Master-Thesis - APWPT

Master-Thesis:

Comparison between the impact of the Digital Dividend on the use of frequencies by professional wireless audio-equipment in Latin-America

and Europe.

Revision 1

Beuth University of Applied Science Berlin

In Co-Operation with:

Federal University of ABC

Information and Communication Engineering

Master of Engineering

FBVII - Elektrotechnik – Mechatronik – Optometrie

01st of May 2018 until 04th of October 2018

Author: Pia Seeger

Matriculation: 853014

1st Advisor: Prof. Dr.-Ing. Matthias Seimetz

2nd Advisor: Prof. Boris Balin

I

Abstract - English

As a consequence of the digitalization of the analogue terrestrial television, at the World Radio Conference it was decided worldwide, to allocate parts of the UHF TV spectrum to the Mobile Services, with identification for the ‘International Mo-bile Telecommunication’ (IMT) application. This new frequency allocation affects wireless audio production tools (PMSE), which were operated in the same part of the spectrum. In my thesis, I am analysing how this new frequency allocation is handled in different regions of the world (Latin-America and Europe) and what consequences it has on the users of wireless production tools. Therefore, I will focus on wireless audio production tools (PMSE), to reduce the framework of my thesis to an appropriate size.

To provide a better understanding of my work, after a short introduction into the topic, I will start to explain some fundamentals, e.g. the radio frequency spectrum and its regulation, characteristics and function of wireless audio production tools (PMSE) and the new digital terrestrial television. The situation in Latin-America will be analysed mainly by the example of Brazil and two additional countries (Argentina and Mexico). These countries were chosen on the basis of the results of my research.

Also, I will consider the results of an online survey about the use of frequencies by wireless audio production tools (PMSE) in Brazil, which I conducted before the start of my master thesis as part of a university project. Finally, I have available spectrum scans from different events in Brazil. One of these spectrum scans I carried out myself during the development of this thesis; additional scans were provided to me by various contacts. For the examination of the situation in Eu-rope, I will refer to the results of my earlier research on this topic and will adjust and upgrade this data in line with current developments. Finally, I will compare the situations of Latin-America and Europe to identify similarities and differences with regards to the impact of the new frequency allocation on the users of wireless audio production tools (PMSE) and draw my conclusion.

Abstrakt - Deutsch

Infolge der Digitalisierung des terrestrischen analogen Fernsehens, wurde auf der Weltfunkkonferenz beschlossen, Teile des UHF TV Spektrums an die mobi-len Dienste zuzuweisen. Diese neue Spektrumzuweisung betrifft auch drahtlose Produktionsmittel z.B. der Content- und Eventproduktion, welche ebenfalls in die-sem Bereich des Spektrums eingesetzt werden. In meiner Arbeit untersuche ich, wie die neue Zuweisung in verschiedenen Regionen der Erde (Latein Amerika und Europa) gehandhabt wird und welche Auswirkungen diese Änderung in der Spektrumzuweisung auf drahtlose Produktionsmittel hat. Um den Rahmen der Arbeit angemessen einzuschränken, werde ich mich auf drahtlose Audio Produk-tionsmittel beschränken. Um eine bessere Verständlichkeit der Arbeit zu gewähr-leisten werde ich nach der Einleitung zunächst auf einige Grundlagen, wie das elektromagnetische Spektrum und seine Regulierung, die Eigenschaften von

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drahtlosen Produktionsmitteln und dem neuen digitalen terrestrischen Fernse-hen, eingehen. Die Situation für Latein Amerika wird hauptsächlich am Fallbei-spiel Brasilien, sowie zwei weiteren Staaten analysiert. Als Grundlage hierzu dient meine Recherche. Weiter werden außerdem die Ergebnisse einer Online-Umfrage zur Frequenznutzung drahtloser Audio Produktionsmittel in Brasilien, welche ich im Rahmen eines Universitätsprojektes vor Beginn der Masterarbeit durchgeführt habe, in Betracht gezogen. Außerdem liegen Spektrum Scans ver-schiedener Events, welche ich im Zeitraum meiner Arbeit durchführen konnte o-der welche mir zur Verfügung gestellt wurden, vor. Zur Ermittlung der Situation in Europa werde ich meine frühere Recherche zu diesem Thema aufgreifen, mit den aktuellen Entwicklungen abgleichen und ergänzen. Am Ende werde ich in einem Vergleich Unterschiede und Gemeinsamkeiten der Auswirkungen der neuen Frequenzzuweisung auf die Nutzung drahtloser Produktionsmittel erörtern und meine Schlussfolgerung ziehen.

III

Acknowledgements

The success of this project required a lot of assistance from different people and I would like to thank all of them for their efforts.

Firstly, I would like to thank my mobility supervisor Professor Mario Minami at the partner university ‘Federal University of ABC’ (UFABC) of the exchange program between Brazil and my home university in Germany for his support of my work and for providing professional contacts for my thesis. As well, I would like to thank Marta Rodrigues Martins for the access to the laboratories of the UFABC, for providing the equipment for the spectrum scans and for the test-measurements in the laboratories.

Further, my special thanks go to the team of Globo TV, for the access to the soccer game for spectrum measurements, their ongoing support during the measurements and for the provision of required background information.

I also want to acknowledge the PMSE User and Manufacturer Association APWPT, the Shure Incorporated, the Sennheiser electronic Brazil and Germany and Ruben Alvarez (Ampere Mexico) for the impressive support with further in-formation and contacts.

Thank you.

Pia Seeger

IV

Abbreviations

UHF Ultra High Frequency IEM In-Ear Monitor TV Television ‘Digital

Switch-Over’ Switching from analogue to digital terrestrial TV pro-grammes in the UHF TV spectrum

PMSE Programme Making and Special Event

MHz Megahertz

DVB-T Digital Video Broadcasting - Ter-restrial

WRC World Radio Conference

ISDB-Tb Integrated Services Digital Broadcasting Terrestrial Brazil

LTE Long Term Evolution

DD Digital Dividend ITU-R Radiocommunication Sector of the ITU

IMT International Mobile Telecom-munication

ECC Electronic Communications Committee

HD High Definition SAB Services ancillary to broad-casting

CEPT European Conference of Postal and Telecommunications Ad-ministration

ENG Electronic News Gathering

ETSI European Telecommunications Standards Institute

PWMS Professional Wireless Micro-phone Systems

SAP Services ancillary to programme making

AF Audio Frequency

OB Outside Broadcasting Rx Receiver ERC European Research Council SNR Signal-to-Noise Ratio Tx Transmitter dB Decibel Preamp Pre-amplifier PLL Phase Locked Loop RF Radio Frequency C/N+I Carrier-over-Noise-and-Inter-

ference Ratio FM Frequency Modulation Amp Amplification C/I Carrier-over-Interference Ratio VCO Voltage Controlled Oscillator IF Intermediate Frequency A/D

ADC Analogue to Digital Con-verter

ms millisecond EN European Norm kHz Kilo Hertz mW milliwatt dBm Decibel in mW h hour Hz Hertz ESC Eurovision Song Contest AM Amplitude Modulation PM Phase Modulation ASK Amplitude Shift Keying PSK Phase Shift Keying FSK Frequency Shift Keying QAM Quadrature-Amplitude-Mod-

ulation D/A DAC

Digital to Analogue Converter IQ-Diagram Inphase-Quadrature-Dia-gram

QPSK Quadrature-PSK AMR Adaptive Multi-Rate dBµV Decibel in µV K Kelvin °C ° Celsius LED Light-emitting diode Pnoise Thermal Noise Power dBW Decibel-Watt k Boltzmann constant J/K Joules / Kelvin T Temperature B Bandwidth Pref Reference Thermal Noise Power R Resistor Ω Ohm Vn Noise Voltage V Volt Pn Signal level of noise floor Ps Signal level of wanted signal P.A. Public Address IM Intermodulation Ch. Channel λ Wavelength T Time Period t Time I Current U Voltage C Speed of light; 299 792 458

metres per second F Frequency ITU International Telecommuni-

cation Union ULF Ultra Low Frequencies VLF Very Low Frequencies LF Low Frequencies MF Middle Frequencies HF High Frequencies VHF Very High Frequencies SHF Super High Frequencies EHF Extremely High Frequencies

V

UK United Kingdom ITU-T Telecommunication Stand-ardization Sector of the ITU

ITU-D Telecommunication Develop-ment Sector of the ITU

SG5 SG6

Working groups of the ITU

WP5C WP6A

Working Subgroups of the Work-ing Groups of the ITU

WRC World Radiocommunication Conference

RR Radio Regulations RRC Regional Radiocommunica-tion Conference

Anatel Agência Nacional de Telecomu-nicações

SGT-1 Working Subgroup 1 – Com-munications

IRT German: Institut für Rundfunk-technik GmbH English: Institute for Broadcast-ing

T&T Test and Tagging

USA United States of America Res. Resolution ‘Analogue Switch-Off’

Switching off analogue terrestrial TV programmes in the UHF TV band

WRC-07 World Radio Conference in the year 2007



RRC-04 Regional Radiocommunication Conference in the year 2004

RRC-06 Regional Radiocommunica-tion Conference in the year 2006

GE06 Geneva 2006 GSMA GSM Association Anafima Associação Nacional da Indús-

tria Música National Association of the Mu-sic Industry

PLFS Free Space Path Loss

DKE Deutsche Norm Elektrotechnik Elektronik Informationstechnik

R&S Rohde&Schwarz

RA Radio Astronomy SECOM Spanish: Secretaría de Comunicaciones English: Secretariat of Com-munications

COMFER Spanish: Comité Federal de Radiodifusión English: Federal Broadcasting Committee

CNC Spanish: Comisión Nacional de Comunicaciones English: National Commis-sion on Communications

AFSCA Spanish: Autoridad Federal de Servicos de Comunicación Audiovisual English: Federal Authority for Audiovisual Communication Ser-vices

AFTIC Spanish: Autoridad Federal de Tecnologias de la Informacion y las Comunicaciones English: Federal Authority for Information Technology and Communications

CNDC Spanish: Comisión Nacional de Defensa de la Competencia English: National Commission for the Defence of Competition

FTA Free-to-Air

ENACOM Spanish: Ente Nacional de Comunicaciones English: National Authority for Communications

TIC Information and Communica-tion Technologies

CABFRA Cuadro de Atribución de Bandas de Frecuencias de la República Argentina Argentinas national Frequency Allocation plan

DBP Spanish: Dispositivos de Baja Potencia English: Low Power Devices

SCTVC Spanish: Servicio Complementaroo de Televisión Codificada Explanation: coded TV

RAMATEL Spanish: Registro de Actividades y Materiales de Telecomunicaciones English: Registry of Activities and Materials of Telecommu-nications

BACUA Audiovisual Band of Argentinean Universal Content

COFETEL

Spanish: Comisión Federal de Telecomunicaciones English: Federal Commis-sion of Telecommunication

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SDSA Spanish: Distribución de Señales de Audio English: Distribution of Audio Signals

CCTDR Consultative Committee for Digital Broadcasting Tech-nologies

SCT Spanish: Secretario de Cominicaciones y Transportes English: Secretariat of Communications and Transpor

CNAF Spanish: Cuadro Nacional de Atribuición de Frecuencias Explanation: Mexicos national Frequency Allocation plan

IFETEL Spanish: Instituto Federal de Telecomunicaciones English: Federal Institute of Tel-ecommunications

SD Standard Quality

CA Complementary Actions ATSC Advanced Television Systems Committee

ALTÁN ALTÁN Redes S.A.P.I. de C.V. DECT Digital Enhanced Cordless Telecommunications

MX Mexico’s National Footnotes in the CNAF

5G 5th Generation

Km Kilometre OFCOM CH L'Office fédéral de la com-munication Explanation: National Frequency Regulation Office of Switzerland

WIFI Wireless Fidelity VPLT German: Verband für Medien und Veranstaltungstechnik English: Association for Media and Event Technology

ST61 Stockholm 1961 Agreement BTR Bühnentechnische Rundschau Explanation: Stage-Technical Review, a german theatre-magazine

PMSE-DB PMSE-Database EC European Comission APWPT Association of Professional

Wireless Production Technolo-gies

BNetzA German: Bundesnetzagentur Explanation: German Frequency Regulation Agency

APT Asian-Pacific Telecommunity IBC International Broadcast Conference and Exhibition

RTR Rundfunk und Telekom Regulie-rungs-GMBH Explanation: Austria’s national telecommunication regulation agency

ISM Industrial, Scientific and Medical

CCI Content and Creative Industry Arcep French: Autorité de régulation des communications électroniques et des postes Explanation: National fre-quency regulation authority of France

SRD Short Range Devices SE7 Working Group of the CEPT/ECC

Ofcom UK Office of Communications RL- UmstKoPMSE700

Bekanntmachung Richtlinie über die Gewährung von Bil-ligkeitsleistungen für Aus-gleichszahlungen an Nutzer drahtloser Produktionsmittel („PMSE“) für aus der Umwid-mung der Frequenzen im Frequenzbereich 694 bis 790 MHz resultierende Umstel-lungskosten

VII

SE07_28 Mandate, on which SE7 is work-ing

F1 Formula 1

MISE Italian: Ministero dello Sviluppo Economico English: Ministry for Economic Development

Table 1: Abbreviations

Note: the abbreviations are not in alphabetic order, instead they are sorted by their order in the text.

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Table of Content

1. Introduction .................................................................................................. 1

Part A: Fundamentals ........................................................................................ 2

2. Wireless Audio Production Tools (PMSE) ................................................... 2

2.1. International Terminology ...................................................................... 2

2.1.1. SAB/SAP ........................................................................................ 2

2.1.2. ENG/OB ......................................................................................... 3

2.1.3. PMSE ............................................................................................. 3

2.1.4. PWMS ............................................................................................ 4

2.2. Functioning of Wireless Audio Production Tools (Analogue) ................ 4

2.2.1. Wireless Transmitter (Analogue) .................................................... 5

2.2.1.1. Electro-Acoustic Conversion .................................................... 5

2.2.1.2. Preamp .................................................................................... 6

2.2.1.3. Emphasis ................................................................................. 6

2.2.1.4. Companding ............................................................................. 6

2.2.1.5. Frequency Modulation (FM) ..................................................... 8

2.2.2. Wireless Receiver (Analogue) ...................................................... 10

2.2.2.1. Front End, Mixer, IF Filter and IF Amp ................................... 10

2.2.2.2. Demodulation of a Frequency Modulated (FM) Signal ........... 11

2.2.2.3. Expander and De-Emphasis .................................................. 12

2.3. System Requirements, Technical Characteristics and Performance Parameters of Wireless Audio Production Tools ........................................... 13

2.3.1. Scalability of Performance Parameters ........................................ 13

2.3.2. Performance Parameters and System Requirements .................. 13

2.3.2.1. Audio Quality and Robustness against RF Interference ........ 13

2.3.2.2. Latency .................................................................................. 15

2.3.2.3. Dynamic Range and Transmitter Sensitivity .......................... 15

2.3.2.4. Duty Cycle and Availability ..................................................... 16

2.3.3. Technical Characteristics ............................................................. 16

2.3.3.1. Channel Bandwidth ................................................................ 16

2.3.3.2. Technical Parameters ............................................................ 17

2.3.3.3. Tuning Range ........................................................................ 18

2.3.3.4. Spectrum Requirements ........................................................ 19

2.4. Analogue vs. Digital Technologies ...................................................... 20

2.4.1. Wireless Transmitter (Digital) ....................................................... 21

2.4.1.1. A/D Conversion ...................................................................... 21

2.4.1.2. Encoding ................................................................................ 21

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2.4.1.3. Digital Modulation: Phase Shift Keying (PSK) ........................ 22

2.4.2. Wireless Receiver (Digital) ........................................................... 23

2.4.3. Analogue and Digital in Comparison ............................................ 24

2.4.3.1. Robustness Against Interferences ......................................... 26

2.4.3.2. Sound Quality ........................................................................ 26

2.4.3.3. Latency .................................................................................. 26

2.4.3.4. Complexity of the Circuit Technology ..................................... 27

2.4.3.5. Energy Efficiency ................................................................... 27

2.4.3.6. Power Amplifier ...................................................................... 27

2.4.3.7. Spectrum Efficiency / Transmission Bandwidth ......................... 27

2.4.4. Trade-Off ...................................................................................... 28

3. Signal Degradation Effects ........................................................................ 29

3.1. Noise Floor .......................................................................................... 29

3.2. SNR vs. C/I and C/N+I ........................................................................ 33

3.2.1. SNR .............................................................................................. 33

3.2.2. C/I ................................................................................................. 34

3.2.3. C/N+I ............................................................................................ 35

3.3. Interferences ....................................................................................... 36

3.3.1. Co-Channel Interference .............................................................. 37

3.3.2. Adjacent Channel Interference ..................................................... 37

3.3.3. Intermodulation ............................................................................. 38

4. Radio Frequency Spectrum ....................................................................... 43

4.1. Electromagnetic Radiation .................................................................. 43

4.2. The Electromagnetic Spectrum ........................................................... 45

4.3. The Radio Frequency Spectrum ......................................................... 46

4.4. The VHF and UHF TV Spectrum in Brazil ........................................... 47

4.5. Further Division into Frequency Bands ............................................... 48

4.6. TV Channel Arrangement ................................................................... 49

5. Spectrum and Frequency Regulation ........................................................ 49

5.1. International Regulation – ITU ............................................................ 49

5.1.1. ITU-Regions ................................................................................. 49

5.1.2. Sectors of the ITU ......................................................................... 50

5.1.3. Study Groups................................................................................ 50

5.1.4. World Radio Conference .............................................................. 50

5.1.5. Regional Radiocommunication Conferences (RRC)..................... 51

5.1.6. Radio Regulations (RR) ................................................................ 51

5.1.7. Final Acts ...................................................................................... 51

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5.2. National Regulation – Anatel in Brazil ................................................. 51

5.3. Frequency Coordination for an Event ................................................. 52

6. Digital Terrestrial Television - ISDB-Tb...................................................... 55

7. The Digital Dividends ................................................................................. 56

Part B: Impact of the Digital Dividends on the Use of Frequencies by Wireless Audio Production Tools in Latin-America ......................................................... 60

8. Brazil.......................................................................................................... 60

8.1. The Digital Dividend in Brazil .............................................................. 60

8.1.1. Background of the DD in Brazil .................................................... 60

8.1.2. The ‘Digital Switch-Over’ in Brazil................................................. 60

8.1.3. Realization of the Digital Dividend in Brazil .................................. 61

8.2. Impact of the DD on the Use of Wireless Audio Production Tools ...... 63

8.2.1. Licensing and Authorization of Wireless Audio Production Tools . 66

8.2.1.1. Before the DD – Res. 506 ...................................................... 68

8.2.1.2. After the DD - Res. 680 .......................................................... 68

8.2.1.3. Temporary licenses – Res. 635 ............................................. 69

8.2.2. Changes in the National Frequency Allocation Plan ..................... 70

8.2.3. Survey: ‘The use of frequencies by wireless Audio-Equipment in Brazil during the process of the Digital Dividend’ ....................................... 70

8.2.4. Spectrum Scan at a Soccer Game in São Paulo .......................... 73

8.2.5. Major Events in Brazil ................................................................... 81

8.2.5.1. João Rock Festival – Ribeirão Preto, 2018 ............................ 81

8.2.5.2. Carnival 2018 in Rio - Sambódromo ...................................... 88

9. Argentina ................................................................................................... 90

9.1. Frequency Regulation Agencies ......................................................... 90

9.2. Laws regarding Broadcast and Telecommunication ........................... 92

9.2.1. Media Law .................................................................................... 92

9.2.2. Argentina Conectada .................................................................... 93

9.3. The Digital Dividends in Argentina ...................................................... 93

9.3.1. The First Digital Dividend in Argentina ......................................... 93

9.3.1.1. Background of the DD1 in Argentina ...................................... 93

9.3.1.2. Realization of the First Digital Dividend in Argentina ............. 94

9.3.2. The Second Digital Dividend in Argentina .................................... 97

9.3.2.1. Background of the DD2 in Argentina ...................................... 97

9.3.2.2. Realization of the Second Digital Dividend in Argentina ........ 97

9.4. Impact of the DDs on the Use of Wireless Audio Production Tools .... 98

9.4.1. Content Production ....................................................................... 98

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9.4.2. Frequency Ranges ....................................................................... 99

9.4.3. Homologation, Certification and Authorization of Radio Devices 101

9.4.4. Alternatives and Solutions in Argentina ...................................... 102

10. Mexico ................................................................................................. 103

10.1. Relevant administrations for Wireless Audio Production Tools ...... 103

10.2. The Digital Dividends in Mexico ..................................................... 104

10.2.1. ‘Digital Switch-Over’ in Mexico ................................................ 104

10.2.2. The First Digital Dividend in Mexico ........................................ 105

10.2.2.1. Background of the DD1 in Mexico ...................................... 105

10.2.2.2. Realization of the First Digital Dividend in Mexico .............. 106

10.2.3. The Second Digital Dividend in Mexico ................................... 107

10.3. Relevant Frequency Allocations and Regulations in Mexico.......... 108

10.3.1. CNAF 1999 ............................................................................. 108

10.3.2. CNAF 2018 ............................................................................. 109

10.3.3. Footnotes in different Frequency Allocation Tables ................ 109

10.4. Cross-Border Frequency Coordination .......................................... 112

10.4.1. Southern Border of Mexico: Belize and Guatemala ................ 112

10.4.2. Northern Border of Mexico: USA ............................................. 112

10.5. Impact of the DD on the Use of Wireless Audio Production Tools . 113

10.5.1. Alternatives and Solutions in Mexico ....................................... 115

10.5.2. Practical Example: Music Festival ‘Vive Latino’ ....................... 116

11. Conclusion about the Situation in Latin-America ................................. 117

Part C: Impact of the Digital Dividends on the Use of Frequencies by Wireless Audio Production Tools in Europe .................................................................. 120

12. The first Digital Dividend ...................................................................... 120

12.1. Background: How did the DD1 come about? ................................. 120

12.2. Implementation of the DD1 ............................................................ 121

12.3. Impact of the DD1 on the Use of Wireless Audio Production Tools 123

13. The Second Digital Dividend ............................................................... 128

13.1. Background: How did the DD2 come about? ................................. 128

13.2. Implementation of the DD2 ............................................................ 130

13.2.1. Decision Implementation in Germany ..................................... 130

13.2.2. Decision Implementation in Austria ......................................... 131

13.2.3. Decision Implementation in France ......................................... 132

13.2.4. Decision Implementation in United Kingdom ........................... 132

13.2.5. Decision Implementation in Switzerland .................................. 133

13.3. Impact of the DD2 on the Use of Wireless Audio Production Tools 133

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13.3.1. Impact on Wireless Audio Production Tools in Germany ........ 135

13.3.2. Impact on Wireless Audio Production Tools in Austria ............ 136

13.3.3. Impact on Wireless Audio Production Tools in France ............ 137

13.3.4. Impact on Wireless Audio Production Tools in the UK ............ 137

13.3.5. Impact on Wireless Audio Production Tools in Switzerland ..... 138

14. Major Events in Europe ....................................................................... 140

14.1. German Regional Elections – Bremen, 2015 ................................. 140

14.2. Olympic Games 2012 – London UK .............................................. 142

14.3. Eurovision Song Contest 2011 – Düsseldorf, Germany ................. 143

15. Considered and Implemented Alternatives and Solutions in Europe ... 144

15.1. Harmonised Frequency Bands ...................................................... 144

15.2. The Air-Band Study ....................................................................... 146

15.3. Financial Compensations............................................................... 148

Part D: Comparisons and Conclusions .......................................................... 149

16. Comparison: Digital Dividends and its impact on the Use of Wireless Audio Production Tools in Latin-America and Europe .............................................. 149

16.1. Realization of the Digital Dividends in Latin-America and Europe . 149

16.1.1. The First Digital Dividend ........................................................ 150

16.1.2. The Second Digital Dividend ................................................... 150

16.2. Use of Wireless Audio Production Tools (PMSE) .......................... 151

16.2.1. Frequency Ranges for Wireless Audio Production Tools ........ 151

16.2.2. Licensing of Wireless Audio Production Tools (PMSE) ........... 152

16.3. Impact of the DDs on the Use of Wireless Audio Production Tools 153

16.3.1. Survey Results ........................................................................ 153

16.3.1.1. Changed Frequency Usage ............................................... 153

16.3.1.2. Costs and Efforts for affected Users................................... 154

16.3.1.3. Changed Interference Scenario ......................................... 154

16.3.2. Frequency Coordination of Major Events ................................ 156

16.3.3. Solutions for Wireless Audio Production Tools (PMSE) .......... 157

16.3.3.1. Access to Public Information about Wireless Audio Production Tools and the DDs ............................................................................... 158

16.3.3.2. Spectrum Compensations .................................................. 159

16.3.3.3. Financial Compensations ................................................... 159

16.3.3.4. Market Return or Tuning Range Adjustment ...................... 160

16.3.3.5. Online Databases and Tools for Frequency Coordination .. 160

16.4. Cross-Border Frequency Harmonization ....................................... 161

17. Comparison of the Frequency Coordination at the Formula 1 Races in Brazil and Italy ................................................................................................ 162

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18. Final Conclusion .................................................................................. 169

18.1. Part A: Fundamentals .................................................................... 169

18.2. Part B: Impact of the Digital Dividends on the Use of Frequencies by Wireless Audio Production Tools in Latin-America ..................................... 169

18.3. Part C: Impact of the Digital Dividends on the Use of Frequencies by Wireless Audio Production Tools in Europe ................................................ 170

18.4. Part D: Comparisons and Conclusions .......................................... 170

List of Tables ....................................................................................................... I

List of Graphics ................................................................................................. III

References ........................................................................................................ VI

ANNEX .......................................................................................................... XXIII

A.1 Characteristics / Requirements for Digital Wireless Microphones ....... XXIII

A.2 UHF TV Channel Arrangement in Brazil ............................................. XXIV

A.3 Final Acts – Changes 2000 until 2015 ................................................. XXV

A.4 Calculation: Spectrum Occupation at the João Rock Festival ............ XXVI

A.5 Overview Over the last ‘Annual Latin-American Spectrum Management Conferences’ ........................................................................................... XXVIII

A.6 Frequency Request Italy ..................................................................... XXIX

1

1. Introduction

The UHF TV spectrum is allocated in a primary basis to the terrestrial broadcasting ser-vice. In the past the terrestrial television broadcasts were analogue. One TV program occupied one whole TV channel (6 MHz). Additionally, two TV programs could not be transmitted in adjacent TV channels due to out-of-band emissions. The gaps between the locally occupied TV channels are called ‘White Spaces’. In many European and Latin-American countries wireless audio production tools (PMSE) such as wireless micro-phones and In-Ear Monitors (IEM) were using the UHF TV spectrum on a secondary basis. These kinds of devices were earlier mainly used by broadcasters for production of the content. Nowadays, private organisations use wireless audio production tools (PMSE) for the production of many types of events, e.g., concerts, shows and musicals. Wireless audio production tools (PMSE) were mainly operated in the White Spaces between the locally occupied TV channels.

During recent years, the spectrum allocations inside the UHF TV spectrum changed. The reason is the transition from analogue to digital terrestrial television. This process is called ‘Digital Switch-Over’. Different standards for digital television are used around the world. For example, in Europe mainly DVB-T or DVB-T2 is used, while some Latin-American countries are using the Brazilian-Japanese TV standard ISDB-Tb. With the use of digital TV transmitters, it is possible, to distribute more than one TV station in one 6 MHz UHF TV channel. It is also possible to transmit TV stations in adjacent TV channels. Because of this, with the new digital standards, less spectrum is required to transmit the same amount of TV programs in the same quality, such as with an analogue TV transmission1. This process of freeing-up broadcast radio spectrum is called ‘Digital Dividend’ (DD).

It was decided by nations that the so-called ‘Digital Dividend’ (DD) could be made avail-able for other services and on several World Radio Conferences (WRC) parts of the UHF TV spectrum were re-allocated to the Land Mobile Service with identification for IMT. The new allocated frequency bands can be used for the implementation of the LTE technology and the coverage of mobile internet in rural areas.

Over the years, in ITU-Region 1, which includes Europe, the 800 and 700 MHz frequency bands, and in ITU-Region 2, which includes Latin-America, the 700 MHz frequency band were allocated to the Land Mobile Service2. Currently, in some Latin-American countries it is now under discussion, to allocate the 600 MHz frequency band to the Land Mobile Service.

In my observation, the situation regarding the DD and its national implementation differ in different regions around the world. Because of the high interference level from the LTE technology, the use of frequency bands, which now are assigned to the Land Mobile Ser-vice, is increasingly restricted for wireless audio production tools (PMSE). Additionally, the spectrum occupation of UHF TV spectrum underneath the frequency bands of the DD

1 If during the ‘Digital Switch-Over’ the quality is changed to HD, more spectrum will be required for the distribution and conclusively less spectrum will be freed up. 2 Note 1: in Latin-America the 800 MHz frequency band already was allocated to the Mobile Service be-fore the DD. Note 2: in ITU-Region 3 similar changes in the UHF TV spectrum are made, but these will not be consid-ered further in this thesis.

2

are more highly occupied than before: the TV transmission of content, which before the DD was distributed in the upper frequency bands, has been moved to the lower part of the UHF TV spectrum, in some geographical regions this results in less White Spaces into which wireless audio production tools (PMSE) can be deployed. Several sources are confirming, that fewer ‘White Spaces’ are available in the remaining UHF TV spectrum [1]. In general, users of wireless audio production tools (PMSE) have fewer available frequencies for the event and content production and need to deal with a higher risk of interference. It is suggested that alternative frequency ranges need to be identified for use by wireless audio production tools (PMSE). Also, some equipment might not be usa-ble anymore or some existing licenses will no longer be further extended. Therefore, us-ers of wireless audio production tools (PMSE) needed to buy new equipment and / or request new licenses. My survey shows, that affected users have additional costs and efforts [2] [3]. The consequences of the DDs for users of wireless audio production tools (PMSE) differs in different regions of the world.

Part A: Fundamentals

Part A starts my thesis by summarizing some general fundamentals.

2. Wireless Audio Production Tools (PMSE)

The first part of the fundamentals considers some application-related information regard-ing wireless audio production tools (PMSE).

2.1. International Terminology

In the international working groups, such as the ITU-R, CEPT/ECC, ETSI and beyond, various terminologies are used. In this master-thesis I will refer to ‘wireless audio produc-tion tools (PMSE)’, which in my definition includes all devices covered by the different terminologies explained underneath.

Note: The same definition of a terminology might be found in various reports, sometimes with small variations. In this chapter one exemplary definition per term will be presented.

2.1.1. SAB/SAP

‘SAB: Services ancillary to broadcasting support the activities of broadcasting industry carried out in the production of their program material.

SAP: Services ancillary to programme making support the activities carried out in the making of “programmes”, such as film making, advertisements, corporate videos, con-certs, theatre and similar activities not initially meant for broadcasting to general public.

The definitions of SAB and SAP are not necessarily mutually exclusive. Therefore, they are often used together as “SAB/SAP” to refer generally to the whole variety of services to transmit sound and video material over radio links.

The SAB/SAP applications include both ENG/OB and SNG/OB applications and also the communication links that may be used in the production of programmes, such as talk-back or personal monitoring of sound-track, telecommand, telecontrol and similar appli-cations.’ [4, Page 7]

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Note: the same or similar definitions can as well be found in ERC Report 204, ERC Re-port 42, ECC Report 002 and several more.

2.1.2. ENG/OB

‘ENG: Electronic News Gathering (ENG) is the collection of video and/or sound material by means of small, often hand-held wireless cameras and/or microphones with radio links to the news room and/or to the portable tape or other recorders.

OB: Outside broadcasting (OB) is the temporary provision of programme making facilities at the location of on-going news, sport or other events, lasting from a few hours to several weeks. Mobile and/or portable radio links are required for wireless cameras or micro-phones at the OB location. Additionally, radio links may be required for temporary point to point connections between the OB vehicle, additional locations around it, and the stu-dio.

The definitions of ENG and OB are not mutually exclusive and certain operations could equally well reside in either or both categories. Therefore, it has been a long practice within the CEPT to consider all types of such operations under the combined term “ENG/OB”. It is also understood that ENG/OB refers to terrestrial radio communication services, as opposed to SNG/OB term, which refers to similar applications but over the satellite radio communication channels.’ [5, Page 7 and 8]

Note: the same or similar definitions can as well be found in ERC Report 42, ECC Re-port 002 and several more.

2.1.3. PMSE

The term ‘Programme Making and Special Event’ (PMSE) examines ‘radio applications used for SAP/SAB, ENG/OB and applications used in meetings, conferences, cultural and education activities, trade fairs, local entertainment, sport, religious and other public or private events for perceived real-time presentation of audio/visual information’ [5, Page 7] and therefore ‘covers all the wireless production tools used for front-end solutions in the field of professional multimedia production’ [6].

PMSE can be divided into the following three groups: Audio PMSE; Video PMSE and PMSE for effect / remote control. This division is as well illustrated in the graphic under-neath:

Figure 1: Classification of PMSE [6]

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In this thesis I will focus on Audio PMSE usage. This includes devices such as wireless microphones, IEMs and Audio Links. In the graphic this area is marked with the red box.

To be more detailed, the ERC Report 204, divides the term ‘PMSE’ into the two sub-terminologies of ‘Programme Making’ and ‘Special Event’, which are defined as follows:

‘Programme Making includes the making of a programme for broadcast, the making of a film, presentation, advertisement or audio or video recordings, and the staging or perfor-mance of an entertainment, sporting or other public event.

A Special Event is an occurrence of limited duration, typically between one day and a few weeks, which take place on specifically defined locations. Examples include large cul-tural, sport, entertainment, religious and other festivals, conferences and trade fairs. In the entertainment industry, theatrical productions may run for considerably longer.’ [5, Pages 7 and 8]

2.1.4. PWMS

‘The term PWMS (Professional Wireless Microphone Systems) includes all wireless equipment used at the front-end of all professional audio productions. PWMS are in-tended for use in the entertainment and installed sound industry by Professional Users involved in stage productions, public events, TV programme production, public and pri-vate broadcasters’ installation in conference centres / rooms, city halls, musical and the-atres, sport / event centres or other professional activities / installation.’ [7]

2.2. Functioning of Wireless Audio Production Tools (Analogue)

In general, all wireless transmissions exist of similar function blocks (i.e. Transmitter and receiver). The difference is, how the AF Input Signal is generated and also, where and how the AF Output Signal is processed. A typical transmitter (Tx) at an event during con-tent production is the wireless microphone. Here the AF Input Signal is an acoustic wave, which first needs to be transformed into an electrical signal. The AF Output Signal of the corresponding wireless receiver (Rx) usually goes to a mixer, from where it can be used for various options, e.g. it can be forwarded to an In-Ear Monitor (IEM) system used by the artists and / or to the sound system for the audience. Additionally, it may be recorded. A typical wireless receiver in the event production environment is the IEM. Here the AF Input Signal is provided from the mixer, which is connected to the IEM transmitter. The IEM input signal usually is the microphone output signal or a mix of various microphone / instrument signals. The output of the IEM receiver is an electrical audio signal, which normally goes straight into the ear of the artist via an acoustic ear plug (earphones).

In this chapter the common function blocks of wireless audio transmitters and receivers are examined. In this chapter, systems using analogue modulation will be presented. Later, in subchapter ‘2.4 Analogue vs. Digital Technologies’, the differences between an-alogue and digital modulated systems will be presented.

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The figure below shows the general function blocks of a wireless transmission:

2.2.1. Wireless Transmitter (Analogue)

* Transmitter = Tx

Firstly, I would like to describe the wireless transmitter using an analogue modulation via the example of a wireless microphone.

2.2.1.1. Electro-Acoustic Conversion

The wireless microphone is at the very beginning of the wireless production chain. Here the sound, e.g. of the voice of the singer or the instruments, is captured in the form of acoustic waves. The acoustic waves, which are produced by the sound, are captured by the microphone capsule. The capsule serves as an acoustic-electric converter, because it transforms the acoustical wave into an electrical signal, which now can be further pro-cessed inside the wireless transmitter. This step is not necessary in the transmitter of an IEM. The IEM transmitter input is usually connected directly to the mixer and therefore an electrical signal is provided directly. The IEM transmitter output is then connected directly to an antenna or an antenna-combiner.

Note: after the acoustic-electric conversion in the microphone, the different wireless trans-mitters have similar function blocks.

Simplified, direct modulation transmitters, where the electrical analogue signal is modu-lated onto the transmission frequency immediately, are used for wireless audio production tools (PMSE). The function blocks inside the transmitter, including the processing of the modulation, are shown in the graphic below.

Wireless Transmitter Tx

Wireless Receiver Rx

Wireless Transmission Channel

Figure 2: Simplified Block Schematic of a Wireless Transmission Path

AF Input Signal

Tx Antenna

Figure 3: Schematic Function Blocks inside the Wireless Transmitter [4, Page 8]

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2.2.1.2. Preamp

Before the modulation of the RF carrier, the analogue electrical AF Input Signal passes to a pre-amplifier (Preamp), which increases and / or controls the audio signal level of the AF Input Signal. In the Preamp, the wanted signal level and the noise floor of the AF Input Signal are amplified identically. The signal dynamic does not change. Further infor-mation on the noise floor is provided in chapter ‘3.1 Noise Floor’.

2.2.1.3. Emphasis

After the pre-amplification and / or control of the signal level, the analogue electrical signal passes through an-other function block, the so-called ‘Pre-Emphasis’. In the receiver unit the noise floor inside the audio signal can be reduced by a low-pass filter. Consequently, high frequencies are reduced. To keep the frequency re-sponse of the original signal constant, in the transmitter unit the high frequencies are boosted. The ‘De-Empha-sis’ in the receiver will compensate the modified fre-quency response. These steps are necessary, in order to reduce the noise of the wireless transmission path in the receiver and secure the required SNR at the re-ceiver. This is illustrated, simplified, in the Figure 5: the

red line demonstrates the boost of the high fre-quencies in the transmitter (‘Pre-Emphasis’) and the blue line demonstrates the low-pass filter in the receiver unit (‘De-Emphasis’).

Other references show different graphics, where the emphasis is just applied above a defined fre-quency. See graphic on the right.

2.2.1.4. Companding

Before or after the Pre-Emphasis, in the ‘Compressor’ the analogue signal dynamic will be reduced (compression). Later, in the ‘Expander’ at the receiver side, the signal will be

expanded to reproduce the original signal dynamic. This process is called ‘Companding’ (mixture of the words ‘compression’ and ‘ex-panding’). Companding is neces-sary to achieve a higher SNR3 after passing through the transmission path (in the receiver section). Com-panding may lead to artefacts, which might be audible in the audio output. [9] [10]

3 For further information on the SNR, see chapter ‘3.2.1 SNR’.

Frequency Response

Sig

nal L

evel

Figure 4: Typical Pre- and De-Emphasis [8]

Figure 5: Simplification of the Emphasis

Inp

ut D

yn

am

ic

De

crea

sed

Dyn

am

ic

RF Path

Ou

tpu

t Dyn

am

ic

De

crea

sed

Dyn

am

ic

Compression Expanding

Figure 6: Simplified Schematic of ‘Companding’

7

How does the Compander work?

Companding is a compression of the source and a subsequent signal re-expansion. Com-panding mainly is used as a source compression to reduce the required RF channel band-width4. [11]

There are several options for the design of companders, for example companding with a fixed or a flexible compression and expanding rate:

• Fix Companding Rate

Compression of the audio of about 2:1 without consideration of the input signal level. Advantage: simple cost-effective design, especially for vocal signals

A compander using a fixed compression and expanding rate, compresses and ex-pands the whole signal with the same ratio, e.g. a compression rate of about 2:1 and correspondingly a similar expanding rate.

• Flexible Companding Rate

Flexible compression of the audio under consideration of the input signal level. Advantage: best possible adoption of different audio scenarios

A compander with a flexible compression and expanding rate, adjusts the compres-sion and expanding ratio to the signal dynamic and signal level of the audio input signal. Audio signals with a low dynamic will not be reduced in their dynamic, but the effect of the SNR will be reduced. Audio signals with a high dynamic consist of pas-sages with low and high signal levels. The SNR in passages of the audio input signal with low signal levels is low as well. Now the signal dynamic of those passages will be reduced. Consequently, in passages of the audio input signal with low signal lev-els the SNR will be increased. The dynamic of passages inside the audio input sig-nal with high levels will be significantly reduced. Here the already good SNR remains stable. At the receiver side the signal dynamic will be expanded close to its original dynamic range.

Note: the manufacturers might use different methods of companding in the practical op-eration of analogue microphones. [11] [12] [13]

A practical example of a compander is shown in the figure below:

Figure 7: Compander with a Fixed Rate (Left) and a Flexible Rate (Right) [13]

4 For further information see reference [11], Stratix Report on the Digitisation of wireless microphones, chapter 4.2.3 Compression in analogue and digital audio transmission, Pages 29 and 30.

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In the left compander design, on the transmitter side, the analogue electrical signal is compressed by a defined factor. In the example of Figure 7 [13] the compression ratio of about 2:1 reduces the original dynamic range of the input audio signal from 100 dB to 50 dB in the transmission path.

Back to the transmitter of wireless audio production tools (PMSE).

After the audio signal processing, the compressed analogue electrical signal will be mod-ulated onto the high frequency carrier on the required channel frequency. Nowadays, analogue modulated wireless microphones and IEMs are using frequency modulation (FM). This will be further described in the section below.

2.2.1.5. Frequency Modulation (FM)

The modulation is necessary to combine an audio signal and RF carrier to a modulated RF signal. There are different modulation methods. The section below describes the fre-quency modulation (FM), which is commonly used in wireless audio production tools (PMSE).

The advantage of the frequency modulation against other modulation schemes is the robustness against noise and interference. It should be noted that, more transmission bandwidth is needed for the offset of the high frequency carrier. Consequently, a trade-off between robustness against interference and transmission bandwidth has to be made. This is not possible with other modulation techniques. On the other hand, the transmitting and receiving devices using FM are more complex. [14, Page 157]

How is the frequency modulation generated?

Simplified, the FM signal is produced by the addition of the analogue AF Input Signal and an unmodulated high frequency carrier. The frequency of the RF carrier has to be signif-icantly higher than the highest frequency of the AF Input Signal. In the FM modulator the amplitude and the frequency of the AF Input Signal controls the frequency and deviation of the RF carrier at the output.

The graphic below shows three typical signals in the time domain in the frequency mod-ulation block [12, Page 193]:

Acronyms in the graphic:

1. ‘Nutzsignal’ is the AF Input Signal 2. ‘Träger’ is the unmodulated RF carrier 3. ‘FM-Signal’ is the modulated output signal

How does the frequency modulation work?

Figure 8: Frequency Modulation [12]

1.

2. 3.

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In a frequency modulation block, the frequency of the RF carrier is shifted up or down according to the changes of the AF Input Signal. The amplitude of the FM signal remains unchanged. This is illustrated in the figure below:

The FM can be generated with different methods. Here one example of FM generation will be demonstrated:

• FM of a ‘Phase Locked Loop’ (PLL) Oscillator

The FM using a PLL is illustrated in the block diagram below:

The carrier frequency can be shifted by a Voltage Controlled RF Oscillator (VCO), which is controlled directly by the analogue input signal. The frequency of the RF os-cillator changes accordingly to the AF Input Signal. The AF Input Signal is the electri-cal output signal of the compressor, the function block before the modulator inside the transmitter. The changes of the oscillator frequency are directly applied to the RF car-rier frequency. As such, the signal content of the electrical AF Input Signal is directly modulated onto the RF carrier. It should be noted that, because of its instability the oscillator might be vulnerable to frequency drifts, which are unacceptable for radio applications, such as wireless microphones. Frequency stabilization is needed and can be realized with a feedback signal to recalculate the error. [14, Page 173]

3. Modulated RF Output Signal

2. Analogue AF Input Signal

1. High Frequency Carrier

Figure 9: Schematic of the Frequency Modulation [14, Page 155]

AF Input Signal Modulated FM Output Signal

PLL Control Signal

Oscillator

Figure 10: FM of a PLL Oscillator

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2.2.2. Wireless Receiver (Analogue)

* Receiver = Rx

After the modulation of the RF carrier, the RF signal will be radiated via the transmitter antenna. At the receiver side, the RF signal will be captured by the receiver antenna and forwarded to the receiver section. Therefore, the corresponding wireless receiver has to be adjusted on the same transmission frequency. The function blocks inside of a wireless receiver are shown in the graphic below:

The task of the wireless audio receiver is to provide the original audio signal, the ‘AF Output Signal’. To do this, the receiver must demodulate, expand and de-emphasise the previously, pre-emphasised, compressed and modulated signal.

Note: a minimum SNR has to be present at the receiver RF input to fulfil the quality re-quirements of the production (see chapter ‘3.2 SNR vs. C/I and C/N+I’).

In the following section the simplified methodology of the wireless audio receiver is de-scribed (see Figure 11):

2.2.2.1. Front End, Mixer, IF Filter and IF Amp

As a first step inside the receiver ‘Front End’, the receiver input signal will be filtered by a band-pass filter. This filter is tuned to the transmission frequency of the wanted signal (RF Input Signal). This filter block is necessary to reduce unwanted signals like out-of-band blocking signals and some IM products. Because of the attenuation of the transmis-sion path the receiver input signal mainly is weak. A weak signal requires high receiver sensitivity. This receiver feature is provided by a low-noise input amplifier in the ‘Front End’. The necessary gain of the input amplifier is optimized to the RF noise of the ‘Mixer’.

In the ‘Mixer’, the input signal is down converted with the signal of the Local Oscillator (LO) to the Intermediate Frequency (IF). Therefore, the LO is adjusted to the receiver frequency plus or minus a defined frequency offset, typically 10.7 MHz. Because of its heterodyne behaviour, the Mixer provides several output signals, including the IF. The IF is the difference between the received signal and the LO signal and is equal to the fre-quency offset, e.g. 10.7 MHz [13]. The ‘IF Filter’ with the necessary channel bandwidth is located at the output of the ‘Mixer’. The IF Filter is a bandpass filter, using the IF as the centre frequency [13]. After the amplification of the IF signal (‘IF Amp’), the audio signal, modulated in the IF signal will be recovered by the ‘FM Demodulator’.

AF Output Signal

Rx Antenna

Figure 11: Schematic Function Blocks inside the Wireless Receiver [4, Page 8]

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A further description of the down conversion can be found in a manufacturer handbook: https://522bb370f5443d4fe5b9-f62de27af599bb6703e11b472beadbcc.ssl.cf2.rack-cdn.com/publication/upload/827/selection_and_operation_of_wireless_microphone_sys-tems_english.pdf.

2.2.2.2. Demodulation of a Frequency Modulated (FM) Signal

Before the demodulation of the received microphone signal, the receiver input signal ‘FM RF Input Signal’ has to pass through several function blocks, e.g. the ‘Front-End’, the ‘Mixer’, ‘IF filter’ and ‘IF amplifier’ (see Figure 11). The output signal of the IF amplifier is connected to the demodulator input.

There are two basic solutions for FM demodulators, the passive and the active demodu-lator:

• Passive5 / direct6 demodulator: e.g. ‘FM Slope Detector’

In general, various passive FM demodulators exist. The simplest one is the so-called ‘FM Slope Detector’, which will be described in this section.

In the ‘FM Slope Detector’, the FM input signal will be converted to an amplitude mod-ulated signal inside a resonant circuit. The resonance frequency fres of the res-onant circuit is adjusted above (or be-low) the IF carrier frequency fZF of the FM input signal. This is shown in the left diagram. The voltage of the output signal of the resonant circuit now depends on the frequency offset of the IF signal to the carrier frequency. In the diagram ∆f defines the whole bandwidth of the pos-sible frequency offset. Depending how far the offset is, the voltage will be higher

(closer to the resonance frequency of the resonant circuit) or lower (further away from the resonance frequency of the resonant circuit). The voltage defines the amplitude of the output signal of the resonant circuit. Because of this, the output signal of the res-onant circuit is an amplitude modulated signal, which now can be demodulated with an AM-Demodulator, e.g. envelope detector. On its output the signal has to pass a low pass filter. There the AF Output Signal will be provided. [15]

Note: for information on alternative FM demodulators, see: https://elektroniktutor.de/signalkunde/fm_demod.html#koinzident

5 Passive: no amplification of the required signal, no control function [16] 6 ‘Direct: This methods employ discriminators‘ [17, Pages 9 and 18].

Figure 12: FM Slope Detector [15]

https://522bb370f5443d4fe5b9-f62de27af599bb6703e11b472beadbcc.ssl.cf2.rackcdn.com/publication/upload/827/selection_and_operation_of_wireless_microphone_systems_english.pdf



https://elektroniktutor.de/signalkunde/fm_demod.html#koinzident

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• Active7 / indirect8 demodulator: e.g. ‘Phase Locked Loop (PLL)’

One example of an indirect FM demodulator is using a feedback loop. The PLL is also illustrated in the graphic below:

The input signal to the phase detector of the PLL demodulator is the frequency mod-ulated IF signal. Here two input signals will be compared:

1. The modulated IF Signal and 2. the signal of a Voltage Controlled Oscillator (VCO).

Inside the Phase Detector the phase offset between the both signals will be detected and forwarded as the output signal to the loop filter input. The filtered signal will control the frequency of the VCO. This signal is known as the ‘Demodulated AF Output Signal’ (Signal 3. in Figure 13). The advantage of a PLL Demodulator is, that partly interfered signals can be demodulated. There are of course also disadvantages [18]:

- More circuit components and often higher battery energy are required. - The VCO signal must be carefully shielded as there is a risk of internal receiver

interference.

2.2.2.3. Expander and De-Emphasis

After the FM demodulation, the function blocks ‘Expander’ and ‘De-Emphasis’ finalize the audio signal processing of the receiver and its output will provide an analogue elec-trical audio signal (AF Output Signal).

Due to noise, the audio signal processing and other effects on the transmission path, the quality of the AF Output Signal might be slightly degraded in comparison to the original AF Input Signal.

In professional event and content production, usually the AF output of the wireless micro-phone receiver is connected to an audio mixer e.g. in the production environment. In this audio mixer, the audio signal can be further processed and, for example, be for-warded to the sound system of the event or the IEM of the artist. In the case of an IEM, the AF audio output of the receiver provides an electrical signal, which is forwarded to an earphone. The earphone serves as an electric-acoustic converter and provides an

7 Active: preamplification of the required signal, control of the signal is possible [16] 8 ‘Indirect: These types of demodulator use a phase-locked loop‘ [17, Pages 9 and 18].

PLL Demodulator

Phase Detector

Loop Filter 1. FM RF Input Signal

VCO

3. Demodulated AF Output Signal

2.

Figure 13: PLL Feedback Loop

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acoustic signal for the artist inside his ear. This is the inverse function block to the acous-tic-electrical conversion inside the wireless microphone.

2.3. System Requirements, Technical Characteristics and Perfor-mance Parameters of Wireless Audio Production Tools

2.3.1. Scalability of Performance Parameters

In section ‘2.9 Discussion and summary of the properties of the new technologies’ (page 47) the ITU-R Report BT.2338 describes the performance parameters of wireless audio production tools (PMSE) as follows:

1. Acoustic and audio signal quality,

2. Robustness to interfer-ence,

3. Latency, 4. Spectrum efficiency, 5. Required transmitter

power and required re-ceiver signal strength,

6. System adaptability.

The trade-off between these per-formance parameters is limited in analogue systems, as can be seen in the graphic on the right. For example, the latency is low and the audio quality good, but the system is not adaptable, and it is not robust against interfer-ences.

Note: using a digital modulation scheme, there are more trade-off possibilities (see chapter ‘2.4 Analogue vs. Digital Technologies‘). [4]

In this chapter, I would like to explain further those parameters as well as the connected technical characteristics and system requirements of wireless audio production tools (PMSE).

2.3.2. Performance Parameters and System Requirements

2.3.2.1. Audio Quality and Robustness against RF Interference

First of all, the microphone is the first component of the audio transmission chain. There-fore, it is important, that the signal quality of the microphone is as high as possible. As one of the key requirements for wireless audio production tools (PMSE), ITU-R Report BT.2338 lists ‘providing an audio quality similar to an equivalent wired system‘ [4, Page 11]. The same report notes as well, that users of wireless audio production tools (PMSE) ‘do not accept reduction in performance or interference‘ [4, Page 11] and ‘no interference is acceptable‘ [4, Page 8]. For further information on interference, see

Figure 14: Trade-Off between the Performance Parameters of an ana-logue modulated wireless system [4]

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chapter ‘3.3 Interferences‘. The system needs to be robust against RF interference. Using an analogue modulation scheme, this is only partly possible, because no error correction is possible. Organisational precautions like frequency coordination might help to reduce or avoid intermodulation effects, interference from television transmissions or similar pre-dictable interferences.

Due to error correction techniques, digital modulated systems are more robust against RF interferences than analogue (further information see chapter ‘2.4 Analogue vs. Digital Technologies’). ITU-R Report BT.2338 notes, that ’any perceived interference of any form will impact the whole transmission chain‘ [4, Page 11] and, therefore, it will be audible at the audio output, e.g. via the sound system for the audience of the event or in the IEM for the artist. Further, the ITU-R Report BT.2338 notes that ’any interference may generate peaks of sound, which can hurt or damage audience hearing‘. This is important in the case of IEM. Here the audio output goes directly into the ear of the user. There is no distance between the speaker of the earphone and the ear of the user, like there is be-tween the speaker of the sound system and the ears of the audience. Therefore, there is no path attenuation of the acoustic signal. Additionally, the headphone of the IEM has a shielding effect against environmental sounds. Those sounds are perceived by the user of an IEM much less than by the audience. Therefore, with an IEM, harmful interferences, which might not be perceivable by the audience can be heard through an IEM and harmful interference might be heard louder through an IEM than through the sound system.

Many events are unique and therefore cannot be repeated. If the event is recorded, the harmful interference or drop-out will be audible in the recording and therefore the perfor-mance might be abandoned [4, Page 11]. This is also mentioned in the Stratix Report: ‘if there is a drop-out on production, it will be present in any distribution’ [11, Page 22].

According to section ‘5.2 Future challenges’ of ITU-R Report BT.2338,’Compression on any form, including dynamic compression is not desirable’ [4, Page 19]. During the com-pression process some information of the audio signal is modified and therefore its final quality will inevitably be degraded. ITU-R BT.2338 notes as well, that ‘compression al-ways means losses’ [4, Page 19]. If the production is recorded with compression, this means that parts of the audio signal are modified or lost in the audio recording. If in the future new technologies exist, the audio recording cannot be upgraded, because the nec-essary information in the audio signal has been modified or lost. In this context the Stratix Report notes ‘what isn’t there can’t be used’ [11, Page 24] and gives an example of the Beatles: the Beatles mixed their sound in mono, but later the record was reprocessed in stereo. To do so, the audio recording needs to be available in a high quality. [11, Page 22] Because of this, the objective of the professional event and content production is ’to pro-duce loss-less audio with full dynamic range’ [4, Page 20]. [19]

Anyways, Stratix is noting that wireless audio production tools (PMSE) cannot provide the same audio quality as wired audio production tools, because of the latency and the limited transmission channel bandwidth. Therefore, certain signal processing, such as compression, is required (see chapter ‘2.2 Functioning of Wireless Audio Production Tools (Analogue)’). [11]

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2.3.2.2. Latency

Another critical parameter is the latency in the transmission channel from the microphone to the receiver AF output signal.

Low latency is necessary e.g. in a live event for lip-synchronisation. In this example, the sound of the voice has to be synchronised with the movement of the lips – it has to be played back via the sound system of the event simultaneously. Otherwise it will not look real for the audience (like a playback). [4, Page 11]

Another example is the personal monitoring. The sound of the instrument of a musician can be transmitted back to him via an IEM - delay of the sound from the microphone via three transmission paths (microphone to audio mixer, the audio mixer and audio mixer to IEM) to the headphone of the performer. This has to happen in real time (below 5 ms, see paragraph below). [4] [19] The Stratix Report notes, that ‘Otherwise it is impossible to keep pitch and rhythm’ [11, Page 27].

For further information on latency and reference values see also ITU-R Report BS.2161-09. For example, it is stated that a good singer will recognise a delay of about three milliseconds and therefore the maximum acceptable latency of a wireless micro-phone is defined as two milliseconds for plays and musicals. A delay of more than 5 ms is considered ‘unacceptable’ [19, Page 2 For IEMs a maximum delay of 1 ms is defined as ‘acceptable’ [19, Page 2]. For the IEM the Stratix defines a maximum total delay of 3 to 5 ms (roundtrip from microphone via audio mixer to IEM) [11, Page 23]. The total la-tency cannot pass ‘the critical threshold of 5 ms’ [11, Page 23]. In general, for wireless audio production tools (PMSE), it can be calculated with a ‘latency requirement of 2 ms one way’ [11, Page 36].

Note: a digital audio mixer will add an additional latency to the total transmission path10.

Analogue systems support a minimum latency for the end-to-end transmission11. In com-parison, digital wireless audio production tools (PMSE) systems in general have higher latency due to the additional A/D conversion and / or signal processing including error correction. Further information on systems with a digital modulation can be found in chap-ter ‘2.4 Analogue vs. Digital Technologies’.

2.3.2.3. Dynamic Range and Transmitter Sensitivity

The ability of wireless audio production tools (PMSE) to transmit audio in its entire dy-namic range is limited. According to ITU-R Report BT.2338, to secure a high quality of the wireless production tool, ’adjustments have to be made individually to each audio SAB/SAP link’ [4, Page 20]. The available dynamic range is fixed and cannot be adjusted. Therefore, the AF sensitivity of the audio input of the transmitter is adjusted manually. This is difficult, when more than one person is using the same device, e.g. a wireless microphone is passed on from one person to another. ITU-R Report BT.2338 defines, that a headroom of 10 dB should be given, before the internal limiter acts on the signal.

9 https://www.itu.int/dms_pub/itu-r/opb/rep/R-REP-BS.2161-2009-PDF-E.pdf 10 Stratix reports a delay of 0.5 ms for the audio mixer. [11, page 28] 11 Some software-based compander systems might provide some delay.

https://www.itu.int/dms_pub/itu-r/opb/rep/R-REP-BS.2161-2009-PDF-E.pdf

16

If the limiter is active, it will be audible because the peaks of the signal will be reduced. [4, Page 20]

2.3.2.4. Duty Cycle and Availability

Furthermore, the audio signal of wireless audio production tools (PMSE) has to have a duty cycle of 100 % during the whole time of the performance. They need to be reliable as close as possible to 100 %. That means, no audible interruptions in the audio trans-mission are expected, as long as the device is in operation. ITU-R Report BT.2338 notes: ‘In all applications users do not tolerate any corruption or interruptions in audio output‘ [4, Page 11]. The time of the usage of the wireless audio production tools (PMSE) can vary from a few hours to many days or weeks, depending on the type of event (duration of the event production). In theatres and similar event locations wireless production tools are in use permanently. In comparison, the actual operating time of a device is usually only a few hours. If the device is in use, it does not necessarily need to be operated. For exam-ple, backup equipment, redundant equipment or during the breaks of events, e.g. be-tween the shows or the nights between two conference days. [4] [19]

Further the Stratix report notes, that some events, especially historic events, cannot be repeated12 [11, Page 22] and therefore ‘drop-outs are not tolerated’ [11, Page 22]. If the event is recorded or transmitted live, e.g. in television, the harmful interference or drop-out ‘will be present in any distribution’ [11, Page 22], e.g. in the audio recording. Because of this, wireless audio production tools (PMSE) have to work in a highly reliable manner.

2.3.3. Technical Characteristics

2.3.3.1. Channel Bandwidth

The current ETSI Standard EN 300 422 from Revision 2 defines the channel bandwidth for wireless audio production tools (PMSE) from 50 kHz up to 20 MHz, depending on the kind of device [20, Page 17]. For wireless microphones, that are currently on the market, the RF channel bandwidth is limited to 200 kHz or below [4, Page 25] [11, Pages 15, 29 and 30]. According to the ITU-R Report BT.2338, the typical channel bandwidth of mod-ern IEM equipment for personal monitoring is up to 200 kHz [4, Page 25]. Some older IEM equipment might have a channel bandwidth of up to 300 kHz. ITU-R Report BT.2338 notes, that the reason for the larger bandwidth is the stereo transmission [4, Page 25]. Additionally, the standard ETSI EN 300 422 states, that IEM require a larger bandwidth than wireless microphones, because multiple audio channels are transmitted over one RF channel. [20, Page 15] For further information on the channel bandwidth of profession wireless audio production tools (PMSE), see ETSI EN 300 42213.

Stratix notes, that ‘a certain space between links in the spectrum’ [11, Page 15] (fre-quency offset between two operating systems) is needed to avoid inter device interfer-ence. In one 8 MHz TV channel between ten and 16 devices can be operated on an interference-free basis [11, Pages 3 and 15] The Stratix Report notes, that today high quality wireless microphones and IEM ‘make use of isolators/circulators to filter out any

12 ‘capturing historic events, they cannot be repeated‘ [11, page 20]. 13 https://www.etsi.org/de-liver/etsi_en/300400_300499/30042202/02.00.00_20/en_30042202v020000a.pdf

https://www.etsi.org/deliver/etsi_en/300400_300499/30042202/02.00.00_20/en_30042202v020000a.pdf


17

intermodulation products from retransmission of other devices‘ [11, Page 2]. The use of isolators / circulators reduces transmitter intermodulation products. This allows the coor-dination of microphone frequencies to be optimized, e.g. through smaller distances be-tween the transmission frequencies14. [11, Page 49] Consequently, ‘a more close spac-ing‘ [11, Page 53] is possible. Isolators / Circulators15 ‘prevent RF signals traveling back-wards into a PMSE transmitter‘ [11, Page 53]. This is realized by a termination resistor, which turns the power of the signal, which is entering the transmitter, into heat16 [11, Page 53]. Using isolators / circulators, higher numbers of wireless microphones or IEM can be operated in one 8 MHz TV channel (16 to 23) [11, Page 3]. Isolators / Circulators are mainly used in digital modulated wireless audio equipment. Further information see chapter ‘2.4 Analogue vs. Digital Technologies’.

Note: In Latin-America the channel grid of the TV channels is 6 MHz. Because of this fewer wireless audio production tools (PMSE) at one location can be operated interfer-ence-free in one 6 MHz TV channel.

Table 4 of the Stratix Report summarizes, how many wireless audio production tools (PMSE) can be operated in one 8 MHz TV channel under which conditions:

< 1GHz > 1 GHz Assumed channel bandwidth 200 kHz 200 kHz Spacing / Guard band derived from modulation mask 250 kHz 200 kHz Packing from mask: no of channels in 8 MHz 17 20 Today’s Packing: High quality mode in 8 MHz 23 Today’s Packing: reduced quality mode in 8 MHz 63

Table 2: Frequency Packing according to Stratix [11, Page 49]

2.3.3.2. Technical Parameters

The transmitter RF power of wireless audio production tools (PMSE) is typically lower than 250 mW; for wireless microphones and IEM below 50 mW, see the table below. The typical minimum receiver sensitivity for wireless microphones is defined as –90 dBm and for an IEM –85 dBm. These values depend on the channel bandwidth and used modula-tion format. [4]

Note: certain ENG systems exist with a higher output power, see table below.

The following table summarized some technical characteristics of wireless microphones, IEM and Audio Links: [4]

Characteristics Wireless microphones IEM Audio links Application Voice (Speech, Song),

music instruments Voice or mixed feed-back to stage

ENG/OB, voice

Transmitter Placement of a transmit-ter

Body worn or handheld Fixed base Body worn/vehicle mounted

Power source Battery AC mains Battery

14 ‘Today’s dense packing is facilitated by isolators‘ [11, page 49]. 15 Isolators are based on a YIG ferrite material, while for circulators silicon is used. [11, page 53 to 55] For further information on isolators and circulators, see section 5.4.2 Integration of ferrite isolators and output filters of the Stratix Report. 16 ‘The power of signal getting backwards into the transmitter is turned simply into heat at the termination resistor‘ [11, page 53].

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Transmitter RF-Output power

Below 50 mW Below 50 mW Above 50 mW up to be-low 25W

Transmitter audio input Microphone or line level Line level Microphone or line level Receiver Placement of a receiver Fixed/Camera mounted Body worn Fixed/vehicle mounted Power Source AC mains/Battery Battery AC mains/Battery Receiver audio output Line level Earphone Line level/Earphone Receiver type Single or diversity Single or diversity Single or diversity General Link scheme Unidirectional Unidirectional Bidirectional

Plus talk back channel Battery/power pack op-eration time

> 6 – 10 h > 6 – 10 h > 6 – 10 h

Typical audio frequency response

≤ 20 to ≥ 20.000 Hz ≤ 80 to ≥ 15.000 Hz Link to base: ≤ 20 to ≥ 20.000 Hz Fold back to mobile unit: 12,5 kHz

Audio mode Mono MPX-Stereo 2 way Mono

RF frequency ranges TV bands III/IV/V, 1.8 GHz (Note 1)

TV bands III/IV/V, 1.8 GHz (Note 1)

TV Bands I/ III/IV/V, 1.8 GHz

Signal to noise ratio (op-timal/possible)

>100/119 dB > 60/110 dB > 100/119 dB Talk back link: lower

Dynamic range of the RF link

117 dB Typical 90 dB 115 dB Talk back link: lower

Modulation FM wideband as well proprietary digital modu-lation

FM wideband as well proprietary digital modu-lation

FM wideband as well proprietary digital modu-lation Talkback link: FM nar-row

RF peak deviation (AF = 1 kHz)

±50 kHz ±50 kHz ±50 kHz Talkback link: voice quality

RF bandwidth ≤ 200 kHz (Note 2) ≤ 300 kHz legacy equip-ment ≤ 200 kHz modern equipment (Note 2)

2 times < 200 kHz plus 12.5 kHz

Useable equip-ment/channel (ΔRF = 8 MHz)

> 12 6…8 Not applicable

Table 3: Technical Characteristics of Wireless Microphones IEM and Audio Links [4, Page 25]

2.3.3.3. Tuning Range

The tuning range of a wireless audio production tool (PMSE) is defined as the frequency range, in which the transmission frequency of the transmitter and related receiver can be adjusted. The tuning range itself is fixed and cannot be adjusted. Just the transmission frequency of the wireless system can be changed within the system’s tuning range. [21]

Due to the Digital Dividend (DD), the RF environment has changed for wireless audio production tools (PMSE). For compensation, some regions (e.g. Europe) have opened alternative frequency ranges for wireless audio production tools (PMSE) (see chapter ‘15 Considered and Implemented Alternatives and Solutions’), other regions might follow. To support flexibility and security in the choice of the transmission frequency for the wire-less device, the tuning range of the equipment should be wide and cover the harmonized frequency bands. [4, Pages 20 and 40]

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2.3.3.4. Spectrum Requirements

In this section, I would like to analyse the spectrum requirements of wireless audio pro-duction tools (PMSE) – how many devices are in use simultaneously in a specific region and how much spectrum do they need?

Firstly, the spectrum demand of the number of wireless audio production tools (PMSE) can be distinguished between ‘peak demand’ (midsized or large events) and ‘regular de-mand’ (daily production).

The ‘regular demand’ demand is referred to as the amount of spectrum which is needed daily for wireless audio production tools (PMSE). This ‘regular demand’ might differ re-gionally, e.g. in a rural area the ‘regular demand’ might be low, while in urban areas the ‘regular demand’ is usually high.

The ‘peak demand’ can be further divided into temporary peaks and geographical peaks. Temporary peaks of the spectrum demand refer to major events (or a lot of small events, which are held simultaneously in the same location), which last for just a short period of time, e.g. a music festival over several days or a political meeting (e.g. election reporting) over a couple of days. In these kinds of events it is usual for a lot of wireless audio pro-duction tools (PMSE) to be operated simultaneously and therefore these events have a high demand on spectrum. Geographical peaks refer to regions, where the spectrum de-mand for wireless audio production tools (PMSE) is high on a long-term basis. These locations can be urban areas with a lot of theatres, sound studios and other institutions, which use a lot of wireless production tools on a daily basis. The ITU-R Report BT.2338 of the ITU-R concludes, that for touring shows, e.g. concerts, a typical demand is 20 to 60 channels. Different production scenarios might have different spectrum demand. [4, Page 57]

The figures below show the spectrum scans, which were taken at the event location of the Eurovision Song Contest 201117:

Figure 15: Spectrum Occupation during the Event ESC 2011 [22, Page 5]

17 For further information on the Eurovision Song Contest 2011, see chapter ‘14.3 Eurovision Song Con-test 2011 – Düsseldorf, Germany’.

20

Figure 16: Spectrum Occupation after the Event ESC 2011 [22, Page 5]

In both scans active TV channels are marked in green and the 800 MHz frequency band, which already was liberated for the Mobile Services, is marked in light red. It can be seen, that these signals are the same in both scans. The scan on the top shows the spectrum occupation of the UHF TV spectrum during the period of the event. Here a lot of signals were detected. The spectrum looks very occupied. The scan on the bottom shows the UHF TV spectrum at the same location after the event. In comparison to the upper scan, the spectrum looks very clean. Just the TV signals and a few additional signals with a low signal strength were detected. This comparison shows, that the spectrum demand of wireless audio production tools (PMSE) mostly is a ‘peak demand’ limited to the time-period of the event. [22]

2.4. Analogue vs. Digital Technologies

Simplified, the modulation methods can be subdivided into ‘Analogue’ and ‘Digital’ mod-ulation. The diagram below briefly gives an overview over the different analogue and dig-ital modulation schemes [23]:

For analogue wireless audio production tools (PMSE), in general the frequency modula-tion (FM) is used. The analogue modulation was already described in the anterior chapter ‘2.1 International Terminology’. In this chapter, I would like to describe, how systems, which are using a digital modulation, are working.

Modulation

Analogue Digital

AM

PM

FM

ASK

PSK

FSK

QAM

And more

Figure 17: Analogue and Digital Modulation Methods

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The figure below simplified shows the function blocks of a digital transmission chain:

2.4.1. Wireless Transmitter (Digital)

* Transmitter = Tx

2.4.1.1. A/D Conversion

First of all, it is important to clarify, that the transmitted RF signal still is analogue. Basi-cally, the input signal at the beginning of the transmission chain is converted into a digital signal. The process of converting an analogue to a digital signal is called ‘digitization’ and is realized in an ‘Analogue to Digital Converter’ (A/D or ADC). The digitization of an ana-logue signal happens in the two steps ‘sampling’ and ‘quantization’, which will not be explained further in this thesis.

2.4.1.2. Encoding

After the concluded A/D conversion, the digital signals pass the ‘Encoder’ block. Here different types of coding might be applied, e.g. source coding and channel coding. The source coding is responsible for the signal compression and therefore deletes unneces-sary / irrelevant information from the signal. The channel coding adds new information to the signal, e.g. for the error correction. [12]

Note: The signal coding is optional.

After the A/D conversion and / or the Encoding, the digital signal will be modulated onto the RF carrier. Manufacturer use proprietary digital modulation schemes.

Transmitter

AF Input Signal

Optional Encoding

Generation of Correction Code

Digital Modulator RF Transmitter

Radiated RF Output

Signal

RF Transmission Path

Receiver

Received RF Input Signal

RF Receiver Digital Demodulator Optional

Decoding Error Correction

AF Output Signal

D/A digital to analogue

conversion

A/D analogue to digital conversion of the AF Input Signal

Figure 18: Simplified Digital Transmission Chain

22

As far as I know, publications provide only basic information, e.g.

• the ITU-R Report BT.2338 notes: ‘SAB/SAP systems using digital modulation schemes are also commercially available’ [4, Page 7]

• the manufacturer Shure notes: ‘The basic method of transmitting digital data in a radio signal involves modulating the carrier in discrete steps, a process called "shift keying". This can be done with frequency (Frequency Shift Keying or FSK), amplitude (Ampli-tude Shift Keying or ASK), or phase (Phase Shift Keying or PSK)’ [13, Page 62].

• on the webpage ‘RF Venue’ it is reported: ‘A digital modulation of a radio wave is one that creates a waveform which has, in simplified terms, only two values (although in practice digital modulation schemes may have multiple values)’ [45]

In this section the PSK will be explained exemplary. Even if the signal is digital, the trans-mission is still analogue.

2.4.1.3. Digital Modulation: Phase Shift Keying (PSK)

Digital PSK is a phase modulation that uses fixed phase steps as pre-configured signal constellations. The frequency and amplitude remain constant, while the phase is shifted according to the digital input signal. Therefore, a defined phase is allocated to every pos-sible signal constellation. This allocation process is also called ‘Bit Mapping’. Two exem-plary Bit Mappings are shown in the IQ diagrams below:

Figure 19: Exemplary Bit Mapping of 2-PSK (Left) and 4-PSK (Right) [24]

In the simple case of a 2-PSK, the digital 1-bit input signal just has two possible constel-lation points (e.g. 1 and 0). Correspondingly, 2 different phases are needed for the Bit Mapping, e.g. 0° and 180°. This is shown in the left IQ-diagram above. In case of a 4-PSK, also called ‘Quadrature PSK’ (QPSK), the 2-bit digital input signal consists of four different constellation points (e.g. 00, 01, 11 and 10) and therefore four different phases are needed for the Bit Mapping (e.g. 0°, 90°, 180° and 270°). Therefore, four different phases are needed for the Bit Mapping. This is as well shown in the right IQ-diagram in Figure 19. [24]

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The following table provides a brief overview on the advantages and diadvantages of high-order modulation formats:

Advantages Disadvantages Higher Spectral Efficiency: less band-width is required for the same amount of data

Susceptibility to noise and interference due to the closer proximity of the constel-lation points

Higher Data Rates: more data can be transmitted in the same bandwidth

Table 4: Some Advantages and Disadvantages of High-Order Modulation Formats

Further explanation of the table:

In general, high-order modulation formats allow ‘higher levels of spectral efficiency’ [45]. Shure explains, that ‘it is possible to transmit the same amount of data in less bandwidth’ [13, Page 63] From this advantage, it can be concluded that, as well a higher amount of data can be transmitted in the same bandwidth. This would result in a higher datarate: ‘it is possible to transmit more bits per symbol’ [45] and ‘the data rate of a link can be in-creased’ [45]

On the other hand, high-order modulation formats are ‘less resilient to noise and interfer-ence’ [45], because ‘the points on the constellation must be closer together and the trans-mission becomes more susceptible to noise. This results in a higher bit error rate’ [45].

Note: for a further comparison of the advantages and disadvantages of various modulation schemes, including high-order digital modulation, please see https://studylib.net/doc/18319913/advantages-disadvantages-applications-of-various-modulation

2.4.2. Wireless Receiver (Digital)

* Rx = Receiver

In the related wireless receiver, the signal has to be demodulated and decoded again. As already said earlier in this section, the transmitted RF signal is always analogue. There are various options for the demodulation of a digital modulated signal, e.g. coherent de-modulator. In the ‘Digital Demodulator’ the received analogue PSK modulated RF input signal will be demodulated to a digital output signal, which than can be decoded (‘De-coder’), like already explained earlier (see description of ‘Encoder’). Finally, the digital signal will be converted back to an analogue signal in the ‘Digital to Analogue Converter’ (‘D/A’ or DAC).

https://studylib.net/doc/18319913/advantages-disadvantages-applications-of-various-modulation

https://studylib.net/doc/18319913/advantages-disadvantages-applications-of-various-modulation

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The following figures show the function blocks of a digital transmission chain according to the ITU-R Report BT.2338:

Note: these figures are an extension to the Simplified Digital Transmission Chain in Figure 18 and show more detailed function blocks.

A table with the characteristics of digital wireless microphones in different scenarios can be found in Annex A.1 Characteristics / Requirements for Digital Wireless Microphones.

2.4.3. Analogue and Digital in Comparison

In the chapters before, the analogue and digital modulation in wireless audio production tools (PMSE) was described. In this section I would like to compare the system require-ments and technical characteristics of analogue and digital modulated systems. The fol-lowing table lists simplified some advantages and disadvantages of analogue and digital modulated wireless audio production tools (PMSE). A further explanation can be found below the table.

Tx Antenna

AF Input Signal

Figure 21: Function Blocks of the Digital Wireless Receiver [4, Page 9]

Rx Antenna

AF Output Signal

Figure 20: Function Blocks of the Digital Wireless Transmitter [4, Page 9]

25

Analogue Digital

Advantages Signal-Fading: with a decreasing C/N+I, the signal quality will start to decrease as well, the sound engineer has opportunity to react before a loss of signal

Constant Quality of the Signal: no degradation in the sound quality until minimum possible C/N+I is reached.

Low Latency Robustness against Interference: er-ror correction code; interference and noise will not be audible in the AF Output Signal

No A/D and D/A Conversion Errors No Compander Artefacts

Relatively simple Circuit Technology Defined Constellation Points (see section above: Phase Shift Keying)

Higher Energy Efficiency: with mod-ern technologies digital modulation might already reach the same energy efficiency

Constant Power Amplifier possible, linearity not necessary

Disadvantages Signal-Fading: AF Output Signal starts to fade with decreasing C/N+I and interferences

Digital-Cliff: no signal fading before dropout, sudden dropout, when the minimum C/N+I is reached

Noise and Interferences will audible in the AF Output Signal

Latency: A/D conversion and signal processing

Compander-Artefacts will be audible in the AF Output Signal

A/D and D/A Conversion Errors, e.g. quantization noise

Relatively complex Circuit Technol-ogy

Low Energy Efficiency: with modern technologies the same energy effi-ciency as in analogue modulation might be reachable

Linear Power Amplifier necessary for digital modulation

Table 5: Advantages and Disadvantages of Analogue and Digital Modulated Wireless audio production tools (PMSE) in Comparison

Note: the table just lists some advantages and disadvantages, which also will be ex-plained in this chapter, but of course there exist more advantages and disadvantages.

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2.4.3.1. Robustness Against Interferences

In wireless audio production tools (PMSE), any kind of audible noise and interference in the AF Output Signal is inacceptable. In analogue modulated transmissions interfer-ences already became noticeable at an early stage. In comparison, a digital modu-lated transmission tolerates low interfer-ence level without any degradation of the sound quality. This is possible due to error correction techniques, which already were explained earlier this section. On the other hand, if the C/N+I degrades to its limit, suddenly the audio output is lost. In the Stratix Report, this effect is called ‘digital cliff’18 [11, Page 39]. In analogue transmissions the sound quality degrades, which is a warning before a possible loss of signal. When the sound engineer recognises a degradation in the audio quality, usually he will react and try to prevent a loss of the AF Output Signal. [11]

2.4.3.2. Sound Quality

Because of the error correction, the signal quality of the AF Output Signal (until the Digital Cliff) is constant in digital modulated signals. With a decreasing C/N+I the signal quality of an analogue modulated AF Output Signal is fading. In addition to the noise and inter-ference, compander artefacts (see chapter ‘2.2.1.4 Companding’) sometimes will be au-dible in the AF Output Signal. A digital modulation does not use analogue companders. Because of this, digital modulated signals do not have compander artefacts. The Stratix Report notes: ‘The sound-engineer may prefer digital microphones as they are likely to deliver a more “clean” and consistent sound’ [11, Page 2]. Anyways, other types of errors, like A/D and D/A conversion errors (e.g. quantization noise, clipping) might be audible in digital modulated signals, but do not exist in analogue modulated signals. Those error partly can be compensated by adding more latency. [12]

2.4.3.3. Latency

Latency is one key parameter of wireless audio production tools (PMSE). Because of the additional A/D (and D/A) conversion and eventually the encoding and decoding, the la-tency in digital systems is higher than in analogue systems. For example, the robustness against interferences, which is an advantage of digital modulated audio systems, can as well be negative, because the corresponding signal processing produces further latency. The trade-off has to be made (see Figure 25).

18 ‘Digital transmission with channel coding in contrast to analogue transmission works excellent down to a certain threshold in RF C/N, but then digital transmission totally collapses. This is sometimes called the “digital cliff”‘ [11, Pages 38 and 39].

Aud

io Q

ualit

y Digital Cliff

Analogue

Decrease of C/N+I

Figure 22: Analogue Signal Fading vs. Digital Cliff

27

2.4.3.4. Complexity of the Circuit Technology

As can be seen by the comparison of Figure 3 with Figure 20 and Figure 11 with Figure 21, that the circuit for a wireless audio production tool is more complex for digital than for analogue. [11]

2.4.3.5. Energy Efficiency

The Stratix report explains: ‘From circuit design point of view analogue processing typi-cally is more energy efficient than digital but being energy efficient and small may limit the radio characteristics’ [11, Page 23]. Furthermore, the report adds, that in digital mod-ulated wireless microphones the conversion from analogue to digital inside the micro-phone capsule and the additional signal processing are the reasons for the required en-ergy. It is as well stated, that with the improvements of the existing technologies, the energy efficiency of some digital modulates production tools already is as low as in ana-logue modulated ones19. [11, Pages 23 and 24]

2.4.3.6. Power Amplifier

While for digital modulation a linear power amplifier is necessary, for the analogue mod-ulation as well constant power amplifiers can be used. [11] The linearity of the power amplifier depends strongly on the used modulation. For modulation formats, where the signal amplitude is modulated in addition to the phase, a high linear transmitter / power amplifier is required. [25]

2.4.3.7. Spectrum Efficiency / Transmission Bandwidth

Often it is expected, that the transmission bandwidth of a digital modulated wireless audio production tool is smaller than in analogue modulated equipment: ‘Particularly digitisation would allow the more efficient use of spectrum’ [11, Page 2]. Therefore, it is important to know, that to reach a higher spectrum efficiency, the compression (source coding) of the signal needs to overcompensate the overhead, such as synchronisation information, error correction etc. (channel coding)20 [11, Page 30]. The compression factor in digital modu-

lated wireless audio production tools (PMSE) of about 2:1 is similar like in analogue modulated equipment21, which is using a fixed companding ra-tio of 2:1 (see chapter ‘2.2.1.4 Com-panding’). The transmission band-width of analogue and digital modu-lated wireless audio production tools (PMSE) is similar (200 kHz). [11,

19 ‘However advances in battery technology and digital communication, in addition to potential low power modes in digital microphones have lead some in the industry particularly from manufacturers to claim that there is no distinct advantage anymore or even say that digital has an advantage‘ [11, page 24]. 20 ‘Digital transmission is from an information theory perspective only attractive for higher compression factors beyond 2:1, when the compression starts to overcompensate the additional overhead due to digi-tal transmission‘ [11, page 30]. 21 ‘If analogue and digital PMSE both use 2:1 compression analogue and digital transmission within an identical RF channel bandwidth of 200 kHz are par‘ [11, page 30].

Orig

inal

Sig

nal

Compressed Signal

Overhead

Figure 23: Simplified Compression and Encoding in Wireless Audio Production Tools

28

Page 30] In his presentation on the European Microwave Week 2017, Prof. Dr.-Ing. Georg Fischer noted: ‘Practical experience tells that Digitiza-tion of PMSE does not allow for less spectrum’ [26, Page 4]. In comparison, smart-phones using the AMR codec have a compression rate of about 22:1

[11, Page 39]. It can be seen, that in wireless audio production tools (PMSE) (analogue and digital) a relatively low compression rate is used. Figure 23 shows simplifies demon-strates the compression and channel Coding in wireless audio production tools (PMSE). It can be seen, that digital due to the overhead the same bandwidth like for the analogue signal is needed. Figure 24 shows in comparison the compression and encoding with a high compression ratio, like for example in smart phones. It can be seen, that even with the overhead of the channel coding a reduction of the bandwidth can be realized. [19]

2.4.4. Trade-Off

Last, I would like to consider the possible trade-offs between the performance parameters of digital modulated wireless audio production tools (PMSE), which were already ex-plained further in chapter ‘2.3 System Requirements, Technical Characteristics and Per-formance Parameters of Wireless Audio Production Tools’. In comparison, the trade-off offers more possibilities for digital modulation than for analogue. For example, a very high audio quality can be reached by error correction techniques, but therefore the latency will be higher, because of the ad-ditional signal processing and as well the transmission bandwidth will be higher, because of the additional information. In comparison to the analogue technology, the transmission bandwidth for digital signals can be reduced using source en-coding. On the other hand, this is an ad-ditional signal processing step and the latency will increase. As well, the signal quality will decrease because less infor-mation will be transmitted compression). The left diagram shows the possible trade-off between the performance pa-rameters for digital modulated wireless audio production tools (PMSE). [4]

In the next part of the fundamentals, different effects of signal degradation will be ex-plained.

Reduction of Bandwidth

Orig

inal

Sig

nal

Compressed Signal

Overhead

Figure 24: Simplified Compression and Encoding with a high Compression Ratio, e.g. AMR Codec

Figure 25: Trade-Off between Performance Parameters in a Digital Transmission Chain

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3. Signal Degradation Effects

Signal degrading effects can be divided into ‘Noise’ and ‘Interferences’. ‘Noise’ refers to stochastic interfering signals, while ‘Interference’ refers to interfering signals due to the parallel transmission of various signals. The different types of noise and interference will be explained in the following sub-chapters.

3.1. Noise Floor

In this section I will define the term ‘Noise Floor’ and how it is used in this thesis. In my observation the term ‘Noise’ is in use in different technical contexts, e.g. audio, RF. I focus myself on the noise signal in the transmission path of wireless production tools.

In my definition, the ‘Noise Floor’ is a mixture of various types of stochastic noise, which affect the RF transmission path (e.g. stochastic thermal noise, man-made-noise, electri-cal noise, noise of amplifier, noise of RF mixer, quantization noise22 and so forth). The noise floor received by an antenna can be measured, e.g. in dBm or dBµV, at the receiver input.

Simplified, another signal degrading effect are Interferences, which occur in the trans-mission path or in the receiver unit / sections. In general, noise can be co-channel or adjacent channel interference, including intermodulation products. A detailed description of the different interference scenarios will follow in chapter ‘3.3 Interferences’. [5, Page 50] [4, Page 41]

The thermal noise is defined by reference [27, Page 1] as a ‘random fluctuation in volt-age by the random motion of charge carriers in any conducting medium at a temperature above absolute zero (K = 273 + °Celsius)’. At absolute zero temperature, (0 K / about -273 °C), the thermal noise level, e.g. on an antenna connector, is zero. In general, the noise level depends on the ambient temperature of the noise source. At a higher ambient temperature of the noise source, its material particles (electrons) move faster (see also reference [28]). Because of its random fluctuation, the thermal noise floor has a random power level.

Man-made-noise occurs from the spurious radiation of electrical and / or electronic de-vices in the surroundings of the receiver antenna. Man-made-noise can be produced by computers, LEDs, transmitting devices and similar equipment. In the ERC Report 42 on page 16, it is written: ‘The introduction of fast computers and similar digital control equip-ment with high (legal) levels of spurious radiation has meant the ambient noise for fre-quencies between 170 MHz and 300 MHz has typically risen above the receiver noise floor by 10 dB. This problem will continue to affect ever higher frequencies unless the spurious radiation limits are improved’.

So-called ‘electrical noise’ (e.g. the amplifier internal noise) is produced by electrical components inside the circuit, for example transistors. The greater the number of electri-cal components that are implemented in a wireless system, the higher the internal elec-trical noise will be. The difference to the man-made-noise is that the internal electrical

22 See reference [30, page 21]

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noise is produced inside the device, while the man-made-noise is an electrical noise sig-nal in the environment, which can be received by an antenna. [29, Page 3]

In the input block(s) of the wireless receiver, the noise floor limits the minimum power level of the smallest receivable signal which can be demodulated and still meets the re-quired performance parameters / quality. If the wanted signal level is lower than the level of the noise floor, the wanted signal cannot be demodulated and its content will get lost. If the wanted signal is sufficiently higher than the noise level, it can be demodulated at the required quality. If the signal passes an amplifier any noise will be increased as well.

The noise floor acts as a limitation of the applicable distance between wireless transmitter and its receiver.

According to reference [27], the thermal noise power can be calculated as demonstrated below.

Note: subsequently the calculation can be checked by using a different method.

Step 1: Thermal Noise Power (Pnoise) Formula in dBW

The Thermal Noise Power (Pnoise) can be calculated in dBW using the following formula:

Pnoise [dBW] = 10 log10(k x T x B) (1)

Parameters: * k: Boltzmann constant, k = 1.38 x 10-23 Joules / Kelvin [J/K]23 * T: Temperature in Kelvin [K] * B: Bandwidth in Hertz [Hz]

Step 2: Calculation of a ‘Reference Thermal Noise Power’ (Pref,dBw) in dBW

In a second step a reference thermal noise power at a room temperature of 17°C (290 K) within a bandwidth of 1 Hz will be calculated:

Pref,dBw [dBW] = 10 log10(1.38 x 10-23 x 290 x 1) = -204 dBW/Hz = Pref,dBw (2)

Parameters: * k = 1.38 x 10-23 J/K * T = 17°C / 290 K * B = 1 Hz

Note: Other references might define the room temperature differently, e.g. 20°C [4].

Step 3: Conversion of Noise Power from dBW to dBm (Pref,dBm)

Now the reference noise power value Pref will be converted to dBm. To do so, the following equation can be used:

0 dBW = 1 W = 30 dBm (3)

It follows a general formula for the conversion of a power level in dBW to a power level in dBm:

PdBm = PdBw + 30 dBm (4)

23 Further information on the Boltzmann constant can be found in reference [31].

31

This can be adopted to our special case of the reference thermal noise power value (Pref,dBm):

Pref,dBm = Pref,dBW + 30 dBm = -204 dBw/Hz + 30 dBm = - 174 dBm/Hz = Pref,dBm (5)

The reference noise power value of 174 dBm/Hz is used for noise power calculations e.g. for the system design of radio equipment. The noise floor per Hz does not change in the different frequency ranges, it will be the same in the 700 MHz frequency band like in the 1.8 GHz frequency band. Because of that, the reference noise power value can simply be multiplied with the required channel bandwidth (see Step 4).

Step 4: Thermal Noise Power calculation in the receiver bandwidth (Pnoise,ref)

To calculate the noise level for another channel bandwidth, the reference value Pref,dBm

can simply be multiplied with the new bandwidth B [Hz]:

Pnoise,ref [dBm] = -174 dBm/Hz + 10 log (B) (6)

Parameter: * B = required channel bandwidth in Hertz [Hz]

Note: This formula is just true for an ambient temperature of 17°C / 290 K. For other temperatures the reference value has to be adopted.

Step 5: Example

The thermal noise level for a 200 kHz channel (Pnoise,200kHz) at a temperature of 17°C / 290 K can now be calculated using Pref:

Pnoise,200kHz [dBm] = -174 dBm/Hz + 10 log (200 000 Hz) = -121 dBm = Pnoise,200kHz (7)

Parameter: * B = 200 kHz = 200 000 Hz

Note: to calculate the entire noise power level, additional calculations, e.g. for considera-tion of the man-made-noise need to be made.

I have checked the thermal noise power calculation of reference [27] by using my own methodology. My concern was to check the present calculation with an alternative meth-odology. This calculation is demonstrated below:

Step 1: Definition of the input values

For reasons of comparability, I used the same input values as were used in reference [27] for my own calculation. Those are defined in the table below:

Input: Abbr. Parameter Unit Value B: Bandwidth in Hertz [Hz] 1 Tc: Temperature in ° Celsius [°C] 17 R: Resistor in Ohm [Ω] 100 000 K: Boltzmann Constant [J/K] 1.38065 x 10-23

Table 6: Input Parameter for Thermal Noise Power Calculation

Step 2: Calculate the temperature in Kelvin Tk [K]

The temperature in °Celsius can be transferred to Kelvin using the following formula:

32

Tk [K] = 273.15 + Tc (8)

Tk [K] = 273.15 + 17°C = 290.15°C = Tk (9)

Parameters: * Tc = 17°C

Step 3: Calculation of the Noise Voltage Vn [V]

The noise voltage can be calculated as follows:

Vn [V] = √(4 * k * B * Tk * R) (10)

Parameters: * k: Boltzmann constant in Joules / Kelvin [J/K] * T: Temperature in Kelvin [K] * B: Bandwidth in Hertz [Hz]

Vn [V] = √(4 * 1.38065 x 10-23J/K² * 1 Hz * 290.15 K * 100 000 Ω)

= 4.00298 x 10-8 V = Vn (11)

Parameters: * k = 1.38 x 10-23 J/K * T = 290.15 K * B = 1 Hz * R = 100 kΩ = 100 000 Ω

Step 3: Calculation of the Thermal Noise Power Pnoise in Milliwatt [mW]

Finally, the thermal noise power Pnoise in Watt [W]can be calculated, using the following formula:

Pnoise [W] = (Vn / 2 )2 / R (12)

Pnoise [W] = (4.00298 x 10-8 V / 2)² / 100 000 Ω = 4.00596 x 10-21 W = Pnoise (13)

Step 4: Conversion of the Thermal Noise Power from Watt [W] to dBW (Pnoise,dBW)

In a last step, the thermal noise power is converted to dBW using the logarithmic function.

Pnoise,dBW [dBW] = 10 * log10(Pnoise / 1W) (14)

Pnoise,dBW [dBW] = 10 * log10(4.00596 x 10-21 W / 1 W) = -203.97 dBW = Pnoise,dBW (15)

Parameters: * Pnoise = 4.00596 x 10-21 W

Step 5: Thermal Noise Power Calculation using formula (1)

Now a comparison, using the simplified formula provided by reference [27] can be made (See also Step 1 until 3 of the former section):

Pnoise,dBW [dBW] = 10 x log10(k x T x B) (1)

Pnoise,dBW [dBW] = 10 x log10(1.38065 x 10-23J/K x 290.15 K x 1 Hz)

= -203.97 dBW = Pnoise,dBW

33

Parameters: * k = 1.38 x 10-23 J/K * T = 290.15 K * B = 1 Hz

Step 6: Conclusion

My own methodology as well as formula (1) from reference [27] result in a thermal noise power of -203.97 dBW/Hz for a room temperature of 17°C and a resistor of 100 kΩ. This comparison proves, that formula (1) is true. Anyways, by using the same values, refer-ence [27] calculates a reference noise power of -204 dBW/Hz. This is a difference of 0.03 dBW to my result and occurs from the different rounding of the temperature and the Boltzmann constant.

3.2. SNR vs. C/I and C/N+I

* Ps = Signal level of wanted signal * Pn = Signal level of noise floor

As previously explained further in section ‘3.1 Noise Floor’, the noise floor is a limitation to the lowest receivable signal level of the wanted signal Ps, to achieve a demodulation at the required audio quality. Therefore, the signal level of the wanted signal has to be significantly higher, than the level of the noise floor Pn. All signals, wanted signals as well as the noise, start at zero. Consequently, wanted signals and noise signals form a shared RF environment.

There are different methods to calculate the ra-tio between the signal level and the noise level. In this thesis I will introduce the SNR, the C / I and the C/N+I. Both can be measured in deci-bel (dB). The graphic on the left illustrates the difference between the SNR and the C/N+I. The C/N+I was introduced to differentiate the SNR of a demodulated analogue baseband signal (SNR) and the SNR before the demod-ulation (C/N+I).

3.2.1. SNR

The ‘Signal-to-Noise Ratio’ (SNR) is defined as the ratio of the wanted signal power level Ps to the power level of the noise Pn:

SNR = Ps / Pn (1)

Parameters: * Ps: wanted signal power level in Watt [W] * Pn: noise power level in Watt [W]

Note: in this case the SNR is unit-less because both power levels are defined in Watts and therefore the units can be reduced (1 W / 1 W = 1).

Usually, the SNR is calculated in a logarithmic value, because the power level of the wanted signal is often significantly higher than the noise power level [32]:

SNR = 10 log(Ps / Pn) [dB] (2)

Wan

ted

Sig

nal

C/N+I

C

Inte

rfer

er

Noise

SNR

Pn

Figure 26: SNR vs. C/N+I

34

Parameters: * Ps: wanted signal power level, e.g. in dBm or Watt [W] * Pn: noise power level in, e.g. in dBm or Watt [W]

In practical usage, the SNR describes the end-to-end performance of a wireless system. It can be measured at the input (SNRin) and at the output (SNRout) of an electronic mod-ule, e.g. an amplifier.

Usually, the SNR at the input is better than the SNR at the output, because of the addi-tional noise components. The difference of the SNR at the input (SNRin) to the SNR at the output (SNRout) represents the noise figure of the investigated module. [33]

Just above the SNR, the wireless receiver can de-modulate the information carried on the wanted sig-nal. Thus, a specific SNRout value is needed to guarantee a clean demodulation of the signal con-tent. If the SNR is too low, the noise will be audible in the audio output, e.g. via the P.A. system. Differ-ent applications might require a different SNR. Ac-cording to [4], the optimal SNR for wireless micro-phones is 100 dB or more and for IEM above 60 dB. The minimal required SNR for a demodulation of a wireless microphone signal is defined as 30 dB in [34]. In case of any amplification, the SNR will stay the same, because noise and signal level are amplified equally. The Graphic on the right illustrates the SNR.

3.2.2. C/I

The ‘Carrier-over-Interference Ratio’ (C/I) is defined as the difference between the power levels of the wanted signal and the sum of all interferences inside a defined bandwidth. ‘C’ represents the power level of the desired carrier and ‘I’ stands for sum the power level of the inter-fering signal. ‘I’ includes all interferences occurring inside the bandwidth of the observed signal (BS). If the inter-ferer-bandwidth exceeds the signal bandwidth, ‘I’ just rep-resents the part of the interfering signal which is con-tained inside the signal bandwidth.

Function Block SNR on receiver input SNR on receiver output

Figure 27: Schematic illustration of the SNR at the input and output of a function block

Wan

ted

Sig

nal

Noise

SNR

Pn

Ps

Figure 28: SNR

Wan

ted

Sig

nal

C/I

C

Inte

rfer

er

I

Figure 29: C/I

35

These cases are illustrated in the table below:

Scenario More than 1 interfering signal inside ob-served Bandwidth BS

Interfering signal Bandwidth BI

Interfering Signal Sum of all interferer Reduced to signal bandwidth Bs

Graphic

Table 7: Interfering Signal Bandwidth Bs

Note: in the table above, I1, I2 and I3 represent different interferences inside the observed bandwidth BS.

If the wanted signal level is low and therefore close to the noise floor, the noise level also has to be taken into account.

3.2.3. C/N+I

The ‘Carrier-over-Noise-and-Interference Ratio’ (C/N+I) is defined as the difference be-tween the power levels of the wanted signal and the sum of all interferences and the noise inside a defined bandwidth. The definition of ‘C’ and ‘I’ stays the same as for the C/I (see section above). The new parameter ‘N’ describes the noise floor level inside the observed bandwidth BS.

In practice, a signal level at the receiver above the minimum C/N+I is needed to prevent the effect of the interferences and to secure the required audio quality. The quality re-quirements must correspond to the modulation form used. For a modulation with 5 bit/s/Hz a C/N+I of about 30 dB is required. For the demodulation of the signal content of analogue wireless microphones, practical tests resulted in a minimum C/N+I of about 20 dB24.

Practical Example:

In a typical event and content production scenario, the C/I could represent the difference between the power levels of a LTE signal and (a) wireless microphone(s) and / or IEM signal(s), as presented in reference [4, Page 33], ITU-R Report BT.2338, section 2.5.1.1. Minimal required C/I for microphone links in the presence of a wideband interferer:

24 ‘The 1 kHz audio test signal was interference free with a C/I value of ~ 22 dB. This confirms the initial hypothesis that a minimal C/I of 20 dB is needed for analogue microphone use’ [4, Page 34].

I1 I2 I3

BS

I

BS

36

Figure 30: Required C/I for Analogue Microphone Usage by the Example of a LTE Test Signal [4, Page 34]

‘This lab test example shows a test LTE signal (2) and a SAB/SAP measuring signal (1) at a measurement bandwidth of 100 kHz. To ensure the minimum necessary production quality, the useful carrier to interference ratio (C/I) can be determined from the difference between the LTE (2) and SAB/SAP (1) signal strengths. Monitoring and control was achieved by means of a headset.’ [4, Page 34].

3.3. Interferences

As already mentioned in chapter ‘3.1 Noise Floor’, in addition to the stochastic ‘Noise’, interferences are another signal degrading effect. Interferences are signals, that change the SNR, C/I and C/N+I in an undesirable way, making it difficult (loss of range) or impos-sible (complete signal loss) to demodulate the signal content of the wanted signal. At this point, it has to be said, that the signal strength of a signal at the receiver input antenna varies, with the movement of the transmitting device, e.g. the wireless microphone. Con-sequently, when the transmitter is closer to the receiver antenna the signal strength of the wanted signal is high and might be higher than the interference. The C/N+I is good and the signal content can be demodulated. Now the transmitter is moved away from the receiver, e.g. the singer of a music group is walking with the microphone in his hand to the other side of the stage. The signal strength of the wanted signal at the receiver an-tenna now is lower and might drop below the minimum C/N+I or even below the interfer-ence level. In this case the signal content cannot be demodulated correctly anymore, and the interference will be audible in the audio output, e.g. for the audience of the concert via the P.A. system. The different interference scenarios, which can occur in wireless audio transmissions, will be explained further in this section. Mainly, there are three dif-ferent kind of interferences: co-channel interference, adjacent channel interference and the special case of intermodulation (IM) products.

37

3.3.1. Co-Channel Interference

In case of a co-channel interference, the interference is happening inside the transmission channel of the wanted signal. This scenario is shown in the graphic on the left. In the practical usage, this could happen, when two wireless systems are operated on the same transmission fre-quency, e.g. two wireless microphones are adjusted on the same transmission frequency, an intermodulation prod-uct25 occurs on the transmission frequency of a wireless microphone or a wireless microphone is adjusted on a fre-quency, which is inside a locally occupied TV channel. If

the co-channel interference has a higher power level than the wanted signal, the signal content of the wanted signal cannot be demodulated. To demodulate the content of the wanted signal correctly, the wanted signal has to be significantly higher than the interfer-ence. The difference between the power level of the wanted signal and the interfering signal is called C/N+I. For a successful demodulation, a C/N+I of 20 dB is needed. Further information on SNR, C/I and C/N+I can be found in chapter ‘3.2 SNR vs. C/I and C/N+I’.

3.3.2. Adjacent Channel Interference

In comparison to the co-channel interference, the adjacent channel interference occurs from the out-of-band emission / out-of-channel emission of signals in the neighbouring channel(s). In the practical usage an adjacent channel interference can happen, when two wireless devices are operated in neighbouring channels or on two frequencies close to each other. Examples are the operation of one or more wireless microphones close to or inside the LTE band, e.g. the LTE duplex gap, or in a free TV channel next to one or in between of two locally occupied TV channel(s). Those scenarios are demonstrated simplified in the graphics below:

Scenario 1:

In the first scenario, the three TV channels, Ch. 1 until Ch. 3, are free of interfering RF carri-ers. Six wireless microphones can be operated in one TV channel without any problem of interference. The signal levels of the microphone signals are significantly higher than the noise floor, the SNR is high, and the content of the transmit-ted microphone signals can be demodulated interference-free.

25 Intermodulation will be explained further in the following subchapter.

Co-Channel Interference

Figure 31: Co-Channel Interference

Ch. 1 Ch. 2 Ch. 3

Noise Floor

SNR

Figure 32: Scenario without interfering RF Carriers

38

Scenario 2:

In the second scenario, one of the neighbouring TV channels, in this case Ch. 1, is occupied with the wideband signal of a lo-cal TV station, who is transmit-ting their TV program on Ch. 1. The out-of-band emission of the TV station interferes with some of the microphone signals in the adjacent channel Ch. 2. Any-ways, if the C/N+I still is high enough, the signal content of the affected microphone trans-missions can still be demodu-lated. But if the adjacent chan-nel interference is too high, the C/N+I decrease significantly, like in the lower picture, and the wireless microphone receiver might not be able to demodu-late the signal content in the re-quired quality.

Scenario 3:

In the third scenario both adja-cent television channels (Ch. 1 and Ch. 3) are in use for a local TV distribution. Like in Sce-nario 2, the C/N+I is reduced drastically by the harmful out-of-band emission of the TV sta-tions. The wanted signal con-tent of the wireless micro-phones in Ch. 2 cannot be de-modulated in the required qual-ity anymore.

3.3.3. Intermodulation

A special interference scenario is called ‘Intermodulation’ (IM). Because of the interaction of two or more simultaneously operated transmitters in a non-linear circuit, signals on new frequencies, of harmonics in different orders and / or their mixing products, can be gen-erated. Those new frequencies are called ‘Intermodulation (IM) Products’ and are pro-duced inside the circuit components. IM products pose a problem by the simultaneous usage of at least three wireless systems, because the third system cannot be adjusted on a frequency, which is affected by an IM. How IM products are created, what problems they cause and what can be done to prevent IM, is explained further in this subchapter.

Figure 33: Adjacent Channel Interference from one Adjacent Channel

Ch. 1 Ch. 2 Ch. 3

C/N+I << 20 dB

Noise Floor

Figure 34: Adjacent Channel Interference from both Adjacent Channels

Ch. 1 Ch. 2 Ch. 3

C/N+I << 20 dB dB

Noise Floor

out-of-band emission

Ch. 1 Ch. 2 Ch. 3

C/N+I > 20 dB dB

Noise Floor

out-of-band emission

39

IM products can be mainly generated in the transmitter output (receiving signals of an adjacent transmitter; ‘Reverse Transmitter IM’) or the receiver input (receiving a mix of several input signals). ‘Reverse Transmitter IM’ usually happens in the power output stage of the transmitter. When two transmitters are operated within a too short distance from one transmitter antenna to the other, the transmitters will interact and produce new frequencies: the signal of the other transmitter enters the output of a wireless transmitter via the transmission antenna on its transmission frequency. The output of a transmitter is not designed to receive signals. Consequently, the amplifier in the output stage of the transmitting device mixes the received signal with the signal, it is amplifying in that mo-ment (the transmission signal). New signals on other frequencies, the IM products, will be produced and transmitted. As a consequence, the IM products also will be radiated in the RF environment. In practise, this can happen when, for example, several singers are holding their microphones close to each other while singing (e.g. the Ten Tenors, see picture below).

Figure 35: The 'Ten Tenors' are holding their Wireless Microphones within a close Distance to one another [35]

A typical IM scenario in the practical production environment is combining of several IEM transmitters to a single antenna port. Anyways, transceivers might have a selective output filter as a ‘protection’ against IM.

In the opposite direction receivers have not only one but many input signals on their an-tenna input. Strong signals lead to intermodulation. In addition, a very strong signal leads to ‘Blocking’ and ‘clipping’26. Those effects impact small wanted signals at the receiver.

26 Definition Clipping: If an amplifier is overdriven, the voltage / current, it has to deliver, exceeds its maxi-mum capacity (maximum output power) and the signal is ‘cut-off’ at this threshold. At this point, in the audio output a clipping will be audible. [36] [37]

Antennas of the wireless microphones are hold within a short distance to each other.

Reverse Transmitter IM might be a consequence.

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Blocking might happen, when a transmitter is operated within too close proximity to the receiver antenna and therefore the power level of the interfering carrier is too high in the receiver input. In the receiver the incoming signals are combined and signals on new frequencies, the IM products, are created. This can happen, for example, in the receiver pre-amplifier or before the receiver in an active splitter. Anyways, receivers might have a selective input filter as a possible reduction of ‘blocking’.

Going back to the IM products, the following table gives an oversight over the calculation of IM products up to the fifth order:

IM2 2 F2-F1 ----- F1+F2 -----

IM3 3 2*F1-F2 F1-2*F2 2*F1+F2 F1+2*F2

IM4 4 3*F1-F2 3*F2-F1 3*F1+F2 F1+3*F2

IM5 5 3*F1-2*F2 3*F2-2*F1 3*F1+2*F2 2*F1+3*F2

Table 8: Formulas to calculate IM Products up to the Fifth Order

Note: the calculation of IM products of higher orders is neglected in this table, although they exist.

IM products occur in intervals equal to the frequency offset between the two original trans-mission frequencies (see Figure 37). An increase of carrier frequencies, which are in use simultaneously, results in an exponential growth of IM products.

Frequencies, which are affected by IM products might not be usable for other wireless transmissions, e.g. of a wireless microphone system, during the period of the interference. Conclusively, an increase of IM products means as well a decrease of for other equipment usable frequencies. In general, just IM products close to the originally transmitted fre-quencies, e.g. IM3 and IM5, cause problems, e.g. co-channel or adjacent channel inter-ference. Anyways, IM products of higher orders might cause harmful interference as well and therefore cannot be neglected. It was observed, that an increase of 10 dB of the transmitter output power rises the signal level of the third order IM products, which were produced in the receiver, about 30 dB [33, Page 15]27.

If all transmission frequencies are arranged in a constant frequency spacing / grid, all receiving and transmitting devices will be af-fected by IM products, because all IM products have the same distance to one another and the original transmission frequencies, like the original transmission fre-quencies have to each other. In addition, due to the high amount of IM products, adjacent channels might be unusable for other trans-missions. The alternative is a

27 ‘Increasing all transmitter power by 10 dB produces a 30 dB increase in receiver generated 3rd order intermodulation levels‘ [33, Page 15].

Figure 36: Required Spectrum in MHz vs. Number of Channels in IM-free Operation [4, page 42]

41

non-linear frequency spacing. It follows: if more transmission frequencies are in use at the same time, the needed spectrum for an intermodulation-free frequency arrangement rises exponentially. This is as well shown in the figure above.28

There exist various options to prevent IM effects, e.g. additional filters on the receiver input or transmitter output will remove interfering signals or decrease their level.

In addition, for a reduction of IM products, the transmission power of adjacent systems can be decreased, wireless transmitter antennas could be kept within a distance to re-ceiver antennas and two transmitter antennas might not be hold together closely. In prac-tice the realization of those scenarios sometimes is limited.

Anyways, an experienced frequency coordination to guarantee an IM free frequency ar-rangement for all wireless systems, which are in use at the same event, might be the ‘best option’. Together with the manual of a wireless system, manufacturers mostly provide frequency sheets with different options for IM-free frequency allocations29. The use of digital technologies might improve the situation in regards to IM products because of in-tegrated error correction techniques, but in general digital modulated wireless systems as well are vulnerable for IM effects. Further information on digital technologies can be found in sub-chapter ‘2.4 Analogue vs. Digital Technologies’.

The following series of figures visualises the anterior information on IM:

Two wireless transmitters, e.g. wireless microphones, are operated on the transmission frequencies F1 and F2 within a frequency offset of F (F = F2 – F1). Passing a Non-Linear circuit, these two signal carriers produce new signals on different frequencies, so-called ‘Intermodulation (IM) products’ of different orders. The IM products have the same dis-tance F to the original carriers and to one another, but the signal strength is decreasing

28 ‘In real world situations, the maximum number of IM free channels will depend on the quality of the links as well as the equipment use. The following figure illustrates the behaviour of one typical system‘ [4, Page 41]. 29 Audio Technica, 3000 series, Pages 13 and 14 of the manual contain possible IM-free frequency ar-rangements for up to 16 channels in the different bands: https://www.audio-technica.com/cms/re-source_library/literature/746ffca13f247d2d/p52165_03_3000b_series_om.pdf

F1 F2

F

Input Spectrum

IM7 IM5 IM3 F1 F2 IM3 IM5 IM7

F F F

Output Spectrum

Non-Linear Block

Two Input Signals Two plus N Output Signals

Figure 37: Passing a Non-Linear Block, two input signals create various IM products

https://www.audio-technica.com/cms/resource_library/literature/746ffca13f247d2d/p52165_03_3000b_series_om.pdf

https://www.audio-technica.com/cms/resource_library/literature/746ffca13f247d2d/p52165_03_3000b_series_om.pdf

42

with the increasing order. IM products outside of the relevant frequency range (in the graphic this is the blue box) can be neglected.

Note: The graphic symbolically shows IM products up to order seven. In reality IM prod-ucts of higher orders will be created as well. Some of them might not be harmful because of the low power level and others might be outside of the relevant frequency range.

If a third carrier is added, there are three input signals to the non-linear circuit and even more IM products are created:

If a third signal carrier is added, there are different possibilities, which are visualised in the figures below:

Scenario A:

In extension of Figure 37 a third transmitter, e.g. a third radio microphone is added to the scenario. It is operated on the frequency F3. If on this frequency an IM product already is present, like in the left graphic, a co-channel in-terference will happen.

Scenario B:

An alternative approach is to locate the new microphone F3 on an IM-free frequency within a distance D to IM products.

Non-Linear Block Three Input Signals Three + N Output Signals

Figure 38: Production of IM Products with Three Input Signals


F3 Co-Channel Interference

F F F

A

Figure 39: Co-Channel Interference as a Consequence of IM


F3 – OK

F F F

D

B

Figure 40: IM-free Frequency Arrangement of Three Signal Carriers

43

Scenario C:

In some situations, the dis-tance D between the new carrier and an IM product might be too small. In this case, an adjacent channel interference might occur.

The next part of the fundamentals summarizes, what is the radio frequency spectrum?

4. Radio Frequency Spectrum

4.1. Electromagnetic Radiation

Definition: ‘In free space, the fields propagate in the form of spherical waves, whose am-plitudes are inversely proportional to their distance from the antenna’ [29, Page 22].

To explain, what the electromagnetic spectrum is, I would like to start with the explanation of how electromagnetic waves are produced. Radio signals are transmitted on frequen-cies, which can also be represented as an electromagnetic wave. This electromagnetic wave is produced inside the antenna of the wireless audio transmitter and receiver. Here current and voltage are converted into electromagnetic radiation and the other way around. This is realized using a feeding-based circuit, such as the λ/2 dipole (combination of two λ/4 Dipole sections). The total length of the λ/2 dipole is half of the wavelength λ of the frequency, which will be created. As can be seen in the figure below, the dipole is separated into two halves, each of them has a length of λ/4. The dipole is fed in the middle.

The dipole acts as an oscillation circuit and electrical and magnetic fields are produced. The electrons can just go until the edge of the dipole. Accordingly, the current I at the edges of the dipole is zero and in the middle of the dipole the current is the highest. Conclusively, one edge of the dipole has an excess of electrons and the other side a lack of electrons. That means, the voltage is the highest at the dipole edges and zero in its middle. This changing distribution of the electrical current and voltage produces electrical and magnetic fields. Those fields are 90° shifted in their phase. The time period T is

Figure 41: Adjacent Channel Interference as a Consequence of IM


F3 Adjacent Channel Interference

F F F

D

C

TX

Magnetic area

Electric area Electric area

λ/2

Figure 42: Schematic of a λ/2 Dipole

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defined, as the time t, which the electrons need to move from one edge of the dipole to the other and back. At the time t = 0 all electrons are at one side of the dipole. This side has an excess of electrons, while the other dipole edge suffers a lack of electrons. The current I at t = 0 is zero, the voltage U is at its maximum. An electrical field is produced. Now the electrons start to move to the other side of the dipole, because electrons always try to reach a balance. At the time t = ¼ T the current I is at its peak and the voltage U is zero. A magnetic field is produced. The electrons reach the other side of the dipole. Now the loads are reversed: the dipole edge, which first had a lack of electrons now has an excess of electrons and the other side suffers a lack of electrons. Conclusively the whole procedure repeats itself into the other direction: At the time t = ½ T the other dipole edge has an electron excess and therefore the current I is zero and the voltage U at its maxi-mum. An electrical field is produced. Now the electrons start moving back to the other dipole side to reach a balance. The current I is at its maximum and the voltage U zero at the time t =3/4 T. A magnetic field is produced. After this, the process will repeat itself until the power source of the dipole is cut off. The time t = 1 T is the same as t = 0. The described process is as well shown in the graphics below. The first graphic shows the changes of the current I and the voltage U during the time period T. The second graphic shows, when electric and when magnetic fields are produced [38].

Figure 43: Electrical Current I (black) and Voltage U (Blue) at a Dipole [38]

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Figure 44: Electrical Fields (Blue) and Magnetic Fields (Red) at a Dipole [38]

4.2. The Electromagnetic Spectrum

The electromagnetic spectrum is defined as the whole range of frequencies of electro-magnetic radiation, including the visible infrared spectrum and the invisible spectrum, e.g. ultraviolet, x-rays and gamma rays. The electromagnetic waves have different wave-lengths and propagation characteristics. The wavelength λ of an electromagnetic wave is defined as the length of one period of the wave (the length, until the wave starts to repeat its form):

An electromagnetic wave also has a frequency and wave lengths. The frequency f is defined as its propagation velocity in relation to its wavelength. Radio frequencies prop-agate with the speed of the light c: c = 299 792 458 metres per second30. Therefore, the frequency f can be calculated using the following formula: f = c/λ. Attenuation and similar effects might affect the propagation of the radio frequencies

30 The speed of light is defined as a constant for a propagation in vacuum. That would be in the free space. Travelling through a medium, such as air, the velocity can change depending on the medium. [39] [29]

λ

Figure 45: Electromagnetic Wave and its Wavelength λ

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In a single and flat propagation plane, an electromagnetic wave propagates in the air like a circle wave, similar to the waves, created by a waterdrop dropping into a puddle. For an isotropic antenna the electromagnetic wave spreads like a sphere (ball) into all directions and might be reflected and / or absorbed by certain materials along its way, e.g. the air, walls or metal pieces. The isotropic antenna is a hypothet-ical ideal model of a spherical emission. In praxis, all (other) antennas have a special antenna radiation characteristic. The special propagation characteristics of the electromag-netic wave depend strongly on the frequency range and will be explained more detailed in chapter ‘4 Radio Frequency Spectrum’.

In the praxis the electromagnetic spectrum is divided into more specific spectra, fre-quency blocks, frequency ranges, frequency bands and even channels by certain regu-lation organs, e.g. the ITU. For this thesis the UHF TV spectrum is important (see chapter ‘4.4 The VHF and UHF TV Spectrum in Brazil’). It is part of the electromagnetic spectrum and the radio frequency spectrum and further divided into frequency bands and TV chan-nels (see chapters ‘4.5 Further Division into Frequency Bands’ and ‘4.6 TV Channel Ar-rangement’). This arrangement is explained further in the following subchapters.

4.3. The Radio Frequency Spectrum

Currently, the ITU definition of radio frequency spectrum includes the frequency range from 3 kHz to 3 000 GHz. It is extremely used by modern wireless technologies, e.g. for the transmission of telecommunication services. In General, the radio frequency spec-trum is free available in the air – it is a public resource. However, national or regional frequency use requires approval / licensing. For example: if some frequencies are already in use, interferences might occur (see chapter ‘3.3 Interferences’) and certain frequencies might not be available anymore for other usages. Radio Frequencies are a limited but highly demanded resource. To ensure an efficient spectrum usage a spectrum coordina-tion on different levels is required. Frequencies are not bound to national borders and, even though frequencies are allocated to specific services on a national basis, the trans-mission of several applications / services will not stop at the country border. Conclusively, an international frequency coordination to avoid cross border interference is necessary. [41] Further information on the spectrum coordination can be found in chapter ‘5 Spec-trum and Frequency Regulation’).

The focus of this chapter lays on the further subdivision of the radio frequency spectrum into blocks, ranges, bands and channels. The Radio Frequency Spectrum is divided into different blocks by national or regional relevant administrations / organisations, according to the special characteristics of these frequencies.

The table below briefly provides an overview of the RF spectrum. It summarizes the in-formation from several references:

Abbr. Description Lower Limit Upper Limit Usage ULF Ultra Low Frequencies 300 3 kHz VLF Very Low Frequencies 3 kHz 30 kHz LF Low Frequencies 30 kHz 300 kHz e.g. Broadcast

Figure 46: Propagation of Waves like a Waterdrop [40]

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MF Middle Frequencies 300 kHz 3 MHz e.g. Broadcast HF High Frequencies 3 MHz 30 MHz e.g. Long-Distance Land / Sea

Communication VHF Very High Frequencies 30 MHz 300 MHz e.g.

Broadcast; Long-Range Radar Systems; Radio Navigation Systems; Radio Microphones

UHF Ultra High Frequencies 300 MHz 3 GHz e.g. Wireless Microwave Links; Fixed and Mobile Cellular Sys-tems; Mobile Satellite Communication; Medium Range Radars; Wireless audio production tools (PMSE)

SHF Super High Frequencies 3 GHz 30 GHz EHF Extremely High Frequencies 30 GHz 300 GHz

Table 9: Division of the RF Spectrum into different Frequency Ranges [5, Page 22] [29, Pages 2 and 3] [42]

Note: The usage in each part of the RF spectrum differs in various countries / world re-gions. The UHF spectrum also includes the so-called ‘UHF TV spectrum’ with its broad-casting services. This sub-division will be explained further in the paragraph underneath.

4.4. The VHF and UHF TV Spectrum in Brazil

The RF blocks from the upper table, can be divided further into smaller frequency ranges. Here I will just list the frequency ranges of the TV bands in Brazil, which are mainly in use for the transmission of the terrestrial television. The border frequencies of these frequency ranges might differ in the different regions of the world, e.g. in Europe. In comparison: in Europe the UHF TV spectrum includes the whole frequency range from 470 to 862 MHz.

Description Frequency Range TV channels Lower VHF 54 to 88 MHz 2 to 6 Upper VHF 174 to 216 MHz 7 to 13

UHF TV 470 to 806 MHz 14 to 69 Table 10: VHF and UHF TV Spectrum in Brazil after the DD [1] [43]

Note: As a consequence of the Digital Dividend the upper part of the UHF TV spectrum from 698 to 806 MHz (channel 52 to 69) are not in use for the TV transmission anymore.

The frequency ranges have different propagation characteristics for wireless audio pro-duction tools. The VHF TV and UHF TV bands have a good propagation, what makes these bands interesting e.g. for the usage of wireless audio equipment, television trans-mission and Mobile Services. These frequency bands have a wide coverage.

The UHF TV spectrum has a significant body absorption, which changes depending on the frequency and the practical use-case close to the human body31. The body effect is important, because a lot of wireless audio equipment is operated close to the human

31 Note: currently CEPT is finalizing on the ECC Report 286, that will summarize information for the body effect of wireless audio production tools.

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body, e.g. the IEM receiver or handheld microphones. Anyways, small and still efficient antennas are possible in the UHF TV band.

In the VHF TV spectrum from 174 to 216 MHz larger antennas are required or the effi-ciency of the short antennas is limited. In addition, the man-made-noise floor is higher. In comparison to the UHF TV spectrum, the body absorption is significant lower.

The ERC Report 204 concludes on page 22: ‘The UHF band below 1 GHz is the best band for Audio PMSE due to the combination of antenna size, propagation, current noise floor’ [5, Page 22]. Higher frequencies have a higher path loss and, in addition, a higher body absorption. However, in some countries higher frequency bands, e.g. the 1.8 GHz LTE duplex gap or the 2.4 GHz WIFI band, are identified for wireless audio production tools (PMSE). Lower frequency ranges are not suitable for the usage of wireless audio production tools (PMSE) because of the mostly available man-made-noise floor and the larger antenna sizes. For further information on the propagation characteristics of the different frequency bands, see ECC Report 204, Page 22, chapter A1.3.4 Propagation Characteristics of Frequency Bands. [5, Page 22]

4.5. Further Division into Frequency Bands

The previously described frequency blocks can be separated into further frequency bands. In this thesis I will focus on the 700 and 800 MHz frequency bands, because these bands are affected by the Digital Dividend(s) (DDs) in Latin-America and Europe.

Frequency Band Europe Latin-America 800 MHz 790 to 862 MHz 806 to 890 MHz 700 MHz 698 to 790 MHz 698 to 806 MHz

Table 11: Frequency Bands in Latin-America and Europe

Note: In Brazil the Broadcast Service is not allocated in the frequency band above 806 MHz. The 800 MHz frequency band is not part of the UHF TV spectrum in Brazil. Because of this, there was no Digital Dividend in this band. It already before was allocated to the Mobile Services. The frequency allocation for this band according to Brazilians National Frequency Allocation plan from the year 2001 can be found in the table below. I was not able to find earlier version of the frequency plan in the internet. [44, ]

MHz REGIÃO 2 BRASIL 806-890 FIXO MÓVEL RADIODIFUSÃO S5.317 S5.318

806-890 FIXO MÓVEL

Table 12: Frequency Allocation in the 800 MHz Frequency Band in Brazil 2001 [44, Page 62]

Furthermore, in different world regions additional frequency bands are in use for wireless audio production tools (PMSE), e.g. the 2.4 GHz WIFI band, in Europe the LTE duplex gap of the 1.8 GHz frequency band and in the UK the frequency band from 960 to 1164 MHz. For further Information see ‘Part C: Impact of the Digital Dividends on the Use of Frequencies by Wireless Audio Production Tools in Europe’.

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4.6. TV Channel Arrangement

As a last step, the TV spectrum is split in TV channels. The channel bandwidth might differ in different regions / nations around the world, e.g. while the bandwidth of a UHF TV channel in Europe commonly is 8 MHz, in Latin-America normally a channel grid of 6 MHz is used. A list with the TV channels in Brazil can be found in the Annex ‘A.2 UHF TV Channel Arrangement in Brazil’ [43].

The following section of the part fundamentals explains, how is the radio frequency spec-trum regulated, e.g. by the relevant administrations?

5. Spectrum and Frequency Regulation

5.1. International Regulation – ITU

Radio frequencies are a limited resource and their use does not end at regional borders. To regulate the frequency access of specific services, to defined frequency bands and to harmonise the frequency usage for specific regions of the world, an international fre-quency regulation is required. Therefore, the ‘International Telecommunication Union’ (ITU), a sub-organisation of the United Nations, was established. In this chapter I briefly would like to explain, what is the ITU and how is the ITU working process?

In summary, it can be said, that the ITU is responsible for the global and cross-border allocation of radio frequency spectrum to the different wireless services. Hereafter, I would like to explain the for this work important terminologies of the ITU. [47]

5.1.1. ITU-Regions

For its work, the ITU divided the world into three world regions [48]:

• ITU-Region 1: Europe and Africa, • ITU-Region 2: the Americas, • ITU-Region 3: Asian-Pacific.

Figure 47: ITU Regions [48]

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Note: since this thesis is focused on Europe and Latin-America, the ITU-Region 1 and ITU Region 2 are the two Regions, which will be considered in this work.

5.1.2. Sectors of the ITU

The ITU has divided their work into the following three different activity sectors [49]:

• The ‘Telecommunication Standardization Sector’ - ITU-T see https://www.itu.int/en/ITU-T/about/Pages/default.aspx

• the ‘Telecommunication Development Sector’ - ITU-D see https://www.itu.int/en/ITU-D/Pages/About.aspx

• the ‘Radiocommunication Sector’ ITU-R see https://www.itu.int/en/ITU-R/information/Pages/default.aspx

In this chapter, I will focus on the work of the radiocommunication sector ITU-R, because the ITU-R is also responsible for frequency ranges regarding the wireless audio produc-tion tools (PMSE).

5.1.3. Study Groups

Within the three ITU sectors, there are certain study groups. Each group focuses on one specific topic and is built of experts in this field. Exemplary working groups, which are working on topics related to wireless microphones, are:

• SG5 Working Subgroup WP5C is currently working on Resolution 59-1 for spectrum usage by wireless audio production tools (PMSE) see https://www.itu.int/en/ITU-R/study-groups/rsg5/Pages/default.aspx

• SG6 Working Subgroup WP6A is working on a mandate for spectrum usage by wireless audio production tools (PMSE) see https://www.itu.int/en/ITU-R/study-groups/rsg6/Pages/default.aspx

The work of these study groups will be considered in meetings of further working groups and conferences, which will be explained further in the following part

5.1.4. World Radio Conference

Every three to four years a ‘World Radiocommunication Conference’ (WRC) takes place. The scope of the agenda for a WRC is made in advance of the conference by the council of the ITU-R and includes recommendations, which were made on previous WRCs. The final agenda is decided by the ITU council two years before the actual WRC. ‘Under the terms of the ITU Constitution, a WRC can:

• revise the Radio Regulations and any associated Frequency assignment and al-lotment Plans;

• address any radiocommunication matter of worldwide character; • instruct the Radio Regulations Board and the Radiocommunication Bureau, and

review their activities; • determine Questions for study by the Radiocommunication Assembly and its Study

Groups in preparation for future Radiocommunication Conferences’ [50].

https://www.itu.int/en/ITU-T/about/Pages/default.aspx

https://www.itu.int/en/ITU-D/Pages/About.aspx

https://www.itu.int/en/ITU-R/information/Pages/default.aspx

https://www.itu.int/en/ITU-R/study-groups/rsg5/Pages/default.aspx

https://www.itu.int/en/ITU-R/study-groups/rsg6/Pages/default.aspx

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In the end of the conference, a preliminary final report is established, which gives detailed information on the outcome of the WRC and will be finalized in the next month. This report is called ‘Final Acts’. More information on the Radio Regulations (RR) and the Final Acts can be found in the end of this subchapter.

Note: the next WRC is in ongoing preparation, see https://www.itu.int/en/ITU-R/confer-ences/wrc/2019/Pages/default.aspx.

5.1.5. Regional Radiocommunication Conferences (RRC)

The RRC is a ‘sub-conference’ of the WRC. A RRC is a meeting of an ITU region or a study group of countries, which work together on a special mandate, concerning a certain topic, e.g. a specific frequency band. Only participating countries are obligated to the Final Acts of the RRC. RRs cannot be revised without an approval of the WRC. [51]

5.1.6. Radio Regulations (RR)

The Radio Regulations (RR) contain all frequency allocations made by the ITU at the WRC. The RRs were firstly stablished on the WRC-95 in Geneva in the year 1995. Since then, they were revised, updated and accepted by all following WRCs – including Reso-lutions and ITU-R Recommendations. [52]

5.1.7. Final Acts

The ‘Final Acts’ are the outcome of the WRCs and the RRCs. They contain all decisions, which were taken in the conference. In comparison to the RRs, the Final just contain the changes of the RRs, e.g. modifications and additions of footnotes and changed frequency allocations. The RRs will be updated after each WRC with these changes. [53]

5.2. National Regulation – Anatel in Brazil

The ITU as the international regulator of radio frequency spectrum publishes guidelines and recommendations for frequency allocations. Anyways, the national implementation of the ITU recommendations still is the authority of the national radio frequency regulation administration. How the national frequency regulation is realized, I will now explain by the example of Brazil.

In Brazil the national telecommunication regulation agency ‘Agência Nacional de Teleco-municações’ (Anatel) (Translation: ‘National Agency of Telecommunications’) is respon-sible for the spectrum regulation and coordination of telecommunication services. This includes for example radio broadcasting services, mobile phone services and as well wireless audio equipment. All regulations are recorded in form of so-called ‘Resoluções’ (Translation: ‘Resolutions’). Those resolutions can be found on the webpage of the Anatel: http://www.anatel.gov.br/legislacao/en/resolutions. The resolutions, which are im-portant for wireless audio production tools (PMSE) as well as for the content and event production sector, will be explained more detailed in the chapter ‘8.2.1 Licensing and Authorization of Wireless Audio Production Tools’. Furthermore, the Anatel represents Brazils interests in different international telecommunication organisations, e.g. the ITU (see chapter ‘5.1 International Regulation – ITU’). For the interaction of the Anatel with various governments and other national telecommunication regulators, frequent meetings

https://www.itu.int/en/ITU-R/conferences/wrc/2019/Pages/default.aspx

https://www.itu.int/en/ITU-R/conferences/wrc/2019/Pages/default.aspx

http://www.anatel.gov.br/legislacao/en/resolutions

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to exchange experience and accomplish common goals are held, e.g. in the Working Subgroup 1 – Communications (SGT-1). The ‘Office of International Affairs’ is liable to manage the international relations of Anatel. Summing up, Anatel’s job is the national frequency regulation as well as the positioning of Brazil’s foreign policy. [54] [55]

The Anatel is an entity of the ‘Administração Pública Federal‘ (Translation: ‘Federal Public Administration’) and is bound to the law 9.472, published on the 16th of July 1997. This law defines the duty of the Anatel: edit and update a plan of allocation, distribution and destination of radio frequencies, which are associated with various services and activities of the telecommunication. This Brazilian frequency allocation plan is called ‘Plano de Atri-buição, Destinação e Distribuição de Frequências no Brasil’ (Translation: ‘Plan of Alloca-tion, Destination and Distribution of Frequencies in Brazil’).

The Brazilian Frequency Allocation Plan contains two different kind of tables. The first table type is the so-called ‘Tabela de Atribuição’ (Translation: ‘Allocation Table’) and is made of two columns: the first column holds the Frequency Allocation for the ITU-Re-gion 2 according to the ITU and the second column shows the frequency allocation of the Brazilian Administration, which is based on the one of the ITU. The second type of table is called ‘Tabela de Destinação e Distribuição’ (Translation: ‘Destination and Distribution Table’). This table has three columns, which contain specified information on the desti-nation, the distribution and the governmental regulations for the frequency bands and / or telecommunication services in Brazil. [56]

Going one step further, an individual frequency coordination for events might be neces-sary.

5.3. Frequency Coordination for an Event

The production of high-quality audio content must meet high quality requirements. There-fore, the operation of PMSE on interference-free frequencies is a good operating condi-tion.

The IRT describes in reference [57]:

‘The effort that is needed to plan the frequency coordination of such a big event is im-mense and often takes several weeks or months. And despite of that great effort it is not impossible, that there are problems showing up during the event. To ensure a high pro-duction quality, it is important to be able to respond to these unexpected problems in an adequate way. To achieve high sound quality of the radio links it is mandatory to avoid intermodulation‘ [57, Page 1].

This is mandatory in mid-sized and large events, where a high number of wireless pro-duction tools are in operation, for example the Eurovision Song Contest [58], reporting of Election Events, the World Soccer Championship, Formula 1, Carnival in Rio or Olympia and many more.

Note: at lot of events, wireless production tools are needed not just for the event produc-tion, but as well for the news reporting.

In this subchapter an exemplary frequency coordination procedure is presented.

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Step 1: On-Site Visit of the Event Location

At first the event location is visited to get an overview of the area with its possibilities and restrictions. Normally (various) spectrum scans are made to analyse the spectrum occu-pation. Possible interference scenarios can be identified and already excluded in ad-vance, e.g. TV channels, LTE and existing installations of local wireless applications. If an event production takes place indoor, e.g. in an event arena, the building absorption can be determined. This can be done by, for example, comparing the receiver power level of local TV stations inside and outside of the event location, using the same receiving antenna on both sides. Another option would be to radiate a signal inside the event loca-tion and measuring the power level inside and outside of the event location, both with the use of antennas, whose technical data are known, e.g. dipole antennas. In addition to the above-mentioned scans, additional spectrum scans might be performed within a distance to the location. It can be seen, in what distance, signals which are generated inside the location, are still available in the RF environment. Reversely, this means, that unwanted signals within that same distance, will still be available in the RF environment of the event production and therefore are another possible source of interference. This scenario strongly depends on the surrounding of the event location: in urban areas with neighbour-ing event location the risk of further interferences is higher than in rural areas.

Step 2: Planning and Preparation according to the conditions / requirements of the event

In a second step, the event has to be planned and prepared under consideration of the special conditions / requirements of the event. The equipment has to be planed: What kind of equipment is needed, e.g. wireless microphones, IEM, Antennas, Cables, Talk-Back Systems, etc.? How many units of each equipment are needed? If it is necessary, involved manufacturer parameters have to be considered. It has to be decided, if equip-ment of just one manufacturer or a mix of manufacturer will be used. Then, the detailed frequency coordination has to be made. Therefore, some questions need to be solved in advance:

• How many devices are in use simultaneously? • How much bandwidth do these devices need individually (specifications of the de-

vices)? • What is the required frequency channel spacing, including guard bands between

the transmission frequencies of the individual systems? • How many TV transmitters are in the air and how much protection distance is

needed?

In the end the total required bandwidth can be calculated for an IM free frequency coor-dination. It has to be decided, which frequency bands will be used, e.g. the UHF TV spec-trum and / or the 2.4 GHz WIFI frequency band. The exact frequency allocation for every link has to be defined. It is important, that this arrangement is intermodulation (IM) free to avoid possible interference scenarios. To do so, all IM products have to be calculated and then it has to be decided, which IM products are harmful and should be considered in the frequency planning, e.g. just IM3 or as well IM5. IM products outside of the used fre-quency ranges can be neglected. As well, a frequency spacing has to be defined. For example:

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• Persons, who stand next to each other should not use wireless microphones, which are adjusted on neighbouring transmission frequencies;

• Some people might not use just one but several wireless devices simultaneously. They might wear a wireless microphone, an IEM and an instrument transmitter on body. The transmission frequencies of these devices should be adjusted within a guard band to each other.

Guard bands to TV stations and LTE channels and similar precautions have to be ar-ranged. Usually it is good, to plan some spare frequencies for emergency cases, e.g. in case of interference the transmission frequency of the interfered system can be changed or unplanned / unauthorized equipment e.g. of reporters, who show up on short notice, can still be coordinated. If the frequency coordination is very complex and the available spectrum rare, additional rules might be defined to prevent additional interference sce-narios. This could be, for example, a limitation of the number or technical parameters of wireless equipment for production teams at the event or the prohibition of short-notice frequency usage, e.g. a reporter who show up unannounced at the day of the event. As soon as all the planning is done, a frequency coordination table is written and individ-ual or on-side authorizations can be requested. As well, all required technical drawings can be generated with the related information, e.g. of the antenna positions and produc-tion locations in-side and / or out-side of the event location(s).

Step 3: Testing

After the planning and preparation, the next step is the testing-phase. Eventually special equipment has to be produced. The planned setup has to be tested. Therefore, the setup might be built up in a testing area. All devices, which go to the production, will be checked individually to exclude probable equipment failure. As well pre-configuration and pre-pro-gramming of the equipment can already be realized.

Step 4: Load-In and Setup

Before the start of the rehearsals and the event, the equipment is transported to the event location and set-up according to the earlier planning, e.g. the drawings and coordination tables.

Step 5: Soundchecks and Rehearsals

Before the rehearsals several soundchecks will be made. Usually they require more time than the final event. Here final adjustments and configurations are made, e.g. every IEM is adjusted individually to the person, who is using it. The same (hand-held) device might be used by various persons, e.g. in a show with various artists, the wireless microphone might be passed on from one artist to the next. Usually all adjustments for all devices like wireless microphones and IEM, are documented, e.g. different adjustment parameters for the different artists or different scenes.

Step 6: Spectrum Monitoring during the event

During the event the frequency monitoring and coordination is an ongoing working task. Normally the spectrum is monitored by (a) related engineer(s) with (a) portable and / or stationary RF spectrum analyser(s). Like this, interference can be identified and elimi-nated immediately. Usually, during the ongoing ‘on-stage’ performance, there is not enough time to identify all sources of interference. Because of this, it is very common to

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change the transmitter and receiver frequency of the interfered audio link. As well unco-ordinated frequency usage can by identified by comparing the coordination data with the signals shown in the spectrum scan. Some software might have this function included. Unauthorized users have to shut down their equipment. Eventually further provisions to prevent interferences are taken. This could be an additional access control, like the ‘Test&Tag’-System, which is presented further in chapter ‘8.2.1 Licensing and Authoriza-tion of Wireless Audio Production Tools’. In addition, the presence of the national fre-quency regulation agency at the event can support the required frequency setup. Even-tually a spontaneous frequency coordination for unannounced frequency usage (previ-ously not coordinated frequency usage), e.g. by reporters who arrive on short-notice, has to be made. As already explained in Step 2, the short-notice usage of frequencies might be forbidden by the specific rules for the event. [57] [58] [59]

In the next section, it will be explained, what is the difference between a digital and an analogue TV transmitter?

6. Digital Terrestrial Television - ISDB-Tb

In this subchapter I briefly would like to explain the differences between the usage of spectrum by the analogue and the digital terrestrial television with the focus on Brazil and how this changed spectrum usage affects the remaining frequencies for wireless audio production tools (PMSE).

In general, an analogue TV transmitter can provide a single content channel in a 6 MHz UHF TV channel. To improve the efficiency of the spectrum usage, TV stations around the world are being switched to digital modulation, which requires a suitable TV standard.

For the digital terrestrial television, Brazil developed its own standard: ‘Integrated Ser-vices Digital Broadcasting Terrestrial Brazil’ (ISDB-Tb). It is based on the Japanese trans-mission standard ISDB-T, but it includes some modifications, e.g. the used compression format.

Note: this standard was later adopted by several Latin-American countries.

Comparison to the previous analogue TV standard: with the implementation of the new digital TV standard, it now is possible to transmit several content channels simultaneously in one single 6 MHz UHF TV channel or to transmit one content channel in a higher qual-ity, e.g. HD. In Brazil public broadcasters distribute up to four content channels per UHF TV channel, while commercial broadcasters provide one content channel with a high qual-ity per 6 MHz UHF TV channel. In addition, because of the modulation of the new digital TV standard, the TV signal occupies the 6 MHz UHF TV channel completely and due to error correction technologies, which are implemented in the ISDB-Tb TV standard, con-tent channels can be transmitted in adjacent UHF TV channels. This was different using the previous analogue terrestrial TV standard. [60] [61].

How does this changed UHF TV channel occupation impact the frequency usage of wire-less audio production tools (PMSE)?

Before the digitalization process, a guard band between two adjacent analogue TV trans-mission was required. These gaps between two adjacent TV channels are called ‘White Spaces’ and could be used by wireless audio production tools (PMSE).

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Now, with the digital terrestrial television, smaller guard bands between two adjacent TV transmissions are required. It is possible to allocate two digital TV content channels in neighbouring 6 MHz UHF TV channels. Because of this, there aren’t as much ‘White Spaces’ for the operation of wireless audio production tools (PMSE) available anymore, as there have been available before the digitalization of the terrestrial television.

Sometimes, the analogue television transmission did not occupy the entire 6 MHz UHF TV channel. In this case, it was possible to allocate various wireless microphones in one occupied 6 MHz UHF TV channel. This is not possible anymore with the digital ISDB-Tb standard, because the digital transmission always fills the entire 6 MHz UHF TV channel. This is as well illustrated in the following spectrum scans:

Analog TV channel with 9 mics Digital TV channel with 1 mic

Figure 48: Comparison between an Analogue and a Digital Television Channel [1]

In the left graphic, one can see the plot of a spectrum scan of an analogue UHF TV channel and in the graphic on right the spectrum scan of a digital TV transmission. In each graphic, the yellow line shows the signal of the television transmission. It can be seen, that on the contrary to the analogue transmission (left), the digital TV transmission occupies nearly the whole 6 MHz TV channel (right). The green vertical lines show the coordinated frequencies for wireless microphones. In left edge of the digital TV channel just one wireless microphone was coordinated, while the analogue TV channel had enough space for nine wireless microphones. The scenario shown in the analogue UHF TV channel is only possible if there aren’t any TV receivers in the close vicinity, otherwise the analogue TV reception would be disturbed. [1]

The final part of the fundamentals will focus on the developments of the Digital Dividends.

7. The Digital Dividends

* The ‘freed-up’ UHF TV spectrum after the Switch-Off of analogue TV and the channel re-packing is called the ‘Digital Dividend’ (DD) and could be made available for other services.

With the evolution / digitizing of the terrestrial TV it became possible to increase the spec-tral efficiency of TV transmitters by source compression. Therefore, worldwide different digital standards, such as DVB-T and ISDB-T, have been developed. The digital transmission of terrestrial television brings a lot of advantages over the rather instable analogue transmission, e.g. video and audio quality, quantity of transmitted pro-grams per TV channel, new opportunities such as interactive TV (requires a feedback channel for communication). In ITU-Region 2 the switch-over to digital terrestrial transmission started 1998 in the United States of America (USA) [61]. This movement together with the growth of the in-ternet usage and development of ‘International Mobile Telecommunication’ (IMT)

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technologies brought some significant changes in the frequency allocation table and with it, the so-called ‘Digital Dividend’ (DD). But what exactly is the DD?

Before 2007 in the ITU-Region 2, the UHF TV spectrum from 470 MHz to 806 MHz was allocated on a primary basis to the broadcasting service. Fixed and Mobile Services had a secondary status in this frequency range. An exception is the UHF TV channel from 608 to 614 MHz, where Radio Astronomy was and still is allocated individually on a pri-mary basis. In comparison to Europe, here the 800 MHz frequency band from 806 to 890 MHz was already than allocated to fixed, mobile and broadcasting services on a primary basis and according to Resolution (Res.) 224 of the Final Acts of the WRC 2000 ‘exten-sively used in the three Regions by first- and second-generation mobile systems’ [62, Page 472]. That year a footnote, S5.317A, had been added to the frequency allocation plan. This footnote suggests, that interested administrations implement the International Mobile Telecommunications-2000 (IMT-2000) in the frequency range from 806 to 890 MHz, because this particular band is already allocated to Mobile Services on a pri-mary basis [62, Page 16]. This is as well resolved in the earlier mentioned Res. 224 (WRC-2000). This resolution recognises, that an allowance of the usage of IMT-2000 systems in frequency bands, which they are currently using, might facilitate the evolution of the IMT technology32 and that in countries, which have wide areas with a low population density, it is suitable to implement ‘cost-efficient’ IMT technologies in frequency bands below 1 GHz because of the good propagation characteristics. Also ‘the particular needs of developing countries must be met’ [62, Page 473]. Anyways, the implementation of the IMT technology remains a national decision. Hence, Res. 224 (WRC-2000) invites the ITU-R for compatibility studies ‘between mobile systems with different technical charac-teristics’ [62, Page 473].

As already explained further in chapter ‘6 Digital Terrestrial Television - ISDB-Tb’, after the finalized transition to digital television, the broadcasting service require fewer spec-trum for the transmission of their programs (in the same quality). This ‘freed-up’ UHF TV spectrum after the Switch-Off of analogue TV and the channel re-packing is called the ‘Digital Dividend’ (DD) and could be made available for other services. It was argued, that the implementation of the IMT technology in the 700 MHz frequency band could improve the economic situation in Latin-America by providing a wide-area broadband coverage and reduce cross border interference [6]. This was discussed further on WRC-07. In the World Radio Conference in the year 2007 (WRC-07) the UHF TV spectrum of ITU-Re-gion 2 was divided into two parts: The 700 MHz frequency band from 698 to 806 MHz is now allocated on a co-primary basis to Mobile Services There was one exception to this new allocation: A new footnote was added: 5.313 B. This footnote excluded Brazil from the new frequency allocation [65, Page 24 The existing footnote 5.317A, which so far referred to the 800 MHz frequency band, was extended to the 700 MHz band for ITU-Region 2 [65, Page 25]. I assume, this change was made to integrate a new service into the UHF TV spectrum, which in this case serves the implementation of the IMT technol-ogy. The new Resolution 749 (WRC-07) confirms my assumptions: ‘the switch-over to digital may result in spectrum opportunities for new applications’ [65, Page 479]. It con-siders the advantage of providing solutions for a large coverage of Mobile Services in the

32 ‘recognizing that the evolution of first- and second-generation cellular-based mobile systems to IMT-2000 can be facilitated if they are permitted to use their current frequency bands‘ [62, Page 472].

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band from 470 to 806/862 MHz because of its good propagation characteristics33. It as well considers, that an operation of broadcasting transmitters and IMT base stations in the same location might cause incompatibility problems34. Additionally, in all three ITU regions there are ‘applications ancillary to broadcasting’35 sharing the UHF TV spectrum from 470 to 862 MHz with the Broadcast Service and ‘are expected to continue their op-erations in this band’ [65, Page 478]. Therefore, Res. 749 (WRC-07) sees the necessity to protect broadcasting services and other systems, which are currently operated in this band36. Furthermore, the resolution recognizes, that during the transition period an even higher amount of spectrum is needed because of the simultaneous transmission of ana-logue and digital television. This transition process of switching from analogue to digital terrestrial television transmission is called ‘Digital Switch-Over’ and might be handled dif-ferently in various countries. Thereof occur different ways and timings for the transition from analogue to digital terrestrial television. This includes the act of turning-off analogue terrestrial television transmissions, which is called ‘Analogue Switch-Off’. Finally, Res. 749 (WRC-07) invites for spectrum sharing studies between different ser-vices. [65, Page 478]

Note: in WRC-07 also the 800 MHz frequency band was allocated on a co-primary basis for Mobile Services in ITU-Region 1.

At first, after the WRC-07 just a few Latin-American countries announced the release of the 700 MHz frequency band for Mobile Services. At that time (2010), in Latin-America the upper UHF TV spectrum seemed to be lightly used in comparison to the lower UHF TV spectrum and the VHF TV spectrum. [63] Case studies for various countries showed, that it should not be a problem to locate all digital television channels in the UHF TV spectrum below 698 MHz. Also, the ‘Digital Switch-Over’ in Latin-America proceeds slowly in com-parison to USA and Europe, where it already mainly is finalized37. Some Latin-American countries decided for a geographical realization of the ‘Digital Switch-Over’. [63] I suspect that the larger size of Latin-American countries is the reason for the delay of the ‘Digital Switch-Over’ in comparison to European countries. [63]

In the following WRCs, WRC-12 and WRC-15, the frequency allocations for ITU-Region 2 did not change, but there were some changes in the footnotes. In 2012 footnote 5.317A was updated. The main change was the update of Res. 749 (WRC-12), which now, in comparison to before, just applies to ITU-Region 1 [64, Pages 23 and 354] In 2015 the footnotes 5.308 and 5.308A were added, the footnote 5.313B deleted and again the foot-note 5.317A was modified. Footnote 5.308 (WRC-15) allocated the frequency band from 614 to 698 MHz on a primary basis to the Mobile Service in two countries (Belize and

33 ‘considering a) that the favourable propagation characteristics of the band 470-806/862 MHz are bene-ficial to provide cost-effective solutions for coverage, including large areas of low population density‘ [65, Page 478]. 34 ‘that the operation of broadcasting stations and base stations in the same geographical area may cre-ate incompatibility issues‘ [65, Page 478]. 35 Term according to the Final Acts of the WRC 2007. On the WRC 2015, the term was changed to ‘appli-cations ancillary to broadcasting / applications ancillary to programme making‘. See also paragraph below and chapter ‘2.1.1 SAB/SAP‘. 36 ‘that it is necessary to adequately protect, inter alia, terrestrial television broadcasting and other sys-tems in this band‘ [65, Page 478]. 37 The Report on ‘Digital TV Spectrum Requirements‘ [63], notes, that in Europe about five years and ten to 20 years in Latin-America are required for the ‘Digital Switch-Over’ [63, Page 7].

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Colombia) and footnote 5.308A (WRC-15) identifies the frequency band from 614 to 698 MHz for the IMT technology in the countries Bahamas, Barbados, Belize, Canada, Colombia, USA and Mexico [66, Page 17]. Before 2015 footnote 5.313B excluded Brazil from the primary allocation to the Mobile Services in the frequency band from 698 to 806 MHz. In 2015, with the deletion of the corresponding note, this allocation is now also valid in Brazil. The modification of the footnote 5.317A [66, Page 19] mainly includes the update of Res. 224 (WRC-15) and Res. 749 (WRC-15) and addition of Resolution 760 (WRC-15). In my observation, in 2015 the update of Res. 224 adds all frequency bands, which since 2007 were identified for IMT during the Digital Dividends in the different ITU Regions, to the different items of the resolution. I assume that these changes result from the outcome of WRC-07, where the process of opening frequency bands for the Land Mobile Service started (see paragraph above about the WRC-07). [65]

Another important change at the WRC-15 was the extension of the expression ‘service, intended for applications ancillary to broadcasting’ (SAB: Service Ancillary to Broadcast-ing) to ‘service, intended for applications ancillary to broadcasting and programme-mak-ing’ (SAB/SAP: Service Ancillary to Broadcasting / Service Ancillary to Programme Mak-ing). This way the terminology also includes the requirements of the event productions outside the broadcasting.

In comparison to the developments in ITU-Region 2, in next section I would like to de-scribe briefly the process of the Digital Dividend in ITU-Region 1. Before both Digital Div-idends, the 800 MHz band from 790 to 862 MHz and the 700 MHz band from 694 to 790 MHz were allocated on primary basis to the broadcasting services. These allocations had been changed during the Digital Dividends 1 and 2. First, two Regional Radio Con-ferences, RRC-04 and RRC-06, took place with the objective to replan the frequency ranges, which were currently allocated to the digital terrestrial television. The output of the RRC-06 was the so-called ‘GE06’ agreement, which specifies details on the transition from the analogue to the digital terrestrial television transmission standard DVB-T, which is / was commonly used in Europe. After the transition to digital television, part of the UHF TV spectrum was not needed anymore for terrestrial broadcasting. This ‘freed-up’ spec-trum is referred to as the Digital Dividend (DD). As a consequence of the DD and after certain coexistence studies between different services, on the WRC-07 the co-primary allocation to Mobile Services in the 800 MHz frequency band in ITU-Region 1 was real-ized. Afterwards, the 800 MHz frequency band was auctioned to mobile phone compa-nies in European countries. This process now is called the first Digital Dividend (DD1). In Africa, which belongs as well to ITU-Region 1, the 800 MHz frequency band was partly allocated to another services/applications [67]. Therefore, at the WRC-12 studies of a co-primary allocation for the Mobile Services in the 700 MHz frequency band were re-quested. Because of its good propagation characteristics this frequency band is well suited for a broadband coverage, especially in wide areas with a low population density. This Topic was discussed on the WRC-12 and after corresponding compatibility studies confirmed on the WRC-15. This process is called the second Digital Dividend (DD2).

Another key element for the DD2 has been the improvement of the digital TV standard DVB-T to DVB-T2. Due to the higher source coding of DVB-T2, it was expected, that with DVB-T2 even more spectrum could be made available for other services (DD2). European countries are now implementing this new digital TV standard. This process is called the second Digital Dividend (DD2).

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After these two significant changes, wireless audio production tools (PMSE) can just be used in the lower UHF TV spectrum from 470 to 694 MHz (before: 470 to 862 MHz), but in Europe the LTE duplex gap in the 800 MHz frequency bands was harmonised for wire-less audio production tools (PMSE) (harmonization of 700 MHz LTE duplex gap might follow). Further information on the DD in ITU-Region 1 can be found in the document ‘Auswirkungen der Digitalen Dividende 1 und 2 auf die Frequenznutzung drahtloser Über-tragungstechnik in verschiedenen Ländern der europäischen Gemeinschaft.’ [68]. In An-nex ‘A.3 Final Acts – Changes 2000 until 2015’ tables with all mentioned changes of frequency allocations and the footnote 5.317A are provided. Further information can be found in the corresponding Final Acts.

Part B: Impact of the Digital Dividends on the Use of Frequencies by Wireless Audio Production Tools in Latin-America

In the second part of my thesis I would like to analyse on the impact of the Digital Divi-dends on the use of frequencies by wireless audio production tools (PMSE) in Latin-America. Therefore, I will consider the situation in three different countries of Latin-Amer-ica. Anyways, the focus will be on the developments in Brazil.

8. Brazil

First, the development and implementation of the Digital Dividend (DD) in Brazil is con-sidered.

8.1. The Digital Dividend in Brazil

8.1.1. Background of the DD in Brazil

The terrestrial TV distribution plays in important role in the Brazilian lifestyle. TV is an important part of the daily life in Brazil. During my stay in Brazil, I have observed, that already in the morning the favourite channel on the TV is turned on.

In 2010, in a report for the GSMA, it is noted, that seven television networks were oper-ated in Brazil, such as ‘Rede Globo’ [63]. Globo TV updates this information and reports about 145 terrestrial TV networks and a total of 2748 TV channels in 2010 and 936 ter-restrial TV networks and a total of 9073 TV channels in 2018. [69]

8.1.2. The ‘Digital Switch-Over’ in Brazil

Before the ‘Digital Switch-Over’ the majority of the analogue programs was transmitted in the VHF TV frequency spectrum from 174 to 230 MHz. The UHF TV spectrum above 746 MHz was exclusively used for TV repeater stations and frequencies above 806 MHz were already by that time allocated to the Mobile Service. In 2006 the Brazilian govern-ment decided to use the ISDB-Tb standard for the transmission of digital terrestrial broad-casting38 [70].

38 See also http://www.scielo.br/scielo.php?pid=S1809-58442015000200119&script=sci_arttext&tlng=en.

http://www.scielo.br/scielo.php?pid=S1809-58442015000200119&script=sci_arttext&tlng=en

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It was decided for a variation of the Japanese ISDB-T standard because it ‘was consid-ered to be the most robust system for reception by small indoor antennas’ [63, Page 10] it ‘includes MPEG-4 compression to provide greater capacity per multiplex and specific middleware to meet the needs of Brazil’ [63, Page 10].

Note: further information on ISDB-Tb can be found in chapter ‘6 Digital Terrestrial Televi-sion - ISDB-Tb’.

Because of the high spectrum usage density of the VHF TV spectrum by the analogue terrestrial television stations, it was decided to install all new digital TV transmitters in the UHF TV spectrum. At first all programs are distributed analogue as well as digital and just after a defined period of time the analogue TV stations will finally be turned off. This pro-cess is called the ‘Digital Switch-Over’ Further, the ‘Digital Switch-Over’ is taking place geographically region by region. [63]

Globo TV reported in September 2018, that after the finalization of the ‘Digital Switch-Over’, just the VHF TV channels 7 to 13 can be further used for the transmission of digital terrestrial TV. In 2018, 100 digital TV program channels are operated in these VHF TV channels. The VHF TV channels 1 to 6 are allocated to another service. [69]

In 2007 Brazil's first terrestrial digital TV transmission started in São Paulo. During the following years, further cities followed this evolution. At the beginning it was planned to finalize this process until the end of 2016, but this process has been changed several times (first November 2018, now it is the end of 2023). [63]

The Anatel is noting in source [71], that according to the current Switch-Off schedule of the analogue television: ‘Up to the end of 2018, Brazil will switch off the analog TV in all the state capitals and metropolitan areas, and in all other areas where the analog Switch-Off is required to clear the 700 MHz band’ [71, Page 10]. Outside the metropolitan areas, the Switch-Off of analogue TV has to be finalized by the end of 2023.

How is the ‘Digital Switch-Over’ in the UHF TV spectrum realized in Brazil?

8.1.3. Realization of the Digital Dividend in Brazil

The special advantage, of an improved efficiency of the spectrum usage and optimized content distribution by the broadcast, is the clearance of spectrum for Land Mobile Ser-vice: the same number of TV content channels, that were available in times of analogue television, can now be transmitted in less RF spectrum with the same quality.

In general, a smaller number of TV transmitters is required, and parts of the UHF TV spectrum could be allocated for other services - the Digital Dividend (DD). [71] Therefore, in 2013 the Brazilian government decided to release the 700 MHz frequency band (698 to 806 MHz, UHF TV channel 52 to 69) to the Land Mobile Service. TV stations, which are operated in this frequency range, have to move to the UHF TV spectrum below 698 MHz.

The Anatel assumes, that altogether about 1000 planned and operating TV channels need to be refarmed. The graphic below shows the number of analogue (red) and digital (blue) TV programs transmitted per UHF TV channel in 2015. It also can be seen, that in 2015 the majority of the analogue TV channels were located in the VHF TV spectrum (channel 2 to 12). In this part of the spectrum, there haven’t been a single digital

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transmission. The digital programmes were distributed in the UHF TV spectrum (channel 14 and above). In the graphic, the 700 MHz frequency band is marked with a blue block. In comparison to the UHF TV spectrum below, the 700 MHz frequency band seems to be rarely in use, the spectrum density is comparably low.

Figure 49: Channel Repacking of Analogue (Red) and Digital (Blue) TV Channels [72]

In September 2014 the government auctioned the aforementioned frequency band to mo-bile phone companies, who are now starting to operate the LTE technology in the 700 MHz frequency band. The four winners of the auction as well have to cover the costs for the auction.

The Anatel reports an income of the auction amounts round about 10 billion Brazilian Reais (that is about 3,2 billion American Dollars) [72, Page 10]. 36 % of it will be used to:

• reimburse broadcasters (compensation for broadcasters), who transmit their pro-grams in the 700 MHz frequency band

• provide the necessary equipment for television viewers with a low income • set up a communication campaign about the ‘Analogue Switch-Off’ • and to diminish interference between IMT and broadcasting services. [72]

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The following graphic shows the new usage of the 700 MHz frequency band:

Figure 50: Allocation of 700 MHz Frequency Band in Brazil [73]

It can be seen in the figure above, that most part of the 700 MHz frequency band is as-signed to mobile phone companies, who are now operating the LTE technology in this band. The Uplink is operated from 703 MHz to 748 MHz and the Downlink from 758 MHz to 803 MHz. Marked in green are I have marked:

• the lower Guard-Band guard band to protect the Broadcast Service in the adjacent lower frequency band from 698 to 703 MHz

• the Upper-Guard Band

the guard band to protect the Mobile Service in the adjacent upper frequency band from 803 to 806 MHz

• the ‘LTE Duplex Gap’ The so-called ‘LTE Duplex Gap’ to separate the LTE Up- and Downlink from 748 MHz to 758 MHz.

In addition to broadcast and Land Mobile Service, there are also the wireless production tools (PMSE) using the UHF TV spectrum on a secondary basis

8.2. Impact of the DD on the Use of Wireless Audio Production Tools

After my consideration of some background information on the Digital Dividend and its realization in Brazil, I now would like to determine, how these changes affect the use of frequencies by wireless audio production tools (PMSE). These users access the UHF TV spectrum on a secondary basis in the ‘White Spaces’ and are also affected by the Digital Dividend (DD).

Before the DD, the majority of all wireless microphones were operated within the 700 MHz frequency band [74]. I assume, this was mainly because of the lower density of broad-casters in the 700 MHz frequency band. [40]

Several references note, that after the full implementation of the Mobile Service, it will not be possible anymore to operate wireless microphones in the 700 MHz band, due to the interference scenario with the LTE technology [1] [74]. Already in December 2017 it was

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reported, that in some regions of Brazil wireless microphones with a tuning range inside the 700 MHz frequency band were not working anymore [75]. Further, it will be illegal to operate wireless microphones in this band [1]. Anyways, if companies still have equipment for the 700 MHz frequency band in stock, they can use it as long as this frequency band still is locally available. Once LTE has been switched on in this region, further usage by wireless audio production tools (PMSE) is no longer possible: ‘As empresas que têm estoque acima de 700 MHz podem trabalhar seus produtos até que as bandas sejam ocupadas totalmente pela telefonia 4G’ (Translation: ‘The companies, who have in stock equipment above 700 MHz can work these products until the bands are fully occupied by the 4G telephony’) [75].

According to Resolution 62539 there are still some free frequency blocs inside the 700 MHz frequency band, which still can be used by wireless microphones in some parts of the country:

• 703 to 708 MHz; • 708 to 718 MHz; • 758 to 763 MHz; • 763 to 773 MHz.

These frequency blocks will be available mainly until the 31st of December 2018. [74] [75]

I wonder:

• Would a long-term operation of wireless audio production tools (PMSE) be possi-ble in the LTE duplex gap from 748 to 758 MHz (see Figure 50), similar to the 800 MHz band in Europe?

• Which other frequencies can be used by wireless audio production tools (PMSE) in Brazil, in addition to the ending access to the 700 MHz band?

Frequency ranges, which are allocated for wireless audio production tools (PMSE) are listed in the Table 13. Anyways, these already have been available for wireless audio production tools (PMSE) before the DD. As far as I am concerned, no additional frequency bands were opened as a compensation for the loss of the 700 MHz frequency band.

Name Frequency Band Comments From [MHz] To [MHz] VHF Low 54 88 Without 72 to 76 MHz VHF High 174 216 UHF 470 698 / 806 806 MHz until the Analogue

Switch-Off in the region; 698 MHz after the analogue Switch-Off in that region

ISM 902 907.5 ISM 915 927.75 DECT 1910 1920 WIFI 2400 2495

39 http://www.anatel.gov.br/legislacao/resolucoes/2013/644-resolucao-625

http://www.anatel.gov.br/legislacao/resolucoes/2013/644-resolucao-625

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5 GHz 5150 5350 5470 5725 5.8 GHz 5725 5850

Table 13: Frequency Ranges for Wireless Microphones in Brazil [76]

How can users of wireless audio production tools (PMSE) inform themselves about the Digital Dividend and the related ongoing changes in the spectrum usage?

Manufacturers and other organisations, who are aware of the changes in the UHF TV spectrum and its consequences for wireless audio production tools (PMSE) inform on various platforms, e.g. on their websites, interviews, (YouTube) Videos and much more:

• Information on the Digital Terrestrial TV Transmission and Wireless Microphones: https://pt-br.sennheiser.com/service-support-digital-video-broadcast-terrestrial-and-wireless-microphones-interaction

• Interview on the future usage of wireless audio production tools (PMSE): https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=2QSGYpbM4Uo

• Updates by professional microphone users on systems operated in the 700 MHz band: https://www.enginear.com.br/single-post/2018/02/21/ANAFIMA-e-ANATEL-%E2%80%9Clavam-as-m%C3%A3os%E2%80%9D-acerca-dos-sistemas-700-MHz

• Meeting of professionals with the Anatel: http://www.anafima.com.br/site/microfones-sem-fio-fabricantes-nacionais-e-es-trangeiros-se-reunem-com-superintendencia-da-anatel-em-brasilia/

Further, representatives of local microphone manufacturer agencies together with the ‘Associação Nacional da Indústria Música’ (Anafima) (Translation: ‘National Association of the Music Industry’) were attending a meeting with the head of the Anatel, Vitor Elísio. Here open questions of the standardization and regulation regarding frequency alloca-tions for wireless microphones were discussed. In this meeting, Anatel noted, that the standardization of wireless microphones should be approximated to European standards (e.g. EN 300 422) and standards of the USA (e.g. the Code of Federal Regulations, Ti-tle 47, Part 15.23640): ‘A Anafima também pleiteou que a padronização dos testes para a obtenção dos selos da Anatel seja equivalente à utilizada na Europa ou nos Estados Unidos’ (Translation: ‘The Anafima also brought up, that the standardization of the tests to obtain the Anatel’s certificate is equivalent to the ones used in Europe or in the United States.’) [75] [77]

Note: during the work on this thesis, I could not find information on standardization or harmonised frequency bands for wireless microphones within whole Latin-America nor am I aware of a regional regulation agency within Latin-America, comparable to, for ex-ample, the CEPT.

Not just the users, but as well manufacturers of wireless audio production tools (PMSE) have to react to the changing spectrum access.

In an interview, a representative of the company Shure is noting, that some manufactur-ers already stopped producing and selling devices for the 700 MHz frequency band in

40 See https://www.law.cornell.edu/cfr/text/47/15.236

https://pt-br.sennheiser.com/service-support-digital-video-broadcast-terrestrial-and-wireless-microphones-interaction

https://pt-br.sennheiser.com/service-support-digital-video-broadcast-terrestrial-and-wireless-microphones-interaction

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=2QSGYpbM4Uo

https://www.enginear.com.br/single-post/2018/02/21/ANAFIMA-e-ANATEL-%E2%80%9Clavam-as-m%C3%A3os%E2%80%9D-acerca-dos-sistemas-700-MHz



http://www.anafima.com.br/site/microfones-sem-fio-fabricantes-nacionais-e-estrangeiros-se-reunem-com-superintendencia-da-anatel-em-brasilia/


https://www.law.cornell.edu/cfr/text/47/15.236

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2010. Even though, some stores still sell equipment for this frequency range. [1] This is legally possible before the homologation certificate of the sold device is expired. Further information on the homologation procedure, and why the Anatel was still issuing certifi-cates for wireless microphones in the 700 MHz frequency band are provided in the fol-lowing chapters ‘8.2.1 Licensing and Authorization of Wireless Audio Production Tools’.

In general, manufacturers recommend, to invest in wireless audio production tools (PMSE) with a tuning range outside of the 700 MHz frequency band, to prevent problems in the production, e.g. due to the interference scenario between wireless audio production tools (PMSE) and LTE. It is not possible to send in affected devices to the manufacturers to adjust the tuning range of the device. In praxis this might be possible, but this procedure often is too expensive. [1]

Additionally, it is not possible, to give back affected devices, because stores in Brazil don’t have to exchange or take back production tools, which are affected by the DD: ‘O lojista está isento de qualquer responsabilidade caso o equipamento não funcione devido a interferências, ou seja: O risco é de quem compra o sistema’ (Translation: ‘The store is free of any responsibility in case, the equipment is not working due to interference, or, in other words: The risk is on the side of the buyer of a system’) [78] The responsibility for the purchase is completely on the side of the customer, who has to inform himself before buying. [78]

Comparison to Europe: while in several European countries a financial compensation for affected users of wireless audio production tools (PMSE) were issued, I am not aware of comparable compensations in Brazil.

To examine the consequences of the DD for users of wireless audio production tools (PMSE), further, in the following section I would like to present the corresponding regula-tions and their changes. After, I would like to focus on the results of a survey and a spec-trum scan, which I have been conducting during the period of my internship in Brazil. Further events will be further presented in the following sub-chapters.

8.2.1. Licensing and Authorization of Wireless Audio Production Tools

The licensing and authorization for the use of wireless audio production tools (PMSE) is regulated by the Brazilian Telecommunications Agency ‘Anatel’ in the form of resolutions, as already explained in chapter ‘5.2 National Regulation – Anatel in Brazil’. Wireless au-dio production tools (PMSE) are further specified as part of ‘Radio Restricted Equipment’. To be able to sell and use this kind of equipment in Brazil, radio restricted transmitters need to have the so-called ‘certificação homologada’ (Translation: ‘homologation certifi-cate’). First, for the certification, the equipment must be sent to a specified laboratory, for example ‘eldorado’41 in São Paulo. There it has to pass various tests. Not always the equipment passes the tests passed straight away. Eventually some modifications have to be made at the devices. After the equipment passed the test, a certificate will be issued. This certificate must then be sent to the Anatel for the second part of the procedure: the homologation. The Anatel is authorized to check and approve the certificate and add the equipment and organisation to their database. A little badge which includes the person-alized number of the certificate has to be placed onto each device. The homologation

41 http://www.eldorado.org.br/laboratorios/certificacao/equipamentos-radiacao-restrita/

http://www.eldorado.org.br/laboratorios/certificacao/equipamentos-radiacao-restrita/

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certificate has a validity of two years. After two years the procedure has to be redone. All homologated radio restricted equipment can be used without an authorization on a sec-ondary basis in all legal frequency bands in Brazil. Please note, that the homologation certificate is personalized. That means, everyone, who imports equipment into Brazil for selling or using needs an own certificate. For example, one manufacturer imports their own equipment to Brazil. In order to sell it, they need to go through the homologation procedure for every model of their equipment. If it is approved, they will gain the certifi-cate. The manufacturer will place the little badge on each of their imported devices. Now the manufacturer can use and sell the equipment legally in Brazil. In the opposite direc-tion, another company imports the same equipment of the same manufacturer into Brazil. The manufacturers certificate is not valid for the company’s equipment. The company has to get its own certificate.

Often it happens, that foreign productions bring their own equipment, which will be used in Brazil for a short period of time (usually a couple of days). For this case exists a tem-porary authorization. This must be requested a defined period of time in advance of the event at the Anatel. A late request causes extra fees. The exact date, time, location, fre-quencies and similar information have to be listed. A tax per used frequency has to be paid. Radio restricted equipment with an authorization by the Anatel does not need the homologation certificate. As well it has a protection against interferences produced by other devices, which are operated on a secondary basis. That means, when a device is used on the same frequency as an authorized device, or an interference is caused in an authorized frequency, the disturber has to turn off the corresponding device, if he as well is operating his equipment on a secondary basis. In reality it often is difficult to identify who is causing the disturbance. For that reason, some users of wireless production tools might prefer to change the frequency, even though they have an authorization42. [79] Another option in cases of interference at authorized frequencies would be to inform the Anatel, who then is obligated to identify the disturber and turn off the interfering device(s). Anyways, for the reason of the primary character a lot of professional users of audio pro-duction tools prefer to request a temporary license for the use of their equipment in events, also if their equipment is homologated.

Additionally, at some events there are organisational provisions to secure the spectrum coordination. A common procedure is called ‘Test and Tagging’ (T&T): Everyone, who will use wireless devices, such as wireless microphones, in an event has to enter the event via a defined entrance and present their equipment at the T&T checkpoint. There the user must show his equipment and his authorization. If he does not have an authori-zation, he cannot enter the event with his radio equipment. If an authorization exists, the equipment will be tested. If the equipment and its settings, e.g. the adjusted frequency, concords with the authorization, the equipment will be ‘tagged’ – that means, a label will be positioned at a visible place at the transmitting device. The tag can be seen from a distance. Different types of tags, e.g. different colours, might have different meanings. There are as well labels for devices, which did not pass the test and therefore cannot be operated in the event. Like this an illegal usage (usage without authorization or usage of devices, which failed the testing procedure) of wireless equipment at the event can be

42 'As a practical matter, convincing someone else to change their frequency or forcing them to repair de-fective transmitters is not often feasible, so changing the frequency of the wireless system may be the only realistic option’ [79].

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easily identified. Persons, who are operating unallowed equipment, will addressed to stop the operation. This procedure was, for example, realized at the Soccer World Cup 2014. [80] [81]

The corresponding resolution(s) had been changed as a consequence of the DD. In the following subchapters I want to give a more detailed overview over the important resolu-tions and their changes.

8.2.1.1. Before the DD – Res. 506

The Resolution (Res.) 506 was valid until June 2017. Until that time Res. 506 defined the regulations for radio restricted equipment. This kind of equipment could be used without an operational license and as well without an authorization – the use was license free. According to the definition in Res. 506, radio restricted equipment includes all devices, which are relevant in this research, such as wireless microphones, In-Ear Monitors (IEM) and Audio-Links. Further, radio restricted equipment is defined as a service on secondary basis. That means, there exists no protection against interference from the primary ser-vice and as well it cannot produce any interference in a primary service. If a device oper-ated on a secondary basis causes interference in a primary service, the device has to be turned off immediately. In addition, the resolution declares, that all radio restricted devices have to be certified by the Anatel. To get the homologation certificate, the device must fulfil all the current norms according. A label has to be attached to the device itself, or to the inside of its manual. This did not change with the new Res. 680. Last, Res. 506 spec-ifies frequency bands and technical parameters for radio restricted equipment. In this part I will mainly focus on the specifications for the UHF TV spectrum, because this part of the spectrum is affected by the DD and therefore objective of this thesis. In the UHF TV fre-quency spectrum, just the usage of the TV channel 37, 608 to 614 MHz, was – and still is - not permitted. This channel is allocated to the radio astronomy.

For wireless audio applications operated in the UHF TV spectrum a general emission limit of 200 microvolt per meter field intensity at a measurement distance of three meters is set. Further information can be found in [82].

In the UHF TV spectrum, less the radio astronomy channel, and as well the VHF TV spectrum, there are some special technical requirements for the practical use of wireless microphones, which are summarized below: the channel bandwidth cannot be greater than 200 kHz. Those 200 kHz have to be completely inside the aforementioned frequency band. The transmitters frequency stability has to be 0.005 % / 5 ppm. The maximum out-put power of an unmodulated carrier is limited to 250 mW. [82]

8.2.1.2. After the DD - Res. 680

Resolution (Res.) 680 replaces Res. 506, that means Res. 506 is not valid anymore43. It defines new technical characteristics and conditions for the use of radio restricted equip-ment. In this part, I will just determine the for this work important changes to Res. 506. The earlier Res. 506 allowed radio restricted equipment the licence free usage of the UHF

43 ‘Art. 2° Revogar a Resolução n° 506, de 1° de julho de 2008, publicada no Díario Oficial da União de 7 de Julho de 2008.’ (Translation: ‘Art. 2° Revoke of the Resolution n° 506, of the 1st of July 2008, pub-lished in the Official Journal of the meeting on the 7th of July 2008.’) [82].

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TV spectrum from 470 up to 806 MHz. This included the 700 MHz frequency band from 698 to 806 MHz. This frequency band is now, after the DD, allocated to the Mobile Ser-vices. Because of that, a usage of the 700 MHz frequency band by radio restricted equip-ment, which includes wireless microphones and IEM, is forbidden. These changes are defined in the new Res. 680. Anyways, Res. 680 declares as well, that stores, which still have radio restricted equipment for the 700 MHz frequency band in stock, can still sell it, if the homologation certificate is still valid. No new certificates will be issued for radio restricted transmitters (including wireless microphones and IEM) in the 700 MHz fre-quency band. [83] A special form of a use case is the temporary licenses, which is further explained in the chapter below.

8.2.1.3. Temporary licenses – Res. 635

Another important regulation is Resolution (Res.) 635. This resolution regulates the tem-porary authorization for the use of radio frequencies in different kind of events. This in-cludes as well the temporary use of radio frequencies by foreign authorities. These tem-porary licences are issued on a secondary basis. If an interference on a primary service is caused by a device with a temporary license, the device has to be turned off. The holder of the temporary license has no right for postponement of the validation period of the temporary authorization or a reimbursement of any fees. As already mentioned in the introduction to this chapter ‘8.2.1 Licensing and Authorization of Wireless Audio Produc-tion Tools’, the holders of a temporary licence have a protection against interferences of other devices, which are operated on a secondary basis. To apply for a temporary au-thorization, a self-registration including a request with all necessary information have to be made via the interactive online system of the Anatel44. The registration and request have to be sent latest 15 days before the start of the operation of the radio equipment. Requests for major events (so far now detailed specification on-hand) need to include some additional information in the online application form, e.g. the region of the event. The deadline for a request for a major event is 60 days before the start of the operation of the radio equipment. The requested period for the frequency usage has to include the whole period of the event as well as additional periods, where the requested frequencies will be in use, e.g. for tests and / or rehearsals. The maximum length of the requested period is limited to 60 days nonstop. This is not true for diplomatic missions and major events. Furthermore, a temporary authorisation for the use of radio frequencies is not fee exempted. There are various fees, depending on the special characteristics of the event. The authorization, after the payment of all fees, or the rejection, e.g. because of non-payment of the fees, are issued via the Anatel online system. Authorized equipment does not need the homologation certificate. In the end, there are certain penalties, e.g. for non-observance of the duties and obligations resulting from the temporary authorization or the unauthorized use of radio frequencies. In this case the operation will be stopped by the Anatel. [84]

Note: for the usage of radio frequencies on the terms of international agreements, which were signed by Brazil, a temporary authorization is not needed.

44 For further information see: http://www.anatel.gov.br/setorregulado/index.php/uso-temporario-do-espectro

http://www.anatel.gov.br/setorregulado/index.php/uso-temporario-do-espectro

http://www.anatel.gov.br/setorregulado/index.php/uso-temporario-do-espectro

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8.2.2. Changes in the National Frequency Allocation Plan

Although for ITU-Region 2 the 700 MHz frequency band already had been opened for Mobile Services in 2007, in Brazil this change just happened in the year 2015. At the WRC-15 footnote 5.313B was erased (further information see chapter ‘7 The Digital Div-idends’).

The changes in the national frequency allocation plan of Brazil for the UHF TV spectrum are shown in yellow in the following table:

2012 2015 2017 470 – 608 MHz

BROADCASTING 470 – 608 MHz

BROADCASTING 470 – 608 MHz

BROADCASTING 5.292 5.293 5.297

608 - 614 MHz RADIO ASTRONOMY

608 – 614 MHz RADIO ASTRONOMY

608 – 614 MHz RADIO ASTRONOMY

614 - 806 MHz FIXED

BROADCASTING

614 – 698 MHz FIXED

BROADCASTING

614 – 698 MHz BROADCASTING

FIXED 5.293 5.308 5.308A 5.311A


MOBILE BROADCASTING


FIXED MOBILE

5.317A 5.293 5.311A 806 – 890 MHz

FIXO MOBILE 5.317A

806 – 890 MHz FIXO

MOBILE 5.317A

806 – 890 MHz FIXO

MOBILE 5.317A Table 14: Changes in the National Frequency Allocation Plan of Brazil from 2012 until 2017

As can be seen in the table, just in 2015, the Mobile Service was allocated on a primary basis in the 700 MHz frequency band. Also, a number of footnotes were added to the frequency allocation plan. Anyways, most of these footnotes refer to different frequency allocations in various countries in ITU-Region 2, including some neighbours of Brazil, e.g. Argentina and Venezuela. Because of this, it is included in the footnotes, that countries, which allocated parts of the UHF TV spectrum to different services than defined in the Radio Regulations (RR) as agreed by WRC-15, this service does not have any protection against, nor can it cause any interference in, services of neighbouring countries, which allocated the UHF TV spectrum accordingly to the RRs. [56] [85] [86]

After the last section discussed the effects of the Digital Dividend (DD) on the use of frequencies by wireless audio production tools (PMSE) in rather theoretical terms, in the following section some practical examples are presented.

8.2.3. Survey: ‘The use of frequencies by wireless Audio-Equipment in Brazil dur-ing the process of the Digital Dividend’

In preparation for this thesis, I created an online-survey to determine realistic values. It was my intention to find out, how operators of wireless audio production tools (PMSE) in Brazil are affected by the DD in their everyday work. Since the DD is still not completed yet, its effect cannot be finally analysed. Hence, this survey determined the effect during the implementation process of the DD until the 12th of August 2018 (this day the survey was closed). The results are summarized in this chapter:

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48 organisations from all over Brazil and behind took part in my survey, e.g. manufactur-ers of wireless audio production tools (PMSE) and providers of event technology.

The new allocation of the 700 MHz frequency band affects all devices, which were or are acting in this frequency band. The objective of the questionnaire was, to get a general idea of the technology used by Brazilian organisations, which are working in the field of event technology, before and after the DD. According to the results of the survey,

• more than one third of all survey participants are no longer able to use their equip-ment;

• about a third sees the possibility to continue using existing equipment.

The reasons for these different answers could be:

• that because the ‘Digital Switch-Over’ in Brazil is realized regionally, the equipment might still be working in some regions and in other not anymore;

• that some companies aren’t providing equipment for the affected frequency band anymore (700 MHz frequency band);

• and / or that some users already shifted their frequency usage to alternative ranges before the implementation of the Digital Dividend.

The responses show, that devices with a tuning range inside the remaining UHF TV spec-trum from 470 to 698 MHz are still usable and mainly equipment with a tuning range in the 700 MHz frequency band from 698 to 806 MHz is not usable anymore. This confirms, the earlier presumption, that wireless audio production tools (PMSE), which are operated in the 700 MHz frequency band are strongly affected by the DD.

Furthermore, the survey observed, how much work the new frequency allocation created for the affected organisations.

According to the responses, no devices were returned to the stores or sales offices. The organisation, ‘Engenho da Arte’, explains: ‘Empresas não aceitam devolução’ (Transla-tion: ‘Stores don’t accept returns’) [3, Page 3]. Stores in Brazil don’t have to exchange or take back production tools, which are affected by the DD. In my observation, the respon-sibility for the purchase is completely on the side of the customer, who has to inform himself before buying.45 It seems, that, in Brazil, there is no compensation so far for own-ers of wireless audio production tools (PMSE), which are not usable anymore in this re-gion after the DD [78]. According to the survey results, some organisations had to buy new production tools to exchange their 700 MHz devices.

To identify, if there has been a significant change in the use of frequencies by wireless audio production tools (PMSE), post DD, information on the used frequency bands and / or tuning ranges before and after the DD was asked for. It seems, that before the DD, the majority of the survey participants focused on frequencies of the UHF TV spectrum up to 930 MHz, but most have used the 700 MHz band, based on the license-exempt spectrum allocation for wireless production tools. During the implementation of the DD, a change of the frequency usage was noticed:

45 See also section ‘8.2 Impact of the DD on the Use of Wireless Audio Production Tools’

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• Half of the participants did not have to change their use of the frequency bands. In my observation, they already had taken care of these changes in advance or al-ternatively the DD was not implemented in their region, at the time, when the sur-vey was answered. Organisations, which are located in these regions, might al-ready had to change or will have to change their frequency usage in the future.

• The other half of the participants had already moved their usage to adjacent fre-quency bands or alternative frequency bands.

The last part of the survey analysed, if there had been any problems during the new allocation process, which were not expected before. Did the problems increase during the Digital Dividend (DD)?

• 48 % of the interviewed organisations stated, that so far there was no increase of interference during the new allocation process. These participants reported, that they did not notice any increased interference in the practical use of wireless audio production tools (PMSE). In my preliminary observation, most of these organisa-tions are located in São Paulo. In this region the ‘Analogue Switch-Off’ did not take place at the time of the related responses. The implementation of the DD was still ongoing, and the LTE based services and its applications were still not in opera-tion. For that reason, the mentioned organisations might not have recognised any increase of interferences yet.

• 28 % of the organisations reported an increase of interference, which was still con-trollable due to appropriate precautions. I assume, that the recognised interfer-ences occur from the higher spectrum density after the channel re-packing.

• 24 % of the participating organisations reported limitations of their productions be-cause of interference. Some of these organisations were located in Amazonas and in Natal. Until the date of their participation there was no DD in these regions. I wonder, what is the back-ground to this interference scenario? Further answers were given by organisations from São Paulo. Here the DD was already implemented at the time of the responses. The affected organisations noted, that their equipment before the DD was mainly operated in the 700 MHz band and the interferences were mostly detected in this band. I suspect, that this is the reason for the noted limitation of productions. This as well applies to other regions than São Paulo.

Note: In my view, a limitation of a production is not equal to a cancellation – the event could be continued, but with restrictions.

Most recognised interferences were identified in the 700 MHz frequency range, but some interferences were as well recognised in its adjacent lower frequency band around 600 MHz.

Further, the majority of the survey participants reported, that the interference was pro-duced by a mixture of interferences occurring from neighbouring events and interference probably produced by mobile radio / phone devices. The operation of mobile phones or television stations close to the production environment was reported as source of inter-ference as well. These interferences might be explained by the increasing use of the lower UHF TV spectrum by wireless audio production tools (PMSE) and the refarming of digital television programmes into the same frequency spectrum. This could be a

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foreseeable overload of the lower UHF TV spectrum. However, the full extent of the changed scenario will only be clearly identifiable after the DD has been completed.

The final question in the survey examined, what users of wireless audio production tools (PMSE) do, when they recognise interference(s) in their tuning range. In cases of interference(s), the great majority of all participat-ing organisations changes the operating frequency, e.g. after spectrum scans to identify clean spectrum. About 20 % of the par-ticipants change the location of the receiver antenna.

All remaining survey participants are noting alternative solutions, e.g. changing the re-ceiver antenna or adding filters to the antenna. In addition, some noted to inform the relevant organisation, e.g. the spectrum administration, in Brazil that is the Anatel.

8.2.4. Spectrum Scan at a Soccer Game in São Paulo

0. Introduction

A lot of productions use wireless audio production tools (PMSE), such as wireless micro-phones, In-Ear Monitors and Talk-Back Systems. To record the UHF TV spectrum usage of wireless audio production tools (PMSE) in Brazil, a spectrum scan was taken at a soc-cer game in São Paulo. Further information on the event will be provided in the following chapter. To realize the measurement, a method and a scanning software, which were already used in Europe, were applied. Like this a comparison between the spectrum us-age of various events in both countries is possible.

The initial objective of the spectrum scans was firstly, to get an overview of the spectrum occupation at a typical event and content production scenario in Brazil and secondly, to see how the event production in Brazil is realized.

1. The Event

The Spectrum Scans were taken on Sunday, 15th of April 2018, at a soccer game in São Paulo. It was the first game of the ‘Campeonato Brasileiro 2018’ (Brazilian Championship 2018) and hosted in the Arena Corinthians. The opponents were the winner of last year’s championship ‘Corinthians’ against ‘Fluminense’. The stadium was filled with 28.777 vis-itors. The game was transmitted live by different television and radio stations, such as Sport TV and Globo. Globo Television offered the opportunity to do a spectrum scan of the UHF TV spectrum in this event. These results can be used for further research and will be presented in this thesis.

A soccer game is a typical event production scenario in Brazil (and as well in Europe). Soccer games take place frequently. The date of the event was before the ‘Analogue Switch-Off’ in São Paulo and before the start of the operation of LTE in the 700 MHz

I change the frequency /

tuning range.

I change the antenna.

I change the location of

the antenna.

I add filters to the antenna.

I inform the relevant

administration (Anatel).

Other.

‘I make a Spectrum Scan‘ ‘I exchange the used equipment.‘

‘I change the transmission frequency of my equipment.‘

‘I stop to use the microphone.’

68,2 %

4,5 %

18,2 %

4,5 %

4,5 %

27,3 %

Figure 51: Arrangements in Case of Interference(s) in the used Tuning Range [3]

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frequency band. Because of this, the frequencies of the 700 MHz frequency band could still be used in this production.

Figure 52: The Press is taking Pictures of the Game

2. The TV Production

The following pictures illustrate, how the live content production is working, and which wireless tools are used:

Figure 53: Live Moderation during the Half-Time Break using the Headset

Figure 54: Live Moderation during the Game using the Hand-held Microphone

Headset

Hand-held Microphones

Hand-held Microphone

Headset

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Figure 55: Receiver Antennas

3. Used Scanning Equipment

The following equipment was used for the procedure of the spectrum scans:

• Signal Analyser: Rohde&Schwarz, FSQ-8 • Plugin-Antenna • Notebook: Lenovo V320-17IKB • Scanning Software „PMSE Occupation Recorder”, Revision 4.9d

Receiver Antennas for Wireless Cameras

76

The right picture below shows the setup of the equipment:

The scanning location inside the stadium is marked red in the right picture.

4. Scanning Results

The scanning range at the Brazilian soc-cer match was 410 to 870 MHz. This is larger than the UHF TV range, which is available for wireless audio production tools (PMSE) in Brazil. The software was mainly developed for scans in Europe and because of this the upper limit of the scan-ning range is 870 MHz. In Brazil, wireless audio production tools (PMSE) could just be used up to 806 MHz before the Digital Dividend (DD) and 698 MHz after the DD. The following diagram shows the recorded spectrum allocations from 410 to 870 MHz.

The following diagrams show the recorded spectrum allocations from 410 to 870 MHz. It can be seen, that the scanning receiver input level various from -119 dBm up to 14 dBm. The maximum scanner input attenuator, controlled by the scanning software, various from 0 dB to 50 dB.

Figure 58: Recorded Spectrum Allocations, 410 to 870 MHz

Computer with special Scanning Software

Scanner

Location of Scanning Setup

Figure 56: Setup of Scanning Equipment

Figure 57: Location of the Scanning Setup inside the Sta-dium

Radio Astronomy Channel

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Note: The marked Radio Astronomy channel is reserved for a passive Service e.g. of scientific institutions. In many regions, like in Brazil, wireless audio production tools (PMSE) cannot use in this channel.

Figure 59: Percentage of the Frequency Usage Exceeding the Stat Threshold Value of -90 dBm

Figure 61: Occupation of Each UHF TV Channel

Above the Figure 61 shows the received occupation of each single UHF TV channel:

• The yellow marked channels have a low occupation: one until three narrow band signals were detected inside these channels.

• Orange highlighted channels were occupied with four to eight narrow band signals. • Red demonstrates the highest occupation. Here nine or more narrow band signals

were detected.

24 TV channels blocks are in white colour. No signal was detected on these channels, by our limited equipment configuration. Just six of these channels, 25 %, were actually free. On the other 19 channels, 75 % of the white channels, terrestrial TV programs are trans-mitted. These signals probably were not detected, because the transmission stations were located within a distance to the soccer stadium and therefore the signal level was too low to be received by the frequency analyser. As already explained above, the chan-nel 37 is the Radioastronomy channel and cannot be used for radio audio equipment.

The statistic function of the software detected 67 narrow band links, which occupied about 40.400 MHz of the scanned spectrum (in a reference channel grid of 600 kHz and a guard channel of 200 kHz). The frequency coordination list of Globo TV just contains 22 fre-quency allocation in the UHF TV spectrum. Other broadcasters and radio stations might have their own frequency allocation tables.

In addition, 24 TV or LTE channels were marked manually. These occupy about 150 MHz (channel bandwidth of 6 MHz and a guard channel of 6 MHz). In all marked TV or LTE channels, the automatic statistic function is not detecting narrow band links. In these re-gions narrow band links have to be marked manually.


Locally free TV channels

Figure 60: Aggregate Spectrum Allocations, which exceed the Stat Threshold Level of -90 dBm (all received Signals)

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Altogether, wireless audio production tools (PMSE) plus marked TV and LTE channels, lead to a spectrum occupation of 190.4 MHz in the spectrum range from 410 to 870 MHz (460 MHz). In Brazil a usage of TV and wireless production tools is just permitted up to 806 MHz before and 698 MHz after the Digital Dividend (DD). In total, that would be 396 MHz before and 288 MHz after the DD. It can be expected, that already before the finali-zation of the DD nearly half of the available spectrum is occupied by digital TV and radio microphones. With the same amount of wireless audio production tools (PMSE) and dig-ital TV channels, after the DD about 2/3 of the available spectrum will be needed. Bigger events, with more wireless audio production tools (PMSE), e.g. soccer world cup, For-mula 1 or Olympia, might be having more problems. Additionally, Interference and Inter-modulation effects might limit the available bandwidth for wireless audio production tools (PMSE) even more. This will be further explained in the following chapter.

Cross-reference to another world-region: In comparison to Europe, Brazil is at the mo-ment realizing its first DD, which is the transition from analogue to digital television and the digital TV standard ISDB-Tb is used. In Europe, after the DD1, at first the digital TV standard ‘DVB-T’ was used. Later this was changed to the more spectrum efficient stand-ard DVB-T2 (DD2).

My preliminary interpretation: on the contrary in Brazil a transition to another (more spec-trum efficient) digital TV standard is not foreseen so far. Furthermore, during the transition period, analogue and digital television is transmitted simultaneously. In the spectrum scans no analogue TV signals were found. This is because all the remaining analogue transmissions are located in the VHF TV spectrum (174 to 240 MHz) and therefore are outside of the scanning range.

5. Problems

The figure below shows the radio spectrum usage in the time domain:

Figure 62: Radio Spectrum Usage in the Time Domain

This time-domain diagram illustrates, how long a signal was near or above the statistic level. The purple and blue signals show devices such as radio microphones and IEM on coordinated frequencies, while the orange signals were not coordinated. It can be seen, that the majority of the signals were uncoordinated, referring to the frequency coordination

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list of Globo TV. It is possible, that local organisations, such as further broadcasters or radio station, had further coordination list. The grey signals were up to 10 dB below the statistic threshold of -90 dBm. These signals mostly were just ongoing for short periods.

As well, as can be seen in the diagram before, there were some strong signals. One of the signals, with the highest input power, is shown in the following figure:

Figure 63: Frequency 618.3 MHz, 14.11 dBm

The reason can probably be found in the left picture:

1. From time to time transmitters of used wireless audio production tools (PMSE) were stored close to the scanning antenna. Some of them probably were still turned on.

2. The scanning antenna was positioned at the spectrum analyser and close to other equipment. This has a couple of disadvantages, for example interference and the shield-ing of the analyser.

3. The scanning antenna was positioned in a height of 1.20 m. Because of this, signals within a bigger distance to the antenna may not be received and got lost.

4. In addition, the antenna was positioned inside a tent, which might as well had a shielding effect.

Figure 64 shows, that a radio microphone transmitter was stored within a close distance to the receiver antenna of the spectrum analyser. The signal strength of a signal varies with the movement of the transmitter. The more distance between transmitter and re-ceiver, the less signal strength is available. The other way around, this means that if the transmitter is positioned closely to the receiver, like in the picture, the signal strength is very high (strong signal). This scenario probably caused an effect, which is called ‘block-ing’: a strong signal overloads preamplifier of the receiver. As a consequence of blocking, weak signals might get lost in the spectrum scans.

Another resulting effect are intermodulation (IM) products. For further information on IM products and how they can be calculated, please see chapter ‘3.3.3 Intermodulation’. Intermodulation occur, when two signal carriers are active at the same point of time.

Tent

Transmitter Antenna

1.20 m

Figure 64: Problems in the Setup

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Under the assumption, that this was true to the time of the intermodulation, such a sce-nario is shown in the following figure:

Figure 65: Intermodulation Scenario

The figure shows two very strong signals. Those two signals might create IM products. The IM3 products are calculated in the table below. Just the two green marked signals are relevant, because the other two signals are outside of the relevant frequency range. In the graphic above just one of the IM3 products, at 641.6 MHz can be seen with a signal strength of -47 dBm. If, for example an additional radio microphone, is now started to be operated on this same frequency, a co-channel interference will happen. As well the IM scenario will change – there will arise more IM products, which than may interfere with other signals.

2F1-F2 2F1+F2 2F2-F1 2F2+F1

606.800 MHz 1866.800 MHz 641.600 MHz 1878.400 MHz Table 15: IM3 Products of Figure 13

Anyways, as already briefly stated before, it cannot be seen in Figure 65, if the signal carriers F1 and F2 were active at the same time, because the scenario shows all scanned signals during the whole scanning period. To find out, when the carriers were active, we can take a look into the time-domain diagram underneath:

Figure 66: The Time Domain Diagram shows the Carriers F1 and F2

Clearly, carrier F1 and F2 were not active at the same point of time and therefore were not able to produce interferences. This explains, why the IM3 product on 606.4 MHz (or-ange in the Table 15) is not shown in Figure 65. Conclusively, the detected carrier on 642.1 MHz (green in Table 15) has not been an IM product of F1 and F2 and just acci-dently happened to be on the same frequency. If the two carriers F1 and F2 would have

F1 = 618.4 MHz F2 = 630 MHz

IM3 = 641.6 MHz

IM3 = 606.8 MHz

F1

F2

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been active to the same time, there probably would have been a co-channel interference on F3 = 642.1 MHz.

6. Solutions

To avoid the before mentioned problems, it is necessary to position the antenna within a line of sight to the wireless audio production tools (PMSE). Therefore, it would have been better to position the antenna:

• with a distance to the other equipment, like the frequency analyser and the laptop • outside (of the tent) • in about 3 to 5 m of height.

The picture on the right shows some antennas, possibly receiver antennas of wireless audio production tools (PMSE). It is my intention to improve the setup for the scanning hardware by:

• positioning the scanning an-tenna similar to the antennas in the picture;

• or getting the receiver signals directly from the antenna split-ter.

7. Summary

All in all, about 67 narrow band links were recorded and detected or marked. Most of these carriers were non-coordinated. In addition, some signals might not have been rec-orded due to the unfavourable position of the scanning antenna: The low height of the antenna made it impossible to receive signals in the distance. The antenna position inside a tent and behind the frequency analyser had a shielding effect. The closeness to other equipment might have caused interference. Some signals were received with a very high receiver input power level, up to about 14 dBm, and as a result low power signals got lost. This mistaken antenna position must be taken care of in future spectrum scans. The an-tenna should than be positioned outside, within a line of sight to all signals, in a height of 3 to 5 m and within a distance to other equipment, such as the frequency analyser and the laptop. Alternatively, the incoming signals of the receiver antenna(s) for the wireless production tools can be taken directly from the antenna splitter. To gain realistic values, I would like to repeat the spectrum scan in another comparable event. [87]

8.2.5. Major Events in Brazil

8.2.5.1. João Rock Festival – Ribeirão Preto, 2018

‘João Rock’ is a rock music festival in Brazil, which was realized the first time in 2002. The festival is located in ‘Ribeirão Preto’, a city in the state of São. The duration of the festival is one day. Different artists play on four different stages. This year (2018) ‘João

Figure 67: Correct Positioning of the Receiver Antennas

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Rock’ was hold on the 09th of June 2018. [88] For further information on the festival, see: https://www.joaorock.com.br/

As part of my thesis, I was provided with information on the frequency coordination of the event ‘João Rock’ 2018. To establish a comparability with other events analysed in this thesis, e.g. in the chapter ‘14 Major Events in Europe’, in this section I would like to eval-uate the provided information.

At first, I would like to demonstrate the locally UHF TV spectrum occupation at the ‘João Rock’ festival. Therefore, I choose a graphical illustration comparable to how the DKE demonstrated the spectrum occupation of the ‘14.1 German Regional Elections – Bre-men, 2015’ in 2015 in Figure 94:

At the ‘João Rock’ festival in 2018, all in all, a total number of 122 frequencies for wireless microphones and IEMs, which allocate a total bandwidth of 44 MHz, were coordinated for all four stages. The frequency coordinator of the event noted, that to consider the locally occupied TV channels at the location of the ‘João Rock’ festival, the website ‘Portal BSD’ was used: http://www.portalbsd.com.br/terrestres_channels.php?channels=88. ‘Portal BSD’ is a database, which lists all receivable programs in a specific region. From a list at first the state and after the city can be chosen. [89]

The graphic below shows the UHF TV spectrum occupation at the event ‘João Rock’ in 2018 (further explanation below the graphic):

Figure 68: Spectrum Occupation at the Music Festival 'João Rock' 2018 in Ribeirão Preto

In the first row, the UHF TV channels 14 to 69 are numbered. The second row, marks in red the 700 MHz frequency band from UHF TV channel 52 to 69 (698 to 806 MHz). At the time and place of the event, this frequency band was already allocated to the Mobile Service on a primary basis as a consequence of the Digital Dividend (DD) and the LTE technology was already operated in this band46. The remaining UHF TV spectrum from 470 to 698 MHz (UHF TV channel 14 to 51) is marked in green. The UHF TV channel 37 is marked yellow. This channel is allocated on a primary basis to the Radio Astronomy Service. As reported by the frequency coordinator of the event ‘João Rock’ in 2018, this channel is blocked for other applications / services and because of this no frequencies were allocated in this channel. In the third row, some UHF TV channels are marked in purple. According to Portal BSD, these UHF TV channels are locally occupied in Ribeirão Preto. The numbers show, how many devices (wireless microphones and IEM) were co-ordinated in the related UHF TV channel (all four stages). In the frequency coordination table there were all in all 27 devices without a frequency assignment. Instead of a coor-dinated frequency, the note ‘Find Best’ frequency was assigned. For these devices, the transmission frequency has not been coordinated in advance, but was chosen directly at the event location before the event. These frequencies are not included in the Figure 68.

46 'Após a liberação pela Anatel da exploração da faixa de 700 MHz em São Paulo, a Vivo anunciou nesta quarta-feira, 30, a disponibilidade da banda em 4G no município de Ribeirão Preto' (Translation: ‘After the liberation of the 700 MHz frequency band trough the Anatel in São Paulo, VIVO announced this Wednesday, 30th, the availability of 4G in this band in the district ‘Ribeirão Preto’’) [90].

14 15 16 17 18 19 20 21 22 23 24 25 26 27 28 29 30 31 32 33 34 35 36 37 38 39 40 41 42 43 44 45 46 47 48 49 50 51 52 53 54 55 56 57 58 59 60 61 62 63 64 65 66 67 68 69

1 8 5 3 4 1 11 5 1 6 1 6 6 4 4 6 5 3 1 4 4 6

UHF TV SpectrumDigital Dividend

700 MHz Frequency Band

https://www.joaorock.com.br/

http://www.portalbsd.com.br/terrestres_channels.php?channels=88

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This is the reason, why all in all the graphic just shows 95 instead of 122 coordinated frequencies. As well it can be seen, that some frequencies were allocated in locally oc-cupied TV channels. There might be different reason for this: First of all, the frequency coordinator reported, that if the TV signal in an occupied TV channel was low, and there-fore the necessary C/N+I and with it the required audio quality could be guaranteed, fre-quencies for wireless microphones and IEMs were allocated in these UHF TV channels. Another reason could be, that Portal BSD lists all receivable TV programs in the whole region of Ribeirão Preto. Those can also be TV programs, which are transmitted in a neighbouring region, but still are receivable in Ribeirão Preto. These TV programs might just be receivable in parts of Ribeirão Preto but not in the whole city. Conclusively, there might be some UHF TV channels listed by Portal BSD as ‘occupied’, but at the festival location these TV programs are not receivable and therefore the UHF TV channel is not occupied.

In the following part, I would like to compare the spectrum occupation of the ‘João Rock’ further with how the DKE calculated the spectrum occupation at the Eurovision Song Contest in 2011. The Eurovision Song Contest is a one-venue site, because it just has one stage. All coordinated frequencies might be in use at the same time. Further infor-mation on the event and the calculation of the spectrum occupation can be found in chap-ter ‘14.3 Eurovision Song Contest 2011 – Düsseldorf, Germany’.

In comparison, the João Rock Festival is a multi-venue site, because it has four different stages. The frequency usage was split in locations (four different stages) and time, de-pending on the schedule of the stages. The schedule for the four stages with the begin-ning time and the artist are listed in the table below:

Stage JR Stage Brazil Stage FAC Stage RedBull 15:20 h Napkin 15:00 h Kilotones 16:00 h Cordel do Fogo

Encantado 16:10 h Dônica

17:00 h Supercombo 17:05 h Mutantes 17:05 h Marujos 18:00 h Raimundos 18:10 h Sinara 19:00 h Shank 19:05 h Refavela 40 19:05 h Mari Nolasco 20:05 h Pitty 20:10 h Rael 21:10 h Natiruts 21:05 h Ofertório 21:05 h Motriz 22:15 h Gabriel O Pen-

sador 22:10 h Froid

23:20 h Criolo 23:05 h Tom Zé 23:05 h Emversos 00:25 h Planet Hemp 00:10 h Francisco El

Hombre

Table 16: Timetable of the João Rock Festival 2018 [88]

It can be seen, that Stage Brazil and Stage RedBull have the same beginning times for all artists. The times of Stage FAC differ more or less one hour to the times of the stages Brazil and RedBull. Stage JR has the most artists. The beginning times of the shows differ between five and twenty minutes to the beginning times of all other stages. That means, that some stages were in use simultaneously. To see, which stages are played simulta-neously, I created the following graphic. It shows the timing of the four stages of the ‘João Rock’ festival (further explanation, see below):

Figure 69: Duration of the Shows on the different Stages at the João Rock Festival 2018

Stage BrazilStage JR open endStage RedBullStage FAC

23:0523:20

00:1000:25

18:0018:10

19:0019:05

20:0520:10

21:0521:10

22:1022:15

15:0015:20

16:0016:10

17:0017:05

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On top of the graphic, the times of the beginnings of the shows on the different stages are written. Underneath, in each line the playing times of the four different stages are marked in four different colours:

• Blue: Stage Brazil; • Grey: Stage JR; • Yellow: Stage RedBull; • Orange: Stage FAC.

I just have available the exact playing times of the stage JR (purple). Of all other stages just the beginning times, but not the duration of the shows, are available to me. Anyways, it can be seen, that not all stages were in use the whole time. This means, that not all coordinated frequencies were in use at the same time. But it can be seen, that at times three of the four stages were in use simultaneously. This means, that all coordinated frequencies from these three stages were in use simultaneously. For the first time, this was the case at 17:05 h, when the shows of the stages Brazil, JR and FAC began more or less at the same time (five minutes difference).

In a next step, I calculated the required bandwidth for all wireless microphones and IEM, which were in use simultaneously at 17:05 h as follows:

Table 17: Numbers of Coordinated Devices and Required Bandwidth (BW) per Stage At the João Rock Festival 2018

BW per Unit BW all units BW all units

[kHz] [kHz] [MHz]

Stage Brazil

UR4D 12 MIC 200 2400 2,40

PSM1000 10 IEM 600 6000 6,00

Backup Brazil

UHFR 14 MIC 200 2800 2,80

PSM1000 9 IEM 600 5400 5,40

Total No. Devices: 45 Total BW: 16,60

Stage JR

UR4D 14 MIC 200 2800 2,80

PSM1000 14 IEM 600 8400 8,40

Backup JR

UHFR 13 MIC 200 2600 2,60


Stage RedBull

UR4D 10 MIC 200 2000 2,00

PSM900 10 IEM 600 6000 6,00

Backup RedBull

UHFR 1 MIC 200 200 0,20

PSM900 1 IEM 600 600 0,60

Total No. Devices: 22,00 Total BW: 8,8

Stage FAC

UR4D 8 MIC 200 1600 1,60

PSM1000 4 IEM 600 2400 2,40

Backup FAC

PSM1000 2 IEM 600 1200 1,20


SystemNumber of

UnitsMIC / IEM

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The Table 17 lists for all stages separately all coordinated devices (wireless microphones and IEMs) and the needed bandwidths per stage. It can be seen, that the upper three stages require the most bandwidth (Brazil = 16,6 MHz; JR = 13,8 MHz and RedBull 8,8 MHz). Those three stages were in use simultaneously various times, e.g. at 17:05 h. To-gether for these three stages frequencies 108 devices (wireless microphones and IEMs) were coordinated. They required a total bandwidth of 39,2 MHz.

In a next step, at the ESC 2011 the guard bands between occupied TV channels and wireless audio production tools (PMSE) and between the wireless audio production tools (PMSE) were calculated. The DKE used a linear channel grid for the calculation of the spectrum occupation with defined values for the guard bands. In case of the ‘João Rock’, the guard bands between the coordinated frequencies can be chosen smaller, because of the signal attenuation due to the path loss effect47 depending on the distance between the different stages.

Note: the path loss effect will not be discussed further in this thesis, because this is not subject to this work und would go beyond the scope of this thesis (for further information on the path loss effect, see ITU-R Report BT.2338; section 2.4.1 Transmission path loss: worst case scenario; Page 31).

ERC Report 204 demonstrates a method for an intermodulation-free frequency coordina-tion of a multi-venue event. Every venue, at ‘João Rock’ every stage, has to have an intermodulation-free frequency arrangement to meet the required sound quality. For an intermodulation-free frequency arrangement, the frequencies of each venue can be co-ordinated in a non-regular spacing. The different venues, here the four stages, are within a certain distance to one another. Due to the effect of the free space path loss48 and additional attenuation effects, the intermodulation products of one venue are relatively low in the other venues49. Because of this, the same frequencies, which were already used at one venue, can be used again at another venue with an offset. For the frequency coordination of the ‘João Rock’ in 2018 the ‘Shure Software WWB’ with its guard band parameters was used.

47 Attenuation [dB] in the transmission path between the transmitter and receiver antenna; depends on the distance between the antennas and the transmission frequency 48 The ITU-R Report BT.2338 provides the following formula to calculate the free space path loss: PLFS = 32,44 + 20*log10(D/1000) + 20*log10(F); with D = Distance and F = Frequency [4, Page 31] 49 It is noted in the report, that this method ‘will work outdoors only if the distances between the venues deliver a signal attenuation of more than 15 dB in addition to the path loss’ [5, Page 54] and ‘Taking this into account, the intermodulation of [one venue] will be very low in the neighbour room or neighbour venue’ [5, Page 53].

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The frequency coordination for the four stages is shown in the following diagram (see further explanation below):

Figure 70: IM-free Frequency Coordination of All 4 Stages at the João Rock Festival 2018

Note: the free spaces the figure above, where no frequencies are coordinated, were mainly occupied by local TV stations, as can be seen in Figure 68.

During the João Rock Festival all frequencies for wireless microphones and IEM were coordinated in the lower UHF spectrum, underneath the 700 MHz frequency band. At the time of the festival, the LTE technology was already operated in the 700 MHz band as a consequence of the Digital Dividend (DD). Because of this, no frequencies were coordi-nated in this band. The frequency range of the diagram is from 500 to 700 MHz and includes all coordinated frequencies of all four stages. In the diagram, there can be seen coordinated frequencies in four different colours. Each colour stands for another stage:

• Blue: Stage Brazil; • Orange: Stage FAC; • Grey: Stage JR; • Yellow: Stage RedBull.

In the coordination table, there are 12 devices for stage Brazil and 15 devices for Stage JR (altogether 27 frequencies) not coordinated in advance. Instead of a coordi-nated frequency, the comment ‘Find Best’ was assigned. These devices were allocated at the event location before the event, depending on the locally free frequencies and are not included in the diagram above.

Conclusion:

If all coordinated frequencies of all four stages were in use simultaneously and the guard bands chosen as defined by the DKE (see chapter 14.3 Eurovision Song Contest 2011 – Düsseldorf, Germany), the available spectrum of 222 MHz (already without the RA chan-nel) would not have been enough, to cover the spectrum requirements of 254,6 MHz in total (see calculation in Annex ‘A.4 Calculation: Spectrum Occupation at the João Rock Festival’). Anyways, due to the free space path attenuation, the guard bands between the wireless microphones and IEMs could be chosen smaller, than defined by the DKE, e.g. 620.575 MHz at Stage RedBull and 620.2 MHz at Stage Brazil is a guard band of just 375 kHz (see section above Figure 70). Additionally, not all frequencies were in use at the same time. It seems, that at maximum three stages were played simultaneously. Also, some frequencies were not coordinated in advance (Frequency Allocation Table: ‘Find Best’). As well, some of the TV channels listed by the Portal BSD might not have been

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receivable or just receivable with a low signal level at the event location of the ‘João Rock’ festival in 2018. As can be seen in Figure 68, some frequencies were coordinated in TV channels, which are listed as 'occupied'. These TV channels were probably locally free during the time of the event at the event location or the signal level of these TV signals were low enough, to operate wireless microphones and / or IEMs without a reduction of the audio quality. Underneath, an exemplary screen shot of a spectrum scan at the ‘João Rock’ festival on 2018 is shown. It was taken at the Stage JR during the Artist 'Super-combo'. During this show the three stages were played simultaneously.

Figure 71: Spectrum Scan at the Stage JR during the first simultaneous Operation of all 4 Stages [91]

As already noted above the graphic, the spec-trum scan was taken at stage JR. All frequen-cies of this stage were coordinated between 600 and 700 MHz, but all 13 backup frequen-cies were coordinated between 500 and 600 MHz. In the scan, some of the signals with the highest signal levels were detected between 600 and 700 MHz and two RF signals with a very high signal level were detected between 550 and 600 MHz. In my interpretation these signals are microphone and / or IEM signals from the stage JR. It seems, that in two cases the backup frequencies had to be used, e.g. be-cause of interferences. The other stages were within a distance to the stage JR, as can as well be seen in the map on the right.

In addition, in the spectrum scan, there can be seen some low RF signals between 400 and 500 MHz and between 700 and 800 MHz. In these frequency ranges, there were no coordinated frequencies, for none of the four stages.

Figure 72: Map of the Stages at João Rock 2018 [92]

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One wide-band RF signal was detected between 750 and 800 MHz. I assume, that this is a LTE signal. As already noted earlier in this section, the mobile phone company al-ready operated the LTE technology in the 700 MHz band in Ribeirão Preto at the time of the event.

8.2.5.2. Carnival 2018 in Rio - Sambódromo

The Brazilian Carnival in the city Rio de Janeiro is the ‘maior espetáculo da terra’ (Translation: ‘biggest spectacle on earth’) [93]. Every year for six days dur-ing the Carnival samba schools from Rio de Janeiro present themselves in the ‘Sambódromo’, the event location. ‘Sam-bódromo’ is a 700 m long street with dif-ferent blocks (sector 1 to 13) along its sides to host the audience. The pictures on the right show the ‘Sambódromo’. On the upper picture the samba schools are dancing along the ‘Sambódromo’. The audience is seated on the blocks at the sides of the street. The picture in the mid-dle is a map of the ‘Sambódromo’ and shows the visitor areas (sector 1 to 13) in different colours. The samba schools walk along the grey marked street be-tween the coloured sectors with self-con-structed cars and present their samba shows. Please see a picture of a typical samba school on the right at the bottom. In 2018, the event had about 500 000 visitors.

The Carnival in Rio is recorded (TV pro-duction) by a local broadcaster to be dis-tributed in the television in all states of Brazil and to more than 100 countries worldwide. [93] At the event, for the re-cording of the content, wireless audio production tools (PMSE) are operated in several use-cases:

• for the TV production of the event; • for the sound environment at the event location; • on the different wagons by the Samba Schools (IEM); • and for the crew communication (Talk-Back Systems).

There were two organisations operating wireless audio production tools (PMSE) at the Carnival in Rio de Janeiro: Gabisom (sound of the event location) and Globo TV (TV

Figure 73: Sambódromo, Carnival in Rio 2018 [93]

Figure 74: Map of the Sambódromo [93]

Figure 75: A Samba School presenting their Cars and Dances [93]

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production). These two organisations needed a frequency coordination. Gabisom hired the company Sennheiser with the frequency coordination. Therefore, all are working closely together in the production preparation and event environment. A frequency coor-dinator noted [94], that the number of wireless production tools had to be reduced, in order to operate all wireless microphones and IEMs in the required quality and on an intermodulation free basis in the UHF TV spectrum. The following graphic shows the co-ordinated frequencies at the event:

Figure 76: Coordinated Frequencies at Carnival 2018

Note: the empty sections in the figure above were in use by local TV distribution.

It seems interesting to me, that six frequencies were coordinated in the 700 MHz fre-quency band. These were four IEMs and two spare frequencies. In Rio de Janeiro the remaining analogue TV transmissions were switched off on the 25th of October 2017 [95]. This was already before the event. Anyways, as far as I am concerned, at the time and place of the event, the LTE technology was not operated in the 700 MHz band yet [96]. I assume, that because of this some frequencies of the 700 MHz band could still be used for wireless microphones and IEMs at the event, similar to the long-term phase of LTE implementation in Austria and Germany.

A frequency coordinator noted [94], that since 2016 every year a few days before the events, spectrum scans were taken at the event location. Based on these scans, changes in the spectrum occupation can be identified. The frequency coordinator can react to these changes. Used was the following spectrum analyser: R&S FSH8.

The following graphics show in comparison on the left side a spectrum scan from the Carnival 2017 and on the right side from the Carnival 2018 in the ‘Sambódromo’ in Rio de Janeiro.

2017 2018

Figure 77: Spectrum Scans from the Carnival in Rio from 2017 (left) and 2018 (right) in Comparison [94]

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The scanning range of both scans is from 470 to 800 MHz. This includes the 700 MHz frequency band. The yellow line is the last real-time scan at the moment of the screen shot, and the green line is the aggregated maximum hold. The maximum hold presents the highest detected signal during the scanning period. At the time, when the spectrum scan in 2017 was taken (February) the ‘Analogue Switch-Off’ was not finalised in Rio de Janeiro. In comparison, in 2018 the ‘Analogue Switch-Off’ was already finalized. In the spectrum scan of 2018, the UHF TV spectrum seems to be denser than in 2017. However, in my view, further background information is required for a detailed assessment.

In the following chapter, I would like to analyse the development of the Digital Dividends (DDs) and its consequences for the frequency usage by wireless audio production tools (PMSE) in Argentina.

9. Argentina

During the recent years, there have been taking place a lot of changes in the Argentinean frequency regulation authorities and the laws regarding broadcasting and telecommuni-cation services. In this section I first would like to summarize the development of the frequency regulation agencies and the modifications of the laws (binding decisions) for broadcasting and telecommunication services, before I go over to the developments of the first and second Digital Dividend and its consequences for the users of wireless audio production tools (PMSE).

9.1. Frequency Regulation Agencies

In my observation, the situation regarding spectrum regulation in Argentina seems to be very complex, e.g. in comparison with Brazil:

• Earlier, several agencies were responsible for the spectrum regulation. • In the recent years, one main regulator was formed.

In this section I briefly would like to give an overview over the development of the national frequency regulation agencies in Argentina. In the following table summarize the, in my view, relevant Argentinian regulation agencies with a short description of their specific task:

Frequency Regulator

Abbreviation Spanish Name English Translation Area of Responsibility Period

COMFER Comité Federal de Radiodifusión

Federal Broadcasting Committee

National Frequency Reg-ulation Agency

Until 2009

SECOM Secretaría de Comunicaciones

Secretariat of Com-munications

Frequency Assignment to the Telecommunication Services; Issuance of li-censes

Until 2015

AFSCA Autoridad Federal de Servicos de Comunicación Audiovisual

Federal Authority for Audiovisual Commu-nication Services

Frequency Assignment to the Broadcast Service; Management of Broad-cast Licenses

2009 to 2015

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CNC Comisión Nacional de Comunicaciones

National Commission on Communications

Monitoring of Spectrum Availability; Technical and Geographical Com-patibility;

Until 2014

CNDC Comisión Nacional de Defensa de la Competencia

National Commission for the Defence of Competition

Prevention of overcrowd-ing the Spectrum

unavaila-ble infor-mation

AFTIC Autoridad Federal de Tecnologias de la Informacion y las Comunicaciones

Federal Authority for Information Technol-ogy and Communica-tions

Replacement of CNC 2014 to 2015

ENACOM Ente Nacional de Comunicaciones

National Authority for Communications

Media Regulation Agency

Since 2015

Table 18: Argentina’s National Frequency Regulators

Further explanation of the table above:

In 2009, the ‘Media Law’, which will be described further in the next section, established the ‘Autoridad Federal de Servicos de Comunicación Audiovisual’ (AFSCA) (Translation: ‘Federal Authority for Audiovisual Community Services’) as the new national frequency regulation agency in Argentina for Broadcasting and Telecommunication Services. Pre-viously, this was the task of the Comité Federal de Radiodifusión (COMFER) (Translation: ‘Federal Broadcasting Committee’). [63]

Until 2015 the ‘Secretaría de Comunicaciones’ (SECOM) (Translation: ‘Secretariat of Communications’) and the ‘Autoridad Federal de Servicos de Comunicación Audiovisual’ (AFSCA) (Translation: ‘Federal Authority for Audiovisual Communication Services’) were responsible to assign frequencies to Broadcast and the telecommunication services/ap-plications. [100] The SECOM is the authority for spectrum application and administration and assigns spectrum for the radiocommunication services, except the Broadcast Ser-vice. The AFSCA is responsible for the Broadcast Service, e.g. approval of licenses, re-newal of licenses, detection of illegal TV stations. [101] Both were requesting the ‘Comisión Nacional de Comunicaciones’ (CNC) (Translation: ‘National Commission of Communications’) to check the spectrum availability and to carry out compatibility studies. [100] Based on the approval of the proposals by the CNC, SECOM or AFSCA issued the corresponding license. The ‘Comisión Nacional de Defensa de la Competencia’ (CNDC) (Translation: ‘National Commission for the Defence of Competition’) worked closely with the SECOM and the AFSCA. The reference ‘APC’ notes, that the task of the CNDC was, ‘to prevent crowding of the spectrum and overallocation of frequencies to the same licen-see‘ [100].

In December 2014 the ‘Autoridad Federal de Tecnologias de la Informacion y las Comunicaciones’ (AFTIC) (Translation: ‘Federal Authority for Information Technology and Communications’) was formed to replace the CNC and in November 2015 Argentina’s current frequency regulator, the ‘Ente Nacional de Comunicaciones’ (ENACOM) (Trans-lation: ‘National Authority for Communications’) was founded by the AFTIC and AFSCA. [102]

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In 2016 the AFTIC and AFSCA dissolved. Until today the ENACOM is the only national frequency regulator in Argentina. [103] For further information on the task of the ENACOM, see: https://www.enacom.gob.ar/que-es-enacom_p33.

9.2. Laws regarding Broadcast and Telecommunication

In this section, I would like to describe two laws, which, in my view, are important for the process of the Digital Dividends, the changes in the UHF TV spectrum and the changing Broadcast sector:

1.) Media Law 2.) Argentina Conectada

9.2.1. Media Law

In 2009 the new ‘Law on Audio-Visual Communications’ (short: ‘Media Law’) was pub-lished to replace the old ‘Law on Radio Broadcasting’. The objective was:

• to break the monopole in the media business and • hand-over the control of the media to the government.

Below, I would like to describe briefly some relevant changes of the law.

According to the old law, every broadcaster was allowed to hold a maximum of 24 li-censes. By the new law, this limit was decreased to ten licenses per broadcaster. Broad-casters, who were holding more than ten licenses, had one year to sell these. As a con-sequence, over 20 broadcasters had to sell existing licenses.

Further, the ‘Media Law’, divides the total amount of the available licenses into thirds:

• 1/3 to the private broadcasters, • 1/3 to the government and • 1/3 to non-profit broadcast organisations.

Additionally, a minimum of 60 % of the television content must be produced in Argentina and it was forbidden, that mobile phone companies could participate in the broadcast business. Because of this, some phone companies had to give up existing broadcast licenses.

Finally, the ‘Media Law’ as well established the AFSCA as a new regulator of frequency spectrum for broadcast and telecommunication services.

Just in the year 2013 the new Media Law was fully enforced. A reorganisation of the broadcasters and licenses had to be done. This process continued until March 2014. [104] [105]

In 2014 the ‘Digital Law’ (also called ‘Digital Argentina’) was published to replace the old telecommunication law. This law allowed telecommunication companies to participate in broadcasting again. As well the new regulation agency AFTIC was built to replace the CNC. [106]

In 2015 a new government was elected. This was related to changes to the media devel-opments in Argentina. The existing ‘Media Law’ was updated. The AFSCA and the AFTIC

https://www.enacom.gob.ar/que-es-enacom_p33

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were combined into the ENACOM. As well, the law now forbids to sell existing licenses. [107]

In 2016 the ‘Media Law’ was updated again. The limit of ten licenses was increased to 15 licenses per license holder. Furthermore, the prohibition to sell licences was revoked again and existing licenses would automatically extend for five years. ENACOM was an-nounced as the only national regulation agency in Argentina and therefore the AFTIC and the AFSCA were deleted [103]

One can assume that this complex change process has implications for users of wireless audio production tools (PMSE), see further information in chapter ‘9.4 Impact of the DDs on the Use of Wireless Audio Production Tools’.

9.2.2. Argentina Conectada

Another law, which I find important, was released in 2010: the new telecommunication law ‘Argentina Conectada’ (‘Connected Argentina’). The law focusses on the improve-ment and development of telecommunication technologies. Therefore, among many other aspects, it considers that everyone should have access to modern telecommunication technologies, regardless of their geographical region and the social, economic or physical condition and that the access to information and communication technologies is an im-portant factor in the social development. [108]

Note: a nationwide improvement in telecommunications also has a nationwide effect on the frequency usage by wireless audio production tools (PMSE).

9.3. The Digital Dividends in Argentina

After, in the section before, I provided some background information on regulation agen-cies and law regarding the spectrum regulation in Argentina, I now would briefly like to analyse the process of the Digital Dividends in Argentina.

9.3.1. The First Digital Dividend in Argentina

9.3.1.1. Background of the DD1 in Argentina

In Argentina, before the first Digital Dividend (DD1) the frequency band from 698 to 806 MHz (700 MHz) was mainly used by ‘Pay-TV’ stations. Some of them were already using the digital transmission standard DVB-T, which is commonly used in Europe. ‘Pay-TV’ has many subscribers in Argentina. [63] [109] In reference [63], a Report for the GSMA, it is noted, that in 2010 in Argentina ’60 % of households’ [63, Page 23] payed for this service.

In addition, the UHF TV channels 14 to 20 were not available for the Broadcast Service, these UHF TV channels were allocated to the Fixed Service and the Land Mobile Ser-vices. This is as well defined in footnote 5.293 of the Final Acts 2015. [63] [66] [109]

In the year 2009 there was a further milestone in Argentina: the new ‘Media Law’ was released. For further information see section above ‘9.2.1 Media Law’. As shown before, in the section ‘9.1 Frequency Regulation Agencies’, this law defined the AFSCA as the new national frequency regulation agency in Argentina. As a preparation for a new

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frequency allocation plan, which includes digital terrestrial TV, the AFSCA submitted a survey to include broadcasters in the planning process. [110]

Note: it is open to me whether the users of wireless audio production tools (PMSE) have been considered as well.

In 2009 a decree was signed by the Argentinean president to implement the ISDB-Tb standard for digital terrestrial television (for further information on ISDB-Tb, see chapter ‘6 Digital Terrestrial Television - ISDB-Tb’). In a Report for the GSMA (reference [63]), it is noted, that this decision ‘aims to promote the cooperation between Argentina and Bra-zil’ [63, Page 25].

At this point it is important to say, that some ‘Pay-TV’ stations already were using the digital transmission standard DVB-T. The usage of two different transmission standards could complicate the implementation of digital terrestrial TV in Argentina. Because of this, the ‘Pay-TV’ stations would have to adopt the ISDB-Tb transmission standard. [63] [109]

A switchover schedule for the implementation of the digital terrestrial TV in Argentina was defined. The switchover was intended to be realized in ten years. In this time analogue and digital terrestrial TV programs were transmitted simultaneously. The final ‘Analogue Switch-Off’ in Argentina is intended for 2019. [63]

9.3.1.2. Realization of the First Digital Dividend in Argentina

The first Digital Dividend: 700 MHz Frequency Band

The decision and the final allocation of the 700 MHz frequency band to the Land Mobile Service and its identification for the application IMT has been a process over many years. In this section, I would like to examine the implementation of the first Digital Dividend (DD1) in Argentina.

In a report for the GSMA (reference [63]) It was estimated, that: ‘the total requirement post-switchover is likely to be of the order of 35 – 40 frequencies’ [63, Page 26]. Further the report notes, that after the re-allocation of the 700 MHz frequency band for the Land Mobile Service, there would not remain enough free UHF TV spectrum for the Broadcast Service: ‘only 29 frequencies would be available’ [63, Page 26]. A solution for this problem was, to move the non-broadcast services (Fixed and Mobile Service in the UHF TV chan-nels 14 to 20) inside the UHF TV spectrum to alternative frequency ranges. [63] [109]

Taking a look in Argentina’s current Frequency Allocation Plan, the ‘Cuadro de Atribución de Bandas de Frecuencias de la República Argentina’ (CABFRA) (Revision 2018), I would like to note that this change can be confirmed:

• The frequency ranges from 470 to 698 MHz (this includes UHF TV channels 14 to 20) are now allocated to the service ‘RADIODIFUSIÓN’ (Broadcast Service) on a primary basis and identified for the analogue and digital TV (‘Servicio de Televiosión – TV’).

• One exception is the UHF TV channel 37 from 608 to 614 MHz, which is still allo-cated to the Radio Astronomy Service.

• The 700 MHz frequency band from 698 to 806 MHz is already allocated to the service Land Mobile Service (‘MÓVIL TERRESTRE’) on a primary basis. [111] This is also resolved in the Resolution N° 31/2015 of the CNC. [112]

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The footnote 5.293 of the Final Acts WRC-15, which defines different categories of ser-vices in certain frequency ranges from 460 to 890 MHz, still does not contain this change: ‘In Argentina and Ecuador, the allocation of the frequency band 470-512 MHz to the fixed and mobile services is on a primary basis’ [66, Page 16]. It would be interesting, if this footnote will be changed by the next WRC.

The table below shows the frequency allocation of Argentina’s current national frequency allocation plan, revision 2018, from 470 to 806 MHz [111]:

Frequency Range [MHz]

Channel Service Comment

470 to 512 14 to 20 Broadcasting Analogue TV and digital TV

512 to 608 21 to 36 Broadcasting Analogue TV and digital TV

608 to 614 37 Radio Astronomy 614 to 698 38 to 51 Broadcasting Analogue TV and

digital TV 698 to 806 52 to 69 Mobile Service Table 19: Actual National Frequency Allocations Plan (2018) from 460 to 806 MHz in Argentina

The figure below shows the in the year 2010 occupied TV channels in the VHF and UHF TV spectrum in Buenos Aires (capital of Argentina) in the year 2010:

In Figure 78 the UHF TV channels are marked in four different colours:

• Red: Analogue Free-to-Air (FTA) stations • Green: Digital Free-to-Air (FTA) stations • Orange: Pay-TV stations, hereof more or less ten were already digital (DVB-T) • White: Free UHF TV channels

It can be seen, that the analogue Free-to-Air (FTA) stations were mainly located in the VHF TV spectrum (VHF TV channels 6 to 13). Just one FTA station was allocated in the UHF TV spectrum in UHF TV channel 21.

The UHF TV channels 14 to 20 are excluded from the graphic, because at the time of the graphic, non-broadcasting services were allocated on a primary basis in these UHF TV channels.

Furthermore, it can be recognised, that the majority of occupied TV channels were in use by digital and analogue ‘Pay-TV’ transmitters. [111]

In Figure 78 I have marked the 700 MHz frequency band (channel 52 to 69) with a dark red square frame. Before the ‘Digital Switch-Over’ this frequency band was intensively used by Pay-TV stations. [63] [109]

700 MHz Digital Dividend

Figure 78: VHF and UHF TV Channel Occupation in Buenos Aires, 2010 [63, Page 24]

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The auction of the 700 MHz frequency band was originally intended for 2010. The auction was finally carried out in October 2014. The frequencies have been allocated to the win-ning phone companies in 2015, with the intention to implement the LTE technology. Alto-gether three licenses for a total bandwidth of 70 MHz were issued to mobile phone com-panies. Anyways, so far, the 700 MHz frequency band is not in use by LTE (2018). [63] [102] [109] [110]

I would like to note that possible reason for the delay in the auction might be found in:

• Decree 2426, published in 2012, Decree 2426/2012 gives instructions to allocate certain frequency ranges includ-ing the 700 MHz frequency band on a primary basis to the Land Mobile Service. Therefore, first corresponding compatibility studies should be carried out. In this year the auction of the 700 MHz frequency band was abandoned [113]

• Resolution 18, published in 2014. In 2014 Resolution 18/2014 allocates the 700 MHz frequency band to the Land Mobile Service on a primary basis with the identification to implement IMT. This year the 700 MHz auction took place. Existing operations in the700 MHz fre-quency band had to migrate during the next two years (until 2016). The migration procedure was defined in Decree 746/200, ANEXO IV, Article 1250 [114]

• Valid Broadcast Licenses As can be seen in Figure 78, in 2010, there were still existing broadcast licenses in the auctioned frequency band. [63]

Details of the intended refarming of the 700 MHz frequency band:

Res. 2531/2016 was released two years after the allocation of the 700 MHz frequency band to the Land Mobile Service51 and provided specifies details on the refarming of the 700 MHz frequency band. [115]

The resolution considered, that there still are valid licenses for coded television52 (SCTVC) in the affected frequency band. The affected broadcasters are requested to move to other frequencies. [115]

Res. 2531/2016 defines, that all coded TV operations inside the 600 MHz frequency band from 512 to 698 MHz also need to move to alternative frequency bands. The 600 MHz frequency band will be needed for the digital terrestrial television, because the 700 MHz frequency band is no longer available for the Broadcast Service. [115]

In Res. 2531/2016, it is defined, that SCTVC does not necessarily need to be operated in frequency bands for the Broadcast Service. An operation in bands identified for ‘Infor-mation and Communication Technologies’ (TIC) also is possible. It is defined to migrate coded TV to frequency ranges above 10 GHz. Therefore the 12 GHz frequency band from

50 https://ppp.worldbank.org/public-private-partnership/sites/ppp.worldbank.org/files/documents/Argen-tina_Decreto%20764.00_EN.pdf 51 This re-allocation was already resolved in Res. 18/2014. 52 ‘Servicio Complementaroo de Televisión Codificada’ (SCTVC)

https://ppp.worldbank.org/public-private-partnership/sites/ppp.worldbank.org/files/documents/Argentina_Decreto%20764.00_EN.pdf

https://ppp.worldbank.org/public-private-partnership/sites/ppp.worldbank.org/files/documents/Argentina_Decreto%20764.00_EN.pdf

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12.2 to 12.7 GHz was found most suitable. Hence this band was allocated to the Broad-cast Service. On the long-term coded TV programs should migrate to this band. [115]

The lack of availability of equipment for SCTVC is also considered in the Res. 2531/2016. It resolves, that SCTVC inside the 600 MHz frequency band have two years (until 2018) to migrate to the 12 GHz band. The technical requirements for this frequency band are defined in Annex 1 of the Resolution. The ENACOM will than issue the corresponding licenses. [115]

At this time, the market does not provide any TV equipment to realize a TV transmission in the 12 GHz frequency range. Because of this, it was decided, that during a transition period of four years, affected TV station can first move their transmissions to the 600 MHz frequency band from 512 to 698 MHz. In 2020 all coded TV stations have finally to be migrated to the 12 GHz frequency range. [116]

In 2017 the ENACOM extended the migration period for the still existing coded TV sta-tions in the 600 MHz frequency band to the 12 GHz frequency band until 2021, because of the lack of required equipment for a coded TV transmission in this frequency range. [117]

9.3.2. The Second Digital Dividend in Argentina

9.3.2.1. Background of the DD2 in Argentina

It seems, that in Argentina the first Digital Dividend (DD1) nearly is finalized, and the second Digital Dividend (DD2) is already on its way.

In Latin-America, already before the World Radio Conference 2015 (WRC-15) the dis-cussion to allocate further UHF TV spectrum from 470 to 698 MHz to the Land Mobile Services was started. [118] [119]

It seems, that Argentina wishes to allocate the whole UHF TV range from 470 to 698 MHz to the Land Mobile Service, but also wants to respect existing regulations. On the other hand, Decree 2426/201253 defines, that the UHF TV spectrum needs to be protected to secure the Broadcast Service. [120]

9.3.2.2. Realization of the Second Digital Dividend in Argentina

Second Digital Dividend: 600 MHz Frequency Band

One year after the WRC-15 the second Digital Dividend (DD2) was announced for Argen-tina. The second Digital Dividend in ITU-R Region 2 refers to the clearance of the 600 MHz frequency band. This way, not the whole UHF TV spectrum from 470 to 698 MHz as discussed before (see section ‘9.3.2.1 Background of the DD2 in Argentina’), but just part of it would be released for the Land Mobile Service, while simultaneously the Broad-cast Service could continue its existence in the UHF TV spectrum.

53 See also http://servicios.infoleg.gob.ar/infolegInternet/anexos/205000-209999/206135/norma.htm

http://servicios.infoleg.gob.ar/infolegInternet/anexos/205000-209999/206135/norma.htm

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In 2016, in Res. 2531/16 the ENACOM requested, that coded TV stations have to clear the 600 MHz frequency band. These TV stations have to migrate to the 12 GHz frequency band from 12.2 to 12.7 GHz. [115]

According to the TeleGeography [102], the ’auction of 600MHz spectrum is now expected to take place later in 2018, as soon as the band is freed up by the nation’s broadcasters‘ [102].

These developments seem interesting to me, because:

• Firstly, as already shown earlier, Res. 2531/2016 noted, that the reason for the clearance of the 600 MHz frequency band was the need for more UHF TV spec-trum for the Broadcast Service. In my opinion, the auctioning of the same fre-quency band contradicts this reasoning.

• Secondly, in 2017 the ENACOM extended the migration period for the Broadcast-ers from the 600 MHz frequency band to the 12 GHz frequency band until 2021, but the auction should take place in 2018, as soon as the 600 MHz band is cleared. In my eyes, this is another contradiction. If the Broadcasters have time until 2021 to clear the band, the band cannot be cleared in 2018 and if the auction should take place as soon as the band is cleared, this will not be in 2018.

• A solution is to migrate Broadcasting to the 12 GHz frequency band. The 12 GHz band has a bandwidth of 0.5 GHz or 500 MHz. In comparison, the 600 and 700 MHz bands from 512 to 806 MHz have a total bandwidth of 294 MHz. Conclu-sively, the 12 GHz band offers 204 MHz more bandwidth. Anyways, the propaga-tion characteristics differ as well. I wonder, if wireless audio production tools (PMSE) also have to migrate to this new frequency band and if such a frequency usage is possible / effective.

9.4. Impact of the DDs on the Use of Wireless Audio Production Tools

In general, some manufacturers report on their websites about the ongoing and future changes of the UHF TV spectrum and its consequences for users of wireless audio pro-duction tools (PMSE). Different solutions are suggested. [121]

In the next section, I would like to analyse, how the frequency usage of wireless audio production tools (PMSE) is affected by the Digital Dividends, by taking a closer look at the Content production, the frequency ranges and the homologation procedure.

9.4.1. Content Production

As a consequence of the ‘Media Law’ a national content production inside Argentina was started.

Until 2015, 4 000 hours of TV program content were produced and stored in the national archive ‘Audiovisual Band of Argentinean Universal Content’ (BACUA) to be used by broadcasters. In this time, 2 000 hours of this content were distributed on digital television. Further, the so-called ‘Polos Program’ decentralized the content production from the cap-ital Buenos Aires. Local and regional production networks were built. When the new gov-ernment was elected in 2015, the public content production for BACUA was stopped. [122]

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Note: I do not have any information about the impact of this change on the use of wireless production tools in content and event production.

In the next section I would like to describe which frequency ranges are available for the wireless production tools (PMSE).

9.4.2. Frequency Ranges

Resolution 2519/2012 is a technical norm for ‘Dispositivos de Baja Potencia’ (DBP) (Translation: ‘Low Power Devices’). This term includes as well wireless microphones and comparable equipment. I wonder if DBP focusses on semi-professional use.

Res. 2519/2012 defines the minimum conditions, which DBP have to fulfil, to be used in the identified frequency bands. During the following years, the resolution was updated several times. [123] [124] [125]

The following table gives an overview over the field strength limits in each frequency band, updated in 2017:

Frequency Band [MHz]

Distance of Measurement

[m]

Field Strength Level [µV/m]

0.009 – 0.490 300 2400/F (kHz) 3.155 – 3.400 30 100 7.400 – 8.800 30 100

10.440 – 10.760 30 30 13.553 – 13.567 30 15848

30 – 37.5 3 100 88 – 108 3 250

138.200 – 138.450 3 150 216 – 217 3 200 310 – 314 3 200 401 – 402 3 18260 402 – 405 3 18260 405 – 406 3 18260

433,075 – 434,775 3 366000 902 – 928 3 50000

2 400 – 2 483.5 3 50000 3 100 – 10 600 3 1000 22 000 – 26 650 3 1000

Table 20: Limitation of Field Strength Level for Low Power Devices (DBP) [123]

Further information see the linked document: http://servicios.infoleg.gob.ar/infolegInter-net/anexos/275000-279999/277554/res6639.pdf

Out of band emissions are defined as follows: Frequency Band

[MHz] Distance of Measurement

[m] Field Strength Level

[µV/m] 13,11 – 14,01 30 30

433,075 – 434,775 3 200 902 – 928 3 200

Above 960 MHz 3 500 Table 21: Out of Band Emission Levels for Low Power Devices (DBP) [123]

In Argentina’s actual national frequency allocation table, DBP applications are allocated on a secondary basis in the following frequency ranges [111]:

http://servicios.infoleg.gob.ar/infolegInternet/anexos/275000-279999/277554/res6639.pdf


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From To Unit From To Unit 9 490 kHz 216 217 MHz 3155 3400 kHz 310 314 MHz 7400 8800 kHz 433.075 434.775 MHz 10 440 10 760 kHz 902 928 MHz 13 553 13 567 kHz 2400 2483.5 MHz 30 37.5 MHz 3.1 10.6 GHz 88 108 MHz 22 26.65 GHz 138.2 138.45 MHz

Table 22: Frequency Ranges for Low Power Devices (DBP), incl. Wireless Microphones [111]

Comparing the listed frequency bands in Table 20 (according to the resolution for DBP and the frequency allocations for DBP in the actual frequency allocation plan (version 2018), there are just a few differences (marked in red in Table 20).

Note: the information provided does not seem to be complete for an evaluation.

Anyways, taking a look at the frequency allocations for DBP in 2018, it can be seen, that there exists no allocation in the UHF TV spectrum from 470 to 806 MHz. Some allocations can be found in the VHF TV spectrum. Additionally, some higher frequency ranges above the UHF TV spectrum are allocated. This includes, for example, the 2.4 GHz WIFI band.

Already in 2012, there haven’t been any allocations for low power devices in the UHF TV spectrum, as can be seen in the corresponding resolution of that year54 (Res. 2519/2012). It would be interesting, how these allocations have been before the Media Law in 2009 was published and the decision to allocate the 700 MHz frequency band to the Land Mo-bile Service was made. Unfortunately, no further information could be found during the period of my thesis.

For further work, it would be interesting to know whether wireless microphones were al-lowed to use the UHF TV spectrum before DD as a secondary user or not, and how this changed after the DD. If they are not allowed to use the UHF TV spectrum, it would be interesting to know how major events are produced, which frequency ranges can be used, and which equipment is used.

Additionally, in the national frequency allocation plan of Argentina, there can be found the categories ‘Sistemas en Modalidad Exclusiva para bandas superiores a 30 MHz’ (Trans-lation: ‘Systems in Exclusive Mode for bands above 30 MHz’) and ‘Sistemas en Modalidad Exclusiva para bandas entre 30 MHz y 960 MHz’ (Translation: ‘Systems in Exclusive Mode for bands between 30 MHz and 960 MHz’). Both of these categories offer an exclusive status in the corresponding frequency bands. It is differentiated between ‘superiores a 30 MHz’ (Translation: ‘above 30 MHz’) und ‘entre 30 MHz y 960 MHz’ (Translation: ‘between 30 MHz and 960 MHz’). Both categories include parts of the VHF as well as the UHF TV spectrum. The related licenses will be issued for a geographical region and over a defined time period. Both mentioned categories include the so-called ‘Distribución de Señales de Audio’ (SDSA) (Translation: ‘Distribution of Audio Signals’). Furthermore, it is defined, that no interferences can be produced in other services, an interference-free operation has to be guaranteed. [126]

54 http://www.enacom.gob.ar/infotecnica/homologaciones/archivos/normas/CNC-Q2-60.14%20v12.1.pdf

http://www.enacom.gob.ar/infotecnica/homologaciones/archivos/normas/CNC-Q2-60.14%20v12.1.pdf

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I wonder, if wireless microphones and other wireless audio production tools (PMSE) be-long to the SDSA. So far, I was not able to find a complete definition of SDSA or specific regulations regarding wireless audio production tools (PMSE), such as wireless micro-phones.

In the national frequency allocation plan, ‘Sistemas en Modalidad Exclusiva en Bandas Superiores a 30 MHz’, are allocated in the following frequency ranges [111]:

From [MHz] To [MHz] 467.7375 469.0125 467 467.5375 465.9875 467 463.8375 465.5125 460 463.7625

Table 23: Frequency Ranges for 'Sistemas en Modalidad Exclusiva en Bandas Superiores a 30 MHz'

Comparison: in Europe wireless production tools for team communication are operated in 410 to 470 MHz, so-called ‘Talk-Back Systems’.

All these allocations are below the UHF TV spectrum, which starts at 470 MHz. So far, I could not find any further information on frequency ranges identified for wireless audio production tools (PMSE).

9.4.3. Homologation, Certification and Authorization of Radio Devices

To use and / or sell wireless audio production tools (PMSE), in addition to the require-ments for DBP, a valid homologation, certification or authorization is required.

Similar to Brazil, in Argentina all radio devices for radiocommunication and telecommuni-cation require an approval before they can be sold in Argentina. A special registry, the ‘Registro de Actividades y Materiales de Telecomunicaciones’ (RAMATEL) (Registry of Activities and Materials of Telecommunications) is responsible for the approval. [127]

RAMATEL provides three different types of approvals:

• Homologation The homologation is a permission to sell the homologated equipment in Argentina. Therefore, the equipment needs to be tested in a specific laboratory. [127]

• Codification

The codification is similar to the homologation. The difference is, that it just con-siders equipment, where there does not exist a standard. Because of this, the equipment will not be tested. [127]

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• Authorization

The last approval is the authorization. The authorization is a restricted permission, which allows the usage, but not the selling, of specific equipment. For the authori-zation, no equipment has to be tested. [127]

The approved equipment than has to be labelled. If the device itself cannot be labelled, the label has to be attached into the user’s manual and on the package. [128]

The Resolution 2519/2012 on DBP as well specifies the explicit testing procedure for the homologation and certification. At that time, three samples of the equipment were re-quested to be send to the laboratory of the RAMATEL. These samples have to fulfil all technical conditions. Just if all three samples passed the tests, the license would be is-sued. [125]

In August 2017 the resolution was updated and now only one sample is required for the homologation testing procedure. [124]

9.4.4. Alternatives and Solutions in Argentina

Comparison with Europe:

As shown in section ‘15 Considered and Implemented Alternatives and Solutions’, in Eu-rope various solutions for users of wireless audio production tools (PMSE) were provided. I wonder, whether comparable solutions are possible in Argentina?

One common solution in Europe is the allocation of additional frequency bands for wire-less audio production tools (PMSE). For example, in Europe, the LTE duplex gaps in the 800 MHz and 1.8 GHz frequency bands have been harmonized for wireless microphones and the so-called ‘Air-Band’ around 900 MHz is currently under discussion. I wonder whether a comparable regulation is possible in Argentina. I have researched the current mobile radio frequency allocation.

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The following graphic shows this information:

Figure 79: Mobile Radio Frequencies in Argentina [73]

I have marked some possible frequency ranges in the graphic (gaps in the 800 MHz, 900 MHz and 1.8 GHz bands). Others, e.g. further LTE duplex gaps and some guard bands, may appear.

Note: further calculations are required to investigate the current frequency usage in the marked areas

In the following chapter, I would like to analyse the development of the Digital Dividends (DDs) and its consequences for the frequency usage by wireless audio production tools (PMSE) in Mexico.

10. Mexico

10.1. Relevant administrations for Wireless Audio Production Tools

Summary of the relevant administrations for Wireless Audio Production Tools (PMSE) in Mexico:

In Mexico, the ‘Secretario de Cominicaciones y Transportes’ (SCT) (Translation: ‘Secre-tariat of Communications and Transport’) ‘regulates, inspects and oversees mail and

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telegraph services’ [129]. In 1996, the ‘Comisión Federal de Telecomunicaciones’ (CO-FETEL) (Translation: ‘Federal Commission of Telecommunication’) was founded as an independent frequency regulator as part of the SCT. In 2013 the COEFTEL was replaced by the ‘Instituto Federal de Telecomunicaciones’55 (IFETEL) (Translation: ‘Federal Insti-tute of Telecommunications’). [130] [131] ‘IFETEL’s responsibilities will include:

• Define the radiofrequency bands to be used for telecommunications and broad-casting that can be utilized by concessionaries

• Grant concessions and approve any concessions transfers • Issue/update regulations for the telecom industry • Identify and regulate monopolies’ [130].

10.2. The Digital Dividends in Mexico

10.2.1. ‘Digital Switch-Over’ in Mexico

In 2004 the SCT published the plan for the ‘Digital Switch-Over’ of terrestrial television the ‘Digital Switch-Over’ from analogue to digital was intended to be realized geograph-ically in six periods. Thus, the cities are mainly divided by the number of inhabitants. However, the first period consists of the nine largest and most important Mexican cities. The final ‘Analogue Switch-Off’ is planned to happen at the 31st of December 2021. [131] [132] The following graphic shows the Switch-Over schedule [131]:

Figure 80: ‘Digital Switch-Over’ Schedule for Mexico [131]

Furthermore, a committee to observe the Switchover process was founded, the so-called ‘Consultative Committee for Digital Broadcasting Technologies’ (CCTDR). [131]

In the following years, there were two attempts to accelerate the process of the ‘Digital Switch-Over’:

• In September 2010 the presidential Decree to clear the 700 MHz frequency band already by 2012 and to prepone the date of the final ‘Analogue Switch-Off’ to the 31st of December 2015, was suspended.

55 http://www.ift.org.mx/

http://www.ift.org.mx/

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• In September 2011 the Mexican frequency regulator COEFTEL proposed the so-called ‘Complementary Actions’ (CA), which suggested a regional Switch-off schedule with a pilot ‘Analogue Switch-Off’ in Tijuana and Tecate in 2012 and a final national ‘Analogue Switch-Off’ on the 31st of December 2016. [131]

As a result of the attempts, to change the ‘Digital Switch-Over’ plan, in May 2012 the COEFTEL published an updated schedule for the ‘Digital Switch-Over’. According to the new schedule, the final ‘Analogue Switch-Off’ date was the 31st of December 2015. [133]

10.2.2. The First Digital Dividend in Mexico

10.2.2.1. Background of the DD1 in Mexico

Similar to Brazil, the 800 MHz frequency band has long been assigned to the Land Mobile Service. Because of this, the DD1 refers to the 700 MHz frequency band.

Already before the DD1 the usage density of the Broadcast Service in the 700 MHz fre-quency band was relatively low. Already when the ‘Secretariat of Communications and Transport’ - SCT stablished the national frequency allocation plan, the ‘Cuadro Nacional de Atribuición de Frecuencias’ (CNAF) (Translation: ‘National Frequency Attribution Chart’), only a few TV stations were assigned in the 700 MHz frequency band, mainly operated in the north of Mexico, close to the common border with the USA. The following graphic shows analogue TV stations inside the 700 MHz frequency band in 2011:

Figure 81: Analogue TV stations inside the 700 MHz Frequency Band (red circles) [131]

All digital TV assignments were already made below the 700 MHz frequency band. This shows, that the occupation of the 700 MHz frequency band by broadcast stations was already low before the DD1. With Mexico’s ‘Digital Switch-Over’ plan, no clearance of the 700 MHz frequency band is required, because after the switchover there won’t be any-more TV assignment in this band. When Mexico created its switchover plan, the 700 MHz band plan of the USA already was established. Mexico oriented its own switchover plan on the developments in the USA. This has advantages for both countries, e.g. cross-border coordination, less interferences. [131]

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In comparison, in Brazil there still have some assignments of digital TV stations inside the 700 MHz frequency band. All remaining TV stations are intended to be refarmed.

10.2.2.2. Realization of the First Digital Dividend in Mexico

Implementation of the Land Mobile Service into the 700 MHz band:

In 2010, the COEFTEL already intended to release the 70 MHz frequency band for the Land Mobile Service and studies for different possibilities of auctioning the 700 MHz band were planned. [63]

In 2011, the aetha reports, that ‘Regarding the timing of the 700MHz assignment process, it appears from its public announcements that COFETEL wishes to do this quickly, in order for the benefits of the additional capacity and competition to be realised as soon as possible’ [131, Page 4]. The benefits of the re-allocation of the 700 MHz band were ex-pected in:

• the increased spectrum efficiency (e.g. more than one program is transmittable per TV channel, reduction of guard bands),

• the benefits for the costumer (e.g. HD) and • the benefits for the industry (e.g. production and income). [131]

How did the 700 MHz spectrum auction take place?

The conditions for the 700 MHz spectrum auction were announced to be published on the 17th of July 2015. The auction of the 700 MHz frequency band was planned for the 29th of October 2015 and the winner was intended to be announced in the beginning of 2016. The deployment of the LTE networks was noted to start in the second half of 2016. [134]

According to the TeleGeography, that this plan has changed:

In November 2016 the SCT announced the telecommunications service ‘ALTÁN Redes S.A.P.I. de C.V.’ (ALTÁN) as the winner of the 700 MHz frequency band auction. The second bidder, Rivada Network, was disqualified, because it could not guarantee to meet the financial necessaries. Consequently, ALTAN has exclusive access to the auctioned frequency band. The start of operation of the network was scheduled for the 31st of March 2018. [135]

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Ruben Alvarez provided these two spectrum scans. The scans show the local UHF TV spectrum usage before and after the ‘Analogue Switch-Over’ in Mexico City:

16th of December 2015 1 day before the ‘Analogue Switch-Off’

Analogue and Digital TV

17th of December 2015 1 day after the ‘Analogue Switch-Off’

Digital TV only

Scanning Range: 470 to 707.659 MHz

Centre Frequency: 588.829 MHz Scanning Range: 476.197 to 698.584 MHz

Centre Frequency: 587.390 MHz Table 24: Spectrum Scans taken in Buenos Aires before and after the ‘Analogue Switch-Off’ [136]

Note: the scanning ranges and centre frequencies of both scans differ slightly.

Both scanning ranges include the UHF TV channels 14 to 51 (see white numbers in grey boxes below the scanning window). This is the UHF TV spectrum excluding the 700 MHz frequency band.

10.2.3. The Second Digital Dividend in Mexico

In several countries, e.g. USA and Canada, a second Digital Dividend (DD2) already has been started by identifying the 600 MHz frequency band, or parts of it, for the IMT appli-cation. Source [137] notes that Mexico is ‘following in the footsteps of the US, which allo-cated the band over the past two years’ [137] and announced its second Digital Dividend. In March 2018 the IFETEL approved the complete refarming of the 600 MHz frequency band from 614 to 698 MHz. After the ‘Analogue Switch-Off’ in 2015 there were 151 digital TV transmissions inside the 600 MHz frequency band. In March 2018, 103 digital TV transmissions already have been refarmed or were under the process of refarming. It was decided to reallocate the remaining 48 digital TV transmissions to the lower UHF TV spectrum from 470 to 608 MHz (UHF TV channels 14 to 36). These are 22 UHF TV chan-nels, which allow the transmission of 34 HD programs or 58 SD programs. This is more than the available number of TV channels in Mexico. [137] It is reported, that ‘Mexico plans to auction the spectrum by the end of 2018’ [137].

According to the IFETEL, the refarming of the 600 MHz frequency band is expected to be completed in the first quarter of 2019. From then on, the 600 MHz frequency band will be available for the implementation of the 5G technology. [138]

With this schedule of the second Digital Dividend Mexico seems to be ‘the first country to completely free up the band for high-speed 5G services’ [137].

To me this evolution seems interesting, because other countries, which, similar to Mexico, are releasing the 600 MHz band for the Land Mobile Service, delay with the refarming of the 600 MHz band, e.g. USA. [137]

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10.3. Relevant Frequency Allocations and Regulations in Mexico

The national frequency allocation table of Mexico is called ‘Cuadro Nacional de Atribuición de Frecuencias’ (CNAF). In this chapter, I would like to examine how the fre-quency allocations in the UHF TV spectrum changed as a consequence of the DD1. Therefore, I will first take a look at the CNAF before the DD1 in 1999 and afterwards at the actual CNAF, Revision 2018.

10.3.1. CNAF 1999

The graphic on the left shows an extract of the CNAF from 1999. Shown are the frequency allocations in the UHF TV spectrum from 470 to 806 MHz. It can be seen, that the lower UHF TV spectrum from 470 to 512 MHz is allocated not just to the Broadcast (Radiodifusíon), but as well to the Fixed (Fijo) and Land Mobile Service (Movíl) on a primary basis. This conforms with the cross-border coordination agreements with the USA, as will be explained further in the chapter below. The UHF TV channel from 608 to 614 MHz is allocated on a primary basis to the Radio Astronomy Service (Radi-oastronomía), like as well in Brazil and Argentina (see chapters ‘8 Brazil’ and ‘9 Argentina’). In 1999, the up-per UHF TV spectrum from 614 to 806 MHz was allo-cated, like the lower part, on a primary basis to the Broadcast, Land Mobile and Fixed Service. It can as well be seen, that already at that time, the 800 MHz frequency band above 806 MHz was not allocated to the Broadcasting Service. Here the Mobile Service al-ready than had an exclusive allocation. [139]

Figure 82: CNAF 1999, 470 to 849 MHz, [139]

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10.3.2. CNAF 2018

On the 10th of February 2017 it was agreed to modify the national frequency allocation table CNAF and the changes published in the 3rd of March 2017. [140]

The Figure below shows the last version of the CNAF (Revision 2018), I am aware of:

Figure 83: CNAF, Revision 2018; 450 to 806 MHz [141]

In the coloured frequency allocation blocks, one can see, that the Broadcast Service is, in comparison to 1999, just allocated on a primary basis in the frequency range from 470 to 608 MHz. The upper UHF TV spectrum block from 614 to 806 MHz now is allocated on a primary basis to the Land Mobile Service and on a secondary basis to the Fixed Service. In comparison to the CNAF from 1999, the Broadcast Service is not allocated to the 600 and 700 MHz frequency bands – probably as a consequence of the first and second Digital Dividend. Further, some footnotes were added or modified by Mexico. These will be analysed further in the next section. [141]

10.3.3. Footnotes in different Frequency Allocation Tables

In this section I would like to compare the footnotes from Mexico with the footnote entries in the Radio Regulations (RR) of the ITU-R.

National Frequency Allocations Each service is marked in a different colour.

Bandwidth per Frequency Range e.g. 470 to 608 MHz = 138 MHz

Mexico’s National Footnotes

Frequency band edges e.g. 700 MHz band: 898 to 806 MHz

International Footnotes Radio Regulations (RR)

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The actual RRs of the ITU-R contain some footnotes, which resolves additional alloca-tions for Mexico. The following table summarizes the footnotes from the Final Acts of 2012 and 2015, which affect Mexico, and the related changes.

Frequency Band Final Acts WRC 2012 Final Acts WRC 2015 470 to 512 MHz 2.593 2.593

2.595 512 to 608 MHz 2.597 2.595

2.597 614 to 698 MHz 2.593 2.593

5.308A 698 to 806 MHz 2.593

5.317A 2.593

Footnote Final Acts WRC 2012 Final Acts WRC 2015 5.293 Primary Allocation to the Fixed and

the Mobile Service in the frequency ranges from 470 to 512 MHz and 614 to 806 MHz

Primary Allocation to just the Mobile Service, not anymore to the Fixed Service

5.295 Was added in 2015 Portions of the frequency band from 470 to 608 MHz is identified for IMT, but the usage will not start be-fore the 31st of December 2018

5.297 The frequency band from 512 to 608 MHz is allocated to the Mobile Service on a Primary Basis

5.308A Was added in 2015 The frequency band from 614 to 698 MHz is identified for IMT, but the usage will not start before the 31st of December 2018

5.317A Parts of the frequency band from 698 to 806 MHz are identified for IMT

Table 25: For Mexico relevant Footnotes from the Final Acts WRC-12 and WRC-15 [64] [66]

In my observation, Mexico’s national frequency allocation table, the CNAF, reflects the relevant footnotes from the RRs, which were considered in the table above. In the follow-ing section, I would like to analyse Mexico’s national footnotes. These can be identified by the abbreviation MX in the CNAF, see Figure 83.

In the CNAF of 2018 the footnote MX141 was added. The footnote points out that the frequency range from 470 to 512 MHz is under process of reorganizing and in the future should be used exclusively by the Broadcast Service. [136] At the moment, all digital TV transmissions inside the 600 MHz frequency band are being reallocated in the lower UHF TV channels from channel 14 to 36. This includes the frequency segment 470 to 512 MHz. It would be interesting, if after the re-organization of the mentioned frequency range the primary allocation to the Mobile Service will be deleted in the CNAF and if at the next WRC the corresponding footnotes, 5.293 (Primary allocation of the Land Mobile Service from 470 to 512 MHz) and 5.295 (identification of parts of the band from 470 to 608 MHz for IMT) will be modified conform with the ongoing changes of frequency allocations in Mexico.

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MX142 referrers to the cross-border protocol between Mexico and USA, which was signed at the 16th of June 1994 and agrees on the usage of the frequency range from 470 to 512 MHz for terrestrial Mobile Service along common border. This is conform with the footnote 5.293 [66] of the RRs. For further information on the Protocol of the 16th June 1994 see Table 25.

MX143 defines a 6 MHz channel grid for the UHF TV channels.

MX143A defines that the frequency range 470 to 608 MHz, or parts of it, is identified for IMT in conformity with Resolution 224 (WRC-15). The use for IMT will not start before the 31st of December 2018 and may be extended if agreed by neighbouring countries. This corresponds to the footnote 5.295 (WRC-15). Since according to the CNAF (Revi-sion 2018) the frequency range from 512 to 608 MHz is also allocated to the Broadcast Service on a primary basis, I assume, that the lower portion from 470 to 512 MHz is identified for IMT in Mexico. In my observation, this would as well correspond to the na-tional footnote MX142, which identifies this same band for IMT in the border region with the USA and footnote 5.293 (WRC-15) of the RRs, which allocates the Land Mobile Ser-vice as the primary service in this frequency band.

Footnote MX144 allocates the frequency range from 608 to 614 MHz (UHF TV channel 37) on an exclusively to the Radio Astronomy Service.

I assume, that footnote MX145 was added to the CNAF as a consequence of the DD2, because it points out the refarming of the TV channels underneath UHF TV channel 37 (Radio Astronomy (RA) channel) so that the 600 MHz frequency band from 614 to 698 MHz (above the RA channel) can be cleared. This process is referred to as the second Digital Dividend (DD2). [136] This process is ongoing at the moment in Mexico, as can be read in the section above ‘10.2.3 The Second Digital Dividend in Mexico’. As well it corresponds to the footnote 5.308A, which was added at the WRC 2015.

Footnote MX147 allocates the frequency range from 698 to 960 MHz on a primary basis to the Land Mobile Service with the identification for IMT and covers the 700 MHz fre-quency band. [136] I assume, that this footnote was added as a consequence of the DD1. In the CNAF from 1999, the Broadcast Service still had a primary allocation alongside the Mobile Service in the frequency band. The primary allocation to the Mobile Service just started above 806 MHz. [139]

With footnote MX148, which was added in 2012, Mexico adopted the US band plan for the 700 MHz band. It should be used for the implementation of the IMT application. [136] This decision goes along with Mexico’s orientation on the USAs regulation, e.g. the adop-tion of the ATSC standard for digital TV. For further information see section below ‘10.4 Cross-Border Frequency Coordination’.

Footnote MX149 defines, that no further allocations for TV stations will be made in the 700 MHz frequency band. [136] This corresponds to Mexico’s ‘Digital Switch-Over’ plan and the developments regarding the first Digital Dividend, which was already described earlier in this chapter.

It would be interesting, if after the completion of the second Digital Dividend the national footnote MX147, which so far just refers to the reorganization of the UHF TV spectrum with the goal to clear the 600 MHz frequency band, will be modified and allocate the

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600 MHz frequency band from 614 to 698 MHz on a primary basis to the Mobile Service with the identification for IMT. Also, it would be interesting, if these changes will as well be adopted by the next WRC.

10.4. Cross-Border Frequency Coordination

10.4.1. Southern Border of Mexico: Belize and Guatemala

In the south, Mexico shares borders with Belize and Guatemala. In these countries, the transmission of analogue terrestrial TV will continue in the 700 MHz frequency band and this might cause difficulties, because in 2011 there did not exist any cross-border coordi-nation between the three countries: ‘there are likely to be co-ordination difficulties imped-ing mobile use in the 700MHz band, caused by the continued broadcasting of analogue TV in Guatemala and Belize. We are not aware of any specific recommendations relating to the cross-border coordination of LTE and analogue TV at around 700MHz’ [131, Page 11].

10.4.2. Northern Border of Mexico: USA

In the north, Mexico shares a border with the United States of America (USA).

In the USA the ‘Digital Switch-Over’ and the clearance of the 700 MHz frequency band already happened in 2009. At that time, in Mexico there were still active analogue TV stations using the 700 MHz band in the border region. [142] For the USA, this seemed to cause problems for the implementation of LTE in the 700 MHz frequency band, because according to various cross-border agreements between the two countries, TV stations in the border region have to be protected, but non-broadcast-services, such as LTE, do not need to be protected: the international agreements ‘provide interference protection for TV stations operating in border areas’ [142, Page 5], but it ‘Does not protect new ‘non-broad-cast’ services in U.S.’ [142, Page 5].

However, it seems that Mexico orientates their decisions regarding the radio frequency spectrum regulation on the standards of the USA. For example, for the digital terres-trial TV standard, ATSC was chosen, like in the USA. As well a lot of technical parameters and frequency allocations are similar to the ones in the USA. This facilitates the cross-border coordination between both countries and consequently interferences in the border region between Mexico and USA are unlikely to happen. [131]

The facilitation of the cross-border frequency coordination with the USA also was the reason to adopt the ATSC standard for digital terrestrial broadcasting. [143]

In general, various agreements between Mexico and the USA for the cross-border fre-quency coordination exist. In the following table I summarize some of these agreements:

Title Date Frequency Band Content Reference Agreement Relating to Assign-ments and Usage of Television Broadcasting Channels in the Frequency Range 470-806 MHz (Channels 14-69) along the United States-Mexico border

18/06/1982 470-806 MHz Usage of the 56 UHF TV channels in the Border Region Border Region: 320 km within the common border Definition of technical parame-ters

[144]

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Memorandum of Understanding between the Federal Communi-cations Commissions of the United States of America and the ‘Secretaria de Comunicaciones y Transportes’ of the United Mexican States re-lated to the use of the 54-72 MHz, 76-88 MHz, 174-216 MHz and 470-806 MHz for digital tel-evision broadcasting service along the common border

22/07/1998 54-72 MHz 76-88 MHz 174-216 MHz 470-806 MHz

Basis for introduction of digital TV in the border region Border Region: 275 km within the common border

[145]

Protocol between the Depart-ment of State of the United States of America and Trans-portation of the United Mexican States concerning the Allotment and use of the 698-806 MHz Band for Terrestrial Non-Broad-casting Radiocommunication Services along the common Border

16/06/1994 698 to 806 MHz Objective: Avoid harmful cross-border interference Definition of Technical Param-eters Border Region: 110 km within the common border

[146]

Agreement Amending the Agreement relating to Assign-ments and usage of Television Broadcasting Channels in the Frequency Range 470-806 MHz (channels 14 - 69) along the United States-Mexico Border

21/11/1988 470-806 MHz Low Power TV stations on secondary character in border Region Definition of technical parame-ters Modified / terminated with the protocol of 1994

[147]

Protocol Concerning Use of the 470-512 MHz Band for Land Mobile Services along the com-mon Border

16/06/1994 470-512 MHz Allocation to Land Mobile Ser-vice and TV broadcast Border Region: 150 km within the common border

[148]

Table 26: Cross-Border Frequency Regulations between Mexico and USA

10.5. Impact of the DD on the Use of Wireless Audio Production Tools

In which frequency ranges can wireless audio production tools (PMSE) be operated in Mexico?

During the work on my thesis, I could not find any information on the specific frequency bands for wireless audio production tools (PMSE) in Mexico.

In general, the UHF TV spectrum, including the 700 MHz frequency band, is commonly used by wireless audio production tools (PMSE) on a secondary basis with the Broadcast in many regions around the world. Regarding the frequency usage of the UHF TV spec-trum by wireless audio I could identify the following information:

Aetha is noting [131] in 2011 for the 700 MHz frequency band in Mexico: ‘no other au-thorised uses than the few analogue TV channels’ [131, Page 10]. Here remains the question, if wireless microphones were operated in this frequency band. Due to the low usage density by the Broadcast Service, sharing of the ‘White Spaces’ seems to be a good choice for the usage of wireless audio production tools (PMSE); a successful sce-nario in practice in other countries around the world.

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In Mexico the process of the second Digital Dividend (DD2) started in 2018. In the USA, the second Digital Dividend (DD2) is already in progress a longer time. This could result in difficulties of the microphone usage in the 600 MHz frequency band along the common border. [149]

Additionally, I found some information on so-called ‘free spectrum’ and ‘unlicensed bands’. I wonder, if these bands can be used by wireless audio production tools (PMSE) and under which conditions.

In the actual CNAF (Revision 2018), the following frequency ranges are listed as ‘free spectrum’:

Figure 84: Free Spectrum according to the CNAF 2018 [141]

It would be interesting, what exactly is the meaning of the ‘free spectrum’? It becomes apparent, that all the ‘free spectrum’ blocks are between 450 and 470 MHz.

Comparison: in Europe wireless production tools for team communication are operated in 410 to 470 MHz, so-called ‘Talk-Back Systems’.

Reference [150] defines ‘Free Use Spectrum’ as Unlicensed Bands’. The following fre-quency ranges are noted as free spectrum (e.g. ISM):

Frequency Band From [MHz]

To [MHz]

900 MHz 902 928 DECT 1920 1930 WIFI 2400 2483.5 5 GHz 5150 5350 5.8 GHz 5725 5850

Table 27: Unlicensed Frequency Bands in Mexico [150]

Note 1: further details on the conditions of the frequency usage in these bands can be found here: https://www.law.cornell.edu/cfr/text/47/15.249.

Note 2: these frequencies are probably not suitable for professional content production.


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The ‘Federal Telecommunications Commission’ reports, that the ‘Unlicensed Bands’ listed in Table 27 provide a total bandwidth of 444.5 MHz available for free spectrum usage, see figure below:

Figure 85: Unlicensed Frequency Bands for Free Spectrum Usage in Mexico [150]

No further conditions, e.g. technical parameters, or applications are defined for the ‘Free Use Spectrum’ in reference [150] The question is whether wireless audio production tools (PMSE) can use these frequency ranges, if so, under which conditions and whether these frequency ranges meet the high-quality requirements of wireless audio production tools (PMSE).

How are users of wireless audio production tools (PMSE) are affected by the DDs?

It was reported by an experienced / professional spectrum user, that professional users of wireless audio production tools (PMSE) are worried about the future of their equipment, while non-professional users are confused about the ongoing changes. As a conse-quence of the DD1 for wireless audio production tools (PMSE), certain equipment’s are not working anymore in the large cities and rental companies need to buy new equipment. The necessity for more ‘Spectrum Efficient’ solutions56 and specific training for audio en-gineers and other affected users was reported. [136]

Some manufacturers report on their websites about the ongoing and future changes of the UHF TV spectrum and its consequences for users of wireless audio production tools (PMSE). [151]

10.5.1. Alternatives and Solutions in Mexico

Comparison with Europe:

As shown in section ‘15 Considered and Implemented Alternatives and Solutions’, in Eu-rope various solutions for users of wireless audio production tools (PMSE) were provided. I wonder, whether comparable solutions were provided / are possible in Mexico?

One common solution in Europe is the allocation of additional frequency bands for wire-less audio production tools (PMSE). For example, in Europe, the LTE duplex gaps in the 800 MHz and 1.8 GHz frequency bands have been harmonized for wireless microphones. I wonder whether a comparable regulation is possible in Mexico. I have researched the current mobile radio frequency allocation.

56 For further information on spectrum efficiency, see [11] Stratix Report, Section ‘5.1 Spectral efficiency’.

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The following graphic shows this information:

Figure 86: Mobile Radio Frequencies in Mexico [73]

I have marked two possible LTE duplex gaps in the graphic (800 MHz and 1.8 GHz bands). Others, e.g. some guard bands, may appear.

Note: further calculations are required to investigate the current frequency usage in the marked areas

10.5.2. Practical Example: Music Festival ‘Vive Latino’

‘Vive Latino’ is a rock music festival over two days in Mexico City. The festival ex-ists since 1998 and since then was hold 19th times. Per day there are more than 70 000 visitors, I expect an additional content distribution in the broadcast. The artists performed on seven different stages, from more or less 13 o’clock until 2 am the next morning. [152] The right picture shows the map of the festival, in-cluding the seven stages.

Figure 87: Map of the Festival Ground of 'Vive Latino' [152]

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The following two spectrum Scans were taken at the main stage of the Festival ‘Vive La-tino’ on the 19th of March 2017:

10:00 am Rehearsals

10:00 pm Headliner

Table 28: Spectrum Scans taken at the Music Festival ‘Vive Latino' [136]

The scanning range of the two scans includes the UHF TV spectrum underneath the 700 MHz frequency band from 470 to 698 MHz, UHF TV channels 14 to 51. The left scan was taking at the rehearsal in the morning, while the right scan was taken 12 hours later during the show of the headliner. [136]

In the following section, a conclusion regarding the Digital Dividends and its impact on the frequency use by wireless audio production tools (PMSE) in Latin-America will be provided. This conclusion is based on the presented results.

11. Conclusion about the Situation in Latin-America

First of all, it can be seen, that the ‘Dig-ital Switch-Over’ is split in time and re-gion. After a simultaneous transition period of analogue and digital terrestrial TV the analogue transmission is turned off region by region. Mostly this process is still ongoing. For the digital TV trans-mission there exist no specific stand-ard. Instead various digital standards, e.g. DVB-T, ISDB-Tb or ATSC, are in use within Latin-America. In the case of Argentina, there are more than one dig-ital TV standard used within the coun-try. The graphic on the right shows, which Latin-America country decided for which digital TV standard. [63, Page 3]

The first Digital Dividend in Latin-Amer-ica refers to the refarming of the 700 MHz frequency band from 698 to 806 MHz. This band was allocated on a primary basis to the Land Mobile Service by WRC-07 and therefore identified for the ap-plication IMT. In my observation, most Latin-American countries decided to adopt this

Figure 88: Digital TV Standards used in Latin-America [63, Page 3]

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new frequency allocation of IMT. This refarming of the UHF TV spectrum are still ongoing in most countries. Mainly the frequencies of the 700 MHz band were already auctioned, but the refarming of the 700 MHz band and the implementation of the LTE technology is still ongoing. Even though, in some countries a second Digital Dividend is already under discussion, e.g. in Mexico. This would affect the 600 MHz frequency band from to 614 to 698 MHz. The graphic below shows the UHF TV channel plan for Latin-America. Marked in green is the 700 MHz frequency band (DD1) above 698 MHz (UHF TV channel 52 to 69). The 600 MHz band goes from UHF TV channel 38 to channel 51.

Figure 89: UHF TV channel plan for Latin-America (Green: DD1) [63, Page 5]

Since 2015, every year the so-called ‘Annual Latin-American Spectrum Management Conference’ is taking place in a different country of Latin-American, e.g. 2016 in Mexico, 2017 in Colombia and 2018 in Argentina. On these conferences, mainly the topic cross border frequency regulation is discussed. The main topics during the four conferences so far were the new frequency allocations in the 600 and 700 MHz frequency bands (the Digital Dividends) and the ongoing implementation of the 4G and possibly 5G technology inside the UHF TV spectrum. A table with some published topics of each conference can be found in Annex ‘A.5 Overview Over the last ‘Annual Latin-American Spectrum Man-agement Conferences’’. I wonder, if secondary users of the discussed frequency bands, such as wireless audio production tools (PMSE), were considered in the conferences and if solutions for these users were discussed or agreed? [153] [154] [155] [156] [157]

In the next section I would like to focus on the wireless audio production tools (PMSE).

Comparing the licensing of the frequency usage by wireless audio production tools (PMSE) in the three countries, which were part of my thesis, I would like to conclude, that basically for the frequency usage a so-called ‘homologation’ is required for each device. Devices with an approved homologation do not need a further license.

Devices with such a license do not need a ‘homologation’ and have, in comparison to the homologated devices with a secondary character, a protection against interferences from other secondary users. Those licenses are in use and / or required, e.g. for foreign pro-duction teams using their own equipment.

In the next section, I would like to conclude the possible consequences for wireless audio production tools (PMSE) in Latin-America.

Summarized, the 700 and 600 MHz frequency bands probably cannot be used anymore by wireless audio production tools (PMSE), or the frequency usage of these bands will be limited, after the full implementation of the DD1 and DD2.

Note: The frequency usage of the 600 MHz frequency band depends strongly on which country will implement the DD2.

In my observation, in Latin-America, some manufacturers of wireless audio production tools (PMSE) report on their webpages about the ongoing and future changes of the UHF

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TV spectrum and possible consequences for users of wireless audio production tools (PMSE). Different solutions were suggested. These include:

• Equipment with a wide tuning range

It is argued, that within a wider tuning range of wireless audio production tools (PMSE), it is easier to find a useful transmission frequency, e.g. in a tuning range e.g. of 224 MHz, it is easier to find a free space than in 12 MHz.

• Spectrum efficient technologies

The public discussion on spectrum efficiency of wireless audio production tools (PMSE), relates to technologies, which allow to use more wireless audio produc-tion devices per empty UHF TV channel.

• Digital technologies

It is reasoned, that digital microphones can as well be used in frequency ranges with a relatively high risk of interference. For further information on digital wireless microphones, see chapter ‘2.4 Analogue vs. Digital Technologies’.

• Equipment with a tuning range outside of the DDs

Manufacturers of wireless production tools (PMSE) recommend to the users to invest in equipment which has a tuning range outside of the frequency bands from the DDs. Basically, this refers to the 700 MHz frequency band (698 to 806 MHz), but in some countries as well the 600 MHz frequency band (614 to 698 MHz). The access to these frequency bands for wireless microphones might be problematic (or will be in the near future) due to the interferences from the Land Mobile Service and (in some countries) on a long term it might even be forbidden to use wireless audio production tools (PMSE) in these frequency ranges. Therefore, it is recom-mended to buy new equipment for alternative frequency ranges. [1] [121] [151]

From the observed Latin-American countries, it seems to me that Brazil is providing the most information regarding the changes for users of wireless microphones for the public, e.g. organisations inform on their websites, interviews are given, videos are recorded.

In my observation, actions were taken by some stakeholders with the intention to discuss and possibly to improve the situation for users of wireless microphones. For example, it was reported about a meeting between the association Anafima and some manufacturers with the regulation agency Anatel to discuss the future of wireless microphones [75].

Still my observation, so far there are no additional frequency ranges were allocated for wireless audio production tools (PMSE) and no financial compensations for affected us-ers were considered. Possibly some stores still sell devices for the 700 MHz band and there is no obligation to exchange these devices.

Further, after a shift of the frequency usage to the lower UHF TV spectrum, users of wireless microphones reported increased interference.

So far, similar to Brazil, I could not find any information on financial compensations or similar solutions for users of wireless audio production tools (PMSE) in other Latin-Amer-ican countries.

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As well, because of a lack of detailed information, I am unaware of the interference sce-nario in the UHF TV spectrum and changes in the frequency usage by wireless audio production tools (PMSE) in other Latin-American countries. I am wondering, how the sit-uation is in the other two analysed countries (Argentina and Mexico) both part of my re-search:

• Can wireless microphones be used in the UHF TV band, e.g. on a secondary ba-sis? If so, under which conditions?

• Are there solutions, for users that are affected by the DD, comparable to other countries?

• Did the interferences in the UHF TV band increase after the DD?

Despite limited information regarding the questions above was available to the public, it was reported, that [136];

• In Mexico, professional users worry about the future of their wireless audio pro-duction tools (PMSE).

• Non-professional users are confused by the ongoing changes. • A need for training regarding the changes in the UHF TV spectrum is seen. • A need for more spectrum efficient technologies was reported.

Part C: Impact of the Digital Dividends on the Use of Frequencies by Wireless Audio Production Tools in Europe

After the analysis of the observed developments of the Digital Dividends (DD) and possi-ble consequences for the affected wireless audio production tools (PMSE) in Latin-Amer-ica, I would like to analyse the same situation in Europe. This work was already the topic of my bachelor thesis57. Here five European countries (Austria, France, Germany, Swit-zerland, and UK) were considered exemplary to draw conclusions on the effect of the Digital Dividends on users of wireless audio production tools (PMSE). In this chapter, I will mainly refer to my anterior work and give corresponding updates. Additional research, especially in relation to the second Digital Dividend (DD2), complements that information with the actual developments in Europe.

12. The first Digital Dividend

12.1. Background: How did the DD1 come about?

In Europe the so-called ‘Stockholm 1961 Agreement’ (ST61) was the basis for the regu-lation of analogue TV transmission in Europe for over 45 years [159]

Before the digitalisation of terrestrial television, its transmission was analogue modulated.

The digital transmission of terrestrial TV promised a lot of advantages, like a higher quality and spectrum efficiency58. Anyways, to introduce the digital TV standard (e.g. DVB-T), a

57 Document just available in German: https://apwpt.org/downloads/piaseegerbachelorarbeit.pdf 58 As already explained in chapter ‘6 Digital Terrestrial Television - ISDB-Tb’, in comparison to analogue TV, the digital TV transmission offers the possibility to transmit more than one TV program per channel.

https://apwpt.org/downloads/piaseegerbachelorarbeit.pdf

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new frequency planning was necessary [160]. For that reason, in the year 2000 the ‘Eu-ropean Conference of Postal and Telecommunications Administration’ (CEPT)59 send a mandate to the ITU with the request for a revision of the ST61. The objective was to facilitate the introduction of digital terrestrial TV in Europe. As a result, the ITU-R decided to hold a Regional Radiocommunication Conference (RRC)60 in two sessions (RRC-04 and RRC-06) with the goal of the re-planning of the digital terrestrial television in the VHF and UHF frequency ranges in ITU-Region 1. The ST61 was updated. The first part of the conference was hold in May 2004 (RRC-04). Here the technical parameters and planning criteria were set as a basis for the final agreement, which was established in the second part of the conference in 2006 (RRC-06). Furthermore, already at the RRC-06 the possi-bility of introducing new services / application (e.g. IMT) into the UHF TV spectrum was discussed. It was suspected, that with the new digital transmission standard less spec-trum will be needed for the broadcasting service. [160]

The outcome of the RRC-06 was the so-called ‘GE06’ (Geneva 2006) agreement. It con-tains the new frequency plans and regulations in regards to digital terrestrial TV in ITU-Region 1. The digital TV standard was defined as DVB-T. A lot of different options, e.g. in the quality or number of programs per TV channel, were given. The channel spacing should continue with 8 MHz per UHF TV channel and 7 MHz per VHF TV channels. In comparison, the channel grid in the VHF TV as well as the UHF TV spectrum in Latin-America is 6 MHz. The frequency ranges defined in the GE06 were the VHF TV range from 174 MHz to 230 MHz and the UHF TV range from 470 to 862 MHz. As well, a tran-sition period to switch the terrestrial TV transmission from analogue modulation to digital modulation was regulated. The validation of the GE06, and along with it a transition pe-riod, started on the 17th of June 2007. The end of the transition period inside the UHF TV frequency bands was limited for all countries to the 15th of June 2015. [161]

As a consequence of the RRC-06, another conference to review the ST61 agreement was hold. The new GE06 agreement covers certain frequency ranges, which before were included in the ST61 agreement (VHF: 174 to 230 MHz, UHF: 470 to 862 MHz). In the revision of the ST61, these frequency ranges were excluded. [159]

12.2. Implementation of the DD1

Along other topics, the WRC-07 was addressing the Broadcast Service and IMT applica-tions. The goal of the WRC-07 was to provide more frequency spectrum for the imple-mentation of new technologies, such as IMT-2000. The argumentation for the implemen-tation of IMT into the UHF TV spectrum was the increased spectrum efficiency of Broad-cast and the convergence between Broadcast and IMT. It was important to identify more spectrum for integration of IMT applications to reach a great IMT coverage by harmonised frequency ranges in ITU-Region 1. The UHF TV spectrum seemed suitable because of its good propagation characteristics. The corresponding decisions were made already on WRC-07 to give the manufacturers and operators time for the necessary preparation.

59 For further info see: https://www.cept.org/ 60 For further information on the RRC, see chapter ‘5.1.5 Regional Radiocommunication Conferences (RRC)’ or: https://www.itu.int/net/ITU-R/index.asp?category=conferences&rlink=rrc&lang=en

https://www.cept.org/

https://www.itu.int/net/ITU-R/index.asp?category=conferences&rlink=rrc&lang=en

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Note: I assume, that operators of the IMT application are meant, because the source does not specify the addressed application: ‘It’s vital that crucial spectrum decisions are made without delay at WRC-07, giving operators and manufacturers a clear target to plan their technical and commercial strategies for the years ahead’ [162]. Anyways, to me it is im-portant to note, that other affected services and applications, e.g. Broadcasters and users of wireless audio production tools (PMSE) as well need time for the necessary prepara-tion.

For the above listed reasons, the frequency range from 790 to 862 MHz was allocated to the Mobile Service and identified for IMT in ITU-Region 1 and 3 on a co-primary basis. Anyways, the identified frequency ranges were just available for the Mobile Services after the conclusion of the ‘Digital Switch-Over’. Until then, analogue as well as digital television stations in this frequency range had to be protected because of their primary character. The switchover from analogue to digital should be concluded latest by 2015, according to the Switch-Off schedule at the time of the conference. This as well depended strongly on the country. Some countries might be finished earlier, because the digitalisation already was advanced61. Finally, the ITU-R was invited by WRC-07 to study the compatibility between broadcasting and Mobile Services in the 800 MHz frequency band until the next WRC (2012). As well, every country should be allowed to use the spectrum for the own requirements, as long as this usage does not cause problems for the neighbouring coun-tries. [162]

At the World Radio Conference in the year 2007 (WRC-07), the 800 MHz frequency band from 790 to 862 MHz was allocated on a co-primary basis to the Mobile Services with the identification for ‘International Mobile Telecommunication’ (IMT) in ITU-Region 1. Conse-quently, broadcast stations, which were operated in the 800 MHz frequency band had to be moved to the lower UHF TV spectrum below 790 MHz. A co-channel usage between the two services IMT and broadcast is not possible due to the high co-channel interfer-ences [4, Page 5]

The Footnote 5.316B of the Final Acts of the WRC-07 defines, that the primary allocation of the Mobile Service inside the 800 MHz frequency band is just valid after the 17th of June 2015. This date is defined as the end of the transition period in the GE06, which already was explained earlier in chapter ‘12.1 Background: How did the DD1 come about?’). Anyways, the Footnotes 5.316 and 5.316A allocate certain parts of the 800 MHz frequency band in specific countries to the Mobile Service already from 2007 on. [65]

After my analysis of the changes on an international basis in Europe, I now would like to focus on the situation on a national basis and, therefore, I now will examine the differ-ences and similarities in the implementation of the DD1 in the five exemplary European countries of this thesis.

I estimate, that the Digital Dividend 1 (DD1) was realized similar in all European countries: On a national level, as a consequence of the digitalization of terrestrial television, the freed-up UHF TV spectrum from 790 to 862 MHz (also called 800 MHz frequency band) was allocated to Mobile Services with a co-primary status and identified for IMT with the goal of a greater LTE coverage. This process is referred to as the Digital Dividend 1

61 Res. 749 of the Final Acts 2007 recognises under item e), that ‘the timing of the switch-over to digital is likely to vary from country to country;’ [65, Page 479].

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(DD1). In my observation, the 800 MHz frequency band was than auctioned to mobile phone companies62. Anyways, the details of the implementation of the DD1 differed from country to country.

France, Germany and Switzerland were three of the most advanced countries in regards to the implementation of the DD1. The first auction was held in the year 2010 in Germany. Anyways, the 800 MHz frequency band could just be made available for mobile phone companies in the year 2015. Already 2008 the ‘Digital Switch-Over’ was finalized. France just finalized its ‘Digital Switch-Over’ in 2011. In the same year the 800 MHz fre-quency band was auctioned, but the corresponding licenses were just issued one year later. During that time compatibility studies between the LTE and Broadcast Services were made.

In Switzerland the ‘Analogue Switch-Off’ took place in the year 2009. Already 2008, just one year after the corresponding decision on the WRC-07 and even before the ‘Analogue Switch-Off’, the decision was made to allocate the 800 MHz frequency band to mobile phone services, but it was just auctioned in the year 2012.

In the United Kingdom (UK) already 2003, before the decisions of the RRC04, RRC-06 and WRC-07, 112 MHz of the UHF TV spectrum were cleared as a consequence of the ‘Digital Switch-Over’. The details of the UKs Switch-Over plan played an important role in the GE06 agreement. The ‘Digital Switch-Over’ was finalized in 2012, the 800 MHz band cleared until 2012 and that same year the auction was held. The frequencies were avail-able already two months after the auction. In Austria the situation was similar. The auction was held in 2013 and the frequencies were made available straight afterwards. The tran-sition period for the change from the broadcast to Mobile Service differs from country to country. While in some countries the new allocated frequencies were available straight after or just a few times after the auction, in some countries a longer transition period was given, e.g. because resolutions, which allocated certain services in the 800 MHz fre-quency band, were still valid. In all the countries the national frequency allocation plan and eventually the corresponding footnotes were adopted to the changes. Additionally, agreements between neighbouring countries had to be made to avoid cross-border inter-ference. [68]

12.3. Impact of the DD1 on the Use of Wireless Audio Production Tools

In ITU-Region 163, which also includes Europe, before DD1 the frequency range from 470 to 862 MHz was intensively used by wireless audio production tools (PMSE) on a sec-ondary basis. Resolution 749 of the Final Acts 2007 considers under item e), that wireless audio production tools (PMSE) can continue to use the 800 MHz frequency band: ‘appli-cations ancillary to broadcasting are sharing the band 470-862 MHz with the broadcasting service in all three Regions, and are expected to continue their operations in this band’ [65, Page 479]. Anyways, a local co-channel operation between IMT and wireless audio production tools (PMSE) is not possible due to the high level of interferences. Conse-quently, wireless audio production tools (PMSE) could just be operated underneath

62 Definition of ‘Mobile Phone Company‘: Company, which provides ‘portable device[s] for connecting to a telecommunications network in order to transmit and receive voice, video, or other data‘ [163]. 63 For further information see chapter ’5.1 International Regulation – ITU’.

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790 MHz. Because of the additional broadcast stations, which were moved from the 800 MHz to the lower UHF TV spectrum and the higher usage of this same frequency range by wireless audio production tools (PMSE), the spectrum density in the UHF TV spectrum from 470 to 790 MHz increased after the DD1. [4, Page 5]

Footnote 5.296 of the Final Acts of WRC-07 defines the allocation on a secondary basis to ‘the land mobile service, intended for applications ancillary to broadcasting’64 [65, Page 23]. In other words: this footnote allows the usage of wireless audio production tools (PMSE) in the frequency band from 470 to 790 MHz. [65]

The consequences of the new frequency allocation for wireless audio production tools (PMSE) are similar in all European countries: the frequency ranges from 790 to 823 and from 832 to 862 MHz (this is the 800 MHz frequency band excluding the LTE duplex gap) are not available anymore for the use of wireless audio production tools (PMSE).

Anyways, the date from which these frequencies can no longer be used by wireless pro-duction tools (PMSE) differs. As I already noted in the section ‘12.1 Background: How did the DD1 come about?’ some countries have implemented the 800 MHz frequency access for IMT faster than others. In these countries, the users of wireless audio production tools (PMSE) had a limited time for the necessary system changeover, e.g. to buy or rent new audio equipment or to apply for licenses in other frequency ranges for wireless audio production tools (PMSE). Even if the necessary steps at international level have already been agreed by the WRC-07, the local implementation is a task of the responsible na-tional frequency regulation.

In my observation, users of wireless audio production tools (PMSE) are subject to national decisions and thereof I conclude, that the national implementation decision on the DD1 had to be awaited, before users could start their own precautions.

In some countries, the decision for implementation of IMT

• was taken early and the realization of the DD1 took place years later e.g. Switzerland: the implementing decision for the DD1 was taken on the 17th of November 2008, but the LTE operation just started in 2013.

• or the implementing decision was taken late e.g. Bulgaria: the implementing decision for the 800 MHz frequency band was made in 2016. [164]

• or existing resolutions guaranteed a continued usability of the 800 MHz frequency band by wireless audio production tools (PMSE). e.g. Germany: the existing resolution 91/2005 guaranteed a continued usability of the frequency ranges from 790 to 814 MHz and 838 to 826 MHz (2 x 24 MHz inside the 800 MHz frequency band) by wireless audio production tools (PMSE) on a license exempt basis up to 31st of December 2015. [165]

In my opinion, in those countries a transition period for the users of wireless audio pro-duction tools (PMSE) to plan the necessary system changeover was given.

64 The exact definition of the term ‘Applications ancillary to broadcasting’ (SAB) can be found in chapter ‘2.1.1 SAB/SAP‘.

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On the other hand, in some countries an early decision was taken, and the changes were realized straight away. For example, in France, the implementing decision for the DD1 was taken in 2010 and the first LTE operation in the 800 MHz frequency band already started in October 2011 [68]. In my opinion, in those countries the users of wireless audio production tools (PMSE) had less time to adopt to the changes.

In general, in Europe, as a consequence of the DD1 the spectrum density of all frequency users in the lower UHF TV (470 to 790 MHz) increased. TV stations, which were operated before the DD1 in the 800 MHz frequency band were shifted to the remaining part of the UHF TV spectrum and as well a higher usage density by wireless audio production tools (PMSE) was observed. I have observed a different scenario for Switzerland: in order to secure the high quality of the terrestrial TV transmission and to ensure the required fre-quencies for wireless audio production tools (PMSE), the TV stations in the 800 MHz frequency band were not moved to the lower UHF TV spectrum. [166, Page 6] Switzer-land rather took the loss of some TV stations instead of the loss of production quality: ‘lieber Qualität als Quantität’ (Translation: ‘rather quality than quantity’) [166, Page 6].

How were the users of wireless production tools (PMSE) involved in this process?

The consideration of wireless audio production tools (PMSE) during or after the process of the DD was very different in various countries. In some countries the users were in-cluded in the preparation process of the DD by public consultations, e.g. in the UK and France. Affected users were asked for feedback, opinions and spectrum requirements.

In Austria a study about the effect of the DD1 on the frequency usage by wireless audio production tools (PMSE) was realized before the implementation of the DD. The study focussed on a worst-case scenario in the city Bregenz, where additional interferences might occur from the three neighbouring countries. Within this study a temporary solution for wireless audio production tools (PMSE) was developed. The study identified for Bre-genz usable TV channels for every production site. Finally, the study is summarising, that in the same way usable frequencies for the different production sites in the cities of Austria could be identified and published in the internet. Here, users of wireless audio tools could inform themselves about possible frequency usages and changes. Anyways, the pub-lished frequencies just had a limited validity of one year. An additional online application form for the licensing of wireless audio production tools (PMSE) was uploaded to facilitate the frequency coordination. [167] [168]

In Switzerland an online-database-tool, ‘PMSE-DB’, was developed for the coordination of frequencies for wireless audio production tools (PMSE). In this database events can be registered, and the frequency coordination will take place in real-time online. There-fore, in Switzerland, since the DD1, the frequency regulation is not anymore task of the national frequency regulator for a number of use-cases and therefore the management of the event is responsible for this task.

Note: this does not apply to forms of use that still require approval. This information will be forwarded by the database-tool to the OFCOM CH.

I think, that a tool similar to the PMSE-DB is helpful and might optimize the process of the crucial frequency coordination.

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Anyways, another consequence of the DD1 in Switzerland is, that the usage of wireless audio production tools (PMSE) since than is license free in the frequency bands from 477 to 782 MHz and 694 to 790 MHz65.

This can be positive or negative:

• On one hand the access to spectrum is easier because you don’t have to apply for a license.

• On the other hand, whoever wants to can use the spectrum and it might be hard to have an overview over frequencies in use because no-one needs to register their usage anymore.

Who takes over the costs for the necessary purchase of alternative production tools?

Basically, the owner of the wireless production tools (PMSE) but in some countries finan-cial compensations for users/production teams, who were affected by the DD1, were given, e.g. in Germany and UK. The related conditions vary in the different countries. An example is shown in chapter ‘15 Considered and Implemented Alternatives and Solu-tions’.

As well, alternative frequency ranges were identified for wireless audio production tools (PMSE). In most European countries these were the so-called ‘LTE Duplex Gaps’ of the 800 MHz and 1.8 GHz LTE bands as well as the frequency range from 863 to 865 MHz. I assume this is because of the harmonisation decisions by the EC, based on studies of the CEPT.

However, most of the professional users of wireless audio production tools (PMSE) de-cided to move their operation the remaining UHF TV spectrum from 470 to 790 MHz. In some countries parts of the VHF spectrum and other frequency ranges are still available, e.g. the 2.4 GHz WIFI band and further frequency ranges were made available, e.g. in the UK the 900 MHz frequency band from 960 to 1164 MHz. [68]

Generally, ERC/ECC recommendations harmonize alternative frequency ranges for the usage of wireless audio production tools (PMSE), e.g. ERC Rec. 25-10 harmonizes, along much others, the VHF frequency range from 174 to 216 MHz for wireless microphones. The complete table of harmonized frequency bands by ERC Rec. 25-10 can be found in Table 34. [169]

In 2016, as part of my bachelor thesis about the impact of the DDs on the usage of wire-less audio production tools (PMSE) in Europe, I invited to a survey about the impact of the Digital Dividend 1 on the frequency usage by wireless audio production tools (PMSE) in Germany and evaluated the results66. Users of wireless audio productions tools were asked via an online questionnaire, how they are affected in their everyday work by the DD1. In the following part, I would like to summarize the evaluated results:

Affected were all users, who were operating their equipment in the 800 MHz frequency band. There the usage by wireless audio production tools (PMSE) was license free until 2015. The results of the survey show, that more or less half of the devices, which were

65 For detailed information, see https://www.apwpt.org/downloads/handoutfrequencies2018.pdf 66 The final Report can be found here (just available in German): https://apwpt.org/downloads/piasee-gerumfrage.pdf

https://www.apwpt.org/downloads/handoutfrequencies2018.pdf

https://apwpt.org/downloads/piaseegerumfrage.pdf


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bought before the DD1 were not useable anymore after the DD1. The users seemed to have additional costs up to 150 000 €, for example to buy new equipment. Another addi-tional effort, which had to be taken after the DD1, was the application for new licenses, because the licence-free usage ended in 2015. As well it was possible to get financial compensations, but the responses to related questions in the survey show, that the ap-plication procedure for these compensations was very complex and therefore some or-ganisations did not request a compensation.

Before the DD1 the majority of the users seemed to operate their equipment in the 800 MHz frequency band. This changed significantly after the DD1. Most of the users seem to have shifted their usage to the lower UHF TV spectrum from 470 to 790 MHz. A focus can be seen on the 700 MHz frequency band, which includes the 98 MHz from 694 to 790 MHz. As a comparison, more or less the same number of users decided for the UHF spectrum below 694 MHz, which has a bandwidth of 224 MHz and therefore is more than twice the bandwidth of the 700 MHz frequency band. Some users as well started to op-erate their equipment in the VHF spectrum or other alternative frequency bands. It seems, that since the DD there are increased interferences, but they are still controllable due to preventions like changing the transmission frequency. The interferences were recognised mainly in the 800 MHz and the 700 MHz frequency band. The results show, that in the 800 MHz frequency band the source of interference probably are the LTE-blocks and in the 700 MHz band it was a mixture of the out-of-band emission from the LTE in the neigh-bouring frequency range and the higher spectrum density. [2]

In January 2013, the VPLT reports in his article ‘Update: Digitale Dividende’, that accord-ing to the German Federal Ministry the frequencies of the 800 MHz frequency band was still available for the operation of wireless audio production tools (PMSE)67, but due to the interferences by the Mobile Service they cannot be used anymore for professional pro-ductions since 2012: ‘Keiner, der professionell arbeitet kann es sich leisten, dass eine Produktion durch den Mobilfunk gestört wird. Die Frequenzen sind definitive seit Mitte 2012 nicht mehr verwendbar’ (Translation: ‘Nobody, who works professionally, can afford that a production is disturbed by mobile phones. The frequencies are definitely no longer usable since mid-2012.’) [170, Page 32]. As well the APWPT reports in a press release, that until 2015 wireless audio production tools (PMSE) could still be operated in the 800 MHz frequency band, but there might occur harmful interference in regions, where the IMT is already implemented. It is noted, that of a pilot operation, the implementation of the IMT in the 800 MHz band should happen region after region. The association APWPT provided its members with the initial data of the IMT operation in the 800 MHz frequency band for each affected region in Germany in form of a database.

67 ‘Das Ministerium führte darüber hinaus aus, dass […] die versteigerten Frequenzen bis 2015 weiterhin genutzt werden können‘ (Translation: ‘The ministry also stated, that […] the auctioned frequencies could continue to be used until 2015’) [170, Page 32].

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In Austria the situation was similar. The radio administration informed us-ers of wireless audio production tools (PMSE) about the ongoing implemen-tation of the IMT application into the 800 MHz frequency band. The AP-WPT provided me the graphic on the left. The graphic shows the active LTE transmitter locations of the 800 MHz frequency band in 2014. [171]

I think these scenarios are examples that show that a spectrum-changing process can be carry out together jointly by the re-sponsible radio administration, the Mobile Service companies and the user associations.

Access to new equipment

In January 2013, the German magazine ‘Bühnentechnische Rundschau’ (BTR)68 (Trans-lation: ‘Stage-Technical Review’) reports, that not all German cultural and educational institutes were able to exchange their wireless audio production tools (PMSE), because there were not enough financial resources available69. Hence, the affected institutes have to continue the operation of wireless audio production tools (PMSE) in the 800 MHz fre-quency band under the risk of interferences from the Mobile Services. [67] I suspect, that the LTE duplex gap in the 800 MHz band is used.

Note: this probably only applies until the re-financing of the used products.

13. The Second Digital Dividend

13.1. Background: How did the DD2 come about?

In Africa, the 800 MHz frequency band is used by the military in some regions: ‘Auf die Frage, warum in Afrika nicht dieselben Mobilfunkfrequenzen wie in Europa verwendet werden sollen, gab es eine interessante Antwort - Militärinteressen’ (Translation: ‘When asked why Africa should not use the same frequencies for the Mobile Service as Europe, there was an interesting answer - military interests’) [67, Page 22]. It is noted by the arti-cle, that it cannot be used for the implementation of the Mobile Service. On the WRC-12 it was requested, to open the 700 MHz frequency band from 694 to 790 MHz in ITU-Region 1 for the Mobile Service to facilitate the implementation of LTE in the UHF TV spectrum in Africa. The final decision was made on the WRC-15. The option, to clear the 800 MHz frequency band in Africa and move the military service to another frequency range was not considered. Anyways, the national implementation is not obligatory, it is up to the national frequency regulation administration.70 [67]

68 A German Theatre-Magazine, see also https://www.der-theaterverlag.de/buehnentechnische-rund-schau/buehnentechnische-rundschau/ 69 ‘Wegen fehlender Budgets haben nicht alle Kultur- und Bildungseinrichtungen auf die Frequenzen un-terhalb 790 MHz umgestellt’ (Translation: ‘Due to a lack of budgets, not all cultural and educational insti-tutions have switched to frequencies below 790 MHz’) [67, Page 22]. 70 See further information in chapter ‘9.3.2.1 Background of the DD2 in Argentina’.

Figure 90: LTE transmitter locations in Austria in 2014

https://www.der-theaterverlag.de/buehnentechnische-rundschau/buehnentechnische-rundschau/

https://www.der-theaterverlag.de/buehnentechnische-rundschau/buehnentechnische-rundschau/

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It is interesting to me, that for various countries I found information on a usage of the 800 MHz frequency band for mobile phone services in Africa:

• ‘The 800 MHz band has typically been used for CDMA2000 networks in Africa’ [172].

• In Nigeria, Tanzania and Uganda the 800 MHz frequency band seems to be in use for LTE. [173]

• In the Republic of Djibouti LTE is implemented in the 800 MHz band as well. [174] • In Ghana, ‘cellco, which is the country’s largest in terms of subscribers, was the

winner of one lot of 2×10MHz spectrum in the 4G LTE-suitable 800MHz mobile band in December 2015’ [175].

• ‘The Communications Authority of Kenya (CA) has asked the country’s largest mo-bile operator by subscribers, Safaricom, to hand back part the 800MHz spectrum it was awarded last year, so that the 4G LTE-suitable frequencies can be reallo-cated to two smaller players’ [176].

Back to the developments of the DD2 in Europe.

On the 17th of May 2017 the ‘European Commission’ (EC) published a harmonisation on the frequency usage of the 460 to 790 MHz frequency band in the European Union (EU): 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 Union71.

In this decision, it has been agreed on a timetable for the European process of the imple-mentation of DD2:

• ‘By 30 June 2020, Member States shall allow the use of the 694-790 MHz (‘700 MHz’) frequency band for terrestrial systems capable of providing wireless broadband electronic communications service’ [177, Page 4, Article 1, Para-graph 1].

• ‘In order to allow the use of the 700 MHz frequency band in accordance with par-agraph 1, Member States shall, by 31 December 2017, conclude all the necessary cross-border frequency-coordination agreements within the Union’ [177, Page 5, Article 1, Paragraph 2].

The WRC-15 agreed that the lower UHF TV spectrum from 470 to 694 should stay avail-able for broadcasting services on a primary basis [178, Page 93]. The EC commented in her Decision (EU) 2017/899: ‘The 470-694 MHz (‘sub-700 MHz’) frequency band remains exclusively allocated to the broadcasting services on a primary basis and to wireless au-dio PMSE use on a secondary basis’ [177]. I assume, this is based on the footnote 5.296 of the RRs, which was modified by the WRC-15 (further info see chapter ‘7 The Digital Dividends’). The band should be available at least until 2030 for the mentioned services / applications. It is argued, ‘The DTT and PMSE sectors therefore need a long-term reg-ulatory predictability with regard to the availability of sufficient spectrum’ [177, Page 3].

The following graphic shows in comparison the CEPT band plan and the Asian-Pacific Telecommunity (APT) band plans:

71 https://eur-lex.europa.eu/legal-content/EN/TXT/PDF/?uri=CELEX:32017D0899&from=de

https://eur-lex.europa.eu/legal-content/EN/TXT/PDF/?uri=CELEX:32017D0899&from=de

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Figure 91: CEPT and APT Band Plans for the 700 MHz Frequency Band [179]

For ITU-Region 1 the CEPT band plan or the APT Duplexer 1 band plan are preferred. [179]

13.2. Implementation of the DD2

In my observation, the second Digital Dividend (DD2) is being implemented differently in the countries of Europe, similar to the DD1. I assume, this is because of the long-term deadline (30th of June 2020) given by the EC-Decision (further information on the EC decision, see section above). Because of this EC-Decision, it can be expected, that the Land Mobile Service will be implemented into the 700 MHz frequency band on time in the member states. Consequently, even less UHF TV spectrum will be available for the ter-restrial TV transmission and the operation of wireless audio production tools (PMSE).

13.2.1. Decision Implementation in Germany

In Germany the ‘Bundesnetzagentur‘ (BNetzA)72 reports in a press release about the an-nual report of 2013, that already in the year 2013, the 700 MHz frequency band was under discussion for a DD2 – just one year after the WRC-12. Anyways, a decision was not yet made. [180, Page 2] The final decision to auction the 700 MHz band to mobile phone companies was made in the beginning of 2015 and the auction held that same year. [181] In my observation, Germany was the first country to start the process of implementation of the DD2.

According to a submitted study of the ‘Technische Universität Braunschweig’ (Transla-tion: ‘Technical University Braunschweig’) on the spectrum requirements of the terrestrial TV and broadband services, the 700 MHz frequency band was extensively in use (139 TV stations) after the DD1. [182]

It was reported, that already in 2014, the first DVB-T2 transmission was started within a pilot project in Berlin. [183]

The transition from DVB-T to DVB-T2 is taking place region after region and should be finalized until mid-2019 [184]. For further information on the regions, where the DVB-T2 currently is implemented, see http://www.dvb-t2hd.de/regionen.

72 German Frequency Regulation Agency

http://www.dvb-t2hd.de/regionen

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In Germany, the 700 MHz frequency band can just be used for the implementation of the Land Mobile Service, after the transition from DVB-T to DVB-T2 is finalized. Because of this, the implementation of the Land Mobile Service can just be started on the 30th of June 2020. [185]

13.2.2. Decision Implementation in Austria

In Austria, the auction of the 700 MHz frequency band is planned for 2019 and will be held by Austria’s national telecommunication regulation agency, the ‘Rundfunk und Tele-kom Regulierungs-GMBH’ (RTR)73. The band is intended to be used for the integration of the 5G technology. Anyways, there exists still one valid broadcast allocation in the 700 MHz frequency band. Because of this, the frequency band has not been auctioned yet. To be able to integrate the Mobile Service into the 700 MHz frequency band, this broad-caster has to be reallocated in the lower UHF TV spectrum. Therefore, a financial com-pensation of a few millions is planned: ‘Die öffentliche Hand würde die ORS für die frühere Abgabe mit einem “niedrigen Millionenbetrag” entschädigen’ (Translation: ‘The public sector would compensate ORS for the early release with a "few million"’) [186]. As well the corresponding law / regulation has to be changed. [68] [186]

In December 2016, a new ‘Spectrum Release Plan’ for Austria has been published. Ac-cording to this plan, the 700 MHz band should be released for the Mobile Services until 2020, like it was harmonised in the EU. A problem in Austria might be existing licenses for DVB-T2 broadcast transmissions inside the 700 MHz frequency band with a validity until 2023. As well an existing cross border frequency coordination with neighbouring countries is still valid until 2022. A new cross border coordination of the broadcast stations might not be accomplished in time and therefore, in case of an early release of the 700 MHz frequency band, existing broadcast transmissions might suffer cross-border in-terference. The national frequency regulator RTR knows about these possible problems. Despite of that the RTR wants to release the 700 MHz frequency band to the Mobile Service until 2020. The details on the clearance of the 700 MHz frequency band are still unclear: ‘[…], da aus heutiger Sicht noch Unklarheit hinsichtlich der Räumung des 700-MHz-Bandes in Österreich […] herrscht’ (Translation: […] ‘because from today's perspec-tive there is still uncertainty regarding the clearance of the 700 MHz band in Austria’ […]) [187, Page 5]. It is noted in the release plan, that a frequency band can just be allocated to a new service if,

• a harmonised band plan is available, • the international cross border coordination is concluded, • the band is cleared of other services, • and further special conditions are defined.

In my point of view, these conditions are not fulfilled. The band release plan already notes, that there still exist valid broadcast allocation in the 700 MHz frequency band74 and a cross border coordination with neighbouring countries cannot be realized in

73 Rundfunk und Telekom Regulierungs-GMBH, for further information see: https://www.rtr.at/ 74 ‘Problematisch stellen sich für diesen Frequenzbereich die aufrechten DVB-T2-Multiplex-Zulassungen […] dar, die […] bis 2023 erteilt wurden’ (Translation: ‘Problematic are the existing DVB-T2 multiplex ap-provals […] for this frequency range, which […] were granted until 2023’) [187, Page 3].

https://www.rtr.at/

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time75. The band release plan notes, that, if the listed conditions cannot be fulfilled until the planned auction of the 700 MHz frequency band, the date of the auction must be postponed. It the responsible administration in Austria manages to fulfil the conditions, the auction can be held as planned. Summing up the situation regarding the DD2 in Austria, it was decided to rather pay high financial compensations instead of accepting a delay in the implementation of the DD2 and guarantee a protection of the Broadcast Service and wireless audio production tools (PMSE) by respecting the validity of exist-ing licenses. I wonder, if by this action the reliability of existing agreements in Austria are lost. [187]

According to the digital concept of Austria from the year 2017, the digital terrestrial TV should be switched to the new transmission standard DVB-T2. Applications of broadcast-ers for allocations in the frequency range of the DD2 will just be approved until the 30th of June 2020. It seems, that until that day the 700 MHz frequency band can still be used by the Broadcast Service. [188]

13.2.3. Decision Implementation in France

In France, already 2015 the deci-sion was made to clear the 700 MHz frequency band. The auction was held on the 16th of November 2015. Anyways, the 700 MHz frequency band should be allocated on an individual ba-sis for the terrestrial broadcast-ing service until 1st of July 2019. The implementation of the Land Mobile Service (IMT application) into the 700 MHz frequency band is split in region and time and started already in 2016, as can as

well be seen in the graphic above [189]. I wonder, if this contradicts the statement, that the broadcasting service should have an individual status in this frequency band until 2019, because a co-channel usage between the IMT application and the Broadcast Ser-vices is not possible. Consequently, in regions, where the IMT is already implemented, broadcasting services cannot use these frequencies anymore. The transition of the broadcast technology from DVB-T to DVB-T2 happened in one shot in the night from the 04th to 05th April 2016. Since than the 700 MHz frequency band is as well released for mobile phone companies. [68]

13.2.4. Decision Implementation in United Kingdom

In the United Kingdom (UK) the DD2 should be implemented as soon as possible and therefore already in 2013, the clearance of the 700 MHz frequency band was prepared:

75 ‘Es wird befürchtet, dass die internationale Koordinierung der Ersatzkanäle für Wien voraussichtlich nicht rechtzeitig für das Jahr 2020 (positiv) abgeschlossen werden könne’ (Translation: ‘It is feared, that the international coordination of the alternative channels for Vienna is not anticipated to be completed (positively) in time for the year 2020’) [187, Page 3].

Figure 92: Implementation of IMT into the 700 MHz Frequency Band in France [189]

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‘Preparing for implementation’ [190, Page 4]. In 2020, the clearance should be realized, and the frequencies auctioned. Before the new frequency allocation, the UK was awaiting the international decision of the WRC-15. Also, the new frequency allocation of the 700 MHz band had to be coordinated with the neighbouring countries. No neighbouring coun-tries are named, instead the Ofcom UK refers here to the international frequency regula-tion activities by the WRC-15 and the CEPT. The TV transmission and other applications, like wireless audio production tools (PMSE), inside the 700 MHz frequency band were refarmed to the lower UHF TV spectrum. [68]

13.2.5. Decision Implementation in Switzerland

Switzerland is already releasing the 700 MHz frequency band (2018) [191]. DVB-T trans-missions inside the 700 MHz frequency band are getting reallocated below 694 MHz. This process will be finalized until the end of this year (2018). [191] In 2019 the frequencies of the 700 MHz band will be available for the mobile phone companies. [192]

The 700 MHz frequency band will be allocated to mobile phone companies in the second half of this year (2018). It is still under discussion, if the frequencies will be auctioned or divided equally by all operators. The 700 MHz frequency band will be used for the imple-mentation of the IMT application. Anyways, the start of the operation of IMT is just planned for 2020. The time between the auction and the start of the operation should be used for the necessary preparations. [193]

13.3. Impact of the DD2 on the Use of Wireless Audio Production Tools

As a consequence of the DD2, the footnote 5.296 was modified by the WRC-15. In many regions the access for wireless audio production tools (PMSE) has been restricted to the remaining UHF TV spectrum from 470 MHz to 694 MHz and the 700 MHz frequency band cannot be used anymore by wireless audio production tools (PMSE). [66] This means, that users of wireless audio production tools (PMSE), especially who were changing their frequency usage to the 700 MHz frequency band after the DD1, are affected again, e.g. Germany.

In 2016, the European Commission (EC) assumed, that 30 % of all wireless audio pro-duction (PMSE) are operated in the 700 MHz frequency band and costs for a migration of wireless audio production tools (PMSE) from the 700 MHz frequency band to the lower UHF TV spectrum are expected to be 200 Million Euro. [194]

At the time of the second Digital Dividend (DD2), several European Organizations, e.g. the European Commission (EC) and the European Conference of Postal and Telecom-munications Administrations (CEPT/ECC) already seemed to be aware of the situation regarding wireless audio production tools (PMSE). Therefore,

• several compatibility studies were mandated and carried out, e.g. ‘on the socio-economic aspects of spectrum harmonisation regarding wireless microphones and cordless video-cameras (PMSE equipment)’ [195, Page 10],

• workshops were held, e.g. ‘Coexistence challenges of LTE deployment – the readiness of equipment standards and related issues’ [196] held on the 18th of October 2012,

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• and conferences were attended, e.g. ‘International Broadcast Conference and Exhibition (IBC)’ [197] on the 16th of September 2013.

It was concluded, that more frequencies need to be made available for wireless audio production tools (PMSE) to secure the access to culture. More spectrum should be iden-tified for this purpose. There were already some additional frequency ranges made avail-able for wireless audio production tools (PMSE), e.g. the LTE duplex gaps in the 800 MHz and 1.8 GHz LTE bands. For the further consideration of wireless audio production tools (PMSE) during the process of the DD2, a long-term strategy has to be developed along-side the primary service broadcasting and co-primary application IMT. [195] [198] Any-ways, the EC also noted, that ‘Any EU policy measure on PMSE will not aim to meet all spectrum requirements of PMSE users, but rather to create a baseline’ [195, Page 9].

According to ITU-R Report BT.2338 (mandated by WRC-12), the WRC-15 considered in several meeting sessions the requirements of wireless audio production tools (PMSE), e.g. addition of ‘programme-making’ of the footnote 5.296. This was agreed by many countries of the ITU-Region 176. These developments as well shows, that the awareness about the situation of wireless audio production tools (PMSE) is improving. [4]

In Germany a study on the spectrum requirements of the terrestrial Broadcast Service, the Land Mobile Service and other users of the UHF TV spectrum was conducted77. It is concluded, that users of wireless audio production tools (PMSE) need more security in the long-term planning of their equipment: ‘Frequency range allocations for PMSE de-vices must be valid for longer periods than is currently the case, in order to enable reliable planning by manufacturers and users’ [182 Page 21]. It was stated, that ‘Following the release of the digital dividend, the 700 MHz frequency range was primarily allocated to PMSE devices. This means that, in the event of a reallocation, users of these devices will be burdened once again with the costs and complexities of another switchover’ [182, Page 21]. After the DD1 especially the 700 MHz frequency band was made available for wireless audio production tools (PMSE). A change of the operating frequency range is connected with high costs and efforts: the equipment (e.g. antennas, combiner and re-ceiver) has to be newly developed. Conclusively, a change of the operating frequency range results in a high effort for the manufacturers and high costs for the users, because they have to buy the new equipment. If required, new licences for alternative frequency bands might have to be bought, which increases the cost and effort for the affected users additionally. After the DD1, the ‘content and creative industry’ (CCI)78 already went through this change once. With the DD2, users and manufacturers of wireless audio pro-duction tools (PMSE), who after the DD1 changed to the 700 MHz frequency band, will

76 Albania, Germany, Angola, Saudi Arabia, Austria, Bahrain, Belgium, Benin, Bosnia and Herzegovina, Botswana, Bulgaria, Burkina Faso, Burundi, Cameroon, Vatican, Congo (Rep. of the), Côte d'Ivoire, Croatia, Denmark, Djibouti, Egypt, United Arab Emirates, Spain, Estonia, [Yugoslav Republic of Macedonia, Lebanon, Libya, Liechtenstein, Lithuania, Luxembourg, Malawi, Mali, Malta, Mo-rocco, Mauritius, Mauritania, Moldova, Monaco, Mozambique, Namibia, Niger, Nigeria, Norway, Oman, Uganda, the Netherlands, Poland, Portugal, Qatar, the Syrian Arab Republic, Slovakia, the Czech Republic, the United Kingdom, Rwanda, San Marino, Serbia, Sudan, South Africa, Sweden, Switzerland, Swaziland, Tanzania, Chad, Togo, Tunisia, Turkey, Ukraine, Zambia and Zimbabwe. 77 ‘A study of future spectrum requirements for terrestrial TV and mobile services and other radio applica-tions in the 470-790 MHz frequency band, including an evaluation of the options for sharing frequency use from a number of socioeconomic and frequency technology perspectives, particularly in the 694-790 MHz frequency sub-band‘ [182, Page 26] 78 This is also considered under terms ‘cultural and creative economy’ [182, Page 17], ‘Entertainment Sector’ [182, Page 17] and ‘professional event engineering and event production‘ [182, Page 17].

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be affected again. Until that time the newly bought equipment will not be depreciated. Furthermore, the study considers the interference situation for wireless audio production tools (PMSE): case of strong interference a live-event might be interrupted or cancelled: ‘interference with a single transmission path can result in the complete failure of the event’ [182, Page 21]. Because of this, frequency ranges close to LTE signals are not usable for wireless audio production tools (PMSE): ‘The ISM bands (Industrial, Scientific and Medi-cal), SRD bands (Short Range Devices) and also the duplex gaps between downlink and uplink in the mobile communications range are unsuitable in most cases due to the po-tential for interfering signals’) [182, Page 21].

The LTE duplex gap inside the 800 MHz and 1.8 GHz frequency band as well as the harmonized band from 863 to 865 MHz are harmonized for the usage of wireless audio production tools (PMSE). Because of possible interference, the usage of these bands by wireless audio production tools (PMSE) is limited by close operated LTE applications. A usage in the VHF frequency range as well is critical due to its high man-made noise level of the production environment (see chapter 3.1 Noise Floor). According to the study, al-ready 96 MHz are needed for the daily usage of wireless audio production tools (PMSE): ‘In large urban centres, it is entirely possible that more than 96 MHz of the spectrum may be required for PMSE systems on a daily basis’ [182, Page 22]. For major events the whole available UHF TV frequency range might be needed for the duration of the event, e.g. the Olympic Games. The study concludes, that a secondary frequency allocation ‘only makes sense if’ [182, Page 23]:

• the frequency usage of the primary service is predictable: ‘the primary usage can be foreseen’ [182, Page 23];

• there is still enough available frequency spectrum alongside the primary service: ‘sufficient spectrum remains for the secondary user’ [182, Page 23];

• the compatibility with the primary service is given, because an interference free operation of secondary service is possible: ‘to use the spectrum without interference’ [182, Page 23].

According to the study, this conditions are given between the Broadcast Service and wire-less audio production tools (PMSE): ‘a symbiotic relationship between PMSE and broad-casting is possible first, because broadcasting uses static frequency allocations and sec-ond, because a sufficient amount of available frequency always remains for secondary usage within broadcasting networks in any location‘ [182, Page 23], but not between the IMT application and wireless audio production tools (PMSE): ‘Frequency ranges that are actually used by mobile communications can no longer be used by PMSE systems‘ [182, Page 23].

13.3.1. Impact on Wireless Audio Production Tools in Germany

As a consequence of the DD2 in Germany, currently the 700 MHz frequency band (ex-cepting the LTE duplex gap) cannot be used by wireless audio production tools (PMSE) anymore, but financial compensation for affected users can be received since 2016. For further information on the financial compensations, see chapter ‘15 Considered and Im-plemented Alternatives and Solutions’. Users of wireless audio production tools (PMSE), who after DD1 had to move their frequency usage from the 800 MHz band to the 700 MHz band, have to move and invest again. Users, who after DD1 were changing to

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frequencies below the 700 MHz band, feel a higher spectrum density. All in all, in Ger-many up to 700 000 wireless microphones were affected of both Digital Dividends. [68]

The following table show the frequency ranges, which can be used for wireless audio production tools (PMSE) on a secondary basis in Germany. A licence is required. [68]

Notifiable frequency ranges From [MHz]

To [MHz]

470 608 614 703 733 823

Table 29: Frequency Ranges for Wireless Audio Production Tools in Germany [68]

13.3.2. Impact on Wireless Audio Production Tools in Austria

In Austria wireless audio production tools (PMSE) can be operated in the 700 MHz fre-quency band until 2020, because the operation of the Mobile Service will just start that year. Altogether, the users had a long time to adopt to the new changes in the frequency spectrum. As well, the lower UHF TV spectrum from 470 to 694 MHz should be available for broadcasting services until 2026 and until then can be further used by wireless audio production tools (PMSE). Additionally, the 700 MHz LTE duplex gap and the harmonised frequency band from 1785 to 1800 MHz were made available for wireless microphones. [68]

The statement, that wireless microphones can still be operated in the 700 MHz frequency band until 2020 also gets confirmed by the digital concept of the year 2017. It is noted, that allocations for Broadcast Services in the 700 MHz band will be available until June 2020. Conclusively, until that time wireless microphones can still be operated in that fre-quency range, because they are still secondary users to the Broadcast Service. [199]

The following table shows the frequency allocations in Austria according to the current national frequency allocation plan (Revision 2016):

Frequency Range Frequency Allocations Comments 470 – 694 MHz BROADCASTING

Mobile 5.296 Radiolocation (470-494 MHz) 5.291A Radio Astronomy (608 – 614 MHz) 5.149 5.306 5.311A 5.312

After DD1 and DD2 remaining UHF TV spectrum

694 – 790 MHz MOBILE except aeronautical mobile 5.316B 5.317A BROADCASTING (until 1 January 2020)

DD2 700 MHz frequency band

790 - 862 MHz MOBILE except aeronautical mobile 5.312A 5.317A 5.319

DD1 800 MHz frequency band

Table 30: National Frequency Allocations from 470 to 862 MHz in Austria (2016)

In the frequency allocation table, it can be seen that the Mobile Service is already allo-cated on a co-primary basis in the 700 and 800 MHz frequency band as a consequence

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of the DD1 and DD2. It can as well be seen, that the Broadcast Service still has a primary allocation in the 700 MHz frequency band until 2020. [200]

13.3.3. Impact on Wireless Audio Production Tools in France

In France wireless audio production tools (PMSE) can still be operated in the 700 MHz frequency band until the introduction of LTE. Consequently, the date, until when the 700 MHz band is still usable by wireless audio production tools (PMSE), depends on the region (see Figure 92). Furthermore, a law regulates the frequency usage from 470 to 694 MHz by the primary broadcasting service until the end of 2030. This as well secures the frequency usage by wireless audio production tools (PMSE) on a secondary basis. [68]

The national frequency regulator of France, the ‘Autorité de régulation des communications électroniques et des postes’ (arcep)79 already recognised, that wireless audio production tools (PMSE) are affected by the DD2 and defined conditions for the reallocation. The usage of wireless audio production tools (PMSE) in the 700 MHz fre-quency band can continue until the 1st of July 2019. Affected users are advised to buy new equipment, which can be operated outside of the 700 MHz frequency band. Affected users can apply for financial compensations. Furthermore, the arcep notes, that wireless audio production tools (PMSE) are essential for the daily professional audio-visual con-tent production of television, theatres and additional professional events. For major events a temporary license can be issued for the maximum duration of two month. [201] The following table shows liberated frequency bands for the license-exempt operation of wireless audio production tools (PMSE) in France:

Allowed frequency bands Relevant Arcep regulation

VHF Band 174-223 MHz

Decisions n° 2010-0849 and n° 2010-0850

UHF Band 470-694 MHz Decision n° 2015-0830

NB: the annex of this decision will be updated to clarify the transitional use within the band 694-790 MHz by PMSE

equipment until 1 July 2019. It will contain the list of cities and the associated dates of re-allocations beyond which the PMSE use will be restricted.

700 MHz Band 694-789 MHz

(until the 1st of July 2019) 800 MHz Duplex gap

823-832 MHz

1800 MHz Duplex gap

Table 31: Frequencies for Wireless Audio production Tools on a License Exempt Basis in France [201]

13.3.4. Impact on Wireless Audio Production Tools in the UK

In the United Kingdom (UK) wireless audio production tools (PMSE) also have to leave the 700 MHz frequency band on a long term. It was advised, that affected users should invest into new equipment until 2019. A study in the UK revealed an increase in the usage of wireless audio production tools (PMSE). Daily events can be realized easily in the

79 See also https://www.arcep.fr/index.php?id=9&L=1

https://www.arcep.fr/uploads/tx_gsavis/10-0849.pdf



https://www.arcep.fr/index.php?id=9&L=1

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remaining spectrum. A problem are major events. This are ten to twenty events per year. A coverage of the spectrum demand for those events in the UHF TV spectrum is critical. A suggested solution was the efficient usage of frequency spectrum by wireless audio production tools (PMSE), e.g. by a centralized frequency coordination or the usage of digital technologies. Those preventions will not be able to cover the peak requirements on spectrum for major events. As well in the UK the 800 MHz and 1.8 GHz LTE duplex gaps were opened for wireless audio production tools (PMSE). A further step was the opening of the frequency band from 960 to 1164 MHz, so far as the only European coun-try. [68] Further information on this band can be found in chapter ‘15 Considered and Implemented Alternatives and Solutions’.

As already stated above, the wireless audio production tools (PMSE) have to clear the 700 MHz frequency band in the UK. Therefore, the Ofcom UK published a consultation to integrate the users into the planning process of a transition for wireless audio produc-tion tools (PMSE). This plan includes on one hand financial compensations and on the other hand the opening of alternative frequency ranges, e.g. the so-called ‘guard band’ from 694 to 703 MHz. Further specifications on the usage of wireless audio equipment in the guard band are defined in the document ‘Spectrum for audio PMSE -Use of the 694 to 703 MHz band’ provided by the Ofcom UK80. The technical parameters for the opera-tion of wireless audio production tools (PMSE) are specified in a document, called ‘UK Interface Requirements 2038’81. [202]

According to the latest information of the Ofcom UK, the 700 MHz frequency band will not be available anymore for wireless audio production tools (PMSE) from the 01st of May 2020. To give a guideline for affected users of wireless audio production tools (PMSE), a so-called ‘Look-up tool’ was provided online [203]: https://pmse.ofcom.org.uk/Pmse/wire-less/public/microphone700.aspx

Additionally, it was decided, that financial calculation will be granted for affected users of wireless audio equipment. The corresponding public consultation is still ongoing. For fur-ther information, see https://www.ofcom.org.uk/consultations-and-statements/category-1/support-pmse-equipment-owners.

13.3.5. Impact on Wireless Audio Production Tools in Switzerland

In Switzerland, wireless microphones can still be used in the 700 MHz frequency band until the finalization of the DD2 at the end of 2018. It cannot be foreseen yet, how much spectrum will be available in the affected frequency band for wireless microphones, be-cause the harmonization in Europe is still ongoing. The OFCOM CH82 (national frequency regulation agency in Switzerland) advises users of wireless microphones to migrate to the UHF TV spectrum underneath 694 MHz. [191]

Later, frequency ranges for wireless microphones were identified based on the European harmonisations and the corresponding information inclusive technical parameters were

80 https://www.ofcom.org.uk/__data/assets/pdf_file/0027/107775/statement-spectrum-audio-pmse.pdf 81 https://www.ofcom.org.uk/__data/assets/pdf_file/0017/10781/ir2038.pdf 82 Federal Office of Communications, for further information see: https://www.bakom.ad-min.ch/bakom/en/homepage.html

https://pmse.ofcom.org.uk/Pmse/wireless/public/microphone700.aspx

https://pmse.ofcom.org.uk/Pmse/wireless/public/microphone700.aspx

https://www.ofcom.org.uk/consultations-and-statements/category-1/support-pmse-equipment-owners

https://www.ofcom.org.uk/consultations-and-statements/category-1/support-pmse-equipment-owners

https://www.ofcom.org.uk/__data/assets/pdf_file/0027/107775/statement-spectrum-audio-pmse.pdf

https://www.ofcom.org.uk/__data/assets/pdf_file/0017/10781/ir2038.pdf

https://www.bakom.admin.ch/bakom/en/homepage.html

https://www.bakom.admin.ch/bakom/en/homepage.html

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published on the website of the OFCOM CH. In the following frequency ranges a licence-free usage of wireless microphones is allowed:

Frequency Range

Maximum Transmission

Power

Technical Specifications Notes

31.4 - 39.6 MHz 100 mW ERP RIR1009-01 Usage just possible in the channels specified in RIR1009-01

174 - 223 MHz 50 mW ERP RIR1009-02

470 - 694 MHz 50 mW ERP RIR1009-10

694 - 733 MHz 50 mW ERP RIR1009-10 Usage just possible until 31.12.2018

738 - 786 MHz 50 mW ERP RIR1009-10 Usage just possible until 31.12.2018

477 - 694 MHz 250 mW ERP RIR1009-11 Usage just possible in the channels specified in RIR1009-11

701 - 726 MHz 250 mW ERP RIR1009-11 Usage just possible until 31.12.2018 Usage just possible in the channels specified in RIR1009-11

741 - 782 MHz 250 mW ERP RIR1009-11 Usage just possible until 31.12.2018 Usage just possible in the channels specified in RIR1009-11

823 - 826 MHz 20 mW EIRP (ca. 12 mW ERP)

RIR1009-18 100 mW EIRP (ca. 60 mW ERP) for body-worn wireless microphones


RIR1009-13

863 - 865 MHz 10 mW ERP RIR1009-05


RIR1009-09 50 mW EIRP (ca. 30 mW ERP) for body-worn wireless microphones or with integrated Scanning Procedure (SSP)

1800 - 1804.8 MHz 20 mW EIRP (ca. 12 mW ERP)

RIR1009-09 50 mW EIRP (ca. 30 mW ERP) for body-worn wireless microphones or with integrated Scanning Procedure (SSP)

Table 32: Frequencies for Wireless Audio Production Tools on a License Exempt Basis in Switzerland [204]

The usage of wireless microphones in frequency ranges, which are not listed in the table, is forbidden. In the beginning of next year (2019), together with the beginning of the prep-arations for the implementation of IMT in the 700 MHz frequency band, the usage will change again. After 2019, wireless microphones cannot be operated anymore from 694 to 823 MHz. The affected frequency ranges are marked red in the table. The tuning range of existing wireless audio equipment might include parts of the forbidden frequency ranges. In the manual of those devices, a visible note has to be made, stating that the equipment is limited in its usage and specific frequencies cannot be used anymore. This note is provided with a specific symbol. [205]

From this statement, it can already be concluded, that users of wireless microphones are negatively affected by the DD2. The OFCOM CH already warns in advance, that existing equipment will not be usable anymore or limited in its usage. The affected users just have a short time to adopt to the changes, because at first no statement about the alternative frequency ranges for wireless microphones was made. Just this year, a couple of months before the end of the usage in certain frequency ranges, further details were published.

From here on I would like to focus on three exemplary events, that have been studied.

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14. Major Events in Europe

In the following part I want to analyse the effect of the second Digital Dividend by the example of some major events, which are realized frequently in Europe.

14.1. German Regional Elections – Bremen, 2015

On the 10th of May 2015 the German Regional Elections of the city ‘Bremen’ were held. The city is located in the north of Germany. Regional Elections are a typical repetitive production scenario, where a lot of wireless audio links are needed. The elections were held after the first Digital Dividend (DD1), but still before the implementation of the second Digital Dividend (DD2). The DKE83 was making spectrum scans during the event and summarized their results in a report.84

All in all, 332 frequencies in UHF TV band were in use for wireless audio production tools (PMSE). The following graphic shows the spectrum occupation of the UHF TV band from 470 to 862 MHz:

Figure 93: Scan of the UHF TV Spectrum during the German Regional Elections 2015 in Bremen [206]

Note: due to the shielding of the building, the scanner cannot record the entire spectrum usage; signals from outside the building have a small amplitude.

The next graphic simplifies the scanned spectrum combined with some coordination data:

Figure 94: UHF TV Spectrum Occupation during the German Regional Elections in Bremen 2015 [206]

In the graphic above, the line ‘TV Channel’ numbers the UHF TV channels serially. The 800 MHz frequency band is marked red. This frequency range is allocated to the Mobile Service since the DD1. The green channel in the middle of the LTE band is the duplex gap, which still is allocated to wireless audio production tools (PMSE) on a secondary

83 Deutsche Norm Elektrotechnik Elektronik Informationstechnik, for further information see: https://www.dke.de/de 84 Full report can be downloaded here: https://apwpt.org/downloads/dke-wahl-in-bremen-2015.pdf

Usab le frequency segment fo r te rrestria l T V and PMSE: 470 - 862 MHz

470 MHz 790 MHz 862 MHz

Rad io Astronomy Channe l

blocked for other use

T V Channe l 21 22 23 24 25 26 27 28 29 30 31 32 33 34 35 36 37 38 39 40 41 42 43 44 45 46 47 48 49 50 51 52 53 54 55 56 57 58 59 60 61 62 63 64 65 66 67 68 69

T V Use T V T V T V T V T V T V T V 332

PMSE Use 18 2 25 6 3 9 6 4 0 21 7 4 7 7 26 6 25 6 6 12 10 3 4 6 2 5 22 6 9 7 6 2 1 7 0 4 0 8 3 9 0 1 4 2 10 1 0 0 0 PMSE

Occupancy types T T T +P T +P

Co Co Co Co Co Co Co Co

T: Talk-Back audio: com m unication only P: Audio PM SECo: co-channel operating, several PM SE could operate on the sam e frequency due to the local d istance

Spectrum use on the evening of the election to 'Bremer Bürgerschaft' on 10 May 2015

IMT - LT E

Dig ita l D iv idend I

IMT - LT E


https://www.dke.de/de

https://apwpt.org/downloads/dke-wahl-in-bremen-2015.pdf

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basis. Anyways, at the time of the elections, the 800 MHz frequency band could still be used for wireless microphones, because in Bremen the LTE service was not yet imple-mented. The blue marked channels were occupied by local TV transmissions and could not be used by wireless audio production tools (PMSE). In some channels a co-channel usage was possible, because due to the wall-attenuation of the building the TV signal was low enough to allow a co-channel usage between the terrestrial TV and the wireless audio production tools (PMSE). The yellow marked channel is reserved for the radio as-tronomy service and cannot be used for wireless audio production tools (PMSE). Green channels were locally free and therefore usable for wireless audio production tools (PMSE). In the graphic, the line ‘TV Use’ marks the locally occupied UHF TV channels. It can be seen, that this is confirm with the blue marked UHF TV channels in the line above. The line ‘PMSE Use’ shows the number of wireless audio production tools (PMSE), that were operated in each UHF TV channel. It can be seen, that in three of the locally occu-pied TV Channels a Co-Channel operation was possible. As well it can be seen, that the LTE duplex gap in the 800 MHz band was intensively in use: 10 wireless audio production tools (PMSE) were operated here. In comparison, in UHF TV channel 53 just one wireless audio production tool (PMSE) was allocated. It was noted in the report, that during the Regional Elections in Bremen transmitters for the news reporting were operated at a higher power level in order to reach broadcast stations outside of the building, and there-fore wider guard bands between two operating frequencies of wireless audio production tools (PMSE) had to be used85. I assume, that this is the reason, why in some UHF TV channels there were less wireless audio production tools (PMSE) operated than in others. The line ‘Occupation Type’ shows, which kind of wireless audio production tool (PMSE) was used in that UHF TV channel. ‘T’ stands for Talk-Back Systems, ‘P’ for audio PMSE and ‘Co’ indicated a Co-Channel operation of several PMSE in the same UHF TV chan-nel.

On a long term after the DD2, the 800 MHz (expect the LTE duplex gap) as well as the 700 MHz frequency band will not be available anymore for the transmission of terrestrial TV and wireless audio production tools (PMSE). Therefore, all TV stations operated in the TV spectrum from 694 to 862 MHz have to be allocated in the lower UHF TV range from 470 to 694 MHz. The graphic below shows the new arrangement of TV channels, which will be used for the new terrestrial TV transmission (blue channels):

Figure 95: UHF TV Spectrum Occupation after the DD2 [206]

85 ‘Da oft Reportage-Sender eingesetzt wurden, die mit einer höheren Leistung strahlen, um einen außer-halb des Gebäude stehenden Übertragungswagen oder das Funkhaus zu erreichen, müssen größere Schutzabstände eingesetzt werden’ (Translation: ‘Since report transmitters were often used, which radi-ate at a higher power level in order to reach an outside broadcast van or the broadcasting centre, larger guard bands must be used’) [206, Page 9].

470 MHz 694 MHz 862 MHz

Ra d io Astro no my Cha nne l

blocked for other use Fre e T V Cha nne l

T V Cha nne l 21 22 23 24 25 26 27 28 29 30 31 32 33 34 35 36 37 38 39 40 41 42 43 44 45 46 47 48 49 50 51 52 53 54 55 56 57 58 59 60 61 62 63 64 65 66 67 68 69

332

T V Use T V T V T V T V T V PMSE

PMSE Use 18 2 25 6 3 9 6 4 0 21 7 4 7 7 26 6 25 6 6 12 10 3 4 6 2 5 22 6 9 7 6 2 1 7 0 4 0 8 3 9 0 1 4 2 10 1 0 0 0

La nd Mo b ile Se rv ice

Simulcast phase: parallel operation of existing DVB-T and new DVB-T2

Dig ita l D iv id e nd II (fro m a b o ut 2018) Dig ita l D iv id e nd I

790 MHz

IMT / LT EIMT / LT EExp iring PMSE usa g e

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In Figure 95, the orange and red marked parts of the UHF TV spectrum belong to the DD1 and DD2 and will not be usable for wireless audio production tools (PMSE) and the terrestrial television on a long-term basis. As a consequence of this new frequency allo-cation, all wireless audio production tools (PMSE), which were operated in the frequency bands of the DD1 and DD2 as well as all wireless audio production tools (PMSE), which were operated in UHF TV channels underneath 694 MHz, which are after the DD2 occu-pied by DVB-T2 (blue channels), have to be refarmed. All in all, these are 101 links. Ac-cording to the DKE, this reallocation is not possible in an interference free arrangement. [206]

Another major event, which should be considered, are the Olympic Games, which were held in London in 2012. The Olympic Games are a famous sport event and are repeated every four years in another country around the world86. The spectrum demand is high due to the transmission in a lot of countries world-wide and the high amount of competitions going on at the same time.

14.2. Olympic Games 2012 – London UK

In the United Kingdom (UK), usually 10 000 to 12 000 technical assignments are made per year in the whole country. Just because of the Olympic Games in 2012, 17 000 addi-tional assignments had to be made. This was just possible due to a careful frequency planning over many years, starting in 2005. Already then, the Ofcom UK guaranteed ac-cess to spectrum for all relevant users. To cover this high demand of spectrum, frequency assignments for wireless audio production tools (PMSE) were made in frequency bands, which usually are not opened for this application. Normally, around 30 workers of the responsible administration (Ofcom UK) are dealing with upcoming interference problems. During the Olympic games four times that number of workers were working on that task. [207]

The first Digital Dividend (DD1) in the UK was already orientated on the Olympic Games: in order to secure the demanded access to frequency spectrum for wireless audio pro-duction tools (PMSE) at the Olympic Games in 2012, the frequencies of the 800 MHz frequency bands could just be made available for the Land Mobile Service after the event.

It can be concluded that the Olympic Games 2012 would not have been possible after the Digital Dividends, because even less spectrum is available for wireless audio produc-tion tools (PMSE). This conclusion can be drawn from the two facts, that

• to secure a content production in a high quality firstly, the frequencies of the DD1 could not be made available for the Mobile Services before the Olympic Games 2012;

• and additional frequencies, which usually are not allocated to wireless audio pro-duction tools (PMSE), had to be made available during the time period of the event.

Already before the new frequency allocation, when the whole UHF TV range was still available, a detailed frequency coordination over many years had to be made and addi-tional spectrum resources had to be found. After the two Digital Dividends even 168 MHz less spectrum is available for wireless audio production tools (PMSE). Several sources

86 For further information on the Olympic games, see: https://www.olympic.org/

https://www.olympic.org/

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are noting, that an event like Olympic Games, would not be possible anymore: ‘Nach einer weiteren Reduzierung des Spektrums für drahtlose Produktionsmittel wird es kein Großveranstaltungen mehr geben, da nicht ausreichend Spektrum für die Berichterstat-tung und Kommunikation zur Verfügung steht! Veranstaltungen wie Olympische Spiele wären betroffen’ (Translation: ‘After a further reduction of spectrum for wireless produc-tion tools there won’t be anymore big events, because there will not be enough spectrum available for the news reporting and communication! Events like the Olympic Games would be affected’) [67, Page 24].

A third major event, which is repeated on a yearly basis in Europe, is the so-called ‘Euro-vision Song Contest’ (ESC). In the year 2011, the ESC was held in Germany and the DKE was making spectrum scans in the event. The results were summarized in a report.87

14.3. Eurovision Song Contest 2011 – Düsseldorf, Germany

The ‘Eurovision Song Contest’ (ESC) 2011 was held in Düsseldorf, a city in the west of Germany. The scenario is similar to the German Regional Elections in Bremen, see chap-ter ‘14.1 German Regional Elections – Bremen, 2015’. The event was held after the DD1 but before the DD2. Also, in this region, after the full implementation of the DD2, there will be considerably less radio spectrum available for wireless audio production tools (PMSE), as during the event.

All frequency usages inside the 800 MHz and 700 MHz bands need to be moved below 694 MHz. TV stations as well as wireless audio production tools (PMSE) are affected by these new allocations. After the full implementation of the DD2, in the remaining UHF TV spectrum from 470 to 694 MHz, a total of 224 MHz bandwidth will available for the af-fected service (TV) and applications (e.g. PMSE) on a long-term basis. For the ERC 2011 the DKE report an overall spectrum demand of 241.8 MHz for wireless microphones and In-Ear Monitors (IEM), which were in use and local DVB-T stations including all necessary guard bands, is calculated. This is 17.8 MHz more than available in the remaining UHF TV spectrum (224 MHz). The left table shows the amount of used bandwidth for IEMs and microphones, the present DVB-T transmitters and all required guard bands. These values were used to calculate the required spectrum demand for the ESC 2011. [58]

Spectral components Bandwidth 30 IEM > 72 MHz 32 microphones 72 MHz IEM/microphone safety bands 45 MHz DVB-T transmitters 50,4 MHz DVB-T/ microphone safety bands 2,4 MHz

Total 241,8 MHz

Table 33:Spectrum Demand of the ESC 2011 [58]

Note: further references present similar information on the ESC 2011.

87 The full report can be downloaded here: https://apwpt.org/downloads/esc2011_20122011_eng-lish_framedoc.pdf

https://apwpt.org/downloads/esc2011_20122011_english_framedoc.pdf

https://apwpt.org/downloads/esc2011_20122011_english_framedoc.pdf

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After the evaluation of these examples in the last section, I now would like to examine: What solutions and alternatives were there for users of wireless audio production tools (PMSE) in Europe?

15. Considered and Implemented Alternatives and Solutions in Europe

As a consequence of the Digital Dividends (DD) in Europe solutions for affected wireless audio production tools (PMSE) have been studied and implemented, an on-going pro-cess. These solutions and alternatives might differ in the European countries. In the next sections I would like to present a brief summary of these.

15.1. Harmonised Frequency Bands

A very common solution in many European countries is to open alternative frequency bands for wireless audio production tools (PMSE). These might differ in the European countries. For example, so far, the United Kingdom (UK) is the only country, which opened the 900 MHz frequency band from 960 to 1164 MHz for wireless audio production tools (PMSE) (for further information on ongoing studies in the ‘Air Band’ in Europe, see section ‘15.2 The Air-Band Study’.

After the DD1 in Europe the LTE duplex gaps of the 800 MHz and 1.8 GHz LTE bands are harmonised for the usage of wireless audio production tools (PMSE). Note: the frequency usage of the 700 MHz LTE duplex gap by wireless audio production tools (PMSE) is still under discussion.

The following graphics show the LTE duplex gaps inside the 800 MHz, the 1.8 GHz and the 700 MHz frequency bands [208]:

Figure 96: LTE Duplex Gap of the 800 MHz Frequency Band [208]

Figure 97: LTE Duplex Gap of the 1.8 GHz Frequency Band [208]

Figure 98: LTE Duplex Gap of the 700 MHz Frequency Band [208]

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The ERC Recommendation (Rec.25-10) harmonizes frequency bands for SAP/SAB equipment in the member states of the CEPT. The following table gives an overview over the harmonised frequency ranges:

Type of link Frequency Range

Range code

Technical infor-mation

Background information

Radio microphones and In-ear monitors

29.7-47.0 MHz

A1 See ERC/REC 70-03 [5] Annex 10

Non-professional PMSE use. Legacy sys-tems still in use. No broadcast quality equipment available. Shared use. ETSI EN 300 422 [8]


174-216 MHz (Radio micro-phones)

A2 See ERC/REC 70-03 Annex 10

Shared use. EN 300 422



A3 See ERC/REC 70-03 Annex 10

Currently a core band for professional PMSE use. Changes to the band will limit its utility for PMSE. The extent of the im-pact is dependent on national decisions (see ECC/DEC (15)01 [7]). Shared use. EN 300 422



A4 CEPT Report 60 [6]

Currently a core band for professional PMSE use. Changes to the band will limit its utility for PMSE. The extent of the im-pact is dependent on national decisions (see ECC/DEC (15)01 [7]). Shared use. EN 300 422


823-832 MHz

A5

See ERC/REC 70-03 Annex 10 and EC Decision 2014/641/EU [9]

Risk of out of band emissions from adja-cent mobile services means there is lim-ited utility for broadcast quality audio Har-monised (within EU member states). EN 300 422


863-865 MHz

A6

See ERC/REC 70-03 Annex 10 and EC Decision 2013/752/EU [10].

Risk of out of band emissions from adja-cent mobile services and other short range devices means there is very limited utility for broadcast quality audio. Shared use. Note 1. EN 300 422 and EN 301 357 [11]


1350-1400 MHz

A7 See ECC Report 245 [20] and ERC/REC 70-03 Annex 10

Newly recommended tuning range in 2016. Shared use EN 300 422


1518-1525 MHz

A8 ECC Report 253 [19] and ERC/REC 70-03 Annex 10

Newly recommended tuning range in 2016. Shared use EN 300 422


1785-1805 MHz

A9

See ERC/REC 70-03 Annex 10 and EC Decision 2014/641/EU [9]

Harmonised (within EU member states). EN 300 422

Portable audio links, Mobile audio links and Temporary point-to-point audio links (Note 2), Talkback and Pro-duction communications (Note 3)

174-216 MHz (Audio links)

B1 ERC Report 42 [4] Shared use. EN 300 454 [13]

Portable audio links, Mobile audio links and Temporary point-to-point audio links (Note 2), Talkback and


B2 ERC Report 42 Shared use. EN 300 422 and EN 300 454

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Type of link Frequency Range

Range code

Technical infor-mation

Background information

production communications (Note 3)

Portable audio links, Mobile audio links and Temporary point-to-point audio links (Note 2), Talkback and pro-duction communications (Note 3)


B3 ERC Report 42; ERC Report 89 [12]

Changes to the band will limit its utility for PMSE. The extent of the impact is de-pendent on national decisions. Shared use. EN 300 422 and EN 300 454

Table 34: Harmonised Frequency Bands for SAB/SAP Equipment [169]

Note: the reference numbers in the table are referring to Rec 25-10.

In the recommendation, it is as well noted, that ‘The band 863-865 MHz is available for radio microphones, however due note should be taken that it is used also for non-profes-sional and consumer radio applications (cordless audio, etc.)’ [169, Page 6].

Note: Recommendation 70-03 harmonises frequency ranges for Short Range Devices (SRD), see https://www.ecodocdb.dk/download/25c41779-cd6e/Rec7003e%20May%202018.pdf

15.2. The Air-Band Study

At the moment, the introduction of wireless audio production tools (PMSE) into the fre-quency band from 960 to 1215 MHz, the so-called ‘Air-Band’, is under discussion in Eu-rope. Various services are allocated in this frequency band, as can be seen in the graphic below (Source: Navigation System Panel at WRC-07) [210]:

Figure 99: Frequency Allocations in the 900 MHz Air Band [210]

Note: a further description of the different technologies inside the Air-Band can be found in the presentation of Prof. Dr.-Ing. Georg Fischer [26] section ’4. Airband use?’: https://www.apwpt.org/downloads/eumw2017_wm01_gf_predic-tion_for_pmse_changed_c.pdf

The compatibility of these technologies with wireless audio equipment has to be tested, before a decision can be drawn. The discussions and tests are still ongoing. Various spectrum scans show, that the Air-Band ‘seems to be usable at certain times’ [211,

https://www.ecodocdb.dk/download/25c41779-cd6e/Rec7003e%20May%202018.pdf

https://www.ecodocdb.dk/download/25c41779-cd6e/Rec7003e%20May%202018.pdf

https://www.apwpt.org/downloads/eumw2017_wm01_gf_prediction_for_pmse_changed_c.pdf


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Page 28] and sometimes it ‘seems to be in intensive use’ [211, Page 30]. This can be seen in the following diagrams:

‘60 Minutes of “clean spectrum”’ [211, Page 27]

Figure 100: Sometimes the ‘Air-Band’ seems to be usable [211, Page 27]

Large parts of the observed frequency band are not in local use by wireless equipment.

‘60 Minutes of “used spectrum”’ [211, Page 29]

Figure 101: Sometimes the before empty Sections of the 'Air-Band' are in Use intensively [211, Page 22]

In Figure 100, some of the unused frequency ranges of Figure 101, are now occupied by wireless applications. These frequency ranges are marked in grey blocks in Figure 101.

The working group SE7 of the CEPT/ECC is mandated to work on this topic. Several meetings are held. Further information can be found on the SE7 webpage: https://www.cept.org/ecc/groups/ecc/wg-se/se-7/client/introduction/

Note: I was invited as an observer to the November meeting of the SE7 working group. The related mandate ‘SE07_28’ can be found here: https://eccwp.cept.org/de-fault.aspx?groupid=44

Note: In the United Kingdom (UK) there is already a practical implementation, because here the ‘Air-Band’ from 960 to 1164 MHz is already allocated for wireless audio produc-tion tools (PMSE).

https://www.cept.org/ecc/groups/ecc/wg-se/se-7/client/introduction/

https://eccwp.cept.org/default.aspx?groupid=44

https://eccwp.cept.org/default.aspx?groupid=44

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The technical use of frequencies is based on their financing.

A further solution, which is already being implemented in some European countries, are financial compensations users of wireless audio production tools (PMSE), who are af-fected by the DD2.

15.3. Financial Compensations

In some countries financial compensations for by the DDs affected users of wireless audio production tools (PMSE) were / are issued. The specifications depend strongly on the country. As well, financial compensations for the DD1 and DD2 might be different inside the same country. At this point, I would like to give one example of financial compensation after the DD2 in Germany:

Since 2016 in Germany financial compensations can be received by users of wireless audio production tools (PMSE), who are affected by the DD2. This is specified in the so-called ‘RL-UmstKoPMSE700’88, a guideline on the financial compensation of costs, which were caused by the DD2, for users of wireless audio production tools (PMSE). Owners of equipment with an operating frequency range inside the 700 MHz frequency band could apply for the financial compensation without prove of interferences. Users, who were op-erating their equipment in the frequency range between 470 and 698 MHz could apply for financial compensation in case of interference. In comparison to the users of the 700 MHz band, a proof that new devices had to be bought because of increased interferences, is requested. The minimum cost for the devices had to be 410 €89. Furthermore, just equip-ment, which was licensed before the 31st of December 2015 and bought between the 1st of January 2012 and the 31st of March 2015 will be compensated. In special cases a longer phase, between 1997 and 2015, will be accepted90. Just equipment for a profes-sional usage will be compensated, e.g. broadcasting or professional event productions, such as theatre plays or concerts of professional groups. Sometimes additional devices like antennas, cables and active amplifiers cannot be used anymore. For these devices a compensation could be requested as well. The height of the compensation depends strongly on a lot of factors, such when the interfered equipment was bought. The exact conditions on the financial compensation can be found in the official document of the German national frequency regulation Agency ‘BNetztA’91: http://www.bav.bund.de/SharedDocs/Downloads/DE/Ausgleichszahlungen/Richt-linie_PMSE.pdf?__blob=publicationFile&v=5

88 Bekanntmachung Richtlinie über die Gewährung von Billigkeitsleistungen für Ausgleichszahlungen an Nutzer drahtloser Produktionsmittel („PMSE“) für aus der Umwidmung der Frequenzen im Frequenzbe-reich 694 bis 790 MHz resultierende Umstellungskosten 89 ‘Eine Billigkeitsleistung wird nur gewährt für Anträge ab einem Anschaffungswert von 410 Euro’ (Translation: ‘A financial compensation is only granted for applications with an purchase value of 410 Euro’) [213, Page 2]. 90 (2) Ausgleichszahlungen werden nur gewährt für Funkanlagen oder einzelne Anlagenteile, die a) in Fäl-len der Bemessung nach §3 nachweislich zwischen dem 1. Januar 2012 und dem 31. März 2015 oder b) in Fällen der Bemessung nach §4 nachweislich zwischen dem 1. Januar 1997 und dem 31. März 2015 angeschafft worden sind’ (Translation: ‘(2) Compensation payments shall only be granted for radio equip-ment or individual components of such equipment which have been purchased a) in accordance with §3 between 1 January 2012 and 31 March 2015 or b) in accordance with §4 between 1 January 1997 and 31 March 2015’) [213, Page 2]. 91 Bundesnetzagentur, Document just available in German.

http://www.bav.bund.de/SharedDocs/Downloads/DE/Ausgleichszahlungen/Richtlinie_PMSE.pdf?__blob=publicationFile&v=5


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Note: in the UK financial compensation for affected users of wireless audio production tools (PMSE), who are affected by the DD2, will be granted as well, but the process is still ongoing.

Part D: Comparisons and Conclusions

In this section the results of the analysis of the Digital Dividends and its impact on the use of wireless audio production tools (PMSE) in Latin-America and Europe will be compared and a conclusion will be provided based on the results of this thesis.

16. Comparison: Digital Dividends and its impact on the Use of Wireless Audio Production Tools in Latin-America and Europe

To conclude my thesis, I would like to analyse the differences and similarities between the consequences of the Digital Dividends (DDs) for wireless audio production tools (PMSE) in Latin-America and Europe. Therefore, I would like to point out and compare some aspects, which were explained further in ‘Part B: Impact of the Digital Dividends on the Use of Frequencies by Wireless Audio Production Tools in Latin-America’ and ‘Part C: Impact of the Digital Dividends on the Use of Frequencies by Wireless Audio Produc-tion Tools in Europe’ of this thesis.

16.1. Realization of the Digital Dividends in Latin-America and Europe

Comparison:

In both regions there has been Digital Dividend(s) (DD). Whilst all European countries have had two Digital Dividends, in some Latin-American countries, there is just one and in others two DDs.

Further Explanation:

First of all, the initial situation is similar in both continents: the terrestrial television was switched from analogue to digital (‘Digital Switch-Over’). While in Europe the GE06 agree-ment harmonises DVB-T, and now as well the DVB-T2, as the only digital TV standards, in Latin-America various digital transmission standards are in use, e.g. ISDB-Tb, DVB-T and ATSC. The transition from analogue to digital TV on both continents happened mostly region after region.

Another difference regarding the terrestrial TV is the channel grid (in the countries re-searched by me):

• European UHF TV channels have a bandwidth of 8 MHz, • Latin-American UHF TV channels just 6 MHz.

In both regions, as a consequence of the transition from analogue to digital terrestrial television, certain frequency ranges were cleared and allocated on a primary basis to the Land Mobile Service with the identification for the application IMT. Mostly the reallocated frequency ranges were auctioned to mobile phone companies, who are now providing LTE in these frequency ranges. Anyways, the exact realization differs within each country.

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16.1.1. The First Digital Dividend

Comparison:

The first Digital Dividend (DD1) refers to

• The 700 MHz frequency band in Latin-America 698 to 806 MHz

• The 800 MHz frequency band in Europe 790 to 862 MHz

From the countries, conducted in this thesis, the DD1 has been realized in

• Latin-America: Brazil, Argentina and Mexico • Europe: Austria, France, Germany, Italy, Switzerland, UK


As far as I am concerned, the starting point for the first Digital Dividend (DD1) was set at the WRC in 2007; in Europe the 800 MHz frequency band and in Latin-America the 700 MHz frequency band were re-allocated on a primary basis to the Land Mobile Ser-vice. The DD1 is mostly finalized in Europe, but still ongoing in most Latin-American coun-tries. The realization of the DD1 in Latin-America is mostly behind European countries and the USA [63]. I suspect, that more time is needed for the regional transition from analogue to digital TV, the regional clearance of the 700 MHz frequency band and the regional implementation of the LTE technology due to the larger size of Latin-American countries.

Note: in comparison to Europe, in Latin-America the 800 MHz frequency band above 806 MHz was already allocated to the Mobile Service before the DD1.

16.1.2. The Second Digital Dividend

Comparison:

The second Digital Dividend (DD2) refers to

• The 600 MHz frequency band in Latin-America 614 to 698 MHz

• The 700 MHz frequency band in Europe 694 to 790 MHz

From the countries, conducted in this thesis, the DD2 has been realized in

• Latin-America: Argentina and Mexico The DD2 is still an ongoing process.

• Europe: Austria, France, Germany, Italy, Switzerland, UK In some countries, e.g. Germany, the DD2 already is finalized, while in other coun-tries it is an ongoing process.


In my observation, the second Digital Dividend (DD2) for Europe was decided by WRC-12: it was decided, that on the WRC-15 the 700 MHz frequency band in ITU-

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Region 1 will be allocated to the Land Mobile Service on a co-primary basis. As a conse-quence, the digital terrestrial television standard in Europe was changed to DVB-T2. Again, the transition from DVB-T to DVB-T2 was realized regionally in most countries. An exception is France, where the Switch-Over happened in one night. The process of the national implementation of the DD2 is still ongoing in most European countries.

In comparison, in Latin-America the DD1 is still ongoing. Even though, some countries are already planning and / or preparing a DD2. In comparison to Europe, in Latin-America the DD2 refers to the 600 MHz frequency band from 614 to 698 MHz. Anyways, the 600 MHz frequency band has not been reallocated to the Land Mobile Service for ITU-Re-gion 2 by the WRC yet. At the latest ‘Annual Latin-American Spectrum Management Con-ferences’ this has been discussed as an input for the WRC-19.

I wonder if WRC-19 will go for a second DD in the ITU-Region 2.

16.2. Use of Wireless Audio Production Tools (PMSE)

After showing the differences and similarities of the realization of the DDs in Latin-Amer-ica and Europe, now I would like to go over to the differences and similarities in the fre-quency usage by wireless audio production tools (PMSE).

16.2.1. Frequency Ranges for Wireless Audio Production Tools

Comparison:

In my observation, Latin-America and Europe have frequency bands, which are used by wireless audio production tools (PMSE), in common:

• VHF and UHF TV spectrum e.g. wireless microphones and IEM;

• Frequencies below 470 MHz e.g. Team Communication, Talk-Back Systems;

• 2.4 GHz WIFI band e.g. several wireless audio production tools (PMSE)

Additional frequency ranges for wireless audio production tools (PMSE) in Europe are:

• LTE duplex gaps of the 800 MHz frequency band EC Harmonisation for all member states

• LTE duplex gaps of the 1.8 GHz frequency band EC Harmonisation for all member states

• LTE duplex gaps of the 700 MHz frequency band EC Harmonisation for all member states

• 900 MHz frequency band (‘Air-Band’) Already implemented in the UK Harmonisation for Europe is still under discussion

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There are as well additional frequency ranges for wireless audio production tools (PMSE) in Latin-America are, but there does not exist a harmonisation:

• some frequency bands around 900 MHz; • 1.9 GHz frequency band; • 5.8 GHz frequency band; • 5 GHz frequency band.

Note: in both region the exact frequency ranges for wireless audio production tools (PMSE) differ within the countries.

Further Information:

Even though I did not find details on the exact frequency bands for wireless audio pro-duction tools (PMSE) in Argentina and Mexico, it seems to me that generally in Latin-America parts of the VHF and UHF TV spectrum are available for the operation of wireless audio production tools (PMSE). This is the same in Europe. The exact frequency ranges inside the VHF and UHF TV spectrum might differ regionally. In Europe, depending on the status of the DD2, the UHF TV spectrum up to 694 or 790 MHz is available for wireless audio production tools (PMSE). In Latin-America, as well depending on the status of the DD1 and the DD2, the UHF TV spectrum up to 806, 698 or 614 MHz is available. Addi-tionally, on both continents, the 2.4 GHz WIFI band can be used on a license exempt basis. The further frequency bands differ on both continents. For example, in Brazil further frequency ranges are the ISM bands around 900 MHz, the 1.9 GHz DECT band, the 5 GHz and the 5.8 GHz bands. For Europe, it was relatively easy to find further infor-mation on frequency bands for wireless audio production tools (PMSE). Basically, in ad-dition to the VHF and UHF TV spectrum, the 800 MHz and 1,8 GHz LTE duplex gaps are available. Further frequency ranges depend on the country. For example, in the UK as well the 900 MHz air band was opened for wireless microphones. Some other frequency bands are under discussion.

Further details on frequency ranges for wireless microphones (Rev. June 2018, 26 coun-tries) can be found here: https://www.apwpt.org/downloads/handoutfrequencies2018.pdf

16.2.2. Licensing of Wireless Audio Production Tools (PMSE)

Comparison:

The licensing of wireless audio production tools (PMSE) is handled differently on both continents. In both continents, the licensing differs from country to country, because the licensing is subject to the national regulation.


In my observation, in Europe frequency bands, which can be used on a licence exempt basis and frequency bands, where a license is needed, exist. To get a license, usually a request has to be sent to the relevant administration and the defined fees have to be paid. The details of the licensing differ from country to country.

In comparison, it seems to me that in Latin-America usually a so-called ‘homologation’ is needed. Homologated devices can be used without further licenses in all identified fre-quency bands. The exact procedure and types of homologation differ from country to

https://www.apwpt.org/downloads/handoutfrequencies2018.pdf

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country. In general, the equipment has to be sent to a special laboratory, where it is tested. Just devices, which passed the tests can be used legally in the country. However, there might exist additional licenses, which allow a usage of radio equipment without a homologation, e.g. in Brazil the ‘temporary license’.

Note: in Europe the access to the market is also regulated, e.g. by CE-marking.

16.3. Impact of the DDs on the Use of Wireless Audio Production Tools

Comparison:

The impact of the DDs on the frequency usage by wireless audio production tools (PMSE) is the same in both regions:

• Less available UHF TV spectrum for the operation of wireless audio production tools (PMSE)

• Increasing density of the remaining spectrum • Investments, e.g. in new equipment • Difficulties in realization of events, e.g. major events

Further explanation:

Obviously, the frequency ranges of the Digital Dividends, in Europe the 800 and 700 MHz frequency bands and in Latin-America the 700 and 600 MHz frequency band, are no longer available for the usage of wireless audio production tools (PMSE), as soon as the LTE technology is fully implemented.

16.3.1. Survey Results

I have been conducting similar surveys in Germany (Europe) and Brazil (Latin-America) during the work of my bachelor- and master thesis. The results were already presented more detailed in the chapter ‘8.2.3 Survey: ‘The use of frequencies by wireless Audio-Equipment in Brazil during the process of the Digital Dividend’’ and for Europe in chapter ‘12.3 Impact of the DD1 on the Use of Wireless Audio Production Tools’. The surveys analysed:

• How did the frequency usage of wireless audio production tools (PMSE) changed as a result of the Digital Dividends (DDs)?

• How do the DDs affect professionals, who are working with this equipment in their every-day work?

16.3.1.1. Changed Frequency Usage

Comparison:

Overall, the surveys of both regions showed, that before the DD1 the upper portion of the UHF TV spectrum (Germany the 800 MHz frequency band, Brazil the 700 MHz frequency band) was highly used by wireless audio production tools (PMSE).

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The results show for both regions, a changed frequency usage, mainly to the lower UHF TV spectrum, as a consequence of the DD1. In both regions the users of wireless pro-duction tools (PMSE) as well changed to some alternative frequency ranges, e.g. in both countries the 2.4 GHz WIFI band.

16.3.1.2. Costs and Efforts for affected Users

Comparison:

My European survey shows, that in Germany there has been a high effort for affected users, e.g.:

• Request of new licenses; • Investment in new equipment; • Applications for financial compensations.

Further, high costs were reported, e.g. for

• new equipment; • new licenses.

In comparison, a lot of Brazilian participants noted investments in new equipment, but no amount of expenses was reported.

Note: in regions with a DD2, affected users, who after the DD1 changed to frequency ranges of the DD1, might have to face the costs and efforts a second time.

16.3.1.3. Changed Interference Scenario

Comparison:

According to the survey-results, after the DD1 the interference scenario differs in both regions.


In Germany the majority of the participants reported increased, but controllable interfer-ences due to precautions, e.g. change of the transmission frequency.

In Brazil, the majority of the participants) reported no increase of interferences. I assume, that these differences between the interference scenario in Germany and Brazil relate to the status of the DD1 at the time of the survey.

When I conducted the survey in Germany, the DD1 was already finalized. In comparison, in Brazil, the DD1 was still ongoing during the period of the survey. In some regions, LTE was already implemented in the 700 MHz band, in other regions the 700 MHz band was already cleared, but the LTE not yet implemented, and, in some regions, the 700 MHz band still was not cleared yet. I assume, that because of these ongoing changes the responses from the Brazilian organisations depend strongly on the status of the DD1 in their region.

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Interesting to me is the reported limitation of productions in both countries. Even though in Germany more participants reported increased interferences, not even 3 % of all par-ticipants reported a limitation of production due to increased interference. In comparison, 24 % of all participants in Brazil reported a limitation of production due to increased inter-ferences, also if in general less interferences were reported than in Germany. The follow-ing graphic shows the answers to the related question in comparison:

Germany Brazil

Figure 102: Reported Increase of Interferences after the DD1 in Germany (left) [2] and Brazil (right) [3]

Answer-Option of the colours:

• Red: Interference did not increase. • Dark Orange: Increase of interference, but still controllable because we could

switch to other channels. • Bright Orange: Increase of Interference created serious problems, we had a limi-

tation of productions. • Yellow: Others.

In both countries it was reported, that the interferences were mainly produced by mobile phones and neighbouring events.

In case of an interference, in both countries, the majority of the users changes the trans-mission frequency. Another reported solution in both countries is to change the antenna or its position. Interesting is, that in Brazil about a third of all participating organisations informs the relevant administration (in Brazil the Anatel), while in Germany just a minority of 10 % informs the relevant administration (BNetzA).

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16.3.2. Frequency Coordination of Major Events

Comparison:

In this thesis I analysed some major events in both regions:

• Latin-America: Soccer Game, João Rock Festival, Carnival in Rio, VIVE LATINO Festival;

• Europe: German Regional Elections, Olympic Games, Eurovision Song Contest; • In both regions: Formula 1 in Brazil and Italy

For further information see the following chapters:

• ‘8.2.5 Major Events in Brazil’; • ‘10.5.2 Practical Example: Music Festival ‘Vive Latino’; • ‘14 Major Events in Europe’; • ‘17 Comparison of the Frequency Coordination at the Formula 1 Races in Brazil

and Italy’.

Generally, major events take place both regions, e.g.:

• Music Events, e.g. Music Festivals; • Political Events, e.g. Elections; • Sport Events, e.g. Sport Competitions; • Cultural Events, e.g. Carnival.


How the frequency coordination is realised at major events in Latin-America in compari-son to Europe?

My first observation while reading the results of all in this thesis analysed events, I rec-ognised, that in Latin-America as well as in Europe, a careful frequency coordination ahead of the event is required to avoid interferences.

The exact realization frequency coordination will probably differ from event to event. Sim-plified the frequency coordination for major events seems to me similar in Latin-America and Europe. For example, at the Formula 1 races in Italy and Brazil, all frequency re-quests for the event have to be send to the frequency coordinator, who prepares a fre-quency coordination table. Therefore, certain tools and methods are used, e.g.

• Spectrum scans are realized before the event to identify free spaces in the spec-trum.

• Usually a software is used to find an intermodulation free frequency arrangement. • Eventually other online tools, such as databases, are used for further support. • The national frequency regulation administration is involved.

In both regions, sometimes spectrum scans are taken in parallel to the event. Various graphics presented in this thesis show the spectrum occupation during different events in Europe and Latin-America. It can be seen in all graphics, that the UHF TV spectrum is rather dense. The following table shows four different graphics, which show the spectrum occupation of events in Europe and Latin-America:

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Europe Latin-America

German Regional Elections

Number of coordinated frequencies for wireless mi-

crophones and IEM per UHF TV channel Page 140

Soccer Game

Spectrum scan at a soccer game (before DD1)

Page 76 ESC 2011

Total Required Bandwidth for all wireless micro-phones, IEM and TV stations, incl. guard bands

Page 143

Joao Rock

Frequency allocations for the four stages of the

Joao Rock Festival (after the DD1) Page 86

Table 35: Spectrum Occupation at different Events in Europe and Latin-America in Comparison

Note: a short explanation is given underneath each graphic, for more information, please check the corresponding page.

It can be concluded from the analysed events, that in Europe as well as in Latin-America, as a consequence of the DD(s), the lower UHF TV spectrum is denser. The reason are the TV channels, which are refarmed from the upper frequency bands to the remaining UHF TV spectrum and the changes of the frequency usage by wireless audio production tools (PMSE) to the lower UHF TV spectrum. Conclusively, fewer free spaces in the re-maining UHF TV spectrum is available for wireless audio production tools (PMSE). I as-sume, that because of this, a more careful frequency coordination is necessary. This as-sumption was confirmed by several frequency coordinators [69] [94].

16.3.3. Solutions for Wireless Audio Production Tools (PMSE)

Comparison:

In my observation, after the DDs in Europe, several solutions for affected users of wireless audio production tools (PMSE) were implemented, e.g.:

• Harmonisation of alternative frequency ranges; • Financial compensations; • Adjustment of affected equipment.

Note: the national implementation of these solutions might differ.

In comparison, in Latin-America, I could not find helpful information on this topic.

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16.3.3.1. Access to Public Information about Wireless Audio Production Tools and the DDs

Comparison:

For me, access to information on wireless audio production tools (PMSE) in Europe was easier than in Latin-America.


It seems to me, that in Europe various information concerning wireless audio production tools (PMSE) are available publicly, e.g. regarding

• frequency bands for wireless audio production tools (PMSE); • the related licenses; • the ongoing changes because of the DDs.

As mentioned above, in Latin-America, it was relatively difficult do find comparable infor-mation in the conducted countries, especially for Argentina and Mexico but for Brazil I found the most assignable information.

In Latin-America and Europe there are information on the Digital Dividend(s) (DD) and how the DDs affect the frequency usage of wireless microphones, available in the inter-net, e.g. manufacturers and other organisations inform on their webpages.

Further, in both region information are provided on conferences:

• Latin-America

In Brazil information on the ongoing and future changes in the UHF TV spectrum after the DD were presented at conferences e.g. ‘AES Brasil EXPO 2018’. See http://www.aesbrasilexpo.com.br/

• Europe

On various conferences information are provided in presentations and exhibition stands e.g. IBC 2018 see https://www.apwpt.org/history/netherlands/2018/index.html

As well, in both regions interviews of professionals were held and published:

• Latin-America

e.g. Interview with Shure, published on YouTube on other webpages See https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=2QSGYpbM4Uo

• Europe

e.g. Interview with APWPT, published in a magazine and different webpages See https://apwpt.org/downloads/vdtmagazin_01_2013_dd_einupdate_kw.pdf

In Europe, additionally it is reported in various magazines for professional users of wire-less audio production tools (PMSE), e.g. in the ‘VPLT Magazine’ and the ‘Bühnentech-nische Rundschau’. I am not aware of comparable articles in Latin-American magazines.

http://www.aesbrasilexpo.com.br/

https://www.apwpt.org/history/netherlands/2018/index.html

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=2QSGYpbM4Uo

https://apwpt.org/downloads/vdtmagazin_01_2013_dd_einupdate_kw.pdf

159

Further, Europe participates actively in international working groups, e.g. ITU-R SG5 - WP5C and ITU-R SG6 - WP6A, which are among other topics considering frequency ranges for wireless microphones, and attending international conferences regarding the frequency regulation, e.g. the World Radio Conference, to represent the interests of pro-fessional users. I am not aware of a similar participation from Latin-American represent-atives.

In Latin-America, a meeting of professionals was held: in Brazil the national association Anafima and some manufacturers attended a meeting with the administration Anatel to discuss the future of wireless microphones, see http://www.anafima.com.br/site/micro-fones-sem-fio-fabricantes-nacionais-e-estrangeiros-se-reunem-com-superintendencia-da-anatel-em-brasilia/

Additionally, in Brazil Web-Seminars held, e.g. the manufacturer Shure informed in the Web-Seminar on the 09th of March 2018 about the Switch-Off of the analogue TV chan-nels and the changes in the spectrum.

16.3.3.2. Spectrum Compensations

Spectrum Compensation for the Spectrum Loss of the DDs

Comparison:

After the DDs, in Europe, new frequency ranges were agreed for wireless audio produc-tion tools (PMSE). I am not aware of a similar development in Latin-America.


In Europe, as a consequence of DD1, new frequency ranges, which were not available for the operation of wireless audio production tools (PMSE) before the DD, were agreed as a compensation for the loss of the 800 MHz frequency range. These were mainly the CEPT studies and the EC harmonisation of the LTE duplex gaps in the 800 MHz and 1.8 GHz frequency bands. At the moment, there are ongoing studies with the objective to harmonise further frequency ranges, e.g. the frequency band from 960 to 1164 MHz, see chapter Air Band Study.

Note: in addition to Europe-wide harmonisation, the national implementation of new fre-quency bands for wireless audio production tools (PMSE) varies from country to country.

As far as I am concerned, in Latin-America no studied country allocated alternative fre-quency ranges to wireless audio production tools (PMSE) as a compensation for the losses of the DDs and I could not identify compatibility studies. I wonder, if in Latin-Amer-ica, similar to Europe, a usage of various LTE duplex gaps in the IMT bands by wireless audio production tools (PMSE) would be possible, see Figure 50, Figure 79, Figure 86, Figure 96, Figure 97 and Figure 98.

16.3.3.3. Financial Compensations

Comparison:

In some European countries financial compensations were implemented to users of wire-less audio production tools (PMSE), who were affected by the DDs. In Latin-America I could not find any information on financial compensations.




160


These results are conforming with the results of my surveys, which were presented above.

16.3.3.4. Market Return or Tuning Range Adjustment

Market Return or Tuning Range Adjustment of affected Devices

Comparison:

In my observation, in Europe, some equipment could be sent to sales offices or manufac-turers in to exchange it or to adjust the tuning range.

So far, I know, this is not possible in Latin-America.


In Europe, devices, which were affected by the Digital Dividends, could be exchanged in the sales offices (of the manufacturers), see https://www.shure.de/damfiles/default/sup-port/frequencies/de-de/ulx-d-trade-in/teilnahmebedingungen_shure_ulxd_trade_in_ak-tion_2016.pdf-e34e0cd0f48c8e749c8044393024a0b5.pdf.

Additionally, some manufacturers offered to adjust the tuning range of affected devices, see https://de-ch.sennheiser.com/ddready.

In comparison, in Latin-America stores are not obligated to take back equipment, which is limited in its use after the DD. Additionally, it was noted, that an adjustment of the tuning range is too expensive and because of this not possible: ‘Posso mandar o meu sistema sem fio Shure para a assitência técnica ou mesmo para a fábrica para que troquem a frequência? - Não. A troca da frequência requer a troca de centenas de componentes eletrônicos específicos e também uma reprogramação completa e ajustes. Isto custa muito caro – mesmo se fosse possível’ (Translation: ‘Can I send my wireless system of Shure to the technical assistance or to the fabric to change the frequency? – No. The change of the frequency requires to change hundreds of specific electrical components and as well a complete re-programming and adjustment. This is very expensive – even if it is possible.’) [1].

In comparison, in Europe some manufacturer offered to adjust the tuning range of af-fected devices.

16.3.3.5. Online Databases and Tools for Frequency Coordination

Comparison:

In Europa, in some countries online databases or similar online tools were developed, to facilitate the frequency coordination of events, e.g.

• PMSE-DB in Switzerland See https://www.pmse-db.ch/

• ‘Frequenzbuch’ in Austria See https://www.rtr.at/de/m/FrequenzbuchMUXVGebiet

I am unaware of similar solutions in Latin-America.

https://www.shure.de/damfiles/default/support/frequencies/de-de/ulx-d-trade-in/teilnahmebedingungen_shure_ulxd_trade_in_aktion_2016.pdf-e34e0cd0f48c8e749c8044393024a0b5.pdf



https://de-ch.sennheiser.com/ddready

https://www.pmse-db.ch/

https://www.rtr.at/de/m/FrequenzbuchMUXVGebiet

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In Europe, organizations in some countries developed online solutions for the frequency coordination. For example, in Austria the available frequencies for wireless audio produc-tion tools (PMSE) were published online and in Switzerland an online database, where the frequency coordination for each event can be realized online, was developed, the so-called ‘PMSE-DB’. This is a user-database. On the other hand, in the UK there is an administration-database, which is operated by the Ofcom UK.

Taking into consideration the necessary frequency coordination for major events, which I already examined earlier this section, to me these online databases seem to be a good tool to facilitate the frequency coordination.

I am not aware of similar solutions in Latin-America. From my experience, various online tools are used for the frequency coordination [91]. In Brazil a database of the frequency regulation administration Anatel, which can be used to identify locally free frequencies, also exist [69]. Anyways, I am not familiar with the details of these databases and fre-quency coordination tools.

16.4. Cross-Border Frequency Harmonization

Comparison:

In my observation, there are significant differences between the cross-border coordina-tion frequency harmonisations in Latin-America and Europe.

For further information, see sections ‘10.4 Cross-Border Frequency Coordination’ and ‘15.1 Harmonised Frequency Bands’.


In Europe I am aware of two cross-border frequency harmonisations for wireless audio production tools (PMSE):

• LTE duplex gap in the 800 MHz frequency band. • LTE duplex gap in the 1.8 GHz frequency band.

Additional frequency ranges are currently under discussion, see

https://www.cept.org/ecc/topics/major-topics/programme-making-and-special-events-ap-plications-pmse/

I am not aware of similar cross-border frequency coordination harmonisations for wireless audio production tools (PMSE) in Latin-America.

Based on the results of my research, it seems to me that there are more agreements/de-cisions for harmonisations of the frequency usage in Europe than in Latin-America.

It seems to me, that this is possible due to the CEPT, which harmonises e.g. frequency ranges for certain services and applications for all member states. It seems to me, that the CEPT acts on a continental basis, between the ITU on a worldwide level and the national frequency regulators. It seems to me, that the harmonisations and standardiza-tions of the CEPT facilitate the cross-border frequency coordination within Europe by, for example:

https://www.cept.org/ecc/topics/major-topics/programme-making-and-special-events-applications-pmse/

https://www.cept.org/ecc/topics/major-topics/programme-making-and-special-events-applications-pmse/

162

• Deciding for one digital TV standard in whole Europe. • Defining transition periods and deadlines for the ‘Digital Switch-Over’, the imple-

mentation of the IMT technology and the refarming of the DD-bands within Europe. • Providing additional frequency ranges for wireless audio production tools (PMSE)

in Europe.

In Latin-America, as far as I know, there are no transnational frequency harmonisations, e.g. for the usage of wireless audio production tools (PMSE), like in Europe. I assume, this is because an organisation for frequency harmonisation and standardization on a continental basis, like the CEPT in Europe, does not exist in Latin-America.

There exist some organisations in Latin-America, e.g. the Inter-American Telecommuni-cation Commission (CITEL)92, which has as an objective the ‘development of telecommu-nications and information and communication technologies’ [214]. Anyways, it seems to me, that these organisations are rather focused on the telecommunication services / ap-plications, such as IMT. This can as well be seen in the table in Annex ‘A.5 Overview Over the last ‘Annual Latin-American Spectrum Management Conferences’’, which lists the program of the ‘Annual Latin-American Spectrum Meeting’. The program of the con-ference seems to focus solely on the implementation of the Land Mobile Service into the UHF TV spectrum, but other existing primary and secondary users (Broadcast and wire-less audio production tools (PMSE)) are not listed. Anyhow, certain neighbouring coun-tries in Latin-America have cross-border agreements for primary services that affect the frequency usage by wireless audio production tools (PMSE), e.g.

• Argentina and Brazil; • Mexico and the USA.

These agreements regulate certain frequency usages in the border region, e.g. the fre-quency usage of the 700 MHz band after the DD1.

However, not all neighbouring countries have cross-border regulations, there is no cross-border frequency coordination between e.g.

• Mexico and Belize; • Mexico and Guatemala.

17. Comparison of the Frequency Coordination at the Formula 1 Races in Brazil and Italy

Formula 1 (F1) is the ’richest, most intense, most difficult, most political and most inter-national racing championship in the world’ [215]. It is a single-seater car race. 21 races are carried out worldwide to define a world champion. The event is widely reported on the media worldwide. Therefore, a lot of broadcasters are present at the event. [215]

In this chapter, I would like to compare the event and content production of F1 in Latin-America and Europe by the examples of Brazil and Italy.

92 https://www.citel.oas.org/en/Pages/default.aspx

https://www.citel.oas.org/en/Pages/default.aspx

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The first diagram shows the total number of coordinated frequencies from 2010 to 2017 in Latin-America (green) and Europe (blue) at the corresponding F1 races. This includes all wireless production tools, such as wireless microphones, IEM, Talk-Back Systems, wireless cameras and much more.

Figure 103: Total Number of Coordinated Frequencies at F1 in Comparison [216] [217]

The trendlines show (polynome of 3rd order), that in average the numbers of coordinated frequencies at the F1 race was rising during the observed period in both countries. It would be interesting to see, how this trend will develop in the next years. In Brazil the number of coordinated frequencies always depends on the number of broadcasters at the event [69]. 2010 there were only ten broadcasters. This number increased until 2014 and then started to decrease again. This development is as well shown in the following diagram (linear trendlines) [216] [217]:

Figure 104: Total Number of Broadcasters present at F1 in Comparison [217] [218]

211

327353

377

582 596

545 547544

478

543

616596

568594

644

0

100

200

300

400

500

600

700

2010 2011 2012 2013 2014 2015 2016 2017

Total Number of Coordinated Frequencies

Latin America - Brazil Europe - Italy

Poly. (Latin America - Brazil) Poly. (Europe - Italy)

1011

14

16

18

20

17

14

19

24

26

0

5

10

15

20

25

30

2010 2011 2012 2013 2014 2015 2016 2017

Total Number of Broadcasters

Latin America - Brazil Europe -Italy Linear (Latin America - Brazil)

164

Comparison: In Italy, the number of Broadcasters present at the event is not connected directly to the number of coordinated frequencies and the number of wireless micro-phones and IEM in use. According to the frequency coordinator of the F1 race in Italy, some broadcasters are present at the event, but they only do a commentary over an IP connection. Therefore, no frequencies need to be coordinated and no wireless micro-phones and IMEs need to be used.

The third diagram shows the total number of used wireless microphones and IEM from 2014 to 2017 in Latin-America (green) and Europe (blue) at the corresponding F1 races (linear trendlines):

Figure 105: Total Number of Wireless Microphones and IEM in Use at F1 in Comparison [216] [217]

For the amount of used wireless microphones and IEM in Brazil a slight decrease over the past four years can be recognised. All in all, 25 devices less were in use 2017 in comparison to 2014. The coordinator noted, the decrease of used wireless microphones and IEMs is related to the decreasing number of broadcasters since 2014. In Italy, at first a decrease of 15 devices from 2014 to 2015 can be seen. After 2015 the amount of used wireless microphones and IEM raised again up to 266 devices. That is 62 devices more than in 2014 and 73 more than 2017 in Brazil.

The following table shows the operating frequency ranges for wireless microphones and IEMs in Brazil and Italy:

Country Brazil Italy Frequency range 480 to 900 MHz 470 to 790 MHz

Comments * 700 MHz frequency band was still available * 2017: 1 allocation above 806 MHz

* 800 MHz frequency band could not be used for wireless microphones and IEM anymore * 700 MHz frequency band could still be used for wireless microphones and IEM

For further information, see paragraph below Table 36: Operating Frequency Ranges for Wireless Microphones and IEM in Comparison [69] [218]

218

195 190 193204

189

244

266

0

50

100

150

200

250

300

2014 2015 2016 2017

Total Number of Radio Microphones & IEM

Latin America - Brazil Europe - Italy

Linear (Latin America - Brazil) Linear (Europe - Italy)

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So far, in Brazil the complete UHF TV range was still available for the usage of wireless audio production tools (PMSE). This is, because the race track is in São Paulo. There the ‘Digital Switch-Over’ was just completed in June 2018 (further information see chapter ‘8 Brazil’. Until than the LTE technology could not be implemented in the 700 MHz fre-quency band and it could still be used for wireless audio production tools (PMSE). This will change this year (2018). The mobile phone companies started operating LTE in the 700 MHz frequency band this June. Also, it is interesting, that in 2016 there has been a frequency allocation for a so-called ‘tyre temperature transmitter’93 above 806 MHz [219]. In Brazil, the frequency band above 806 MHz is allocated to the Land Mobile Service.

It seems, that in Italy the ‘Digital Switch-Over’ was completed in 2012 [220] and the Land Mobile Service started operating LTE in the 800 MHz frequency band in 2015 [221]. Be-cause of this, the 800 MHz frequency band above 790 MHz probably was not available anymore for wireless audio production tools (PMSE) since 2015. The 700 MHz frequency band from 694 to 790 MHz will just be made available for the Land Mobile Service in 2022. This process is also referred to as the second Digital Dividend (DD2). Until than the 700 MHz frequency band will still be available for wireless audio production tools (PMSE). [222] It can be observed, that the spectrum demand in Italy is rising, while the available UHF TV spectrum is decreasing. Every year more wireless microphones and IEMs were in use and every year more frequencies for wireless production tools were coordinated. The majority of the coordinated frequencies has been in frequency ranges underneath 1 GHz. Additionally, the available spectrum underneath 1 GHz is decreasing due to the DD1 in 2012 and the DD2, which will follow in 2015.

After the analysis of the main information on the wireless audio production tool usage at F1 in Brazil and Italy, I now would like to consider, how is the frequency coordination for major events in Brazil and Italy working? Where are differences and similarities?

In Brazil the central frequency coordinator of Formula 1 fulfils the complete frequency coordination process for all present broadcasters and their equipment. Every broadcaster has to send a request with all specifications, like the requested frequencies and the de-vices. All requests are than allocated manually under consideration of locally occupied TV channels. Therefore, spectrum scans at Brazils race track ‘Autódromo Interlagos’ are made before the event.

93 https://www.highpowermedia.com/blog/3908/tyre-temperature-sensors

https://www.highpowermedia.com/blog/3908/tyre-temperature-sensors

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An exemplary screen copy of a scan can be seen below:

Figure 106: Spectrum Scan at 'Autódromo Interlagos' (Brazil) before the F1 Race in 2017 [223, Page 10]

The spectrum scan was made prior to the F1 race 2017 in Brazil at the race track ‘Autódromo Interlagos’. The scanning range was from 600 to 800 MHz with the centre frequency at 700 MHz. The green line demonstrates the peak signal level, while yellow indicates the current level of the scanning receiver signal. Five markers (green squares with numbers 1 to 5 inside) were set in the scan screen to show the frequency ranges, where wireless microphones and IEM could be operated. These are listed in Table 37:

Marker Frequency-Interval [MHz] Usable spectrum [MHz]

1 to 2 610 to 618 8 3 to 4 694 to 748 54 5 to upper limit of the scanning range 793 to 800 7

Total amount of usable spectrum from 600 to 800 MHz: 69 MHz Table 37: For Wireless Microphones and IEM usable Frequencies from 600 to 800 MHz at F1 2017 in Brazil

Overall, the frequency range from 470 to 900 MHz was mainly used for the allocations of wireless microphones and IEM, but some foreign broadcasters preferred alternative fre-quency ranges (e.g. VHF or 2.4 GHz). In addition, radio communication applications / ser-vices (e.g. Talk-Back Systems) were allocated in the frequency range from 450 to 470 MHz. For these allocations, a database provided by the Anatel94 was used. In this frequency range, the usage of wireless microphones and IEM is forbidden in Brazil. For the next F1 race in Brazil (2018), the frequency coordination probably will be realized similar. Anyways, the 700 MHz frequency band from 698 to 806 MHz cannot be used anymore for wireless audio production tools (PMSE), because the mobile phone

94 National frequency regulation agency of Brazil: http://www.anatel.gov.br/institucional/ . See also chapter ‘5.2 National Regulation – Anatel in Brazil’.

http://www.anatel.gov.br/institucional/

167

companies already operate the LTE technology in this frequency band. This might com-plicate the frequency coordination. [69]

The frequency coordinator of F1 in Italy noted a similar scenario for Italy: In Italy as well a central frequency coordinator is in charge. The ‘Ministero dello Sviluppo Economico’ (MISE) (Translation: ‘Ministry for Economic Development’) issues the authorizations and the host broadcaster RAY creates the frequency allocation plan for the F1 in collaboration with the MISE. In Italy, the frequency ranges from 174 to 223 MHz and from 470 to 790 MHz are allocated on a primary basis to digital broadcasting services, but radio mi-crophones and broadband links can use these bands on a secondary basis. A temporary license has to be requested. In Italy, different kind of licenses for the mentioned frequency ranges exist. Wireless microphones are defined as ‘Short Range Devices’ (‘SRD’). The corresponding license is called ‘Temporary General Authorization for the use, on unli-censed bands, of low-power and/or short-range devices’. The specific application form95 has to be filled by all broadcasters, who wish to use frequencies at the F1 race. It then has to be sent directly to the MISE some weeks before the race96. The MISE will check the availability of the requested frequencies, eventually propose alternative frequencies and then assign the frequencies or decline the request. After the payment of the arising fees, the license will be issued. This procedure is also illustrated in the diagram in the annex ‘Frequency Request Italy’. [218] [150]

Furthermore, if a license is requested, an analysis of the radio spectrum at the location has to be made in advance, to avoid harmful interferences. To check the available fre-quencies at the location, before the event the host broadcaster RAI made spectrum scans at the race track ‘Autódromo Nazionale Monza’ and send these to the MISE. Finally, Rai and the MISE were making the frequency coordination table together. [150] An exemplary scan can be seen below:

95 http://www.mise.gov.it/index.php/it/comunicazioni/servizi-alle-imprese/autorizzazioni-temporanee-uso-frequenze 96 Usually the application form has to be sent to the MISE 15 days prior to the day of the requested fre-quency usage. [150]

http://www.mise.gov.it/index.php/it/comunicazioni/servizi-alle-imprese/autorizzazioni-temporanee-uso-frequenze

http://www.mise.gov.it/index.php/it/comunicazioni/servizi-alle-imprese/autorizzazioni-temporanee-uso-frequenze

168

Figure 107: Spectrum Scan at 'Autódromo Nazionale Monza' (Italy) before the F1 Race in 2017 [218]

The scanning range of the exemplary scan in Figure 107 was from 470 to 550 MHz. Wireless microphones and IEM are coordinated in the frequency range from 470 to 790 MHz at the F1 in Italy. The frequency coordinator explained, the meaning of the dif-ferent lines in the spectrum scan (yellow and blue): The yellow line shows the signal level recorded with Max Hold during a 360° antenna rotation and the blue line is a screen shot with the antenna in just one direction. With this method, DVB-T channels with a low signal level can be detected. In these TV channels it is possible to operate wireless micro-phones. At the F1 race in Italy low power microphones (ENG) with a maximum output power of 50 mW are operated in TV channels with a low DVB-T signal power. In TV channels with a detected medium DVB-T signal level, ENG devices are operated, when the distance between the receiver and transmitter is less than three or four meters. The vertical white dot lines present the borders of the TV channel (8 MHz grid)97. Like this, locally occupied TV channels can be identified easily. It seems, that in 2017 at the F1 race in Italy there were six occupied and four free TV channels in the observed scanning range. This is a total bandwidth of 32 MHz available for wireless microphones in the ob-served scanning range. The frequency requests for wireless microphones, IEM and other wireless production tools are than allocated manually under consideration of the locally occupied TV channels. To guarantee an intermodulation free frequency arrangement, a software is used. [218] [150]

In the final section of this thesis an overall conclusion considering all results of this thesis will be provided.

97 Scanning range of 80 MHz divided into ten = 8 MHz between two lines, in Europe a 8 MHz grid is used in the UHF TV spectrum.

169

18. Final Conclusion

18.1. Part A: Fundamentals

‘Part A: Fundamentals’ summarizes application-related information of my research that considers the following issues:

• What are wireless audio production tools (PMSE)? • How do they work? • What requirements do they have? • What kind of Interferences are there? • What is the radio frequency spectrum? • How is the spectrum regulated? • What is the difference between a digital and an analogue TV transmitter? • What is a Digital Dividend is and how did the Digital Dividends develop?

To understand why and how the digital dividend(s) (DD) affect the use of frequencies by wireless audio production tools (PMSE), it is important to be familiar with these funda-mentals first.

18.2. Part B: Impact of the Digital Dividends on the Use of Frequencies by Wireless Audio Production Tools in Latin-America

This part of my thesis examines by the example of three countries how in Latin-America the Digital Dividend(s) affect(s) the use of frequencies by wireless audio production tools (PMSE):

• Brazil o Background and Implementation of the first Digital Dividend o Impact of the Digital Dividend on the use of frequencies by wireless audio

production tools (PMSE) o Practical Examples: Survey; Spectrum Scans; João Rock Festival; Carnival

• Argentina o Background and Implementation of the first and second Digital Dividend o Impact of the Digital Dividends on the use of frequencies by wireless audio

production tools (PMSE) • Mexico

o Background and Implementation of the first and second Digital Dividend o Impact of the Digital Dividends on the use of frequencies by wireless audio

production tools (PMSE) o Practical Example: Vive Latino Festival

My research focuses mainly on information from Brazil.

My research has shown the following results:

• In all three examined countries a first Digital Dividend is an ongoing process. • In two of the three examined countries a second Digital Dividend is in preparation. • In all three examined countries wireless audio production tools (PMSE) are af-

fected by the Digital Dividend(s).

170

• In comparison to Europe, during my research I could not identify any solutions or alternatives as a compensation (e.g. new frequencies for wireless audio production tools (PMSE), adjustment of affected devices, financial compensation) for affected users.

18.3. Part C: Impact of the Digital Dividends on the Use of Frequencies by Wireless Audio Production Tools in Europe

This section of my thesis examines for Europe:

• The background and realization of the first and second Digital Dividend, • The impact of the Digital Dividends the use of frequencies by wireless audio pro-

duction tools (PMSE)

Alternatives frequencies and other solutions for affected users.

The focus of my research lays on the following five countries:

• Austria; • France; • Germany; • Switzerland; • UK.

Whenever possible, information about other countries were added.

My research has shown the following results:

• In all five examined countries the first Digital Dividend is already finalized. • In some of the examined countries the second Digital Dividend is already finalized. • In the other examined countries, the second Digital Dividend is an ongoing pro-

cess. • In all examined countries wireless audio production tools (PMSE) are affected by

the Digital Dividends. • I could find various solutions and alternatives for affected users of wireless audio

production tools (PMSE).

18.4. Part D: Comparisons and Conclusions

The last section of my thesis compares the different researched scenarios in Europe and Latin-America:

• The development and implementation of the Digital Dividends; • The use of wireless audio production tools (PMSE); • The impact of the Digital Dividends on the use of frequencies by wireless audio

production tools (PMSE); • The event production of the Formula 1 in Brazil and Italy.

171

My comparison has shown the following results;

• In both regions wireless audio production tools (PMSE) are used. • In both regions the Digital Dividends relate to different frequency bands and are

progressed to different stages. • In both regions wireless audio production tools (PMSE) are affected by the Digital

Dividends. • The solutions and alternatives for affected users vary in both regions, partly signif-

icantly.

Finally, I compared the frequency coordination of the Formula 1 in Brazil and Italy. This was presented to the public at the IBC2018.

I

List of Tables Table 1: Abbreviations ..................................................................................... VII Table 2: Frequency Packing according to Stratix ............................................. 17

Table 3: Technical Characteristics of Wireless Microphones IEM and Audio Links ......................................................................................................................... 18

Table 4: Some Advantages and Disadvantages of High-Order Modulation Formats ............................................................................................................ 23

Table 5: Advantages and Disadvantages of Analogue and Digital Modulated Wireless audio production tools (PMSE) in Comparison .................................. 25

Table 6: Input Parameter for Thermal Noise Power Calculation ...................... 31

Table 7: Interfering Signal Bandwidth Bs .......................................................... 35

Table 8: Formulas to calculate IM Products up to the Fifth Order .................... 40

Table 9: Division of the RF Spectrum into different Frequency Ranges ........... 47

Table 10: VHF and UHF TV Spectrum in Brazil after the DD ........................... 47

Table 11: Frequency Bands in Latin-America and Europe ............................... 48

Table 12: Frequency Allocation in the 800 MHz Frequency Band in Brazil 2001 ......................................................................................................................... 48

Table 13: Frequency Ranges for Wireless Microphones in Brazil .................... 65

Table 14: Changes in the National Frequency Allocation Plan of Brazil from 2012 until 2017 ......................................................................................................... 70

Table 15: IM3 Products of Figure 13 ................................................................ 80

Table 16: Timetable of the João Rock Festival 2018 ....................................... 83

Table 17: Numbers of Coordinated Devices and Required Bandwidth (BW) per Stage At the João Rock Festival 2018 ............................................................. 84

Table 18: Argentina’s National Frequency Regulators ..................................... 91

Table 19: Actual National Frequency Allocations Plan (2018) from 460 to 806 MHz in Argentina .............................................................................................. 95

Table 20: Limitation of Field Strength Level for Low Power Devices (DBP) ..... 99

Table 21: Out of Band Emission Levels for Low Power Devices (DBP) ........... 99

Table 22: Frequency Ranges for Low Power Devices (DBP), incl. Wireless Microphones................................................................................................... 100

Table 23: Frequency Ranges for 'Sistemas en Modalidad Exclusiva en Bandas Superiores a 30 MHz' ..................................................................................... 101

Table 24: Spectrum Scans taken in Buenos Aires before and after the ‘Analogue Switch-Off’ ...................................................................................................... 107

Table 25: For Mexico relevant Footnotes from the Final Acts WRC-12 and WRC-15 ................................................................................................................... 110

Table 26: Cross-Border Frequency Regulations between Mexico and USA .. 113

Table 27: Unlicensed Frequency Bands in Mexico ........................................ 114

Table 28: Spectrum Scans taken at the Music Festival ‘Vive Latino' ............. 117

Table 29: Frequency Ranges for Wireless Audio Production Tools in Germany ....................................................................................................................... 136

Table 30: National Frequency Allocations from 470 to 862 MHz in Austria (2016) ....................................................................................................................... 136

Table 31: Frequencies for Wireless Audio production Tools on a License Exempt Basis in France .............................................................................................. 137

Table 32: Frequencies for Wireless Audio Production Tools on a License Exempt Basis in Switzerland ....................................................................................... 139

II

Table 33:Spectrum Demand of the ESC 2011 ............................................... 143

Table 34: Harmonised Frequency Bands for SAB/SAP Equipment ............... 146

Table 35: Spectrum Occupation at different Events in Europe and Latin-America in Comparison ................................................................................................ 157

Table 36: Operating Frequency Ranges for Wireless Microphones and IEM in Comparison .................................................................................................... 164

Table 37: For Wireless Microphones and IEM usable Frequencies from 600 to 800 MHz at F1 2017 in Brazil ......................................................................... 166

Table 38: Requirements for Digital Wireless Microphones in different Production Scenarios ...................................................................................................... XXIII Table 39: TV Channel Arrangement in Brazil ............................................... XXIV

Table 40: Changes of the frequency allocations in the Radio Regulations (RR) from 2000 until 2015 ..................................................................................... XXV

Table 41: Changes in the footnote 5.317A of the RRs from 2000 until 2015 ..................................................................................................................... XXVI Table 42:Total Amount of Required Bandwidth at the João Rock Festival .. XXVII Table 43: Brief List of Topics discussed at the last 'Annual Latin-American Spectrum Management Conferences' ........................................................ XXVIII

III

List of Graphics

Figure 1: Classification of PMSE ........................................................................ 3

Figure 2: Simplified Block Schematic of a Wireless Transmission Path ............. 5

Figure 3: Schematic Function Blocks inside the Wireless Transmitter ............... 5

Figure 4: Typical Pre- and De-Emphasis ........................................................... 6

Figure 5: Simplification of the Emphasis ............................................................ 6

Figure 6: Simplified Schematic of ‘Companding’ ................................................ 6

Figure 7: Compander with a Fixed Rate (Left) and a Flexible Rate (Right) ........ 7

Figure 8: Frequency Modulation ......................................................................... 8

Figure 9: Schematic of the Frequency Modulation ............................................. 9

Figure 10: FM of a PLL Oscillator ....................................................................... 9

Figure 11: Schematic Function Blocks inside the Wireless Receiver ............... 10

Figure 12: FM Slope Detector .......................................................................... 11

Figure 13: PLL Feedback Loop ........................................................................ 12

Figure 14: Trade-Off between the Performance Parameters of an analogue modulated wireless system .............................................................................. 13

Figure 15: Spectrum Occupation during the Event ESC 2011 ......................... 19

Figure 16: Spectrum Occupation after the Event ESC 2011 ............................ 20

Figure 17: Analogue and Digital Modulation Methods ...................................... 20

Figure 18: Simplified Digital Transmission Chain ............................................. 21

Figure 19: Exemplary Bit Mapping of 2-PSK (Left) and 4-PSK (Right) ............. 22

Figure 20: Function Blocks of the Digital Wireless Transmitter ........................ 24

Figure 21: Function Blocks of the Digital Wireless Receiver ............................ 24

Figure 22: Analogue Signal Fading vs. Digital Cliff .......................................... 26

Figure 23: Simplified Compression and Encoding in Wireless Audio Production Tools ................................................................................................................ 27

Figure 24: Simplified Compression and Encoding with a high Compression Ratio, e.g. AMR Codec ............................................................................................... 28

Figure 25: Trade-Off between Performance Parameters in a Digital Transmission Chain ................................................................................................................ 28

Figure 26: SNR vs. C/N+I ................................................................................. 33

Figure 27: Schematic illustration of the SNR at the input and output of a function block ................................................................................................................. 34

Figure 28: SNR ................................................................................................ 34

Figure 29: C/I ................................................................................................... 34

Figure 30: Required C/I for Analogue Microphone Usage by the Example of a LTE Test Signal ................................................................................................ 36

Figure 31: Co-Channel Interference ................................................................. 37

Figure 32: Scenario without interfering RF Carriers ......................................... 37

Figure 33: Adjacent Channel Interference from one Adjacent Channel ........... 38

Figure 34: Adjacent Channel Interference from both Adjacent Channels ......... 38

Figure 35: The 'Ten Tenors' are holding their Wireless Microphones within a close Distance to one another ................................................................................... 39

Figure 36: Required Spectrum in MHz vs. Number of Channels in IM-free Operation ......................................................................................................... 40

Figure 37: Passing a Non-Linear Block, two input signals create various IM products ........................................................................................................... 41

Figure 38: Production of IM Products with Three Input Signals ....................... 42

file:///C:/Users/Administrator/Documents/Studium/Master/Masterarbeit/Arbeit-abAugust/Masterarbeit-komplett/Masterarbeit-128.docx%23_Toc526284726






































IV

Figure 39: Co-Channel Interference as a Consequence of IM ......................... 42

Figure 40: IM-free Frequency Arrangement of Three Signal Carriers .............. 42

Figure 41: Adjacent Channel Interference as a Consequence of IM ................ 43

Figure 42: Schematic of a λ/2 Dipole ............................................................... 43

Figure 43: Electrical Current I (black) and Voltage U (Blue) at a Dipole ........... 44

Figure 44: Electrical Fields (Blue) and Magnetic Fields (Red) at a Dipole ....... 45

Figure 45: Electromagnetic Wave and its Wavelength λ .................................. 45

Figure 46: Propagation of Waves like a Waterdrop .......................................... 46

Figure 47: ITU Regions .................................................................................... 49

Figure 48: Comparison between an Analogue and a Digital Television Channel ......................................................................................................................... 56

Figure 49: Channel Repacking of Analogue (Red) and Digital (Blue) TV Channels ......................................................................................................................... 62

Figure 50: Allocation of 700 MHz Frequency Band in Brazil ............................ 63

Figure 51: Arrangements in Case of Interference(s) in the used Tuning Range ......................................................................................................................... 73

Figure 52: The Press is taking Pictures of the Game ....................................... 74

Figure 53: Live Moderation during the Half-Time Break using the Headset ..... 74

Figure 54: Live Moderation during the Game using the Hand-held Microphone ......................................................................................................................... 74

Figure 55: Receiver Antennas .......................................................................... 75

Figure 56: Setup of Scanning Equipment ......................................................... 76

Figure 57: Location of the Scanning Setup inside the Stadium ........................ 76

Figure 58: Recorded Spectrum Allocations, 410 to 870 MHz ........................... 76

Figure 59: Percentage of the Frequency Usage Exceeding the Stat Threshold Value of -90 dBm ............................................................................................. 77

Figure 60: Aggregate Spectrum Allocations, which exceed the Stat Threshold Level of -90 dBm (all received Signals) ............................................................ 77

Figure 61: Occupation of Each UHF TV Channel ............................................. 77

Figure 62: Radio Spectrum Usage in the Time Domain ................................... 78

Figure 63: Frequency 618.3 MHz, 14.11 dBm.................................................. 79

Figure 64: Problems in the Setup ..................................................................... 79

Figure 65: Intermodulation Scenario ................................................................ 80

Figure 66: The Time Domain Diagram shows the Carriers F1 and F2 ............. 80

Figure 67: Correct Positioning of the Receiver Antennas ................................. 81

Figure 68: Spectrum Occupation at the Music Festival 'João Rock' 2018 in Ribeirão Preto .................................................................................................. 82

Figure 69: Duration of the Shows on the different Stages at the João Rock Festival 2018 .................................................................................................... 83

Figure 70: IM-free Frequency Coordination of All 4 Stages at the João Rock Festival 2018 .................................................................................................... 86

Figure 71: Spectrum Scan at the Stage JR during the first simultaneous Operation of all 4 Stages .................................................................................................. 87

Figure 72: Map of the Stages at João Rock 2018 ............................................ 87

Figure 73: Sambódromo, Carnival in Rio 2018 ................................................ 88

Figure 74: Map of the Sambódromo ................................................................. 88

Figure 75: A Samba School presenting their Cars and Dances ....................... 88

Figure 76: Coordinated Frequencies at Carnival 2018 ..................................... 89



















V

Figure 77: Spectrum Scans from the Carnival in Rio from 2017 (left) and 2018 (right) in Comparison ........................................................................................ 89

Figure 78: VHF and UHF TV Channel Occupation in Buenos Aires, 2010 ....... 95

Figure 79: Mobile Radio Frequencies in Argentina ........................................ 103

Figure 80: ‘Digital Switch-Over’ Schedule for Mexico ..................................... 104

Figure 81: Analogue TV stations inside the 700 MHz Frequency Band (red circles) ....................................................................................................................... 105

Figure 82: CNAF 1999, 470 to 849 MHz ........................................................ 108

Figure 83: CNAF, Revision 2018; 450 to 806 MHz ........................................ 109

Figure 84: Free Spectrum according to the CNAF 2018 ................................ 114

Figure 85: Unlicensed Frequency Bands for Free Spectrum Usage in Mexico ....................................................................................................................... 115

Figure 86: Mobile Radio Frequencies in Mexico ............................................ 116

Figure 87: Map of the Festival Ground of 'Vive Latino' ................................... 116

Figure 88: Digital TV Standards used in Latin-America .................................. 117

Figure 89: UHF TV channel plan for Latin-America (Green: DD1) ................. 118

Figure 90: LTE transmitter locations in Austria in 2014 .................................. 128

Figure 91: CEPT and APT Band Plans for the 700 MHz Frequency Band ..... 130

Figure 92: Implementation of IMT into the 700 MHz Frequency Band in France ....................................................................................................................... 132

Figure 93: Scan of the UHF TV Spectrum during the German Regional Elections 2015 in Bremen .............................................................................................. 140

Figure 94: UHF TV Spectrum Occupation during the German Regional Elections in Bremen 2015 .............................................................................................. 140

Figure 95: UHF TV Spectrum Occupation after the DD2 ............................... 141

Figure 96: LTE Duplex Gap of the 800 MHz Frequency Band ....................... 144

Figure 97: LTE Duplex Gap of the 1.8 GHz Frequency Band ........................ 144

Figure 98: LTE Duplex Gap of the 700 MHz Frequency Band ....................... 144

Figure 99: Frequency Allocations in the 900 MHz Air Band ........................... 146

Figure 100: Sometimes the ‘Air-Band’ seems to be usable ............................ 147

Figure 101: Sometimes the before empty Sections of the 'Air-Band' are in Use intensively ...................................................................................................... 147

Figure 102: Reported Increase of Interferences after the DD1 in Germany (left) [2] and Brazil (right) ........................................................................................ 155

Figure 103: Total Number of Coordinated Frequencies at F1 in Comparison 163

Figure 104: Total Number of Broadcasters present at F1 in Comparison ...... 163

Figure 105: Total Number of Wireless Microphones and IEM in Use at F1 in Comparison .................................................................................................... 164

Figure 106: Spectrum Scan at 'Autódromo Interlagos' (Brazil) before the F1 Race in 2017 ........................................................................................................... 166

Figure 107: Spectrum Scan at 'Autódromo Nazionale Monza' (Italy) before the F1 Race in 2017 .................................................................................................. 168

Figure 108: Procedure of a License Request for Temporary Frequency Usage in Italy .............................................................................................................. XXIX








VI

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[2] August 2016; Pia Seeger; Beuth Hochschule für Technik Berlin; Auswertung der Umfrage zum Thema: Auswirkungen der Digitalen Dividende 1 und 2 auf die Frequenznutzung drahtloser Übertragungstechnik (Audio-PMSE) in verschiedenen Ländern der europäischen Gemeinschaft https://apwpt.org/downloads/piaseegerumfrage.pdf Last Reviewed: 23:14 UTC-3; 02nd of August 2018

[3] 12th of August 2018; Pia Seeger; Beuth University of Applied Science Berlin; Final Report on the results of the survey: The use of frequencies by wireless Audio-Equipment in Brazil during the process of the Digital Dividend

[4] ITU-R; March 2015; Report ITU-R BT.2338-0 Service ancillary to broadcasting / services an-cillary to programme making spectrum use in Region 1 and the implication of a co-primary allo-cation for the mobile service in the frequency band 694-790 MHz https://www.itu.int/dms_pub/itu-r/opb/rep/R-REP-BT.2338-2014-PDF-E.pdf Last Reviewed: 00:19 UTC-3; 12th of June 2018

[5] CEPT, ECC; February 2014; ECC Report 204 Spectrum use and future requirements for PMSE https://www.erodocdb.dk/download/1f1d1819-5ca2/ECCREP204.PDF Last Reviewed: 05:10 UTC-3; 12th of June 2018

[6] 2018; APWPT; PMSE https://apwpt.org/terminologies-j--p/pmse/index.html Last Reviewed: 01:13 UTC-3; 10th of June 2018

[7] 2018; APWPT; PWMS https://apwpt.org/terminologies-j--p/pwms/index.html Last Reviewed: 20:17 UTC-3; 10th of June 2018

[8] Joe Ciaudelli; Sennheiser; 20.1 Multichannel Wireless Microphone and Monitoring Systems https://static1.squarespace.com/static/53c02476e4b0e651c235a069/t/53e27adce4b0696f47cb7ed1/1407351516669/Wireless+Mic+Technical+Fundamentals+by+Joe+Ciaudelli.pdf Last Reviewed: 18:46 UTC-3; 09th of July 2018

[9] 14th of September 2010; Jürgen; Shure; Audio Reference Companding https://shuredeutschland.wordpress.com/2010/09/14/audio-reference-com-panding/?iframe=true&preview=true/feed/ Last Reviewed: 18:50 UTC-3; 09th of July 2018

[10] 2018; Audio-Technica; Companding https://www.audio-technica.com/cms/site/490e7be64dfcaa53/index.html Last Reviewed: 18:40 UTC-3; 09th of July 2018

[11] November 2017; Prof. Dr.-Ing. Georg Fischer; Stratix Report for the Radiocommunications Agency Netherlands; Digitisation of wireless microphones The effects on spectrum use https://www.agentschaptelecom.nl/binaries/agentschap-telecom/documenten/rapporten/2018/01/24/rapport-digitisation-of-wireless-microphones/Rapport+Digitisation+of+wireless+microphones.pdf Last Reviewed: 20:51 UTC-3; 02nd of August 2018

[12] Autor: Thomas Görne, Titel: Tontechnik, Hören // Schallwandler // Impulsantwort und Fal-tung // Digitale Signale // Mehrkanaltechnik // Tontechnische Praxis, Verlag: Hanser, Auflage: 4.

https://br.shure.com/noticias/noticias/o-impacto-do-desligamento-da-tv-analogica-nos-sistemas-sem-fio

https://br.shure.com/noticias/noticias/o-impacto-do-desligamento-da-tv-analogica-nos-sistemas-sem-fio


https://www.itu.int/dms_pub/itu-r/opb/rep/R-REP-BT.2338-2014-PDF-E.pdf

https://www.erodocdb.dk/download/1f1d1819-5ca2/ECCREP204.PDF

https://apwpt.org/terminologies-j--p/pmse/index.html

https://apwpt.org/terminologies-j--p/pwms/index.html

https://static1.squarespace.com/static/53c02476e4b0e651c235a069/t/53e27adce4b0696f47cb7ed1/1407351516669/Wireless+Mic+Technical+Fundamentals+by+Joe+Ciaudelli.pdf

https://static1.squarespace.com/static/53c02476e4b0e651c235a069/t/53e27adce4b0696f47cb7ed1/1407351516669/Wireless+Mic+Technical+Fundamentals+by+Joe+Ciaudelli.pdf

https://shuredeutschland.wordpress.com/2010/09/14/audio-reference-companding/?iframe=true&preview=true/feed/

https://shuredeutschland.wordpress.com/2010/09/14/audio-reference-companding/?iframe=true&preview=true/feed/

https://www.audio-technica.com/cms/site/490e7be64dfcaa53/index.html

https://www.agentschaptelecom.nl/binaries/agentschap-telecom/documenten/rapporten/2018/01/24/rapport-digitisation-of-wireless-microphones/Rapport+Digitisation+of+wireless+microphones.pdf



VII

[13] 2017; Tim Vear; Shure; Selection and Operation wireless microphone systems https://522bb370f5443d4fe5b9-f62de27af599bb6703e11b472beadbcc.ssl.cf2.rackcdn.com/pub-lication/upload/827/selection_and_operation_of_wireless_microphone_systems_english.pdf Last Reviewed: 18:53 UTC-3; 09th of July 2018

[14] Author: Simon Haykin and Michael Mohr; Title: Introduction to Analog & Digital Communi-cations; 2nd Edition; Editor: John Wiley & Sons, INC.

[15] Detlef Mietke; 2018; Informations- und Kommunikationstechnik; Demodulationsverfahren für FM-Signale https://elektroniktutor.de/signalkunde/fm_demod.html#koinzident Last Reviewed: 19:34 UTC-3; 19th of July 2018

[16] Best of Elektronik http://www.kurcz.at/bauteile.php Last Reviewed: 18:18 UTC-3; 16th of July 2018

[17] 16th of April 2018; FM Signal Generation https://www.mmumullana.org/downloads/files/n5474524fb4134.pdf Last Reviewed: 20:37 UTC-3; 02nd of August 2018

[18] 08th of February 2008; Prof. Dr.-Ing. Dietmar Rudolph; TFH Berlin – Telekom TT – IBH; De-modulation frequenzmodulierter Signale http://www.diru-beze.de/modulationen/skripte/SuS_W0506/FM_Demodulation_WS0506.pdf Last Reviewed: 20:37 UTC-3; 02nd of August 2018

[19] November 2009; ITU-R; Report ITU-R BS.2161; Low delay audio coding for broadcasting applications https://www.itu.int/dms_pub/itu-r/opb/rep/R-REP-BS.2161-2009-PDF-E.pdf Last Reviewed: 17:06 UTC-3; 27th of September 2018

[20] ETSI; ETSI EN 300 422-2 V2.0.0 (2016-05); European Standard; Wireless Microphones; Audio PMSE up to 3 GHz; Part 2: Class B Receivers; Harmonised Standard covering the es-sential requirements of article 3.2 of Directive 2014/53/EU https://www.etsi.org/de-liver/etsi_en/300400_300499/30042202/02.00.00_20/en_30042202v020000a.pdf Last Reviewed: 09:18 UTC-3; 30th of July 2018

[21] APWPT; Tuning Range https://www.apwpt.org/terminologies-q-z/tuning-range/index.html Last Reviewed: 12:00 UTC-3, 31st of July 2018

[22] 2013; Matthias Fehr; DKE Working Group 741.0.8; DKE spectrum recording in the sphere of professional event production https://www.apwpt.org/downloads/eumw2013_fehr.pdf, Last Reviewed: 21:38 UTC-3; 16th of July 2018

[23] 2018; Detlef Mietke; Informations- und Informationstechnik; Zusammenstellung wichtiger Modulationsverfahren https://elektroniktutor.de/signalkunde/modul.html Last Reviewed: 11:22 UTC-3; 20th of July 2018

[24] Elektronik Kompendium; PSK – Phase Shift Keying / Phasenumtastung https://www.elektronik-kompendium.de/sites/kom/1304141.htm Last Reviewed: 12:00 UTC-3; 20th of July 2018

[25] Frank Ellinger, 2008, Springer-Verlag Berlin Heidelberg, 2nd edition, Radio Frequency Inte-grated Circuits and Technologies

[26] 2017; Prof. Dr.-Ing. Fischer; 4th PMSE Workshop at EuMW; Analysis of Changes in PMSE Spectrum and Transmission Technology – Our Prediction for PMSE, Operated Under Changed Conditions – Update 2017 https://www.apwpt.org/downloads/eumw2017_wm01_gf_prediction_for_pmse_changed_c.pdf Last Reviewed: 20:56 UTC-3; 02nd of August 2018



https://elektroniktutor.de/signalkunde/fm_demod.html#koinzident

http://www.kurcz.at/bauteile.php

https://www.mmumullana.org/downloads/files/n5474524fb4134.pdf

http://www.diru-beze.de/modulationen/skripte/SuS_W0506/FM_Demodulation_WS0506.pdf

https://www.itu.int/dms_pub/itu-r/opb/rep/R-REP-BS.2161-2009-PDF-E.pdf



https://www.apwpt.org/terminologies-q-z/tuning-range/index.html

https://www.apwpt.org/downloads/eumw2013_fehr.pdf

https://elektroniktutor.de/signalkunde/modul.html

https://www.elektronik-kompendium.de/sites/kom/1304141.htm


VIII

[27] Iulian Rosu; YO3DAC / VA3IUL; Understanding Noise Figure http://www.qsl.net/va3iul/Noise/Understanding%20Noise%20Figure.pdf Last Reviewed: 16:11 UTC-3; 17th of May 2018

[28] 25th of May 2008; Peter Möters and Yuval Peres; Berkely; Brownian Motion https://www.stat.berkeley.edu/~peres/bmbook.pdf Last Reviewed: 15:35 UTC-3; 17th of May 2018

[29] 2007; Author: Nathan Blaunstein, Christos G. Christodoulou; Editor: Wiley In-terscience; Ti-tle: Radio Propagation and Adaptive Antennas for Wireless Communication Links Terrestrial, Atmospheric and Ionospheric

[30] ITU-R; April 2014; Report ITU-R BT.2140-7 Transition from analogue to digital terrestrial broadcasting https://www.itu.int/dms_pub/itu-r/opb/rep/R-REP-BT.2140-10-2017-PDF-E.pdf Last Reviewed: 05:16 UTC-3; 12th of June 2018

[31] Atoms In Motion - Information for Educators; Boltzmann’s Constant http://www.atomsinmotion.com/educators Last Reviewed: 16:49 UTC-3; 17th of May 2018

[32] Electronic Notes; Radio Signal to Noise S/N Ration, SNR https://www.electronics-notes.com/articles/radio/radio-receiver-sensitivity/signal-to-noise-ratio-s-n-snr-formula.php Last reviewed: 14:33 UTC-3; 17th of May 2018

[33] 2003; Ron Hranac; Cisco; Carrier-to-Noise Versus Signal-to-Noise http://mathscinotes.com/wp-content/uploads/2014/12/SCTE-CNR-vs-SNR.pdf Last Reviewed: 10:27 UTC+1; 28th of September 2018

[34] October 1996; CEPT; ERC Report 42, Handbook on radio equipment and systems radio microphones and simple wide band audio links https://www.apwpt.org/downloads/ercreport042radioequipmentandsystemsradiomicro.pdf Last Reviewed: 10:31 UTC+1; 28th of September 2018

[35] http://www4.pictures.gi.zimbio.com/2008+Melbourne+Cup+Day+JG8ixPGTzJKx.jpg Last Reviewed: 05:26 UTC-3; 12th of June 2018

[36] Chuck Mc Gregor; 14th of August 2017; Why should we care about power amplifier clip-ping? Causes of clipping, thermal inertia and more https://www.prosoundweb.com/topics/education/why_should_we_care_about_power_ampli-fier_clipping/ Last Reviewed: 01:39 UTC-3; 11th of June 2018

[37] Chuck Mc Gregor; 14th of August 2017; Why should we care about power amplifier clip-ping? Causes of clipping, thermal inertia and more https://www.prosoundweb.com/topics/education/why_should_we_care_about_power_ampli-fier_clipping/ Last Reviewed: 01:39 UTC-3; 11th of June 2018

[38] examio GmbH; abiweb.de; Feldverteilungen am Dipol, Elektromagnetische Wellen, Hertz-scher Dipol https://www.abiweb.de/physik-elektromagnetismus/elektromagnetische-wellen/hertzscher-dipol/feldverteilungen-am-dipol.html Last Reviewed: 21:06 UTC-3; 02nd of August 2018

[39] 27th of July 2018; The Physics of the Universe; Main Topics: Special and General Relativity; Speed of Light and the principle of relativity https://www.physicsoftheuniverse.com/topics_relativity_light.html Last Reviewed: 21:10 UTC-3; 02nd of August 2018

[40] http://larijames.com/wp-content/uploads/2015/04/raindrop.jpg Last Reviewed: 03rd of August 2018; 09:41 UTC-3

http://www.qsl.net/va3iul/Noise/Understanding%20Noise%20Figure.pdf

https://www.stat.berkeley.edu/~peres/bmbook.pdf

https://www.itu.int/dms_pub/itu-r/opb/rep/R-REP-BT.2140-10-2017-PDF-E.pdf

http://www.atomsinmotion.com/educators

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https://www.electronics-notes.com/articles/radio/radio-receiver-sensitivity/signal-to-noise-ratio-s-n-snr-formula.php

http://mathscinotes.com/wp-content/uploads/2014/12/SCTE-CNR-vs-SNR.pdf

https://www.apwpt.org/downloads/ercreport042radioequipmentandsystemsradiomicro.pdf

http://www4.pictures.gi.zimbio.com/2008+Melbourne+Cup+Day+JG8ixPGTzJKx.jpg

https://www.prosoundweb.com/topics/education/why_should_we_care_about_power_amplifier_clipping/




https://www.abiweb.de/physik-elektromagnetismus/elektromagnetische-wellen/hertzscher-dipol/feldverteilungen-am-dipol.html

https://www.abiweb.de/physik-elektromagnetismus/elektromagnetische-wellen/hertzscher-dipol/feldverteilungen-am-dipol.html

https://www.physicsoftheuniverse.com/topics_relativity_light.html

http://larijames.com/wp-content/uploads/2015/04/raindrop.jpg

IX

[41] 22nd of July 2013; Spectrum Management Fundamentals, Part 1 – International, The Need for Spectrum Management, ITU https://www.itu.int/en/ITU-R/seminars/rrs/RRS-13-Africa/Documents/Tutorial/SM_Fundamen-tals_Part1.pdf Last Reviewed: 21:16 UTC-3; 02nd of August 2018

[42] August 2015; ITU-R; Recommendation ITU-R V.431-8; Nomenclature of the frequency and wavelength bands used in telecommunications https://www.itu.int/dms_pubrec/itu-r/rec/v/R-REC-V.431-8-201508-I!!PDF-E.pdf Last Reviewed: 10:55 UTC+1; 28th of September 2018

[43] 2008; Teleondas; Frequencia exata de cada canal de TV comencando do canal 2 até 83 VHF - UHF http://www.teleondas.com.br/frequencias.html Last Reviewed: 03:09 UTC-3, 08th of June 2018

[44] 06th of April 2001; ANATEL; Plano de Atribuição, Destinação e distribuição de faixas de fre-quências no Brasil; edição 2001 http://www.anatel.gov.br/Portal/verificaDocumentos/documento.asp?null&filtro=1&documento-Path=biblioteca/atos/1999/anexo_tabela_2000_ato3651_1999.pdf Last Reviewed: 20:15 UTC+1; 29th of September 2018

[45] 2017; Alex Milne; RF Venue; Seriously, What Are Digital Wireless Microphones, and Why Should You Use One? https://www.rfvenue.com/blog/2014/12/15/digital-wiireless-explored Last Reviewed: 19:43 UTC+1; 01st of October 2018

[47] ITU; 2018; About International Telecommunication Union (ITU) https://www.itu.int/en/about/Pages/default.aspx Last Reviewed: 04:18 UTC-3; 10th of April 2018

[48] ITU; 2018; WRC-03; Regionally harmonized bands https://www.itu.int/net/ITU-R/index.asp?category=information&rlink=emergency-bands&lang=en Last Reviewed: 00:44 UTC-3; 11th of June 2018

[49] ITU; 2018; What does ITU do? https://www.itu.int/en/about/Pages/whatwedo.aspx Last Reviewed: 04:20 UTC-3; 10th of June 2018

[50] ITU; 2018; World Radiocommunication Conference (WRC) https://www.itu.int/en/ITU-R/conferences/wrc/Pages/default.aspx Last Reviewed: 23:59 UTC-3; 10th of June 2018

[51] ITU, 15th of June 2015; Regional Radiocommunication Conferences (RRC) https://www.itu.int/net/ITU-R/index.asp?category=conferences&rlink=rrc&lang=en Last Reviewed: 01:50 UTC-3, 11th of April 2018

[52] ITU; 2018; Radio Regulations https://www.itu.int/pub/R-REG-RR/en Last Reviewed: 00:20 UTC-3; 11th of April 2018

[53] ITU; 2018; Conference Publications https://www.itu.int/pub/R-ACT/en Last Reviewed: 01:20 UTC-3; 11th of June 2018

[54] Anatel; 22nd of January 2015; International Operations, International Relations http://www.anatel.gov.br/institucional/en Last Reviewed: 00:32 UTC-3; 08th of April 2018

[55] Instituto Brasileiro de Defesa do Consumidor, 04th of May 2011; O que é a Anatel? https://www.idec.org.br/consultas/dicas-e-direitos/o-que-e-a-anatel Last Reviewed: 00:40 UTC-3; 09th of April 2018

https://www.itu.int/en/ITU-R/seminars/rrs/RRS-13-Africa/Documents/Tutorial/SM_Fundamentals_Part1.pdf

https://www.itu.int/en/ITU-R/seminars/rrs/RRS-13-Africa/Documents/Tutorial/SM_Fundamentals_Part1.pdf

https://www.itu.int/dms_pubrec/itu-r/rec/v/R-REC-V.431-8-201508-I!!PDF-E.pdf

http://www.teleondas.com.br/frequencias.html

http://www.anatel.gov.br/Portal/verificaDocumentos/documento.asp?null&filtro=1&documentoPath=biblioteca/atos/1999/anexo_tabela_2000_ato3651_1999.pdf

http://www.anatel.gov.br/Portal/verificaDocumentos/documento.asp?null&filtro=1&documentoPath=biblioteca/atos/1999/anexo_tabela_2000_ato3651_1999.pdf

https://www.rfvenue.com/blog/2014/12/15/digital-wiireless-explored

https://www.itu.int/en/about/Pages/default.aspx

https://www.itu.int/net/ITU-R/index.asp?category=information&rlink=emergency-bands&lang=en

https://www.itu.int/en/about/Pages/whatwedo.aspx

https://www.itu.int/en/ITU-R/conferences/wrc/Pages/default.aspx

https://www.itu.int/net/ITU-R/index.asp?category=conferences&rlink=rrc&lang=en

https://www.itu.int/pub/R-REG-RR/en

https://www.itu.int/pub/R-ACT/en

http://www.anatel.gov.br/institucional/en

https://www.idec.org.br/consultas/dicas-e-direitos/o-que-e-a-anatel

X

[56] Anatel, 04th of July 2017, Plano de Atribuição, Destinação e Distribuição de Frequências no Brasil, Edição 2017 http://www.anatel.gov.br/Portal/verificaDocumentos/documento.asp?numeroPublica-cao=347196 Last Reviewed: 23:00 UTC-3; 12th of July 2018

[57] 12th of July 2013; NDR, IRT; Report on PMSE Spectrum Requirements in the UHF Band for the European Song Contest (ESC) 2011

[58] December 2011; DKE WG 731.0.8; Monitoring radio spectrum use within the context of the Eurovision Song Contest 2011, an event in Düsseldorf, Germany https://www.apwpt.org/downloads/esc2011_20122011_english_framedoc.pdf Last Reviewed: 11:17 UTC+1; 28th of September 2018

[59] 24th of May 2018; 21st AES Brasil Expo; Presentation of Kevin Jungk; Sennheiser at the 63rd Eurovision Song Contest Lisbon 2018

[60] 08th of September 2003; Dorival Gimenes Júnior; Pedro Humberto de Andrade Lobo, Ana-tel; 08th of September 2003; Planejamento De Canais De TV Digital http://www.anatel.gov.br/Portal/verificaDocumentos/documento.asp?numeroPublica-cao=201272&assuntoPublicacao=Planejamento%20de%20canais%20de%20TV%20Digi-tal%20&caminhoRel=Cidadao&filtro=1&documentoPath=201272.pdf Last Reviewed: 22:24 UTC-3; 12th of July 2018

[61] George Martins da Silva; April 2008; TV Analógico X TV Digital https://meuartigo.brasilescola.uol.com.br/atualidades/tv-analogica-x-tv-digital.htm Last Reviewed: 19:34 UTC-3; 04th of July 2018

[62] Final Acts 2000 ITU; World Radiocommunication Conference; Istanbul; 2000; Final Acts WRC-2000 https://www.itu.int/dms_pub/itu-s/oth/02/01/S020100002E4001PDFE.PDF Last Reviewed: 20:21 UTC-3; 18th of April 2018

[63] AEGIS Spectrum Engineering; 27th of May 2010; Digital TV Spectrum Requirements, WP4: Status of Digital TV Spectrum in Latin America, Report for GSMA https://www.gsma.com/spectrum/wp-content/uploads/2012/03/aegislatamnotewp4reportfinal.pdf Last Reviewed: 00:34 UTC-3; 12th of June 2018

[64] ITU; World Radiocommunication Conference; Geneva; 2012; Final Acts WRC-12 http://search.itu.int/history/HistoryDigitalCollectionDocLibrary/4.133.43.en.100.pdf Last Reviewed: 20:26 UTC-3; 18th of April 2018

[65] ITU; World Radiocommunication Conference; Geneva; 2007; Final Acts WRC-07 http://search.itu.int/history/HistoryDigitalCollectionDocLibrary/4.132.43.en.100.pdf Last Reviewed: 20:24 UTC-3; 18th of April 2018

[66] 2015; ITU-R; Final Acts WRC-15 http://search.itu.int/history/HistoryDigitalCollectionDocLibrary/4.297.43.en.100.pdf Last Reviewed: 10_03 UTC+1; 29th of September 2018

[67] January 2013; Bühnentechnische Rundschau; Matthias Fehr, Norbert Hillbich; Stimmenlo-sigkeit, Bild, Kunst, Kultur und Kreativindustrie bald ohne TV Frequenzen? https://www.apwpt.org/downloads/stimmenlosigkeit_btr_01-2013.pdf Last Reviewed: 23:21 UTC-3; 01st of July 2018

[68] 2016; Pia Seeger; Beuth Hochschule für Technik Berlin; Auswirkungen der Digitalen Divi-dende 1 und 2 auf die Frequenznutzung drahtloser Übertragungstechnik in verschiedenen Län-dern der europäischen Gemeinschaft https://apwpt.org/downloads/piaseegerbachelorarbeit.pdf Last Reviewed: 4:26 UTC+1; ; 18th of April 2018

[69] Interview with Felipe Filgueiras; Frequency Coordinator of Globo TV

http://www.anatel.gov.br/Portal/verificaDocumentos/documento.asp?numeroPublicacao=347196

http://www.anatel.gov.br/Portal/verificaDocumentos/documento.asp?numeroPublicacao=347196

https://www.apwpt.org/downloads/esc2011_20122011_english_framedoc.pdf

http://www.anatel.gov.br/Portal/verificaDocumentos/documento.asp?numeroPublicacao=201272&assuntoPublicacao=Planejamento%20de%20canais%20de%20TV%20Digital%20&caminhoRel=Cidadao&filtro=1&documentoPath=201272.pdf



https://meuartigo.brasilescola.uol.com.br/atualidades/tv-analogica-x-tv-digital.htm

https://www.itu.int/dms_pub/itu-s/oth/02/01/S020100002E4001PDFE.PDF

https://www.gsma.com/spectrum/wp-content/uploads/2012/03/aegislatamnotewp4reportfinal.pdf

http://search.itu.int/history/HistoryDigitalCollectionDocLibrary/4.133.43.en.100.pdf



https://www.apwpt.org/downloads/stimmenlosigkeit_btr_01-2013.pdf

https://apwpt.org/downloads/piaseegerbachelorarbeit.pdf

XI

[70] December 2015; Angela S. Brandão; SciELO; Soft Power and Digital Television in South America: the Brazilian campaign to promote ISDB-Tb according to governmental actors’ narra-tives http://www.scielo.br/scielo.php?pid=S1809-58442015000200119&script=sci_arttext&tlng=en Last Reviewed: 12:36 UTC+1; 29th of September 2018

[71] 2nd ITU Regional Frequency Coordination Meeting; 28th of August to 1st of September 2017; Digital Switchover Brazilian Experience https://www.itu.int/en/ITU-R/terrestrial/broadcast/Americas/Documents/Presentations_Guate-mala/Digital%20Switchover%20-%20Brazilian%20Experience.pdf Last Reviewed: 01:23 UTC-3; 13rd June 2018

[72] Anatel; 17th of June 2015; ITU International Symposium on the Digital Switchover; Analog TV Switch-off in Brazil https://www.itu.int/en/ITU-R/GE06-Symposium-2015/Session2/211%20%20DTV%20Bra-zil_ITU%20Symposium.pdf Last Reviewed: 04:48 UTC-3; 12th of June 2018

[73] 16th of September 2018; spectrummonitoring.com; frequencies https://www.spectrummonitoring.com/frequencies/frequencies2.html# Last Reviewed: 12:42 UTC+1; 29th of September 2018

[74] 23rd Janeiro 2018; MM; Microfones sem fio em 700MHz deverão ser trocados. Saiba o mo-tivo. http://musicaemercado.org/microfones-sem-fio-em-700mh/ Last Reviewed: 13:37 UTC+1; 29th of September 2018

[75] 22nd of February 2017; Anafima; Microfones sem fio: fabricantes nacionais e estrangeiros se reúnem com suprintendência da Anatel, em Brasília http://www.anafima.com.br/site/microfones-sem-fio-fabricantes-nacionais-e-estrangeiros-se-reunem-com-superintendencia-da-anatel-em-brasilia/ Last Reviewed: 13:43 UTC+1; 29th of September 2018

[76] 09th of March 2018; Web-Seminar, presented by Fernando Fortes, Shure; “O Desligamento dos Canais de TV Analógicos e as Mudanças no Espectro”

[77] 17th of June 2018; LIICornell; 47 CFR 15.236 - Operation of wireless microphones in the bands 54-72 MHz, 76-88 MHz, 174-216 MHz, 470-608 MHz and 614-698 MHz https://www.law.cornell.edu/cfr/text/47/15.236 Last Reviewed: 13:49 UTC+1; 29th of September 2018

[78] 22nd of February 2018; Tairo Arrabal; Enginear Audio Solutions; ANAFIMA e ANATEL “La-vam as mãos” acerca dos sistemas 700 MHz https://www.enginear.com.br/single-post/2018/02/21/ANAFIMA-e-ANATEL-%E2%80%9Cla-vam-as-m%C3%A3os%E2%80%9D-acerca-dos-sistemas-700-MHz Last Reviewed: 13:53 UTC+1; 29th of September 2018

[79] Audio-Technica; Types of Interference https://www.audio-technica.com/cms/site/6d4b2edb868000db/ Last Reviewed: 05:01 UTC-3; 12th of June 2018

[80] Anatel; 04th of August 2016; Equipment (RF) http://www.anatel.gov.br/grandeseven-tos/en/?option=com_content&view=article&layout=edit&id=65#Testing%20and%20Tagging Last Reviewed: 21:35 UTC-3; 15th of May 2018

[81] 29th of July 2015; Anatel; Test and Tagging (T&T) at the World Cup 2014 http://www.anatel.gov.br/grandeseventos/en/equipments-rf?layout=edit&id=213#dates Last Reviewed: 22:37 UTC-3; 15th of May 2018

[82] 01st of July 2008; Anatel; Resolution No. 506 http://www.anatel.gov.br/legislacao/resolucoes/23-2008/104-resolucao-506 Last Reviewed: 23:07 UTC-3; 12th of July 2018

http://www.scielo.br/scielo.php?pid=S1809-58442015000200119&script=sci_arttext&tlng=en

https://www.itu.int/en/ITU-R/terrestrial/broadcast/Americas/Documents/Presentations_Guatemala/Digital%20Switchover%20-%20Brazilian%20Experience.pdf

https://www.itu.int/en/ITU-R/terrestrial/broadcast/Americas/Documents/Presentations_Guatemala/Digital%20Switchover%20-%20Brazilian%20Experience.pdf

https://www.itu.int/en/ITU-R/GE06-Symposium-2015/Session2/211%20%20DTV%20Brazil_ITU%20Symposium.pdf

https://www.itu.int/en/ITU-R/GE06-Symposium-2015/Session2/211%20%20DTV%20Brazil_ITU%20Symposium.pdf

https://www.spectrummonitoring.com/frequencies/frequencies2.html

http://musicaemercado.org/microfones-sem-fio-em-700mh/






https://www.audio-technica.com/cms/site/6d4b2edb868000db/

http://www.anatel.gov.br/grandeseventos/en/?option=com_content&view=article&layout=edit&id=65#Testing%20and%20Tagging

http://www.anatel.gov.br/grandeseventos/en/?option=com_content&view=article&layout=edit&id=65#Testing%20and%20Tagging

http://www.anatel.gov.br/grandeseventos/en/equipments-rf?layout=edit&id=213#dates

http://www.anatel.gov.br/legislacao/resolucoes/23-2008/104-resolucao-506

XII

[83] 29th of June 2017; Anatel; Resolução no 680, de 27 de junho de 2017 http://www.anatel.gov.br/legislacao/resolucoes/2017/936-resolucao-680 Last Reviewed: 23:10 UTC-3; 18th of May 2018

[84] 09th of May 2014; Anatel; Resolution no 635 of May 9th, 2014 http://www.anatel.gov.br/legislacao/resolucoes/2014/764-resolucao-635 Last Reviewed: 23:09 UTC-3; 18th of May 2018

[85] 14th of April 2012; Anatel; Plano de Atribuição, Destinação e Distribuição de faixas de fre-quências no Brasil, Edição 2012 http://www.anatel.gov.br/Portal/verificaDocumentos/documento.asp?numeroPublica-cao=276624&assuntoPublicacao=null&caminhoRel=null&filtro=1&documentoPath=276624.pdf Last Reviewed: 22:59 UTC-3; 18th of May 2018

[86] 06th of March 2015; Anatel; Plano de Atribuição, Destinação e Distribuição de faixas de fre-quências no Brasil Edição 2015 http://www.anatel.gov.br/Portal/verificaDocumentos/documento.asp?numeroPublica-cao=326876&filtro=1&documentoPath=326876.pdf Last Reviewed: 20:33 UTC+1; 29th of September 2018

[87] 15th of April 2018; Spectrum Scan of the UHF Spectrum at a Soccer Game with Globo TV

[88] 09th of June 2018; O JR https://www.joaorock.com.br/o-jr Last Reviewed: 10:45 UTC-3; 20th of August 2018

[89] Portal DSB; Lista de Canais Terrestres – Listando canais de São Paulo - SP http://www.portalbsd.com.br/terrestres_channels.php?channels=1 Last Reviewed: 10:36 UTC-3; 20th of August 2018

[90] 30th of Mai 2018; Bruno do Amaral; Teletime; 4 G Vivo libera faixa de 700 MHz em Ribeirão Preto http://teletime.com.br/30/05/2018/vivo-libera-faixa-de-700-mhz-em-ribeirao-preto/ Last Reviewed: 10:39 UTC-3; 20th of August 2018

[91] Interview with Lazarro Jesus; Frequency Coordinator of Sennheiser Brazil

[92] 07th of June 2018; Stefani Rejane; Vida Loka; 17a edição do Festival João Rock 2018 https://www.vidaloka.net/17a-edicao-do-festival-joao-rock-2018 Last Reviewed: 19:23 UTC+3; 13th of August 2018

[93] 17th of February 2018; Sambódromo; Carnival Rio 2018 https://www.carnaval.rio/sambodromo Last Reviewed: 14:27 UTC+1; 29th September 2018

[94] Interview with Kevin Jungk; Frequency Coordinator of Sennheiser Germany

[95] 16th of October 2017; Telecompaper; Rio de Janeiro to switch off analogue TV on 25th Oc-tober https://www.telecompaper.com/news/rio-de-janeiro-to-switch-off-analogue-tv-on-25-october—1215982 Last Reviewed: 14:29 UTC+1; 29th of September 2018

[96] 30th of May 2018; Teletime; Claro passa a operar com 700 MHz no Rio de Janeiro http://teletime.com.br/30/05/2018/claro-passa-a-operar-com-700-mhz-no-rio-de-janeiro/ Last Reviewed: 14:30 UTC+1; 29th of September 2018

[100] 12th of December 2011; Nodo Tau; APC; Spectrum regulation in Argentina: The need to move from broadcasting to access https://www.apc.org/en/spectrum/news/spectrum-regulation-argentina-need-move-broadcasti Last Reviewed: 22:07 UTC-3; 02nd of August 2018

[101] January 2012; APC; Espectro Para el Desarrollo Argentina https://www.apc.org/sites/default/files/countries/factsheet%20argentina_esp.pdf



http://www.anatel.gov.br/Portal/verificaDocumentos/documento.asp?numeroPublicacao=276624&assuntoPublicacao=null&caminhoRel=null&filtro=1&documentoPath=276624.pdf

http://www.anatel.gov.br/Portal/verificaDocumentos/documento.asp?numeroPublicacao=276624&assuntoPublicacao=null&caminhoRel=null&filtro=1&documentoPath=276624.pdf

http://www.anatel.gov.br/Portal/verificaDocumentos/documento.asp?numeroPublicacao=326876&filtro=1&documentoPath=326876.pdf

http://www.anatel.gov.br/Portal/verificaDocumentos/documento.asp?numeroPublicacao=326876&filtro=1&documentoPath=326876.pdf

https://www.joaorock.com.br/o-jr

https://www.vidaloka.net/17a-edicao-do-festival-joao-rock-2018

https://www.carnaval.rio/sambodromo

https://www.telecompaper.com/news/rio-de-janeiro-to-switch-off-analogue-tv-on-25-october—1215982

https://www.telecompaper.com/news/rio-de-janeiro-to-switch-off-analogue-tv-on-25-october—1215982

http://teletime.com.br/30/05/2018/claro-passa-a-operar-com-700-mhz-no-rio-de-janeiro/

https://www.apc.org/en/spectrum/news/spectrum-regulation-argentina-need-move-broadcasti

https://www.apc.org/sites/default/files/countries/factsheet%20argentina_esp.pdf

XIII

Last Reviewed: 13:14 UTC-1; 23rd of September 2018

[102] 20th of February 2018; Tom Leins; TeleGeography; How President Mauricio Macri Changed Argentina’s Telecom landscape https://blog.telegeography.com/how-president-mauricio-macri-changed-argentinas-telecom-landscape Last Reviewed: 09:50 UTC-3 16th of July 2018

[103] 05th of January 2016; aj; Blickpunkt Lateinamerika; Argentinien Regierung ändert Medien-gesetz per Dekret http://www.blickpunkt-lateinamerika.de/news-details/article/regierung-aendert-mediengesetz-per-dekret.html?no_cache=1&cHash=f19a426e88d1169187f539b575f6f619 Last Reviewed: 20:51 UTC+1; 29th of September 2019

[104] 23rd of November 2009; Graciela Rodriguez-Ferrand; Argentina: New Media Law https://www.loc.gov/law/foreign-news/article/argentina-new-media-law/ Last Reviewed: 23:38 UTC-3; 20th of July 2018

[105] 2014; Martìn Becerraa and Guillermo Mastrini, The Audiovisual Law of Argentina and the Changing Media Landscape http://www.polecom.org/index.php/polecom/article/view/31/213 Last Reviewed: 00:28 UTC-3; 21st of July 2018

[106] 27th of January 2015; Martín Becerra and Guillerma Mastrini; OBSERVACOM; New Rules of the Game in Telecommunications in Argentina http://www.observacom.org/new-rules-of-the-game-in-telecommunications-in-argentina/ Last Reviewed: 22:03 UTC-3; 02nd of August 2018

[107] Freedom House; Argentina Freedom of the Press 2016 https://freedomhouse.org/report/freedom-press/2016/argentina Last reviewed: 22:05 UTC-3; 02nd of August 2018

[108] 21st of October 2010; InfoLEG; Ministerio de Justicia y Derechos Humanos Presidencia de la Nación; Telecomunicaciones; Decreto 1552/2010; Créase el Plan Nacional de Telecomunicaciones “Argentina Conectada” http://servicios.infoleg.gob.ar/infolegInternet/anexos/170000-174999/174110/texact.htm Last Reviewed: 15:42 UTC-3; 22nd of July 2018

[109] 12th of June 2015; Patrick Nixon; BN Americas; Argentina awards 700MHz spectrum http://www.bnamericas.com/en/news/ict/argentina-awards-700mhz-spectrum1 Last Reviewed: 21:57 UTC-3; 02nd of August 2018

[110] 07th of September 20; Carolina Limbatto; Cullen International; 700 MHz: Americas over-view, 4th Annual Latin America Spectrum Management Conference https://www.google.com/url?sa=t&rct=j&q=&esrc=s&source=web&cd=1&cad=rja&uact=8&ved=2ahUKEwjeuvKg2N_dAhWQyaQKHYsfD8gQFjAAegQIAxAC&url=https%3A%2F%2Fwww.cul-len-international.com%2Fdam%2Fjcr%3A90827f16-1027-4049-8f8f-888ac15bafb2%2Fcullen-international_carolina-limbatto_700mhz-americas-overview.pdf&usg=AOv-Vaw1Gq5lNoHXb79WOHBgganH7 Last Reviewed: 09:29 UTC+1; 29th of September 2018

[111] April 2018; ENACOM; Cuadro de Atribución de Bandas de Frecuencias de la República Argentina (CABFRA) https://www.enacom.gob.ar/cuadro-de-atribucion-de-bandas-de-frecuencias-de-la-republica-ar-gentina-cabfra-_p1588 Last Reviewed: 21:50 UTC-3; 02nd of August 2018

[112] 11th of June 2015; CNC; Secretaría de Comunicaciones; Resolución N° 31/2015 (Boletín Oficial N° 33.149, 12/06/15) https://www.enacom.gob.ar/multimedia/normativas/2015/Resolucion-31_15.pdf Last Reviewed: 19:33 UTC-3; 22nd of July 2018

https://blog.telegeography.com/how-president-mauricio-macri-changed-argentinas-telecom-landscape

https://blog.telegeography.com/how-president-mauricio-macri-changed-argentinas-telecom-landscape

http://www.blickpunkt-lateinamerika.de/news-details/article/regierung-aendert-mediengesetz-per-dekret.html?no_cache=1&cHash=f19a426e88d1169187f539b575f6f619

http://www.blickpunkt-lateinamerika.de/news-details/article/regierung-aendert-mediengesetz-per-dekret.html?no_cache=1&cHash=f19a426e88d1169187f539b575f6f619

https://www.loc.gov/law/foreign-news/article/argentina-new-media-law/

http://www.polecom.org/index.php/polecom/article/view/31/213

http://www.observacom.org/new-rules-of-the-game-in-telecommunications-in-argentina/

https://freedomhouse.org/report/freedom-press/2016/argentina

http://servicios.infoleg.gob.ar/infolegInternet/anexos/170000-174999/174110/texact.htm

http://www.bnamericas.com/en/news/ict/argentina-awards-700mhz-spectrum1

https://www.google.com/url?sa=t&rct=j&q=&esrc=s&source=web&cd=1&cad=rja&uact=8&ved=2ahUKEwjeuvKg2N_dAhWQyaQKHYsfD8gQFjAAegQIAxAC&url=https%3A%2F%2Fwww.cullen-international.com%2Fdam%2Fjcr%3A90827f16-1027-4049-8f8f-888ac15bafb2%2Fcullen-international_carolina-limbatto_700mhz-americas-overview.pdf&usg=AOvVaw1Gq5lNoHXb79WOHBgganH7





https://www.enacom.gob.ar/cuadro-de-atribucion-de-bandas-de-frecuencias-de-la-republica-argentina-cabfra-_p1588

https://www.enacom.gob.ar/cuadro-de-atribucion-de-bandas-de-frecuencias-de-la-republica-argentina-cabfra-_p1588

https://www.enacom.gob.ar/multimedia/normativas/2015/Resolucion-31_15.pdf

XIV

[113] 13th of December 2013; InfoLEG; Ministerio de Justicia y Derechos Humanos Presidencia de la Nación; Telecomunicaciones; Decreto 2426/2012; Reglamento sobre Administración, Gestión y Control del Espectro Radioeléctrico. Reglamento de Licencias para Servicios de Telecomunicaciones. Modificación. http://servicios.infoleg.gob.ar/infolegInternet/anexos/205000-209999/206135/norma.htm Last Reviewed: 22:28 UTC-3; 02nd of August 2018

[114] 12th of May 2014; InfoLEG; Ministerio de Justicia y Derechos Humanos Presidencia de la Nación; Telecomunicaciones; Decreto 671/2014; Decreto N° 671/2012. Déjanse sin efecto artículos. http://servicios.infoleg.gob.ar/infolegInternet/anexos/225000-229999/229866/norma.htm Last Reviewed: 22:33 UTC-3; 02nd of August 2018

[115] 16th of May 2016; InfoLEG; Ministerio de Justicia y Derechos Humanos Presidencia de la Nación; Ente Nacional de Comunicaciones; Resolución 2531/2016 http://servicios.infoleg.gob.ar/infolegInternet/anexos/260000-264999/261783/norma.htm Last Reviewed: 22:30 UTC+1; 02nd of August 2018

[116] 22nd of July 2016; Convergencia Latina; Encoded TV services at 700 MHz may migrate to 500-600 MHz http://www.convergencialatina.com/News-Detail/188195-12-23-Encoded_TV_ser-vices_at_700_MHz_may_migrate_to_500600_MHz?Lang=EN Last Reviewed: 21:42 UTC+1; 02nd of August 2018

[117] 17th April 2017; Carolina Limbatto, Cullen international; Citel-Osiptel Workshop on Digital Inclusion and Meaningful Broadband Adoption in the Americas; Spectrum Policies for mobile broadband development https://www.cullen-international.com/asset/?location=/content/assets/research/presenta-tions/2017/spectrum-policies-for-mobile-broadband-development---citel-osiptel-workshop-2017--cullen-international.pdf/spectrum-policies-for-mobile-broadband-development---citel-osiptel-workshop-2017--cullen-international.pdf Last Reviewed: 21:45 UTC+1; 02nd of August 2018

[118] November 2014; Raul Katz; Ernesto Flores-Roux; Fernando Callorda; Telecom Advisory Services, LLC; Social and Economic Benefits of Using the lower Portion of the UHF Band for IMT https://www.gsma.com/spectrum/wp-content/uploads/2014/11/Benefits-of-IMT-in-sub-700-MHz-English-version2.pdf Last Reviewed: 22:14 UTC-3; 02nd of August 2018

[119] 19th of August 2014; Veena Rawat; Regional Telecommunication Congress; WRC-15: Regulatory Considerations based on the final JTG meeting and Citel preparations https://www.itu.int/en/ITU-D/Regional-Presence/Americas/Documents/EVENTS/2014/0819-PA-IMT/CRT%20meeting%20in%20Panama%20VR%200%207.pdf Last Reviewed: 21:22 UTC-3; 22nd of July 2018

[120] 30th of March 2015; Ayden Ferdeline; LSE; Allocation of ultra high frequency spectrum in the Americas http://blogs.lse.ac.uk/mediapolicyproject/2015/03/30/allocation-of-ultra-high-frequency-spec-trum-in-the-americas/ Last Reviewed: 22:16 UTC-3; 02nd of August 2018

[121] Shure; Estamos Preparados para la Transición Digital; Con la introducción de la red móvil 4G y la television digital se está cambiando el panorama de radiofrecuencias (RF) y esto puede afectar a los usuarios de micrófonos inalámbricos

https://ar.shure.com/help-center/transicion-digital Last Reviewed: 11:03 UTC-3; 15th of August 2018

[122] 30th of January 2016; Ana Bizberge; OBSERVACOM; The decline of digital terrestrial tele-vision in Argentina




http://www.convergencialatina.com/News-Detail/188195-12-23-Encoded_TV_services_at_700_MHz_may_migrate_to_500600_MHz?Lang=EN

http://www.convergencialatina.com/News-Detail/188195-12-23-Encoded_TV_services_at_700_MHz_may_migrate_to_500600_MHz?Lang=EN

https://www.cullen-international.com/asset/?location=/content/assets/research/presentations/2017/spectrum-policies-for-mobile-broadband-development---citel-osiptel-workshop-2017--cullen-international.pdf/spectrum-policies-for-mobile-broadband-development---citel-osiptel-workshop-2017--cullen-international.pdf




https://www.gsma.com/spectrum/wp-content/uploads/2014/11/Benefits-of-IMT-in-sub-700-MHz-English-version2.pdf

https://www.gsma.com/spectrum/wp-content/uploads/2014/11/Benefits-of-IMT-in-sub-700-MHz-English-version2.pdf

https://www.itu.int/en/ITU-D/Regional-Presence/Americas/Documents/EVENTS/2014/0819-PA-IMT/CRT%20meeting%20in%20Panama%20VR%200%207.pdf

https://www.itu.int/en/ITU-D/Regional-Presence/Americas/Documents/EVENTS/2014/0819-PA-IMT/CRT%20meeting%20in%20Panama%20VR%200%207.pdf

http://blogs.lse.ac.uk/mediapolicyproject/2015/03/30/allocation-of-ultra-high-frequency-spectrum-in-the-americas/

http://blogs.lse.ac.uk/mediapolicyproject/2015/03/30/allocation-of-ultra-high-frequency-spectrum-in-the-americas/

https://ar.shure.com/help-center/transicion-digital

XV

http://www.observacom.org/the-decline-of-digital-terrestrial-television-in-argentina/ Last reviewed: 22:09 UTC-3; 02nd of August 2018

[123] 20th of July 2017; ENACOM; InfoLEG; Norma Técnica ENACOM-Q2-60.14 V17.1 Dispositivos de baja potencia http://servicios.infoleg.gob.ar/infolegInternet/anexos/275000-279999/277554/res6639.pdf Last Reviewed: 22:23 UTC+1; 02nd of August 2018

[124] 25th of July 2017; InfoLEG; Ministerio de Justicia y Derechos Humanos Presidencia de la Nación; Ministerio de Comunicaciones; Ente Nacional de Comunicaciones; Resolución 6639-E/2017 http://servicios.infoleg.gob.ar/infolegInternet/anexos/275000-279999/277554/norma.htm Last Reviewed: 22:22 UTC-3; 02nd of August 2018

[125] 19th of October 2012; CNC; Comisión Nacional de Comunicaciones; Resolución 2519/2012 (Boletín Oficial N° 32.509, 26/10/12) http://www.enacom.gob.ar/infotecnica/homologaciones/archivos/normas/CNC-Q2-60.14%20v12.1.pdf Last Reviewed: 21:41 UTC-3; 24th of July 2018

[126] 11th of June 2015; CNC; Secretaría de Comunicaciones; Resolución N° 31/2015 (Boletín Oficial N° 33.149, 12/06/15) https://www.enacom.gob.ar/modalidad-exclusiva_p550 Last Reviewed: 11:13 UTC-1; 22nd of September 2018

[127] 26th of November 2014; TÜV Rheinland Argentina S.A.; Homologation of Telecom Equip-ment: General requirements http://certdatabase.siemic.com/Siemic_Library/Doc_Packet/Argentina/CNC/NEW/private/Ho-mologation%20of%20Telecom%20Equipment.pdf Last Reviewed: 11:06 UTC-3; 17th of July 2018

[128] 04th of February 2015; blog: entirety; Argentina: New Rules For Equipment Labelling https://www.entirety.biz/argentina-new-rules-for-equipment-labelling/ Last Reviewed: 11:09 UTC-3, 17th of July 2017

[129] BN Americas; Secretario de Comunicaciones y Transportes https://www.bnamericas.com/company-profile/en/secretaria-de-comunicaciones-y-transportes-sct-mexico Last Reviewed: 09:23 UTC-3; 07th of September 2018

[130] Federal Commission of Telecommunications (Mexico) https://www.revolvy.com/page/Federal-Commission-of-Telecommunications-%28Mexico%29 Last Reviewed: 23:44 UTC-3; 09th of August 2018

[131] 11th of November 2011; aetha, prepared for GSMA; Case studies for the award of the 700MHz/800MHz band: Mexico https://www.gsma.com/spectrum/wp-content/uploads/DigitalDividend/DDtoolkit/uploads/as-sets/downloads/08/700mhz-800mhz-band-mexico.pdf Last Reviewed: 18:26 UTC-3; 08th of August 2018

[132] 07th of July 2004; Lisa Hester; Mexico to adopt the ATSC DTV standard – Press Release https://www.atsc.org/news-release/mexico-to-adopt-the-atsc-dtv-standard-press-release/ Last Reviewed: 09:26 UTC-3; 07th of September 2018

[133] 2011; GSMA; Removing Barriers: Country Case Studies https://www.gsma.com/spectrum/wp-content/uploads/DigitalDividend/DDtoolkit/dd-alloca-tions.html Last Reviewed: 15:59 UTC-3, 15th of May 2018

[134] 25th of June 2015; Roberta Prescott; Mexico’s 700 MHz spectrum auction; LTE in Brazil https://www.rcrwireless.com/20150625/carriers/lte-in-brazil-mexico-spectrum-auction-tag5 Last Reviewed: 14:28 UTC-3; 08th of August 2018

http://www.observacom.org/the-decline-of-digital-terrestrial-television-in-argentina/





https://www.enacom.gob.ar/modalidad-exclusiva_p550

http://certdatabase.siemic.com/Siemic_Library/Doc_Packet/Argentina/CNC/NEW/private/Homologation%20of%20Telecom%20Equipment.pdf

http://certdatabase.siemic.com/Siemic_Library/Doc_Packet/Argentina/CNC/NEW/private/Homologation%20of%20Telecom%20Equipment.pdf

https://www.entirety.biz/argentina-new-rules-for-equipment-labelling/

https://www.bnamericas.com/company-profile/en/secretaria-de-comunicaciones-y-transportes-sct-mexico

https://www.bnamericas.com/company-profile/en/secretaria-de-comunicaciones-y-transportes-sct-mexico

https://www.revolvy.com/page/Federal-Commission-of-Telecommunications-%28Mexico%29

https://www.gsma.com/spectrum/wp-content/uploads/DigitalDividend/DDtoolkit/uploads/assets/downloads/08/700mhz-800mhz-band-mexico.pdf

https://www.gsma.com/spectrum/wp-content/uploads/DigitalDividend/DDtoolkit/uploads/assets/downloads/08/700mhz-800mhz-band-mexico.pdf

https://www.atsc.org/news-release/mexico-to-adopt-the-atsc-dtv-standard-press-release/

https://www.gsma.com/spectrum/wp-content/uploads/DigitalDividend/DDtoolkit/dd-allocations.html

https://www.gsma.com/spectrum/wp-content/uploads/DigitalDividend/DDtoolkit/dd-allocations.html

https://www.rcrwireless.com/20150625/carriers/lte-in-brazil-mexico-spectrum-auction-tag5

XVI

[135] 22nd of March 2018; TeleGeography; Red Compartida 700 MHz wholesale network launches ahead of schedule https://www.telegeography.com/products/commsupdate/articles/2018/03/22/red-compartida-700mhz-wholesale-network-launches-ahead-of-schedule/ Last Reviewed: 14:37 UTC-3; 08th of August 2018

[136] 03rd of August 2018; Ing. Rubén Alvrez; Situación de RF en México y como affect a los sistemas inalámbricos para usuarios de Ausio Profesional

[137] 03th of April 2018; Sonia Agnese; Ovum TMT intelligence; Mexico leads the way in 5G by vacating 600MHz spectrum bans https://ovum.informa.com/resources/product-content/glb007-000050 Last Reviewed: 22:41 UTC-3; 09th of August 2018

[138] 13th of June 2018; TeleGeography; Mexican 600MHz spectrum likely to be available by 1Q19 https://www.telegeography.com/products/commsupdate/articles/2018/06/13/mexican-600mhz-spectrum-likely-to-be-available-by-1q19/ Last Reviewed: 22:21 UTC-3; 09th of August 2018

[139] 1999; Secretaría de Cominicaciones y Transportes; Comisión Federal de Telecomunicaciones; Cuadro Nacional de Atribución de Frecuencias de México; Uso del Espectro Radioeléctrico para los Servicios de Radiocomunicación https://www.itu.int/ITU-D/study_groups/SGP_1998-2002/JGRES09/pdf/mexico1.pdf Last Reviewed: 19:50 UTC-3; 08th of August 2018

[140] 07th of March 2017; MEXICO: IFT Approves Modification for National Table of Frequency Allocations https://www.entirety.biz/mexico-ift-approves-modification-for-national-table-of-frequency-alloca-tions/ Last Reviewed: 14:31 UTC-3; 08th of August 2018

[141] IFT; Cuadro Nacional de Atribución de Frecuencias (CNAF) http://cnaf.ift.org.mx/ Last Reviewed: 12:26 UTC-3; 06th of September 2018

[142] 19th of May 2009; Sean Haynberg; 700 MHz Spectrum Transition & Interference Issues http://nsma.org/wp-content/uploads/2015/04/700-MHz-Spectrum-Transition-and-Interference-Issues.pdf Last Reviewed: 09:18 UTC-3; 18th of July 2018

[143] 26th of October 2012; Mexico endorses APT’s 700MHz spectrum plan: will it influence the rest of Latin America? http://www.analysysmason.com/About-Us/News/Insight/Mexico-700MHz-spectrum-Oct2012/ Last Reviewed: 14:14 UTC-3; 08th of August 2018

[144] 18th of June 1982; Agreement relating to Assignments and usage of television Broadcast-ing Channels in the frequency range 470-806 MHz (Channels 14-69) along the united states -Mexico Border https://transition.fcc.gov/ib/sand/agree/files/mex-bc/uhftvbc.pdf Last Reviewed: 19:23 UTC-3; 08th of August 2018

[145] 16th of June 1994; Protocol between the Department of State of the United States of America and Transportation of the United Mexican States concerning the Allotment and use of the 698-806 MHz Band for Terrestrial Non-Broadcasting Radiocommunication Services along the common Border https://transition.fcc.gov/ib/sand/agree/files/mex-nb/698_806.pdf Last Reviewed: 11:14 UTC-3; 07th of August 2018

[146] 22nd of July 1998; Memorandum of Understanding between the Federal Communications Commission of the United States of America and the Secretaria de Comunicaciones y Transportes of the United Mexican States related to the Use of the 54-72 MHz, 76-88 MHz, 174-216 MHz and 470-806 MHz bands for the Digital Television Broadcasting Service along the

https://www.telegeography.com/products/commsupdate/articles/2018/03/22/red-compartida-700mhz-wholesale-network-launches-ahead-of-schedule/

https://www.telegeography.com/products/commsupdate/articles/2018/03/22/red-compartida-700mhz-wholesale-network-launches-ahead-of-schedule/

https://ovum.informa.com/resources/product-content/glb007-000050

https://www.telegeography.com/products/commsupdate/articles/2018/06/13/mexican-600mhz-spectrum-likely-to-be-available-by-1q19/

https://www.telegeography.com/products/commsupdate/articles/2018/06/13/mexican-600mhz-spectrum-likely-to-be-available-by-1q19/

https://www.itu.int/ITU-D/study_groups/SGP_1998-2002/JGRES09/pdf/mexico1.pdf

https://www.entirety.biz/mexico-ift-approves-modification-for-national-table-of-frequency-allocations/

https://www.entirety.biz/mexico-ift-approves-modification-for-national-table-of-frequency-allocations/

http://cnaf.ift.org.mx/

http://nsma.org/wp-content/uploads/2015/04/700-MHz-Spectrum-Transition-and-Interference-Issues.pdf

http://nsma.org/wp-content/uploads/2015/04/700-MHz-Spectrum-Transition-and-Interference-Issues.pdf

http://www.analysysmason.com/About-Us/News/Insight/Mexico-700MHz-spectrum-Oct2012/

https://transition.fcc.gov/ib/sand/agree/files/mex-bc/uhftvbc.pdf

https://transition.fcc.gov/ib/sand/agree/files/mex-nb/698_806.pdf

XVII

Common Border https://transition.fcc.gov/ib/sand/agree/files/mex-bc/mex-dtv2.pdf Last Reviewed: 11:34 UTC-3; 07th of August 2018

[147] 21st of November 1988; Agreement Amending the Agreement relating to Assignments and usage of Television Broadcasting Channels in the Frequency Range 470-806 MHz (channels 14 - 69) along the United States-Mexico Border https://transition.fcc.gov/ib/sand/agree/files/mex-bc/lpuhfbc.pdf Last Reviewed: 11:24 UTC-3; 07th of August 2018

[148] 16th of June 1994; Protocol Concerning Use of the 470-512 MHz Band for Land Mobile Services along the common Border https://transition.fcc.gov/ib/sand/agree/files/mex-nb/470-512.pdf Last Reviewed: 16:09 UITC+129th of September 2018

[149] Chris Huff; Wireless Microphones might stop Working this Weekend: The Latest FCC Up-date https://www.behindthemixer.com/wireless-microphones-fcc-600-mhz/ Last Reviewed: 10:37 UTC-3; 07th of August 2018

[150] Rafael del Villar Alrich; Federal Telecommunications Commission; “A step closer to next generation mobile services” Regulatory Perspectives for Mexico https://www.cullen-international.com/asset/?location=/content/assets/training--conferences/con-ferences/2010/latam-ict-del-villar.pdf/latam-ict-del-villar.pdf Last Reviewed: 23:08 UTC-3; 08th of August 2018

[151] Shure; Estamos Preparados para la Transición Digital; Con la introducción de la red móvil 4G y la television digital se está cambiando el panorama de radiofrecuencias (RF) y esto puede afectar a los usuarios de micrófonos inalámbricos https://mx.shure.com/help-center/transicion-digital Last Reviewed: 11:08 UTC-3; 15th of August 2018

[152] Vive Latino https://www.vivelatino.com.mx/acerca-del-festival.html Last Reviewed: 19:38 UTC-3; 10th of August 2018

[153] 05th to 06th of September 2018; Annual Latin America Spectrum Management Conference https://10times.com/annual-latin-america-spectrum-management-conferenc Last Reviewed: 16:22 UTC+1; 29th of September 2018

[154] 2018; Summary https://eu-ems.com/summary.asp?event_id=4368&page_id=9568 Last Reviewed: 16:25 UTC+1; 29th of September 2018

[155] 2017; The 2017 Latin America Spectrum Management Conference https://eu-ems.com/practical.asp?event_id=4368&page_id=9577 Last Reviewed: 16:27 UTC+1; 29th of September 2018

[156] 2016; 2017; The 2016 Latin America Spectrum Management Conference https://eu-ems.com/practical.asp?event_id=3327&page_id=8197 Last Reviewed: 16:28 UTC+1; 29th of September 2018

[157] 13th and 14th October 2016; Spectrum Management Conference; Summary https://eu-ems.com/summary.asp?event_id=2300&page_id=6829 Last Reviewed: 16:29 UTC+1; 29th of September 2018

[159] 30th October to 03rd November 2006; Jean-Marc Paquet, Radiocommunication Bureau; The Stockholm 1961 Agreement https://www.itu.int/en/ITU-R/terrestrial/broadcast/Documents/Presentations/ST61Rev2006-E.pdf Last Reviewed: 23:09 UTC-3; 01st of July 2018

[160] October 2004; EBU, E. Puigrefagut and T. O’Leary; RRC-04/06 – an overview of the first Session (RRC-04)

https://transition.fcc.gov/ib/sand/agree/files/mex-bc/mex-dtv2.pdf

https://transition.fcc.gov/ib/sand/agree/files/mex-bc/lpuhfbc.pdf

https://transition.fcc.gov/ib/sand/agree/files/mex-nb/470-512.pdf

https://www.behindthemixer.com/wireless-microphones-fcc-600-mhz/

file:///C:/Users/Administrator/Dropbox/Masterarbeit/Arbeit/Masterarbeit-komplett/%5bCULLEN%5d%20https:/www.cullen-international.com/asset/%3flocation=/content/assets/training--conferences/conferences/2010/latam-ict-del-villar.pdf/latam-ict-del-villar.pdf

file:///C:/Users/Administrator/Dropbox/Masterarbeit/Arbeit/Masterarbeit-komplett/%5bCULLEN%5d%20https:/www.cullen-international.com/asset/%3flocation=/content/assets/training--conferences/conferences/2010/latam-ict-del-villar.pdf/latam-ict-del-villar.pdf

https://mx.shure.com/help-center/transicion-digital

https://www.vivelatino.com.mx/acerca-del-festival.html

https://10times.com/annual-latin-america-spectrum-management-conferenc

https://eu-ems.com/summary.asp?event_id=4368&page_id=9568

https://eu-ems.com/practical.asp?event_id=4368&page_id=9577

https://eu-ems.com/practical.asp?event_id=3327&page_id=8197

https://eu-ems.com/summary.asp?event_id=2300&page_id=6829

https://www.itu.int/en/ITU-R/terrestrial/broadcast/Documents/Presentations/ST61Rev2006-E.pdf

XVIII

https://tech.ebu.ch/docs/techreview/trev_300-rrc_04.pdf Last Reviewed: 23:16 UTC-3; 01st of July 2018

[161] 15th of May to 16th of June 2016; ITU; Final Acts of the Regional Radiocommunication Conference for planning of the digital terrestrial broadcasting service in parts of Region 1 and 3, in the frequency bands 174-230 MHz and 470-862 MHz (RRC-06) http://search.itu.int/history/HistoryDigitalCollectionDocLibrary/4.129.43.en.100.pdf Last Reviewed: 23:06 UTC-3; 01st of July 2018

[162] 02nd of July 2018; ITU; WRC-07 decisions secure wireless future https://www.itu.int/itunews/manager/display.asp?lang=en&year=2007&is-sue=10&ipage=wrcHighlights&ext=html Last Reviewed: 23:05 UTC-3; 01st of July 2018

[163] David E. Borth; Mobile telephone https://www.britannica.com/technology/mobile-telephone Last Reviewed: 16:36 UTC+1; 29th of September 2018

[164] 28th of September 2016; Ivaylo Mihaylov; Bulgaria allocated two bands in 800 MHz spec-trum to 4G networks expansion

https://seenews.com/news/bulgaria-allocates-two-bands-in-800-mhz-spectrum-to-4g-networks-expansion-541279 Last Reviewed: 19:07 UTC-3; 20th of August 2018

[165] June 2018; beyerdynamic; Wie sieht die rechtliche Situation in Deutschland aus? https://support.beyerdynamic.com/hc/de/articles/201778121-Wie-sieht-die-rechtliche-Situation-in-Deutschland-aus- Last Reviewed: 16:55 UTC+1; 29th of September 2018

[166] 18th of February 2009; René Tschannen / BAKOM; APWPT Expert Talk, 198th and 19th of February 2009; Uni Hannover; Die digitale Dividende und deren Auswirkungen auf die Nutzung des UHF-Spektrums in der Schweiz https://www.apwpt.org/downloads/experttalkchtschannendiedigitaledividende.pdf Last Reviewed: 19:00 UTC-3; 20th of August 2018

[167] 27th if April 2010; Arne Börnsen, Tim Braulke, Jörn Kruse, Michael Latzer; ARGE ABI; Wissenschaftliche Studie im Auftrag der Rundfunk und Telekom Regulierungs-GmbH; Die Nut-zung der Digitalen Dividende in Österreich http://www.oesta.gv.at/DocView.axd?CobId=39348 Last Reviewed: 19:45 UTC-3; 20th of August 2018

[168] February 2011; BMVIT; OFB-InfoLetter 02/2011; Information der Obersten Fernmeldebe-hörde, Nutzung des Frequenzbereichs 460 – 862 MHz durch Funk-Mikrofone (PMSE) https://www.rtr.at/de/tk/Spektrum800MHz/26509_ofb_infoletter_022011de.pdf Last Reviewed: 19:51 UTC-3; 20th of August 2018

[169] 18th of October 2016; CEPT, ECC; ERC Recommendation 25-10, Frequency Ranges for the Use of Terrestrial Audio and Video Programme Making and Special Events (PMSE) applica-tions https://www.ecodocdb.dk/download/d3599aad-a5b6/Rec2510.pdf Last Reviewed: 23:11 UTC-3; 01st of July 2018

[170] Interview of the magazine ‘VPLT’ with Matthias Fehr; Update: Digitale Dividende https://apwpt.org/downloads/vdtmagazin_01_2013_dd_einupdate_kw.pdf Last Reviewed: 23:12 UTC-3; 01st of July 2018

[171] July 2009; APWPT; APWPT Eckpunkte für eine geordnete Umsetzung der Frequenzbe-reichszuweisungsplanverordnung https://www.apwpt.org/downloads/apwpt-eckpunkte-fuer-eine-geordnete-technische.pdf Last Reviewed: 18:54 UTC+1; 29th of September 2018

[172] 31st of March 2014; Steve Song; A Look at Spectrum in Four African Countries https://manypossibilities.net/2014/03/a-look-at-spectrum-in-four-african-countries/

https://tech.ebu.ch/docs/techreview/trev_300-rrc_04.pdf


https://www.itu.int/itunews/manager/display.asp?lang=en&year=2007&issue=10&ipage=wrcHighlights&ext=html

https://www.itu.int/itunews/manager/display.asp?lang=en&year=2007&issue=10&ipage=wrcHighlights&ext=html

https://www.britannica.com/technology/mobile-telephone

https://seenews.com/news/bulgaria-allocates-two-bands-in-800-mhz-spectrum-to-4g-networks-expansion-541279

https://seenews.com/news/bulgaria-allocates-two-bands-in-800-mhz-spectrum-to-4g-networks-expansion-541279

https://support.beyerdynamic.com/hc/de/articles/201778121-Wie-sieht-die-rechtliche-Situation-in-Deutschland-aus-

https://support.beyerdynamic.com/hc/de/articles/201778121-Wie-sieht-die-rechtliche-Situation-in-Deutschland-aus-

https://www.apwpt.org/downloads/experttalkchtschannendiedigitaledividende.pdf

http://www.oesta.gv.at/DocView.axd?CobId=39348

https://www.rtr.at/de/tk/Spektrum800MHz/26509_ofb_infoletter_022011de.pdf

https://www.ecodocdb.dk/download/d3599aad-a5b6/Rec2510.pdf

https://apwpt.org/downloads/vdtmagazin_01_2013_dd_einupdate_kw.pdf

https://www.apwpt.org/downloads/apwpt-eckpunkte-fuer-eine-geordnete-technische.pdf

https://manypossibilities.net/2014/03/a-look-at-spectrum-in-four-african-countries/

XIX

Last Reviewed: 18:55 UTC+1; 29th of September 2018

[173] 17th of January 2014; Steve Song; Africa’s LTE Future https://manypossibilities.net/2014/01/africas-lte-future/ Last Reviewed: 18:57 UTC+1; 29th of September 2018

[174] GSMA: Mobile World Live; Djibouti, Republic of http://maps.mobileworldlive.com/network.php?cid=53&cname=Djibouti,%20Republic%20of Last Reviewed: 18:58 UTC+1; 29th of September 2018

[175] 23rd of June 2016; TeleGeography; MTN Ghana launches 4G LTE in all regions https://www.telegeography.com/products/commsupdate/articles/2016/06/23/mtn-ghana-launches-4g-lte-in-all-regions/ Last Reviewed: 18:59 UTC+1; 29th of September 2018

[176] 17th of December 2015; TeleGeography; Safaricom asked to return 5MHz of 800MHz spectrum https://www.telegeography.com/products/commsupdate/articles/2015/12/17/safaricom-asked-to-return-5mhz-of-800mhz-spectrum/ Last Reviewed: 19:01 UTC+1; 29th of September 2018

[177] 25th of May 2017; European Union; 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 https://eur-lex.europa.eu/legal-content/EN/TXT/PDF/?uri=CELEX:32017D0899&from=de Last Reviewed: 23:41 UTC-3; 22nd of August 2018

[178] 2016; ITU; Radio Regulation Articles Edition of 2016 http://search.itu.int/history/HistoryDigitalCollectionDocLibrary/1.43.48.en.101.pdf Last Reviewed: 23:26 UTC-3; 22nd of August 2018

[179] 07th of June 2012; Wladimir Bocquet; ITU Workshop for the CIS countries; Addressing Spectrum for Mobile Broadband, Challenges for Spectrum Management https://www.itu.int/ITU-D/tech/events/2012/ResultsWRC12_CIS_StPetersburg_June12/Presen-tations/Session6/S6_1.pdf Last Reviewed: 19:04 UTC+1; 29th of September 2018

[180] 06th of May 2014; Bundesnetzagentur; Pressemitteilung; Präsentation vom Jahresbericht 2013 https://www.bundesnetzagentur.de/SharedDocs/Downloads/DE/Allgemeines/Presse/Pressemit-teilungen/2014/140506_Jahresbericht2013.pdf?__blob=publicationFile&v=5 Last Reviewed: 12:03 UTC-3; 23rd of August 2018

[181] 19th of June 2015; Bundesnetzagentur; Frequenzversteigerung in Mainz beendet https://www.bundesnetzagentur.de/cln_1412/SharedDocs/Pressemittei-lungen/DE/2015/150619_Frequenzversteigerung.html;jses-sionid=8C3C5411C2200C5895FB47590B5980AE Last Reviewed: 16:11 UTC-3; 23rd of August 2018

[182] 21st of January 2013; Prof. Dr.-Ing. Thomas Kürner, Prof. Dr.-Ing. Ulrich Reimers; Dr.-Ing. Kin Lien Chee; Dipl.-Ing. Thomas Jansen, M. Sc.; Dipl.-Ing. Frieder Juretzek; Dipl.-Ing. Peter Schlegel; Technische Universität Braunschweig; A study of future spectrum requirements for terrestrial TV and mobile services and other radio applications in the 470-790 MHz frequency band, including an evaluation of the options for sharing frequency use from a number of socio-economic and frequency technology perspectives, particularly in the 694-790 MHz frequency sub-band https://apwpt.org/downloads/bmwi-study-spectr-requir-jan13.pdf Last Reviewed: 16:23 UTC-3; 23rd of August 2018

[183] 06th of October 2014; Achim Sawall; HD über Antenne, Erste Ausstrahlung mit DVB-T2 gestartet. https://www.golem.de/news/hd-ueber-antenne-erste-ausstrahlung-mit-dvb-t2-gestartet-1410-109651.html Last Reviewed: 16:30 UTC-3; 23rd of August 2018

https://manypossibilities.net/2014/01/africas-lte-future/

http://maps.mobileworldlive.com/network.php?cid=53&cname=Djibouti,%20Republic%20of

https://www.telegeography.com/products/commsupdate/articles/2016/06/23/mtn-ghana-launches-4g-lte-in-all-regions/

https://www.telegeography.com/products/commsupdate/articles/2016/06/23/mtn-ghana-launches-4g-lte-in-all-regions/

https://www.telegeography.com/products/commsupdate/articles/2015/12/17/safaricom-asked-to-return-5mhz-of-800mhz-spectrum/

https://www.telegeography.com/products/commsupdate/articles/2015/12/17/safaricom-asked-to-return-5mhz-of-800mhz-spectrum/

https://eur-lex.europa.eu/legal-content/EN/TXT/PDF/?uri=CELEX:32017D0899&from=de


https://www.itu.int/ITU-D/tech/events/2012/ResultsWRC12_CIS_StPetersburg_June12/Presentations/Session6/S6_1.pdf

https://www.itu.int/ITU-D/tech/events/2012/ResultsWRC12_CIS_StPetersburg_June12/Presentations/Session6/S6_1.pdf

https://www.bundesnetzagentur.de/SharedDocs/Downloads/DE/Allgemeines/Presse/Pressemitteilungen/2014/140506_Jahresbericht2013.pdf?__blob=publicationFile&v=5

https://www.bundesnetzagentur.de/SharedDocs/Downloads/DE/Allgemeines/Presse/Pressemitteilungen/2014/140506_Jahresbericht2013.pdf?__blob=publicationFile&v=5

https://www.bundesnetzagentur.de/cln_1412/SharedDocs/Pressemitteilungen/DE/2015/150619_Frequenzversteigerung.html;jsessionid=8C3C5411C2200C5895FB47590B5980AE



https://apwpt.org/downloads/bmwi-study-spectr-requir-jan13.pdf

https://www.golem.de/news/hd-ueber-antenne-erste-ausstrahlung-mit-dvb-t2-gestartet-1410-109651.html

https://www.golem.de/news/hd-ueber-antenne-erste-ausstrahlung-mit-dvb-t2-gestartet-1410-109651.html

XX

[184] DVB-T2 HD; Regionen http://www.dvb-t2hd.de/regionen Last Reviewed: 16:38 UTC-3; 23rd of August 2018

[185] 26th of April 2017; Achim Sawall; Europa, 700-MHz-Band soll Mobilfunk verbessern https://www.golem.de/news/europa-700-mhz-band-soll-mobilfunk-verbessern-1704-127505.html Last Reviewed: 16:59 UTC-3; 23rd of August 2018

[186] 21st of February 2018; derStandard.at; 5G-Frequenzen sollen in Österreich mindestens 30 Millionen Euro bringen https://derstandard.at/2000074727514/5G-in-Oesterreich-Frequenzen-sollen-mindestens-30-Millionen-Euro-bringen Last Reviewed: 00:22 UTC-3; 01st of July 2018

[187] December 2016; RTR; Spectrum Release Plan https://www.rtr.at/de/tk/FRQplan/Spectrum_Release_Plan.pdf Last Reviewed: 22:34 UTC-3, 01st of July 2018

[188] 2017; KommAustria; 19. Verordnung der Kommunikationsbehörde Austria (KommAustria) über ein Digitalisierungskonzept zur Einführung, zum Ausbau und zur Weiterentwicklung von digitalem Rundfunk (Fernsehen und Hörfunk) und anderen Mediendiensten – Digitalisierungs-konzept 2017 https://www.rtr.at/de/m/Digikonzept2017/KOA_4.000-17-008_-_Digikonzept_2017.pdf Last Reviewed: 1:12 UTC-3; 01st of July 2018

[189] ARCEP; Le processus de réaffectation de la bande 700 MHz https://www.arcep.fr/index.php?id=12896&L=1 Last Reviewed: 00:19 UTC-3; 24th of August 2018

[190] 24th of April 2013; Ofcom; Future use of the 700MHz band, Implementing Ofcom’s UHF strategy https://www.ofcom.org.uk/__data/assets/pdf_file/0015/63330/uhf_si_call_for_inputs.pdf Last Reviewed: 00:30 UTC-3; 24th of August 2018

[191] 29th of January 2015; BAKOM; Vorausschauen beim Kauf neuer Funkmikrofone https://www.bakom.admin.ch/bakom/de/home/das-bakom/medieninformationen/bakom-infomai-ling/bakom-infomailing-38/vorausschauen-beim-kauf-neuer-funkmikrofone.html Last Reviewed: 19:36 UTC-3; 30th of June 2018

[192] 05th of January 2016; BAKOM; Allocation of new mobile radio frequencies: consultation launched https://www.admin.ch/gov/en/start/documentation/media-releases.msg-id-66889.html Last Reviewed: 19:13 UTC-3; 30th of June 2018

[193] 13th of December 2017; Jürg Müller, Neue Bürcher Zeitung; Der grosse Mobilfunkpoker hat begonnen https://www.nzz.ch/wirtschaft/der-grosse-mobilfunkpoker-hat-begonnen-ld.1338694 Last Reviewed: 23:26 UTC-3; 01st of July 2018

[194] 02nd of February 2016; Europäische Kommission; Vorschlag für einen Beschluss des Eu-ropäischen Parlaments und des Rates über die Nutzung des Frequenzbandes 470-790 MHz in der Union https://eur-lex.europa.eu/legal-content/DE/TXT/HTML/?uri=COM:2016:43:FIN&from=EN Last Reviewed: 18:47 UTC-3; 01st of July 2018

[195] 16th of September 2013; Anthony Whelan, European Commission; Considerations on spectrum harmonization for PMSE equipment https://apwpt.org/downloads/ibc2013_aw.pdf Last Reviewed: 23:21 UTC-3; 01st of July 2018

[196] 18th of October 2012; APWPT; Workshop Coexistence Challenges of LTE October 12 https://www.apwpt.org/history/brussels/workshop-coexistence-challenges-of--lte-october-12/in-dex.html

http://www.dvb-t2hd.de/regionen

https://www.golem.de/news/europa-700-mhz-band-soll-mobilfunk-verbessern-1704-127505.html

https://derstandard.at/2000074727514/5G-in-Oesterreich-Frequenzen-sollen-mindestens-30-Millionen-Euro-bringen

https://derstandard.at/2000074727514/5G-in-Oesterreich-Frequenzen-sollen-mindestens-30-Millionen-Euro-bringen

https://www.rtr.at/de/tk/FRQplan/Spectrum_Release_Plan.pdf

https://www.rtr.at/de/m/Digikonzept2017/KOA_4.000-17-008_-_Digikonzept_2017.pdf


https://www.ofcom.org.uk/__data/assets/pdf_file/0015/63330/uhf_si_call_for_inputs.pdf

https://www.bakom.admin.ch/bakom/de/home/das-bakom/medieninformationen/bakom-infomailing/bakom-infomailing-38/vorausschauen-beim-kauf-neuer-funkmikrofone.html

https://www.bakom.admin.ch/bakom/de/home/das-bakom/medieninformationen/bakom-infomailing/bakom-infomailing-38/vorausschauen-beim-kauf-neuer-funkmikrofone.html

https://www.admin.ch/gov/en/start/documentation/media-releases.msg-id-66889.html

https://www.nzz.ch/wirtschaft/der-grosse-mobilfunkpoker-hat-begonnen-ld.1338694

https://eur-lex.europa.eu/legal-content/DE/TXT/HTML/?uri=COM:2016:43:FIN&from=EN

https://apwpt.org/downloads/ibc2013_aw.pdf

https://www.apwpt.org/history/brussels/workshop-coexistence-challenges-of--lte-october-12/index.html

https://www.apwpt.org/history/brussels/workshop-coexistence-challenges-of--lte-october-12/index.html

XXI

Last Reviewed: 18:53 UTC-3; 26th of August 2018

[197] 16th of August 2013; APWPT, ICB – September 2013 https://www.apwpt.org/history/netherlands/2013/index.html Last Reviewed: 18:50 UTC-3; 26th of August 2018

[198] Bruno Espinosa, CEPT, ECC, ECO; ECC initiatives on spectrum for Programme Making and Special Events – PMSE https://apwpt.org/downloads/ibc2013_be.pdf Last Reviewed: 23:19 UTC-3; 01st of July 2018

[199] 2017; KommAustria; 19. Verordnung der Kommunikationsbehörde Austria (KommAustria) über ein Digitalisierungskonzept zur Einführung, zum Ausbau und zur Weiterentwicklung von digitalem Rundfunk (Fernsehen und Hörfunk) und anderen Mediendiensten – Digitalisierungs-konzept 2017 https://www.rtr.at/de/m/Digikonzept2017/KOA_4.000-17-008_-_Digikonzept_2017.pdf Last Reviewed: 1:12 UTC-3; 01st of July 2018

[200] Frequenzbereichszuweisungsplan; BGBl. II - Ausgegeben am 16. Dezember 2016 - Nr. 390 https://www.ris.bka.gv.at/Dokumente/Bundesnormen/NOR40188657/II_390_2016_An-lage_1.pdf Last Reviewed: 20:38 UTC-3; 26th of August 2018

[201] 17th of March 2016; arcep; Audio Programme Making and Special Events (PMSE) equip-ment https://www.arcep.fr/index.php?id=10887&L=1 Last Reviewed: 21:43 UTC-3; 01st of July 2018

[202] 06th of February 2015; Ofcom; Technical info – PMSE spectrum and equipment https://www.ofcom.org.uk/manage-your-licence/radiocommunication-licences/pmse/pmse-tech-nical-info Last Reviewed: 19:00 UTC-3; 01st of July

[203] 27th of July 2017; 700 MHz Clearance Look-up Tool https://www.ofcom.org.uk/manage-your-licence/radiocommunication-licences/pmse/700-mhz-clearance-look-up-tool Last Reviewed: 19:07 UTC-3; 01st of July 2018

[204] 03rd of September 2018; Bakom; Radio microphones https://www.bakom.admin.ch/bakom/en/homepage/equipments-and-installations/particular-equipment/radio-microphones.html Last Reviewed: 17:47 UTC+1; 29th of September 2018

[205] 27th of April 2018; BAKOM; Drahtlose Mikrofonanlage https://www.bakom.admin.ch/bakom/de/home/frequenzen-antennen/frequenznutzung-mit-oder-ohne-konzessionen/nicht-konzessionspflichtige-installationen/drahtlose-mikrofonanlage.html Last Reviewed: 23:47 UTC-3; 01st of July 2018

[206] DKE; Spektrumnutzung im UHF-TV Bereich bei der Wahl zur Bremer Bürgerschaft am Abend des 10. Mai 2015 https://apwpt.org/downloads/dke-wahl-in-bremen-2015.pdf Last Reviewed: 23:51 UTC-3; 01st of July 2018

[207] 18th of December 2012; Ofcom; Ofcom and the London 2012 Olympic and Paralympic Games https://apwpt.org/downloads/ofcom-and-the-london-2012-olympic-and-paralymp.pdf Last Reviewed: 22:00 UTC-3; 01st of July 2018

[208] 2014; DKE AK 731.0.8 (DIN/VDE); Using mobile duplex gaps and guard bands for audio PMSE https://www.apwpt.org/downloads/using-mobile-duplex-gaps-and-guard-bands-for-a.pdf Last Reviewed: 01:39 UTC-3; 25th of August 2018

https://www.apwpt.org/history/netherlands/2013/index.html

https://apwpt.org/downloads/ibc2013_be.pdf

https://www.rtr.at/de/m/Digikonzept2017/KOA_4.000-17-008_-_Digikonzept_2017.pdf

https://www.ris.bka.gv.at/Dokumente/Bundesnormen/NOR40188657/II_390_2016_Anlage_1.pdf

https://www.ris.bka.gv.at/Dokumente/Bundesnormen/NOR40188657/II_390_2016_Anlage_1.pdf


https://www.ofcom.org.uk/manage-your-licence/radiocommunication-licences/pmse/pmse-technical-info

https://www.ofcom.org.uk/manage-your-licence/radiocommunication-licences/pmse/pmse-technical-info

https://www.ofcom.org.uk/manage-your-licence/radiocommunication-licences/pmse/700-mhz-clearance-look-up-tool

https://www.ofcom.org.uk/manage-your-licence/radiocommunication-licences/pmse/700-mhz-clearance-look-up-tool

https://www.bakom.admin.ch/bakom/en/homepage/equipments-and-installations/particular-equipment/radio-microphones.html

https://www.bakom.admin.ch/bakom/en/homepage/equipments-and-installations/particular-equipment/radio-microphones.html

https://www.bakom.admin.ch/bakom/de/home/frequenzen-antennen/frequenznutzung-mit-oder-ohne-konzessionen/nicht-konzessionspflichtige-installationen/drahtlose-mikrofonanlage.html

https://www.bakom.admin.ch/bakom/de/home/frequenzen-antennen/frequenznutzung-mit-oder-ohne-konzessionen/nicht-konzessionspflichtige-installationen/drahtlose-mikrofonanlage.html

https://apwpt.org/downloads/dke-wahl-in-bremen-2015.pdf

https://apwpt.org/downloads/ofcom-and-the-london-2012-olympic-and-paralymp.pdf

https://www.apwpt.org/downloads/using-mobile-duplex-gaps-and-guard-bands-for-a.pdf

XXII

[210] 2018; APWPT; PMSE in Aircraft Frequencies? https://www.apwpt.org/technical-papers/apwpt/special-on-pmse-in-air-band/index.html Last Reviewed: 22:55 UTC-3; 01st of July 2018

[211] 17th of May 2017; Presentation of Matthias Fehr, APWPT; Audio PMSE in the Frequency Range 960 to 1164 MHz – LINK 16 Spectrum MNWG 2017 -

[212] 16th of February 2016; Helmut G. Bauer, SOS; Leitfaden für Ausgleichzahlungen https://www.sos-save-our-spectrum.org/leitfaden-ausgleichzahlungen/ Last Reviewed: 22:54 UTC-3; 01st of July 2018

[213] 07th of October 2015; Bundesministerium für Verkehr und digitale Infrastruktur; Bekannt-machung Richtlinie über die Gewährung von Billigkeitsleistungen für Ausgleichzahlungen an Nutzer drahtloser Produktionsmittel („PMSE“) für aus der Umwidmung der Frequenzen im Fre-quenzbereich 694 bis 790 MHz resultierende Umstellungskosten (RL-UmstKoPMSE700) http://www.bav.bund.de/SharedDocs/Downloads/DE/Ausgleichszahlungen/Richtli-nie_PMSE.pdf?__blob=publicationFile&v=5 Last Reviewed: 14:11 UTC-3; 01st of July 2018

[214] CITEL; Mission Statement https://www.citel.oas.org/en/Pages/Mission-Statement.aspx Last Reviewed: 19:56 UTC+1; 29th of September 2018

[215] Jonathan Noble and Mark Hughes; Discovering what makes Formula one, Formula one https://www.dummies.com/sports/auto-racing/discovering-what-makes-formula-one-formula-one/ Last Reviewed: 23:01 UTC-3; 02nd of August 2018

[216] 11th of July 2018; Dino Larry Tedesco; Draft Revision July 2018, Report Frequencies F1 GP Monza 2009-2017 Info RAI WAY - MISE

[217] 06th of April 2018; Presentation of Felipe Filgueras; TV Globo; Frequências Fórmula 1

[218] Interview with Dino Larry Tedesco; Frequency Coordinator of RAY-WAY, Italy

[219] 2016; Felipe Filgueiras; Relacão de Frequências 2016

[220] 24th of June 2008; Branislav Pekic; Advanced Television; Italy switch-off timetable by Sep-tember https://advanced-television.com/2008/06/24/italy-switch-off-timetable-by-september/ Last Reviewed: 23:02 UTC-3; 02nd of August 2018

[221] 01st of January 2014; Johann Silbernagl; Mobilfunk in Südtirol; Aktuelle Frequenzzuwei-sung http://www.silbernagl.biz/Mobilfunk/Frequenzzuweisung.php Last Reviewed: 23:05 UTC-3; 02nd of August 2018

[222] 03rd of May 2016; Branislav Pekic; Italy seeks 700 MHz transition deferral https://advanced-television.com/2016/05/03/italy-seeks-700-mhz-transition-deferral/ Last Reviewed: 22:05 UTC+1; 14th of July 2018

[223] 2017; Richard Olandim, Lucas Silca; TV Globo SP; Prospecção de RF Autódromo de In-terlagos GP Brasil de Fórmula-1 2017

[150] 13th of May 2016; Ministero dello Sviluppo Economico; Guidelines Temporary General Au-thorization

https://www.apwpt.org/technical-papers/apwpt/special-on-pmse-in-air-band/index.html

https://www.sos-save-our-spectrum.org/leitfaden-ausgleichzahlungen/



https://www.citel.oas.org/en/Pages/Mission-Statement.aspx

https://www.dummies.com/sports/auto-racing/discovering-what-makes-formula-one-formula-one/

https://www.dummies.com/sports/auto-racing/discovering-what-makes-formula-one-formula-one/

https://advanced-television.com/2008/06/24/italy-switch-off-timetable-by-september/

http://www.silbernagl.biz/Mobilfunk/Frequenzzuweisung.php

https://advanced-television.com/2016/05/03/italy-seeks-700-mhz-transition-deferral/

XXIII

ANNEX

A.1 Characteristics / Requirements for Digital Wireless Microphones

Application Studio ENG and outside

broadcasting Talk-back Concerts

Musicals and plays

In-ear moni-tor

Content Voice Voice Voice and broadcast pro-gramme

Voice and mu-sical instru-ments

Voice and musical in-struments

Voice and mu-sical instru-ments in ste-reo

Audio frequency

20 Hz-20 kHz 20 Hz-20 kHz (50 Hz-10 kHz by trade-off with interfer-ence)

100 Hz-10 kHz (100 Hz-7 kHz by trade-off with interfer-ence or la-tency)

20 Hz-over 20 kHz

20 Hz-over 20 kHz

20 Hz-15 kHz

Audio dynamic range

More than 100 dB (preferably 20-bit linear PCM and more than 120 dB)

More than 100 dB

More than 70 dB

More than 100 dB

90 dB 95-100 dB

Maximum sound pres-sure level of microphone

More than 130 dBSPL

More than 140 dBSPL

– 140 dBSPL 130 dBSPL –

Maximum acceptable latency

1 ms 5 ms (25 ms by trade-off with interference)

5 ms 2 ms 2 ms 1 ms

Audio interface

AES/EBU output at receiver AES/EBU in-put at transmit-ter

AES/EBU output at receiver AES/EBU in-put at trans-mitter

Table 38: Requirements for Digital Wireless Microphones in different Production Scenarios [19, Page 2]

XXIV

A.2 UHF TV Channel Arrangement in Brazil

TV channel MHz TV channel MHz TV channel MHz VHF baixo UHF 700 MHz band 2 54 60 14 470 476 52 698 704 3 60 66 15 476 482 53 704 710 4 66 72 16 482 488 54 710 716 5 76 82 17 488 494 55 716 722 6 82 88 18 494 500 56 722 728 19 500 506 57 728 734 VHF alto 20 506 512 58 734 740 7 174 180 21 512 518 59 740 746 8 180 186 22 518 524 60 746 752 9 186 192 23 524 530 61 752 758 10 192 198 24 530 536 62 758 764 11 198 204 25 536 542 63 764 770 12 204 210 26 542 548 64 770 776 13 210 216 27 548 554 65 776 782 28 554 560 66 782 788 29 560 566 67 788 794 30 566 572 68 794 800 31 572 578 69 800 806 32 578 584 33 584 590 800 MHz band 34 590 596 70 806 812 35 596 602 71 812 818 36 602 608 72 818 824 37 608 614 73 824 830 38 614 620 74 830 836 39 620 626 75 836 842 40 626 632 76 842 848 41 632 638 77 848 854 42 638 644 78 854 860 43 644 650 79 860 866 44 650 656 80 866 872 45 656 662 81 872 878 46 662 668 82 878 884 47 668 674 83 884 890 48 674 680 49 680 686 50 686 692 51 692 698

Table 39: TV Channel Arrangement in Brazil [43]

Note: even though the 800 MHz frequency band is not allocated to the Broadcast Service since a very long time, it is still split into TV channels.

XXV

A.3 Final Acts – Changes 2000 until 2015

Note: all relevant changes are marked in yellow.

Frequency allocations

2000 2007 2012 2015 470 – 512 MHz

BROADCASTING Fixed Mobile

S5.292 S5.293


Fixed Mobile

5.292 5.293


Fixed Mobile

5.292 5.293


Fixed Mobile

5.292 5.293 5.295 512 – 608 MHz

BROADCASTING S5.297


5.297


5.297


5.297 5.297 608 – 614 MHz

RADIO ASTRON-OMY

608 – 614 MHz RADIO ASTRON-

OMY


OMY


OMY 614 – 806 MHz

BROADCASTING Fixed Mobile

S5.293 S5.309 S5.311


Fixed Mobile

5.293 5.309 5.311


Fixed Mobile

5.293 5.309 5.311


Fixed Mobile

5.293 5.308 5.308A 5.309 5.311


Fixed MOBILE 5.313B

5.317A 5.293 5.309 5.311

698 – 806 MHz MOBILE 5.313B

5.317A BROADCASTING

Fixed 5.293 5.309 5.311

698 – 806 MHz MOBILE 5.317A

BROADCASTING Fixed

5.293 5.309 5.311


MOBILE S5.317A BROACASTING

S5.317 S5.318


MOBILE S5.317A BROACASTING

5.317 5.318


MOBILE 5.317A BROACASTING

5.317 5.318


MOBILE 5.317A BROACASTING

5.317 5.318 Table 40: Changes of the frequency allocations in the Radio Regulations (RR) from 2000 until 2015 [62]

[64] [65] [66]

Footnote 3.317A

Year of WRC Text of Footnote 5.317

2000

ADD S5.317A Administrations wishing to implement International Mobile Tele-communications-2000 (IMT-2000) may use these parts of the band 806-960 MHz which are allocated to the Mobile Service on a primary basis and are used or planned to be used for mobile systems (see Resolution 224 (WRC-2000)). This identification does not preclude the use of these bands by any application of the services to which they are allocated and does not establish priority in the Radio Regulations.

2007

MOD (R9/425/7) 5.317A Those parts of the band 698-960 MHz in ITU-Region 2 and the band 790-960 MHz in Regions 1 and 3 which are allocated to the Mobile Service on a primary basis are identified for use by administrations wishing to implement International Mobile Telecommunications (IMT). See Resolutions 224 (Rev.WRC-07) and 749 (WRC-07). This identification does not preclude the use of these bands by any application of the services to which they are allo-cated and does not establish priority in the Radio Regulations. (WRC-07)

XXVI

2012

MOD 5.317A Those parts of the band 698-960 MHz in ITU-Region 2 and the band 790-960 MHz in Regions 1 and 3 which are allocated to the Mobile Service on a primary basis are identified for use by administrations wishing to implement International Mobile Telecommunications (IMT) – see Resolutions 224 (Rev.WRC-12) and 749 (Rev.WRC-12), as appropriate. This identification does not preclude the use of these bands by any application of the services to which they are allocated and does not establish priority in the Radio Reg-ulations. (WRC-12)

2015

MOD 5.317A The parts of the frequency band 698-960 MHz in ITU-Region 2 and the fre-quency bands 694-790 MHz in ITU-Region 1 and 790-960 MHz in Regions 1 and 3 which are allocated to the Mobile Service on a primary basis are iden-tified for use by administrations wishing to implement International Mobile Telecommunications (IMT) – see Resolutions 224 (Rev.WRC-15), 760 (WRC-15) and 749 (Rev.WRC-15), where applicable. This identification does not preclude the use of these frequency bands by any application of the services to which they are allocated and does not es-tablish priority in the Radio Regulations. (WRC−15)

Table 41: Changes in the footnote 5.317A of the RRs from 2000 until 2015 [62] [64] [65] [66]

A.4 Calculation: Spectrum Occupation at the João Rock Festival

Calculation of spectrum occupation at the João Rock Festival, using the same method, like the DKE used for the German Regional Elections:

Step 1: Calculation of the total amount of used wireless audio production tools (PMSE) and their total bandwidth:

Total Number of all Wireless Audio Production Tools (PMSE) in use: 122 devices

Total Bandwidth of all Wireless Audio Production Tools (PMSE): 44 MHz

Note: these values were calculated with the data of Table 17.

Step 2: Calculation of the required Guard Bands between the Wireless Audio Production Tools (PMSE):

The DKE used the following formula for the guard-band calculation between the wireless audio production tools (PMSE) at the ESC 2011:

(Number of wireless audio production tools * 0,6 MHz) + 0,2 MHz

For the 122 used devices in total, this results in a required guard band bandwidth between the audio production tools (PMSE) of 73,4 MHz.

Step 3: Calculation of the required bandwidth of all locally occupied TV channels:

‘Portal DSB’ lists 19 occupied UHF TV channels for Ribeirão Preto (event location of João Rock). This results in a total bandwidth of 114 MHz for all occupied UHF TV channels.

Note: UHF TV channel bandwidth in Latin-America = 6 MHz

XXVII

Step 4: Calculation of the required Guard Bands between occupied UHF TV channels and Wireless Audio Production Tolls (PMSE):

The DKE calculated a Guard Band of 600 kHz at both sides of each locally occu-pied UHF TV channel. This calculation can be represented in the following for-mula:

2 * Total Number of locally occupied UHF TV channels * 0,6 MHz

For the 19 listed occupied UHF TV channels in Ribeirão Preto, this results in a required guard band bandwidth between the audio production tools (PMSE) and TV stations of 22,8 MHz.

Step 5: Calculation of total required Bandwidth at the ‘João Rock’ Festival

In a last step, to calculate the total required bandwidth for the ESC 2011, the DKE summed up all required bandwidths.

Total Required Bandwidth at João Rock:

Bandwidth [MHz]

Bandwidth of all Wireless Audio Production Tools (PMSE) in use 44 Required guard band bandwidth between the audio production tools (PMSE) 73,4 Bandwidth of all locally occupied UHF TV channels 114 Guard band bandwidth between the audio production tools (PMSE) and TV stations 22,8

Total Required Bandwidth at João Rock 254,6 Table 42:Total Amount of Required Bandwidth at the João Rock Festival

Step 6: Conclusion

• UHF TV spectrum: 470 to 698 MHz • Radio Astronomy Channel: 6 MHz • Available Bandwidth in UHF TV spectrum: 222MHz

Note: channel 37 is blocked for the Radio Astronomy service and cannot be used for TV transmissions or the operation of wireless audio production tools (PMSE).

By comparing the total required bandwidth for the ‘João Rock’ Festival of 254,6 MHz with the totally available bandwidth in the remaining UHF TV spectrum after the DD1 of 222 MHz, it can be seen that more bandwidth is required than available.

XXVIII

A.5 Overview Over the last ‘Annual Latin-American Spectrum Man-agement Conferences’

Annual Latin-American Spectrum Management Conference 2nd 3rd 4th

2016 2017 2018 Mexico Colombia Argentina

‘The digital switchover in the re-gion - progress and planning ahead

WRC-15 - next steps and planning ahead to WRC-19

Maximizing the benefits of the 700 MHz band – 2 sessions focussing specifically on the Mexican whole-sale network model, and ap-proaches being seen in other countries

What next – is it time to start plan-ning for the 2nd digital dividend in the 600MHz band?

Fuelling the next wave of wireless connectivity: spectrum for 5G, IoT and future wireless technologies

Best practice in auctions, licencing and valuation (including a focus on the Mexican AWS-3 and the US in-centive auctions)

Connecting the unconnected: Spectrum policies to help bring af-fordable connectivity to all

Regulatory Roundtable - Managing spectrum in Caribbean and smaller Central American country’ [156].

‘Regional Preparation ahead of WRC-19

Is spectrum policy in LatAm suffi-ciently supporting the rollout of 4G?

Continuing progress towards uni-versal coverage

The UHF Band - Discussing both the 600Mhz and 700Mhz bands

Spectrum Auctions and Awards

The 2.5GHz band

Spectrum for 5G - Developing Na-tional Plans and finding the re-quired capacity

Meeting the challenges of manag-ing spectrum in Caribbean and Smaller Central American coun-tries’ [155].

‘Cross Border Frequency Coordina-tion

Regional Preparation ahead of WRC-19

Is spectrum policy in LatAm suffi-ciently supporting the rollout of 4G?

Continuing progress towards uni-versal coverage

The UHF Band - Discussing both the 600Mhz and 700Mhz bands

Spectrum Auctions and Awards

The 2.5GHz band

Spectrum for 5G - Developing Na-tional Plans and finding the re-quired capacity Meeting the challenges of manag-ing spectrum in Caribbean and Smaller Central American coun-tries’ [154].

Table 43: Brief List of Topics discussed at the last 'Annual Latin-American Spectrum Management Confer-ences'

XXIX

A.6 Frequency Request Italy

Figure 108: Procedure of a License Request for Temporary Frequency Usage in Italy [150]

Master-Thesis - APWPT

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Transcript of Master-Thesis - APWPT