Implementing decision 2014/641 - 2014/641/EU: Commission Implementing Decision of 1 September 2014 on harmonised technical conditions of radio spectrum use by wireless audio programme making and special events equipment in the Union (notified under document C(2014) 6011) - Main contents

EN

Official Journal of the European Union

L 263/29

Programme making and special events (PMSE) equipment covers a wide variety of video and sound transmission applications which are increasingly important for the development of the media and entertainment industry in the Union. They include broadcasting, cultural, musical and theatrical performances, and social and sporting events. PMSE equipment is used for professional and non-professional purposes, from local to Union-wide events. Wireless microphones are the most common and widespread type of wireless audio PMSE equipment; associated systems include portable in-ear monitor and talkback systems and audio links.

The Commission, in its Communication of 26 September 2012 to the European Parliament, the Council, the European Economic and Social Committee and the Committee of the Regions (2), recognised cultural and creative industries as one of Europe's most dynamic economic sectors and an essential driver of cultural diversity in Europe. Decision No 243/2012/EU of the European Parliament and of the Council (3), in particular its Article 8(5), further stresses the importance of PMSE and requires Member States, in cooperation with the Commission, to seek to ensure the necessary frequency bands for such equipment, in accordance with the Union's objectives to improve the integration of the internal market and access to culture. Moreover, under Article 6(6) of that Decision, Member States need to examine ways and, where appropriate, take technical and regulatory measures to ensure that the freeing of the 800 MHz band does not adversely affect users of PMSE equipment.

The current regulatory framework is not fully harmonised across the EU Member States with regard to spectrum used by PMSE equipment due to historical discrepancies in national frequency plans and in the management of varying national demands and local needs. Although many Member States apply European Radiocommunications Committee (ERC) Recommendation 70-03, and Annex 10 thereto (4), and ERC Recommendation 25-10, and Annex 2 thereto (5) which provide guidance on the frequency bands and technical parameters for PMSE equipment, these recommendations do not legally guarantee the harmonisation of spectrum used by PMSE equipment across the Union.

Harmonising the spectrum used by PMSE equipment should contribute to the internal market objectives by improving the quality and efficiency of spectrum use; providing long-term visibility and legal certainty for access to relevant spectrum bands throughout the Union; stimulating research and development, e.g. the digitalisation of PMSE equipment and other aspects of efficiently using spectrum; encouraging investment by manufacturers in PMSE technology; lowering prices; allowing economies of scale; fostering cross-border portability of equipment and interoperability; and avoiding the sterilisation of unused spectrum.

Although the spectrum needs of wireless audio PMSE equipment vary significantly, between 8 MHz and 144 MHz (6), depending on specific local and temporary needs, professional users indicates their daily spectrum needs for wireless audio PMSE applications at 96 MHz in the UHF spectrum.

Sufficient harmonised spectrum is necessary to cope with the demand for wireless audio PMSE equipment, at the very least, by defining a minimum amount of spectrum applicable throughout the Union which would generate economies of scale and ensure the functioning of the internal market. However, spectrum currently harmonised by Commission Decision 2006/771/EC (7), i.e. 2 MHz (863-865 MHz) for short-range devices including wireless audio PMSE applications, is insufficient to meet the needs of users as that decision covers only a fraction of wireless audio PMSE use and considering that most spectrum requirements have to be found outside the bands covered by that decision.

Various tuning ranges for audio PMSE equipment are identified in ERC Recommendations 70-03 (Annex 10) and 25-10 (Annex 2), and the wireless audio PMSE equipment industry, including manufacturers and users, also indicated a strong preference for the 470-790 MHz tuning range. In its Report 32 (8) on the harmonisation of the 800 MHz band, the European Conference of Postal and Telecommunications (CEPT) noted the importance for PMSE equipment users of interleaved channels, or white spaces, in the 470-790 MHz band range, and insisted on maintaining access to that spectrum primarily for PMSE applications that require a certain level of protection. Member States provide information to CEPT on the use of spectrum and regulatory and technical conditions for wireless audio PMSE users in their territory as well as a list of contact points in national administrations, where PMSE stakeholders can obtain information on the conditions of spectrum use for PMSE applications.

CEPT Report 32 highlighted that wireless audio PMSE use would face increasing constraints in spectrum supply and envisaged the need for appropriate adaptations. Commission Decision 2010/267/EU (9) harmonising the technical conditions of use of the 790-862 MHz band for electronic communications services on a non-exclusive basis, reduced the availability of this band for wireless audio PMSE equipment. An alternative long-term solution needs to be found to ensure PMSE's future, either by identifying new spectrum or by introducing spectrum sharing.

Therefore, pursuant to Article 4(2) of Decision No 676/2002/EC, on 15 December 2011, the Commission issued to the European Conference of Postal and Telecommunications Administrations (CEPT) a mandate (10) on technical conditions regarding spectrum harmonisation options for wireless radio microphones and cordless video-cameras.

In response, on 8 March 2013 the CEPT adopted its Report 50 (11). This report concludes that the 821-832 MHz and 1 785-1 805 MHz frequency ranges, which are duplex gaps within frequency bands used by electronic communications systems, would be appropriate for harmonised use by wireless audio PMSE equipment under specific conditions. Cordless video cameras, which have different spectrum requirements and operate in different frequency bands, should be considered separately. An addendum to CEPT Report 50 (12) further defined the conditions of use of these duplex gaps for wireless audio PMSE applications, as well as a procedure to assess and limit the risk of interference with regard to wireless microphone and in-ear monitor links.

CEPT Report 50 also identified the need to protect mobile cellular networks in the 800 MHz and 1 800 MHz bands against harmful interference from wireless audio PMSE equipment to ensure that mobile cellular networks can operate in the bands below 821 MHz and above 832 MHz as well as below 1 785 MHz and above 1 805 MHz. This would require, for example, a 2 MHz guard band from 821 to 823 MHz and restrictions in the 0,2 MHz of spectrum just above 1 785 MHz and just below 1 805 MHz.

PMSE equipment, in particular when used indoors, may be subject to harmful interference from mobile cellular networks and user equipment, such as smart phones, using adjacent frequency bands close to spectrum used by wireless audio PMSE equipment in the 800 MHz and 1 800 MHz duplex gaps. In line with the objectives and principles of the radio spectrum policy programme to find ways to avoid harmful interference and increase the efficient use of spectrum, such harmful interference could be avoided through certain interference mitigation solutions such as the specific procedure for interference-free operation of wireless microphone and in-ear monitor links defined in Annex 2 to the addendum to CEPT Report 50 or by applying other mitigation solutions. Member States should, where appropriate, encourage the application of such interference mitigation solutions and agreements, including by providing assistance or guidance to the parties involved.

The requirements for social and cultural events will often exceed the amount of 29 MHz available in the duplex gaps of the 800 MHz and 1 800 MHz bands. Since the spectrum requirements for wireless audio PMSE use vary significantly, there is a need to ensure at Union level the availability of a baseline of about 60 MHz of sustainable spectrum to meet recurring ordinary needs for wireless audio PMSE equipment users, even if this would not cover all possible requirements which may occur.

Member States should therefore provide up to an additional amount of 30 MHz to meet possible demand for wireless audio PMSE applications at social and cultural events. Such spectrum should be selected from tuning ranges to be decided by Member States, preferably in the 470-790 MHz spectrum range, by using white spaces. The exact amount of spectrum to be either assigned or authorised should depend on the specific demands expressed and may not always require all 30 MHz. Member States should also decide at national level which authorisation type and request procedures they should apply for such additional spectrum.

Moreover, spectrum requirements beyond 59 MHz which may appear in specific geographical areas, such as content production areas or theatre districts, or for large and exceptional events, are best addressed on a case-by-case basis at national level taking into account specific geographical and time constraints. Therefore, Member States should remain free to allow the use of more than the 59 MHz baseline.

Using different blocks of spectrum for different analogue wireless audio PMSE applications such as wireless microphones, in-ear monitors and talkback systems increases the possibilities to use spectrum by avoiding interference caused by intermodulation.

The results of the work carried out by CEPT (13) pursuant to the 15 December 2011 Commission mandate should be made applicable in the Union and should be implemented by Member States without delay, given the need to provide appropriate spectrum for wireless audio PMSE equipment on a long-term basis to respond to the increasing demand for it.

There is a need for a regular review of this Decision to cover new developments in particular to assess wireless audio PMSE spectrum requirements and the actual use of the harmonised bands.

The measures included in this Decision are in accordance with the opinion of the Radio Spectrum Committee,

‘wireless audio PMSE equipment’ means radio equipment used for transmission of analogue or digital audio signals between a limited number of transmitters and receivers, such as radio microphones, in-ear monitor systems or audio links, used mainly for the production of broadcast programmes or private or public social or cultural events;

‘non-interference and non-protection basis’ means that no harmful interference may be caused to any radio communication service and that no claim may be made for the protection against harmful interference originating from radio communication services.