Call for Evidence on the DNA- WSG response 15 June 2026
In our feedback to the COMMISSION PROPOSAL for a Regulation on the Digital Networks Act (DNA), the Wider Spectrum Group emphasized that key objectives of the DNA should also apply to the content and cultural industry:
- To reinforce EU competitiveness of the connectivity sector and industry at large
- To develop the single market
- To promote the interests of citizens, and
- To support the objectives of other union policies relying on radio spectrum.
The DNA proposal must be clarified with respect to terrestrial broadcasting and PMSE, because it is intended to replace the EECC and contains provisions that might directly or indirectly overshadow all or parts of the Radio Spectrum Policy Program and UHF Decision, which provided visibility and guarantees to our sector.
With respect to spectrum governance, it is for all three institutions of the EU, European Parliament, Council of the EU and European Commission, supported by its committees, to continue to decide on the strategy and roadmaps for the “radio spectrum”.
Ask #1: Spectrum policy should remain supportive of terrestrial broadcasting and PMSE and fostering sectorial innovation
Ask #2: the DNA should ensure that broadcast radio remains included in all cars and extended to other vehicle categories.
Ask #3: the DNA must enable innovation in broadcasting at European scale.
Full answer Wider Spectrum Group on DNA V2 final
Response to RSPG draft opinion on 6G spectrum roadmap – 27 March 2026
We appreciate the opportunity to comment on the draft RSPG opinion on a 6G spectrum roadmap, which addresses the prospect for 6G in the band 470-694 MHz band in point 10.
The first and most recent RSPG report listed in the draft opinion is the RSPG 25-033 report “Assessment of future usage of the frequency band 470-694 MHz within the EU”, published end 2025. The UHF report highlights important facts
“The data clearly show that use of the 470–694 MHz band in the EU is currently dominated by DTTB and PMSE, and most of the regulators do not anticipate any significant change to this situation.” (page 10)
“The majority of EU countries currently have no plans to refarm the UHF band.” (page 11)
“The majority of the regulators who replied are not currently considering the possibility to introduce additional services in the 470-694 MHz band” (page 10).
“A majority of MS indicate a requirement to use the entire 470-694 MHz band for audio PMSE over the course of the next decade.” (page 4)
The Wider Spectrum Group is surprised that none of those facts, which reflect the views of countries, administrations and regulators, are mentioned in the draft 6G opinion. This gives the impression that point 10 reflects only the viewpoint of some stakeholders, while prejudging the outcome of a complex process regarding specific discussions on the 470-694 MHz band and ignoring any impact on the incumbents of that essential band. This disrupts the balance of the draft 6G opinion in that respect.
The asks of the Wider Spectrum Group are the following:
- For fairness, balance and consistency, the final opinion should acknowledge the limitations to be expected in the majority of EU Member States for 6G use of the 470-694 MHz band, as outlined in the RSPG Report on UHF.
- In light of these findings, the final opinion should clarify that the 470-694 MHz band is not a suitable option for 6G in Europe, at least for the foreseeable future, because it cannot be implemented in a harmonized way in the majority of EU Member States.
Wider Spectrum Group Facts and Figures- 11 March 2026
The Wider Spectrum Group is happy to share compelling data on why the frequencies in the band 470-694 MHz matter for culture and European citizens
Response to RSPG consultation – 5 January 2026
Noting that the draft RSPG work programme under consultation includes 2 work items mentionning the sub700 MHz band, which is the core spectrum for the content and cultural industry, the Wider Spectrum Group emphasized that
(i) the 6G working group should clarify that this band is not an option to consider in Europe for 6G for the foreseeable future. The contrary would mean that Europe develops a roadmap irrelevant for the majority of Member States.
(ii) Regarding the work item on flexibility, RSPG should also consider the terrestrial broadcasting innovation roadmap and PMSE requirements. Flexibility for some Member States should not hinder evolutions for terrestrial broadcasting or PMSE usage including at European scale.
Read the full answer Wider Spectrum Group on RSPG25-034 final
Answer to the public consultation on draft RSPG report – 29 August 2025
The Wider Spectrum Group answered the RSPG Public consultation on Assessment of future usage of the frequency band 470-694 MHz within the EU.
Our answer emphasized three points and made concrete proposals for the report in 3 areas
(i) the social, economic and cultural impact of the band 470-694 MHz in Europe
(ii) Social partners are also interested parties in the debate on the UHF band
(iii) Democracy and Employment are important dimensions to be highlighted in the Report.
More in our full answer Wider Spectrum Group on RSPG25-024
Answer to the call for evidence on the DNA- 10 July 2025
The Wider Spectrum Group answered the call for evidence issued by the Commission in preparation of the Digital Networks Act (DNA).
Ask #1: Spectrum policy should remain supportive of terrestrial broadcasting and PMSE and fostering sectorial innovation.
Ask #2: the DNA should ensure that broadcast radio remains included in all cars.
Ask #3: the DNA must enable innovation in broadcasting.
Full text is available here DNA_CallForEvidence_WSG_Final
18 June 2025- Wider Spectrum Group at the 20th European Spectrum Management Conference
Brussels, 18 June 2025- In the first session dedicated to Spectrum Policy, European competitiveness and the Digital Networks Act, Vincent Sneed from EBU emphasized in the name of the Wider Spectrum Group that Spectrum policy impacts the creative and content industry (through terrestrial broadcasting and PMSE) from creation to distribution to consumers.
"It is the essence of the Wider Spectrum Group to gather not the specialists of spectrum engineering or spectrum management, but those consumers, employees unions, journalists, artists, film or TV shows producers, live performance organizers … Because the population and a huge ecosystem counting 2.5 million employees is impacted by EU spectrum policy and the DNA alongside TV, radios and PMSE. We trust that when employees, consumers, public service and commercial business say the same thing, policy makers tend to listen with attention to this political message."
See the full presentation
11 April 2025 – Statement for the RSPG workshop on “the future of the 470-694 MHz band within the EU”
Are the frequencies for the content and cultural industries at risk?
The Wider Spectrum Group calls RSPG and European policy makers to ensure the long-term access to spectrum for terrestrial broadcasting and PMSE.
The Wider Spectrum Group welcomes the organization by RSPG of this workshop, where some of its members’ organizations have been kindly invited to speak (APWPT, BNE, EBU). With this statement, we would like to give also a voice to those not speaking today: to those millions of listeners, viewers or spectators who enjoy quality European audiovisual and radio content, and amazing live performances in Europe; and to those making it happen, whether enterprises or the millions of qualified professionals behind the scene.
The 470-694 MHz band is essential to secure European content creation, production, and delivery through broadcasting and PMSE, and in the end for the benefit of all users – viewers and listeners. Qualified and local employment is fostered. Moreover, the current spectrum allocation supports a democratic and safer Europe, by ensuring quality news, pluralism, and freedom of speech through trusted media, available free-to-air, and through local events and debates.
In 2014, the Lamy report made clear the link between the UHF spectrum allocation and the successful European content and cultural industry. This is still the case in 2025: 42% of European households are using DTT, a green, sovereign and cost-effective solution to deliver a universal service. Terrestrial broadcasting is the backbone of the European audiovisual industry and of European content production and exposition, which is still financed more than 74% by broadcasters. Spectrum is shared with PMSE, also essential to content creation and live performance. The AV sector and radio employ more than 500 000 people, and live performances over 1.28 M, with a major fall out on advertising, music and film production (2.5 M jobs).
On both counts of sovereignty and competitiveness, Europe can be proud of its cultural and content industry. For the foreseeable future, let us not forget that the European model relies on access to a vital resource, spectrum. We call RSPG to ensure the long-term spectrum access for Terrestrial Broadcasting and PMSE.
Read the entire statement.WSG statement for RSPG workshop
5 November 2024- Response to RSPG questionnaire on the prospects for the use of the 470-694 MHz band
The Wider Spectrum Group welcomed the opportunity to inform the work of the RSPG Sub 700 MHz subgroup on a topic of prime importance for our coalition. The intent of the questionnaire is to gather facts and viewpoints arising from many sectors. Facilitating this wider viewpoint is exactly what the Wider Spectrum Group is about since its creation in 2015, and our answer is supported by 10 European and 8 national organizations.
See the full answer.
Wider Spectrum Group cover letter response to RSPG questionnaire
See the Response to the excel questionnaire.
19 June 2024- WSG speaks at the European Spectrum Management conference
Vincent Sneed from EBU represented the Wider Spectrum Group at the 19th European spectrum management conference in Brussels. He spoke in Session 2 moderated by Mario Maniewicz, Director of the ITU Radiocommunications Bureau on "WRC-23 outcomes, impacts and next steps towards WRC-27". The presentation is in the link below.
15 December 2023- Outcome on UHF Band at WRC-23
The Wider Spectrum Group welcomes the outcome of WRC-23 on UHF-Band (sub band 470-694 MHz) as Broadcasting retains exclusive primary allocation in the Table in Region 1. Exceptions are by footnotes. We note the footnote for a possible secondary allocation to mobile in Europe. We will follow the work of RSPG and ask regulators to prevent any negative effect on Broadcasting and PMSE –in full respect of the EU UHF Decision 2017/899. We welcome that this issue shall not be rediscussed before WRc-31, as the stability in UHF spectrum allocation in Europe brings many benefits in terms of public service, innovation, investment and employment.
23 October 2023- RSPG Should recommend more clearly to maintain the harmonization of the 470-694 MHz band for Culture in Europe
Ahead of the meeting of RSPG , ie the advisory commitee to the Commission on spectrum policy matters, Wider Spectrum Group publishes the response sent to the RSPG public consultation on the future use of the frequency band 470-694 MHz beyond 2030 in EU.
We emphasize that Europe has created a unique asset by having harmonized a band suited for the long-term needs of Culture.
This strategic allocation enables a single market for content creation, production and delivery, for events and culture, in line with the values of the European Declaration of Digital Rights and Principles.
7 June 2023- WSG speaks at the European Spectrum Management Conference
Silke Lalvani from Pearle* represented the WIder Spectrum Group at the 2023 edition of the European SPectrum Management Conference in Brussels.
On behalf of the Wider Spectrum Group, she asked European regulators to preserve the current UHF Band allocation by defending No Change at WRC 23.
Full presentation.
5 June 2023 – Position paper
The Wider Spectrum Group asks the Council to preserve the current UHF Band allocation by defending No Change at WRC-23.
While recognizing the value of considering a secondary mobile allocation in view of envisaging a compromise with the minority of Region 1 countries who insist on a change in regulations, the Wider Spectrum Group calls on the Council to support “No Change” and oppose a co-primary allocation to mobile in the international debate on the allocation of the UHF Band at WRC-23.
Regarding any possible agenda item at WRC-31 impacting the European cultural band 470-694 MHz band, the Wider Spectrum Group calls for a neutral wording that would not prejudge any specific regulatory action.
Full position at WSG position June 2023
2 May 2023 – Third Call to Europe
In May 2023, more than 100 cultural and media organizations call on decision makers, governments and regulators to protect production and distribution via the lower UHF spectrum band (470 -694 MHz).
The Wider Spectrum Group is part of this initiative and many of its members also participate directly.
At the World Radiocommunication Conference in the autumn of 2023, there is a risk of transferring this frequency band to mobile broadband services.
This so-called “co-primary” allocation will result in a de facto exclusion of the media and the cultural sector from the airwaves.
28 March 2023 – Position paper after RSPG opinion on WRC-23 preparation
The Wider Spectrum Group asks the European Commission, the Council and CEPT to preserve the current UHF Band allocation by defending No Change at WRC-23. While recognizing the value of the opinion by RSPG in view of envisaging a compromise with the minority of Region 1 countries who insist on a change in regulations, the Wider Spectrum Group calls on the European Commission to propose to the Council to oppose co-primary allocation and support “No Change” in the allocation of the UHF Band at WRC-23. Regarding any possible agenda item at WRC-31 impacting the European cultural band 470-694 MHz band, the Wider Spectrum Group calls for a neutral wording.
see full position paper WSG emphasizes No Change at WRC-23 after RSPG opinion
9 November 2022- 2nd Call to Europe
Today, more than 83 companies and organisations join force to send a clear message to decision makers to protect the existing UHF spectrum. The Wider Spectrum Group fully supports this initiative, and many of our members have also joined that action individually. This call to Europe takes place in a series of national, multi national and European initiatives united under the banner "Call to Europe Week", which was opened yesterday with the Wider Spectrum Group event in Brussels and online.
Click here to see the text of the Call to Europe and the supporting organizations
8 November 2022 – Graphic Summary of Wider Spectrum Group Event
A good picture is worth 1000 words, as demonstrated by Cartoonist Alix Garin from Cartoonbase.com at the Event organized on 8 November by the Wider Spectrum Group.
8 November 2022
"Broadcasting and PMSE need preservation of the current rules (no change) regarding the allocation of the UHF band"
Statement by the Wider Spectrum Group released at the Event "Frequencies for a Creative and Inclusive Europe- EU's way to WRC-23
8 November 8:45-10:00 Wider Spectrum Group Breakfast Event
Brussels & Online
European Broadcasting Union Brussels office (Av. des Arts 56, 1000 Brussels)
8 November 2022 | 08:45am - 10:00am CET
12 August 2022
The Wider Spectrum Group answers the Radio Spectrum Policy Group (RSPG) public consultation on the preparation of the WRC-23. The response is focused on Agenda Item 1.5 of WRC-23, dealing with the UHF band. The conclusion of our response is "Among the options considered by RSPG, the first one with No Change with a possible agenda item for WRC-31 is the most aligned with the interest of the European viewers and listeners, workers and companies in the Content and creative industry. While the Wider Spectrum Group is not asking for another discussion in 2031, the Wider Spectrum Group believes that this option of RSPG would respect the EU UHF Decision."
The full response is available at the following link Response to RSPG consultation on WRC-23 Wider Spectrum Group final
24 July 2022
The Wider Spectrum Group answers the Commission's call for evidence in preparation of a WRC-23. This initiative aims to establish a common EU position to be negotiated by Member States on behalf of the EU at the World Radiocommunication Conference 2023.
In this matter where the EU long-term policy is defined with no ambiguity by a recent co-decision (1) of the Parliament and Council, it is essential that Europe speaks with one voice in international negotiations. The preparatory process described by the Commission in this call for evidence is very important. The Wider Spectrum Group is calling for the Commission, EU institutions and Member States’ representatives to actively support at WRC-23 a No Change to the Radio Regulations affecting the 470-694 MHz band, and to oppose a co-primary allocation to mobile, even with a deferred entry into force.
(1) 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
WSG - Answer to the Call for Evidence on World Radiocommunication Conference 2023 final
6 July 2022
Wider Spectrum Group welcomes two new national members, SPIO from Germany and Television Abierta from Spain.
SPIO is the umbrella association for German Film Industry, representing cinemas, film producers, film distributors, film tech companies. SPIO’s interest in spectrum issues is directly on spectrum used for microphones and on stage, and indirectly because broadcasters are important partners for SPIO members,
Television Abierta (Open Television) is the Spanish coalition group made up of the main agents of Digital Terrestrial Television, a reflection of a global and plural impulse of all those who contribute to universal, free and free access television.
30 June 2022
European broadcasting and cultural industry call to Europe to secure UHF broadcasting spectrum
On June 30, 2022 – 57 associations and companies active in the broadcasting and cultural industry from 18 European countries have joined forces in a "Call to Europe" to urge policymakers and regulators to preserve the Lower UHF Band (470-694 MHz) for broadcasting and wireless production equipment (PMSE: Programme Making and Special Events).
The Wider Spectrum Group strongly supports this initiative, and many of the Wider Spectrum Group members also participate as individual organizations.
9 June 2022
Presentation of the Wider Spectrum Group at the 17 European Spectrum Management Conference
Anita Debaere from Pearle* spoke on behalf of the Wider Spectrum Group in the session on the future of the 470-694 MHz UHF Band in Europe. She emphasized that "The frequencies for a creative Europe in the UHF Band must be clearly defended for the long term in European spectrum policy and in the ITU process"
Download the presentation ESMC 2022
30 March 2022
Declaration at the workshop on the Commission study on the Use of the Sub-700 MHz band
The principles behind the UHF band allocation are balanced and in line with the general interest. Now that the frequencies for the telco sector have been delivered, the frequencies in the UHF for a creative Europe must equally be clearly defended in EU spectrum policy and in the ITU process. Those frequencies are essential to secure content creation and delivery through broadcasting and PMSE, for the benefit of all.
Read the full declaration below
05 January 2022
Response to the Public consultation on the Draft RSPG Work Programme for 2022 and beyond - In its response to the public consultation, the Wider Spectrum Group is watchful that the RSPG work programme takes full account of the letter and the intent of the relevant Union law, namely the UHF Decision, when addressing questions relative to the 470-694 MHz band. In particular the WSG comments on the EU preparation of WRC-23, including the necessary transparency, and on the proposed work item “Strategy on the future use of the frequency band 470-694 MHz beyond 2030 in the EU”.
23 June 2021
William Maunier from UNI-MEI represented the WSG at a round table on a new spectrum roadmap for Europe -watch William around 1:21:06 and 1:49:30
C
26 March 2021
Response to the Public consultation on the Draft RSPG Opinion on a Radio Spectrum Policy Programme
15 Octobre 2020
Celebrating the enduring value and relevance of Digital Terrestrial Television
19 July 2018
Response to the Public consultation on the Draft RSPG Opinion on the ITU-R World Radiocommunication Conference 2019
02 December 2016
Europe’s creative sector calls on policy makers to provide safeguards on UHF spectrum vital to sustaining free to air television and content creation
21 June 2016
WSG statement on the Parliamentary Event hosted by Members of Parliament Stefano Maullu and Patrizia Toia “Growth of the European Cultural and Creative Sector: Why Spectrum Matters”
29 February 2016
The Wider Spectrum Group (WSG) met with Andrus Ansip, the European Commission Vice President for the Digital Single Market, today to urge support for creative producers and distributors of European cultural content in upcoming EU legislation on the UHF frequencies.
“European content is at risk” says WIDER SPECTRUM GROUP
30 November 2015
WSG Statement on the 2015 World Radio Conference (WRC 2015):
«Frequencies for the creative sector gain future regulatory certainty after World Radio Conference» welcomes the Wider Spectrum Group
22 October 2015
Free-to-Air | Free to Create | Free to Grow. Wider Spectrum Group Brussels high-level conference featuring Pascal Lamy and Günther Oettinger as keynote speakers as well as Anthony Whelan (Director, DG Connect) and Kaja Kallas (MEP, ITRE Rapporteur on Digital Single Market report). Two panels bring together leading representatives from the media, creative and cultural space to discuss the importance of spectrum for the future of the EU's AV model and the sustainability and prosperity of its creative industries.
27 July 2015
Wider Spectrum Group writes to Telecom Council Chair ahead of WRC-15 to support rejection of the co-primary allocation to the mobile service of the band 470-694 MHz in Europe
14 July 2015
Commissioner Oettinger appears before European Parliament's Committee on Culture and Education, upholds Lamy report and the spectrum needs of broadcasting
15-16 June 2015
Members of the Wider Spectrum Group take part in the 10th Annual European Spectrum Management conference in Brussels
9 June 2015
Commission publishes the result of Lamy Consultation, 36 out of 96 stakeholder contributions submitted by “stakeholders from the creative and cultural industries, including broadcasting companies, broadcasting network operators, program making and special events (PMSE) manufacturers as well as art and audiovisual associations”
9 June 2015
MEP Michał Boni (EPP) asks EC precisions on the spectrum and implementation of Lamy report
15 May 2015
Wider Spectrum Group grows 10 members strong as CEPI, DigiTAG, Digital UK and VLV come on board
12 May 2015
Question to Vice-President Ansip during European Parliament's Digital Single Market Intergroup - response focuses on Broadband but what of impact and potential for creative economy and jobs?
6 May 2015
Wider Spectrum Group asks Commission for greater clarity on and alignment of spectrum policy approach following DSM strategy publication
29 April 2015
Wider Spectrum Group writes to President Juncker and Commissioners Ansip, Oettinger, Thyssen and Navracsics to outline concerns over treatment of spectrum in upcoming Commission Communication on the Digital Single Market
13 April 2015
Wider Spectrum Group formally launches and calls for an EU spectrum policy that sustains and grows jobs and value for Europe's cultural and creative sector
12 April 2015
European Commission's Consultation on Lamy report closes. Members of the Wider Spectrum share their contributions
Access WSG contributions to EC consultation on Lamy Report
28 January 2015
Assembled in the European Parliament, employers and workers speak as one to call for an industrial policy for Europe’s creative and cultural industries, urge decision-makers to see the bigger picture on the spectrum