The European Union shields the sub-700 band for broadcasting, at least until 2030

Europe will release the 700 MHz band for mobile services starting in 2020 (+/- 2 years). Broadcasting services, such as digital television and wireless microphones, will maintain exclusive use of the sub-700 MHz band (470-694 MHz), at least until 2030.

The European Union has reached an agreement on the release of the 700 MHz band for mobile services in 2020. The band below 700 MHz will remain available for broadcasting until at least 2030.

The European Parliament, the Council and the Commission have agreed to coordinate the use of the 700 MHz band so that mobile Internet services reach all Europeans over 5G networks from 2020.

This agreement is based on a proposal presented by the Commission in February 2016. The Council reached its common position on 26 May and the Parliament (ITRE Commission) on 10 November. Both institutions are expected to formally approve the agreement in the coming weeks.

In this way, broadcasting services, such as digital television and wireless microphones, will maintain their priority in the band below 700 MHz (470-694 MHz) at least until 2030, depending on national needs.

The agreement will provide more spectrum for wireless broadband in the 700 MHz band. This band is ideal for providing high-quality Internet to users, whether they are within a large city, in a small town or on a highway.

Las frecuencias por debajo de los 700 MHz seguirán estando disponibles, como prioridad, para la radiodifusión, que se utiliza principalmente para la radiodifusión pública gratuita. Sin embargo, esta última banda podría utilizarse de forma flexible para otras tecnologías o servicios como el 5G según las necesidades nacionales de radiodifusión.