SOS in contact with new EU Vice-President Henna Virkkunen

In December 2024, the EU got a new Commission. Henna Virkkunen is now responsible for frequencies and spectrum. “SOS – Save Our Spectrum” contacted the Commissioner directly. Virrkunen has now given assurances that she recognizes the crucial role that the sub-700 MHz band plays in Europe’s cultural ecosystem. The EU “recognizes the valuable contribution that broadcasters and PMSE users make to the social, cultural and economic life of the Union”.

The band below 700 MHz for broadcasting and culture (= PMSE) is secured until at least 2030.

The EU body RSPG has set up a sub-group for the study on the use of the sub-700 MHz band (470-694 MHz) to assess the prospects for the use of the band by Member States in the decade 2030-2040. “The Commission will take into account the work of the RSPG sub-group and the final report of the RSPG report, which is due to be finalized by October 2025. We are also open to hearing the views of stakeholders. I would like to assure you that due consideration will be given to the strategic importance of this spectrum for culture and media,” SOS was told on February 6, 2025.

SOS will continue to fight for the spectrum in Europe!

(PMSE = Program Making and Special Events = culture and event industry as well as film, media, science and other uses)

Photo: EU-Commission