193] 13th of December 2017; Jürg Müller, Neue Bürcher Zeitung; Der grosse Mobilfunkpoker

hat begonnen

https://www.nzz.ch/wirtschaft/der-grosse-mobilfunkpoker-hat-begonnen-ld.1338694


[194] 02nd of February 2016; Europäische Kommission; Vorschlag für einen Beschluss des Eu-

ropäischen Parlaments und des Rates über die Nutzung des Frequenzbandes 470-790 MHz in

der Union

https://eur-lex.europa.eu/legal-content/DE/TXT/HTML/?uri=COM:2016:43:FIN&from=EN


[195] 16th of September 2013; Anthony Whelan, European Commission; Considerations on

spectrum harmonization for PMSE equipment

https://apwpt.org/downloads/ibc2013_aw.pdf


[196] 18th of October 2012; APWPT; Workshop Coexistence Challenges of LTE October 12

https://www.apwpt.org/history/brussels/workshop-coexistence-challenges-of--lte-october-12/in-

dex.html


https://www.golem.de/news/europa-700-mhz-band-soll-mobilfunk-verbessern-1704-127505.html

https://derstandard.at/2000074727514/5G-in-Oesterreich-Frequenzen-sollen-mindestens-30-Millionen-Euro-bringen

https://derstandard.at/2000074727514/5G-in-Oesterreich-Frequenzen-sollen-mindestens-30-Millionen-Euro-bringen

https://www.rtr.at/de/tk/FRQplan/Spectrum_Release_Plan.pdf



https://www.ofcom.org.uk/__data/assets/pdf_file/0015/63330/uhf_si_call_for_inputs.pdf

https://www.bakom.admin.ch/bakom/de/home/das-bakom/medieninformationen/bakom-infomailing/bakom-infomailing-38/vorausschauen-beim-kauf-neuer-funkmikrofone.html

https://www.bakom.admin.ch/bakom/de/home/das-bakom/medieninformationen/bakom-infomailing/bakom-infomailing-38/vorausschauen-beim-kauf-neuer-funkmikrofone.html

https://www.admin.ch/gov/en/start/documentation/media-releases.msg-id-66889.html

https://www.nzz.ch/wirtschaft/der-grosse-mobilfunkpoker-hat-begonnen-ld.1338694

https://eur-lex.europa.eu/legal-content/DE/TXT/HTML/?uri=COM:2016:43:FIN&from=EN

https://apwpt.org/downloads/ibc2013_aw.pdf

https://www.apwpt.org/history/brussels/workshop-coexistence-challenges-of--lte-october-12/index.html

https://www.apwpt.org/history/brussels/workshop-coexistence-challenges-of--lte-october-12/index.html

XXI


[197] 16th of August 2013; APWPT, ICB – September 2013



[198] Bruno Espinosa, CEPT, ECC, ECO; ECC initiatives on spectrum for Programme Making

and Special Events – PMSE

https://apwpt.org/downloads/ibc2013_be.pdf


[199] 2017; KommAustria; 19. Verordnung der Kommunikationsbehörde Austria (KommAustria)

über ein Digitalisierungskonzept zur Einführung, zum Ausbau und zur Weiterentwicklung von

digitalem Rundfunk (Fernsehen und Hörfunk) und anderen Mediendiensten – Digitalisierungs-

konzept 2017



[200] Frequenzbereichszuweisungsplan; BGBl. II - Ausgegeben am 16. Dezember 2016 - Nr.

390

https://www.ris.bka.gv.at/Dokumente/Bundesnormen/NOR40188657/II_390_2016_An-

lage_1.pdf


[201] 17th of March 2016; arcep; Audio Programme Making and Special Events (PMSE) equip-

ment



[202] 06th of February 2015; Ofcom; Technical info – PMSE spectrum and equipment

https://www.ofcom.org.uk/manage-your-licence/radiocommunication-licences/pmse/pmse-tech-

nical-info

Last Reviewed: 19:00 UTC-3; 01st of July

[203] 27th of July 2017; 700 MHz Clearance Look-up Tool

https://www.ofcom.org.uk/manage-your-licence/radiocommunication-licences/pmse/700-mhz-

clearance-look-up-tool


[204] 03rd of September 2018; Bakom; Radio microphones

https://www.bakom.admin.ch/bakom/en/homepage/equipments-and-installations/particular-

equipment/radio-microphones.html


[205] 27th of April 2018; BAKOM; Drahtlose Mikrofonanlage

https://www.bakom.admin.ch/bakom/de/home/frequenzen-antennen/frequenznutzung-mit-oder-

ohne-konzessionen/nicht-konzessionspflichtige-installationen/drahtlose-mikrofonanlage.html


[206] DKE; Spektrumnutzung im UHF-TV Bereich bei der Wahl zur Bremer Bürgerschaft am

Abend des 10. Mai 2015



[207] 18th of December 2012; Ofcom; Ofcom and the London 2012 Olympic and Paralympic

Games

https://apwpt.org/downloads/ofcom-and-the-london-2012-olympic-and-paralymp.pdf


[208] 2014; DKE AK 731.0.8 (DIN/VDE); Using mobile duplex gaps and guard bands for audio

PMSE

https://www.apwpt.org/downloads/using-mobile-duplex-gaps-and-guard-bands-for-a.pdf



https://apwpt.org/downloads/ibc2013_be.pdf


https://www.ris.bka.gv.at/Dokumente/Bundesnormen/NOR40188657/II_390_2016_Anlage_1.pdf

https://www.ris.bka.gv.at/Dokumente/Bundesnormen/NOR40188657/II_390_2016_Anlage_1.pdf


https://www.ofcom.org.uk/manage-your-licence/radiocommunication-licences/pmse/pmse-technical-info

https://www.ofcom.org.uk/manage-your-licence/radiocommunication-licences/pmse/pmse-technical-info

https://www.ofcom.org.uk/manage-your-licence/radiocommunication-licences/pmse/700-mhz-clearance-look-up-tool

https://www.ofcom.org.uk/manage-your-licence/radiocommunication-licences/pmse/700-mhz-clearance-look-up-tool

https://www.bakom.admin.ch/bakom/en/homepage/equipments-and-installations/particular-equipment/radio-microphones.html

https://www.bakom.admin.ch/bakom/en/homepage/equipments-and-installations/particular-equipment/radio-microphones.html

https://www.bakom.admin.ch/bakom/de/home/frequenzen-antennen/frequenznutzung-mit-oder-ohne-konzessionen/nicht-konzessionspflichtige-installationen/drahtlose-mikrofonanlage.html

https://www.bakom.admin.ch/bakom/de/home/frequenzen-antennen/frequenznutzung-mit-oder-ohne-konzessionen/nicht-konzessionspflichtige-installationen/drahtlose-mikrofonanlage.html


https://apwpt.org/downloads/ofcom-and-the-london-2012-olympic-and-paralymp.pdf

https://www.apwpt.org/downloads/using-mobile-duplex-gaps-and-guard-bands-for-a.pdf

XXII

[210] 2018; APWPT; PMSE in Aircraft Frequencies?

https://www.apwpt.org/technical-papers/apwpt/special-on-pmse-in-air-band/index.html


[211] 17th of May 2017; Presentation of Matthias Fehr, APWPT; Audio PMSE in the Frequency Range 960

to 1164 MHz – LINK 16 Spectrum MNWG 2017 -

[212] 16th of February 2016; Helmut G. Bauer, SOS; Leitfaden für Ausgleichzahlungen

https://www.sos-save-our-spectrum.org/leitfaden-ausgleichzahlungen/


[213] 07th of October 2015; Bundesministerium für Verkehr und digitale Infrastruktur; Bekannt-

machung Richtlinie über die Gewährung von Billigkeitsleistungen für Ausgleichzahlungen an

Nutzer drahtloser Produktionsmittel („PMSE“) für aus der Umwidmung der Frequenzen im Fre-

quenzbereich 694 bis 790 MHz resultierende Umstellungskosten (RL-UmstKoPMSE700)

http://www.bav.bund.de/SharedDocs/Downloads/DE/Ausgleichszahlungen/Richtli-

nie_PMSE.pdf?__blob=publicationFile&v=5


[214] CITEL; Mission Statement

https://www.citel.oas.org/en/Pages/Mission-Statement.aspx


[215] Jonathan Noble and Mark Hughes; Discovering what makes Formula one, Formula one

https://www.dummies.com/sports/auto-racing/discovering-what-makes-formula-one-formula-

one/


[216] 11th of July 2018; Dino Larry Tedesco; Draft Revision July 2018, Report Frequencies F1

GP Monza 2009-2017 Info RAI WAY - MISE

[217] 06th of April 2018; Presentation of Felipe Filgueras; TV Globo; Frequências Fórmula 1

[218] Interview with Dino Larry Tedesco; Frequency Coordinator of RAY-WAY, Italy

[219] 2016; Felipe Filgueiras; Relacão de Frequências 2016

[220] 24th of June 2008; Branislav Pekic; Advanced Television; Italy switch-off timetable by Sep-

tember

https://advanced-television.com/2008/06/24/italy-switch-off-timetable-by-september/


[221] 01st of January 2014; Johann Silbernagl; Mobilfunk in Südtirol; Aktuelle Frequenzzuwei-

sung

http://www.silbernagl.biz/Mobilfunk/Frequenzzuweisung.php


[222] 03rd of May 2016; Branislav Pekic; Italy seeks 700 MHz transition deferral

https://advanced-television.com/2016/05/03/italy-seeks-700-mhz-transition-deferral/

Last Reviewed: 22:05 UTC+1; 14th of July 2018

[223] 2017; Richard Olandim, Lucas Silca; TV Globo SP; Prospecção de RF Autódromo de In-

terlagos GP Brasil de Fórmula-1 2017

[150] 13th of May 2016; Ministero dello Sviluppo Economico; Guidelines Temporary General Au-

thorization

https://www.apwpt.org/technical-papers/apwpt/special-on-pmse-in-air-band/index.html

https://www.sos-save-our-spectrum.org/leitfaden-ausgleichzahlungen/



https://www.citel.oas.org/en/Pages/Mission-Statement.aspx

https://www.dummies.com/sports/auto-racing/discovering-what-makes-formula-one-formula-one/

https://www.dummies.com/sports/auto-racing/discovering-what-makes-formula-one-formula-one/

https://advanced-television.com/2008/06/24/italy-switch-off-timetable-by-september/

http://www.silbernagl.biz/Mobilfunk/Frequenzzuweisung.php

https://advanced-television.com/2016/05/03/italy-seeks-700-mhz-transition-deferral/

XXIII

ANNEX

A.1 Characteristics / Requirements for Digital Wireless Microphones

Application Studio ENG and outside

broadcasting Talk-back Concerts

Musicals and plays

In-ear moni-tor

Content Voice Voice Voice and broadcast pro-gramme

Voice and mu-sical instru-ments

Voice and musical in-struments

Voice and mu-sical instru-ments in ste-reo

Audio frequency

20 Hz-20 kHz 20 Hz-20 kHz (50 Hz-10 kHz by trade-off with interfer-ence)

100 Hz-10 kHz (100 Hz-7 kHz by trade-off with interfer-ence or la-tency)

20 Hz-over 20 kHz

20 Hz-over 20 kHz

20 Hz-15 kHz

Audio dynamic range

More than 100 dB (preferably 20-bit linear PCM and more than 120 dB)

More than 100 dB

More than 70 dB

More than 100 dB

90 dB 95-100 dB

Maximum sound pres-sure level of microphone

More than 130 dBSPL

More than 140 dBSPL

– 140 dBSPL 130 dBSPL –

Maximum acceptable latency

1 ms 5 ms (25 ms by trade-off with interference)

5 ms 2 ms 2 ms 1 ms

Audio interface

AES/EBU output at receiver AES/EBU in-put at transmit-ter

AES/EBU output at receiver AES/EBU in-put at trans-mitter

Table 38: Requirements for Digital Wireless Microphones in different Production Scenarios [19, Page 2]

XXIV

A.2 UHF TV Channel Arrangement in Brazil

TV channel MHz TV channel MHz TV channel MHz

VHF baixo UHF 700 MHz band

2 54 60 14 470 476 52 698 704

3 60 66 15 476 482 53 704 710

4 66 72 16 482 488 54 710 716

5 76 82 17 488 494 55 716 722

6 82 88 18 494 500 56 722 728

19 500 506 57 728 734

VHF alto 20 506 512 58 734 740

7 174 180 21 512 518 59 740 746

8 180 186 22 518 524 60 746 752

9 186 192 23 524 530 61 752 758

10 192 198 24 530 536 62 758 764

11 198 204 25 536 542 63 764 770

12 204 210 26 542 548 64 770 776

13 210 216 27 548 554 65 776 782

28 554 560 66 782 788

29 560 566 67 788 794

30 566 572 68 794 800

31 572 578 69 800 806

32 578 584

33 584 590 800 MHz band

34 590 596 70 806 812

35 596 602 71 812 818

36 602 608 72 818 824

37 608 614 73 824 830

38 614 620 74 830 836

39 620 626 75 836 842

40 626 632 76 842 848

41 632 638 77 848 854

42 638 644 78 854 860

43 644 650 79 860 866

44 650 656 80 866 872

45 656 662 81 872 878

46 662 668 82 878 884

47 668 674 83 884 890

48 674 680

49 680 686

50 686 692

51 692 698

Table 39: TV Channel Arrangement in Brazil [43]

Note: even though the 800 MHz frequency band is not allocated to the Broadcast

Service since a very long time, it is still split into TV channels.

XXV

A.3 Final Acts – Changes 2000 until 2015

Note: all relevant changes are marked in yellow.

Frequency allocations

2000 2007 2012 2015

470 – 512 MHz

BROADCASTING

Fixed

Mobile S5.292 S5.293

470 – 512 MHz

BROADCASTING

Fixed

Mobile 5.292 5.293

470 – 512 MHz

BROADCASTING

Fixed

Mobile 5.292 5.293

470 – 512 MHz

BROADCASTING

Fixed

Mobile 5.292 5.293 5.295

512 – 608 MHz

BROADCASTING S5.297

512 – 608 MHz

BROADCASTING 5.297

512 – 608 MHz

BROADCASTING 5.297

512 – 608 MHz

BROADCASTING 5.297 5.297

608 – 614 MHz

RADIO ASTRON-

OMY

608 – 614 MHz

RADIO ASTRON-

OMY

608 – 614 MHz

RADIO ASTRON-

OMY

608 – 614 MHz

RADIO ASTRON-

OMY

614 – 806 MHz

BROADCASTING

Fixed

Mobile S5.293 S5.309 S5.311

614 – 698 MHz

BROADCASTING

Fixed

Mobile 5.293 5.309 5.311

614 – 698 MHz

BROADCASTING

Fixed

Mobile 5.293 5.309 5.311

614 – 698 MHz

BROADCASTING

Fixed

Mobile 5.293 5.308 5.308A

5.309 5.311

698 – 806 MHz

BROADCASTING

Fixed

MOBILE 5.313B

5.317A

5.293 5.309 5.311

698 – 806 MHz

MOBILE 5.313B

5.317A

BROADCASTING

Fixed 5.293 5.309 5.311

698 – 806 MHz

MOBILE 5.317A

BROADCASTING

Fixed 5.293 5.309 5.311

806 – 890 MHz

FIXED

MOBILE S5.317A

BROACASTING S5.317 S5.318

806 – 890 MHz

FIXED

MOBILE S5.317A

BROACASTING 5.317 5.318

806 – 890 MHz

FIXED

MOBILE 5.317A


806 – 890 MHz

FIXED

MOBILE 5.317A


Table 40: Changes of the frequency allocations in the Radio Regulations (RR) from 2000 until 2015 [62] [64] [65] [66]

Footnote 3.317A

Year of WRC Text of Footnote 5.317

2000

ADD

S5.317A Administrations wishing to implement International Mobile Tele-

communications-2000 (IMT-2000) may use these parts of the band 806-

960 MHz which are allocated to the Mobile Service on a primary basis and

are used or planned to be used for mobile systems (see Resolution 224

(WRC-2000)). This identification does not preclude the use of these bands

by any application of the services to which they are allocated and does not

establish priority in the Radio Regulations.

2007

MOD (R9/425/7)

5.317A

Those parts of the band 698-960 MHz in ITU-Region 2 and the band 790-

960 MHz in Regions 1 and 3 which are allocated to the Mobile Service on a

primary basis are identified for use by administrations wishing to implement

International Mobile Telecommunications (IMT). See Resolutions 224

(Rev.WRC-07) and 749 (WRC-07). This identification does not preclude the

use of these bands by any application of the services to which they are allo-

cated and does not establish priority in the Radio Regulations. (WRC-07)

XXVI

2012

MOD

5.317A

Those parts of the band 698-960 MHz in ITU-Region 2 and the band 790-

960 MHz in Regions 1 and 3 which are allocated to the Mobile Service on a

primary basis are identified for use by administrations wishing to implement

International Mobile Telecommunications (IMT) – see Resolutions 224

(Rev.WRC-12) and 749 (Rev.WRC-12), as appropriate. This identification

does not preclude the use of these bands by any application of the services

to which they are allocated and does not establish priority in the Radio Reg-

ulations. (WRC-12)

2015

MOD

5.317A

The parts of the frequency band 698-960 MHz in ITU-Region 2 and the fre-

quency bands 694-790 MHz in ITU-Region 1 and 790-960 MHz in Regions 1

and 3 which are allocated to the Mobile Service on a primary basis are iden-

tified for use by administrations wishing to implement International Mobile

Telecommunications (IMT) – see Resolutions 224

(Rev.WRC-15), 760 (WRC-15) and 749 (Rev.WRC-15), where applicable.

This identification does not preclude the use of these frequency bands by

any application of the services to which they are allocated and does not es-

tablish priority in the Radio Regulations. (WRC−15)

Table 41: Changes in the footnote 5.317A of the RRs from 2000 until 2015 [62] [64] [65] [66]

A.4 Calculation: Spectrum Occupation at the João Rock Festival

Calculation of spectrum occupation at the João Rock Festival, using the same

method, like the DKE used for the German Regional Elections:

Step 1: Calculation of the total amount of used wireless audio production tools

(PMSE) and their total bandwidth:

Total Number of all Wireless Audio Production Tools (PMSE) in use: 122 devices

Total Bandwidth of all Wireless Audio Production Tools (PMSE): 44 MHz

Note: these values were calculated with the data of Table 17.

Step 2: Calculation of the required Guard Bands between the Wireless Audio

Production Tools (PMSE):

The DKE used the following formula for the guard-band calculation between the

wireless audio production tools (PMSE) at the ESC 2011:

(Number of wireless audio production tools * 0,6 MHz) + 0,2 MHz

For the 122 used devices in total, this results in a required guard band bandwidth

between the audio production tools (PMSE) of 73,4 MHz.

Step 3: Calculation of the required bandwidth of all locally occupied TV channels:

‘Portal DSB’ lists 19 occupied UHF TV channels for Ribeirão Preto (event location

of João Rock). This results in a total bandwidth of 114 MHz for all occupied UHF

TV channels.

Note: UHF TV channel bandwidth in Latin-America = 6 MHz

XXVII

Step 4: Calculation of the required Guard Bands between occupied UHF TV

channels and Wireless Audio Production Tolls (PMSE):

The DKE calculated a Guard Band of 600 kHz at both sides of each locally occu-

pied UHF TV channel. This calculation can be represented in the following for-

mula:

2 * Total Number of locally occupied UHF TV channels * 0,6 MHz

For the 19 listed occupied UHF TV channels in Ribeirão Preto, this results in a

required guard band bandwidth between the audio production tools (PMSE) and

TV stations of 22,8 MHz.

Step 5: Calculation of total required Bandwidth at the ‘João Rock’ Festival

In a last step, to calculate the total required bandwidth for the ESC 2011, the DKE

summed up all required bandwidths.

Total Required Bandwidth at João Rock:

Bandwidth

[MHz]

Bandwidth of all Wireless Audio Production Tools (PMSE) in use 44

Required guard band bandwidth between the audio production tools (PMSE) 73,4

Bandwidth of all locally occupied UHF TV channels 114

Guard band bandwidth between the audio production tools (PMSE) and TV stations 22,8

Total Required Bandwidth at João Rock 254,6

Table 42:Total Amount of Required Bandwidth at the João Rock Festival

Step 6: Conclusion

• UHF TV spectrum: 470 to 698 MHz

• Radio Astronomy Channel: 6 MHz

• Available Bandwidth in UHF TV spectrum: 222MHz

Note: channel 37 is blocked for the Radio Astronomy service and cannot be used

for TV transmissions or the operation of wireless audio production tools (PMSE).

By comparing the total required bandwidth for the ‘João Rock’ Festival of

254,6 MHz with the totally available bandwidth in the remaining UHF TV spectrum

after the DD1 of 222 MHz, it can be seen that more bandwidth is required than

available.

XXVIII

A.5 Overview Over the last ‘Annual Latin-American Spectrum Man-

agement Conferences’

Annual Latin-American Spectrum Management Conference

2nd 3rd 4th

2016 2017 2018

Mexico Colombia Argentina

‘The digital switchover in the re-

gion - progress and planning

ahead

WRC-15 - next steps and planning

ahead to WRC-19

Maximizing the benefits of the 700

MHz band – 2 sessions focussing

specifically on the Mexican whole-

sale network model, and ap-

proaches being seen in other

countries

What next – is it time to start plan-

ning for the 2nd digital dividend in

the 600MHz band?

Fuelling the next wave of wireless

connectivity: spectrum for 5G, IoT

and future wireless technologies

Best practice in auctions, licencing

and valuation (including a focus on

the Mexican AWS-3 and the US in-

centive auctions)

Connecting the unconnected:

Spectrum policies to help bring af-

fordable connectivity to all

Regulatory Roundtable - Managing

spectrum in Caribbean and smaller

Central American country’ [156].

‘Regional Preparation ahead of

WRC-19

Is spectrum policy in LatAm suffi-

ciently supporting the rollout of

4G?

Continuing progress towards uni-

versal coverage

The UHF Band - Discussing both

the 600Mhz and 700Mhz bands

Spectrum Auctions and Awards

The 2.5GHz band

Spectrum for 5G - Developing Na-

tional Plans and finding the re-

quired capacity

Meeting the challenges of manag-

ing spectrum in Caribbean and

Smaller Central American coun-

tries’ [155].

‘Cross Border Frequency Coordina-

tion

Regional Preparation ahead of

WRC-19

Is spectrum policy in LatAm suffi-

ciently supporting the rollout of

4G?

Continuing progress towards uni-

versal coverage

The UHF Band - Discussing both

the 600Mhz and 700Mhz bands

Spectrum Auctions and Awards

The 2.5GHz band

Spectrum for 5G - Developing Na-

tional Plans and finding the re-

quired capacity

Meeting the challenges of manag-

ing spectrum in Caribbean and

Smaller Central American coun-

tries’ [154].

Table 43: Brief List of Topics discussed at the last 'Annual Latin-American Spectrum Management Confer-

ences'

XXIX

A.6 Frequency Request Italy

Figure 108: Procedure of a License Request for Temporary Frequency Usage in Italy [150]