The DTT coordination work in the 470-694 MHz band initiated at the end of 2014 made significant progress in 2016. Indeed, from April 2016, France, the United Kingdom, Ireland, Belgium, Luxembourg, Germany and the Netherlands signed an agreement on frequency distribution. The map below shows the accepted configuration for one of the DTT channels, channel 23. Comparable maps were approved for all 28 channels open to DTT broadcasting
This agreement made it possible to open negotiations on the technical conditions applicable to the transmitters. They condition possible modifications to make to DTT relays and will make it possible to better assess the risks of interference for television viewers.
These negotiations are currently complete for Luxembourg, the Netherlands and Ireland: an agreement has been signed with each of these countries. Discussions seem close to completion with the United Kingdom, Belgium and Germany. They are progressing with Switzerland and Spain, countries with which the frequency distribution has been stabilised, but with which no formal agreement has been signed. Work is also ongoing with Andorra.
Discussions with Italy also began in 2016. The calender to free up the band and the number of multiplexes Italy requires initially appear a long way from the French options, but the progress in the negotiations is encouraging. These discussions include Monaco and Vatican City.
Currently, the discussions also cover transition plans. Indeed, even when an agreement defines a target plan, the steps to reach it still need to be described. Depending on the calendars in the different countries, this course can result in temporary frequency uses in border zones that can result in interference. For example, the map below compares the French and British calendars, and reveals a period during which there should be an in-depth study on both sides of the Channel.
[Translate to Anglais:]
L’année 2017 verra ainsi l’aboutissement des travaux de coordination, afin d’offrir une vision définitive des prochains réaménagements TNT en France à partir d’octobre 2017.