Frequency allocation: A new legal act is intended to ensure uniformity in Europe. The EU Commission presents its proposal for a “Digital Networks Act” (DNA).
https://digital-strategy.ec.europa.eu/en/library/proposal-regulation-digital-networks-act-dann
Among other things, this DNA is intended to replace the EU Electronic Communications Code. Why is the DNA so important for culture, the event industry, broadcasting, and film? It’s all about radio frequencies. Such frequencies are needed for wireless production equipment such as microphones. The demand for frequencies has been increasing for years, especially at festivals. At the same time, the amount of free frequency bands is decreasing.
Until now, frequencies have been allocated for a limited period of time and on a national basis. That is now set to change. The EU wants to allocate many frequencies in a harmonized manner across Europe, usually for an indefinite period. However, anyone who is allocated a frequency must then also use it. If they do not use it, they must return the frequency. In this way, the EU wants to prevent the “hoarding” of frequencies.
At first glance, it all sounds good: long-term security and European harmonization are particularly beneficial for cross-border tours. But there are also concerns. The text of the DNA reflects the spirit of the mobile communications industry—the companies that have severely curtailed cultural frequencies over the past twenty years. Would a European frequency authority listen primarily to mobile communications? Would the many national and regional initiatives for culture, music, live events, etc. be ignored, in the truest sense of the word? These are rational concerns.
SOS – Save Our Spectrum says from the perspective of wireless microphone users: “The DNA is thinking about mobile phone companies, but not enough about culture. Frequencies should continue to be allocated nationally, not by an EU super-authority. Local authorities know better how to use frequencies than Brussels. Furthermore, we reject the possibility of transferring frequencies allocated for cultural purposes to the military before the end of their usage period.”
According to a press release from the EU Commission,
https://ec.europa.eu/commission/presscorner/detail/en/ip_26_107
the European Parliament and the Council will now deal with the DNA. Long and intense debates are expected, especially on the subject of frequencies. SOS – Save Our Spectrum and the Wider Spectrum Group will actively monitor this. European spirit is always good, but the event industry must not suffer as a result.
Homepage: Wider Spectrum Group
