RADIO FREQUENCIES : LAMY HAS SIX MONTHS TO WORK OUT TV-TELECOMS COMPROMISE ON SPECTRUM.

Getting TV and telecoms operators to agree on use of the UHF spectrum band within six months, thus expanding network capacity for new applications and content, is the tough task just given to Pascal Lamy, former director-general of the World Trade Organisation and former European commissioner. Digital Agenda Commissioner Neelie Kroes has named Lamy to head a new advisory group that has until July 2014 to hand in its report.

The aim is to work out a compromise among operators for use of the UHF band (470-790 MHz). These frequencies offer the advantage of propagating over a long range from a single relay and transmitting through buildings. They are currently used mainly for live broadcasting, for microphones at public performances, but also police and ambulance services and public transport.

To form the basis for an agreement, the advisory group will answer four questions: 1. What will next generation (terrestrial) provisions/reception of audiovisual content (including linear TV) look like?; 2. How can market transformation be facilitated while protecting the public interest and consumer benefits?; 3. What regulatory role will the European Union play?; and 4. What are the financial implications for a next generation terrestrial platform for broadcasting and internet use?

To put in plainly, Lamy will have to convince broadcasters to share their frequency band with telecommunications operators. Such sharing will nevertheless have to ensure an absence of interferences to guarantee the quality of reception. The security of emergency services must also be protected.

"I chose Mr Lamy because he is a good negotiator," commented...