News

APWPT-Board 2023 – 2026

From left to right: Wolfgang Bilz, Vaughan John, Dr. Jochen Zenthöfer, Prof. Dr.-Ing María Dolores Pérez Guirao, Matthias Fehr

^{Results WRC-23 (World Radiocommunication Conference)}

The 2023 World Radiocommunication Conference (WRC-23) in Dubai is over. Several Board members and many members of the APWPT were there. They have for securing the frequencies for SAP/SAB = PMSE (i.e. wireless microphones for microphones for culture, event productions, journalism, etc., in-ear systems for concerts, etc.). With some success!

This was the position of the APWPT formulated before the WRC:

“It must be ensured that broadcasting, education, art, media, film, culture and event production can use sufficiently interference-free frequencies between 470 and 694 MHz on a permanent basis.  

We therefore strongly advocate the retention of the existing and proven system and advocate a no-change for the use of 470 – 694 MHz at WRC23.”

The WRC does not decide on specific uses. That will now be decided by the individual states. But the WRC decides on allocations, i.e. the framework within which uses are allowed.

The following now applies to Europe:

PMSE still has an allocation as a secondary user for the band between band between 470 and 694 MHz. Broadcasting remains the sole primary user. This means that the proven and existing system will be retained. However, the conference allowed other secondary users – in addition to PMSE – to enter the band. Whether and in what way this will happen will be clarified soon.

The individual countries will now clarify whether and how this will happen. New secondary users must not interfere with broadcasting as a primary user. There are not allowed to interfere with broadcasting. We as PMSE certainly do not interfere with broadcasting. Therefore we are safe.

So our work remains important. We have to make sure that – as demand increases – we can continue to use sufficient frequencies between 470 and 694 (in some countries: 698 MHz). The situation for this is good and has been consolidated by the conference. This is because the famous footnote 5.296, which safeguards PMSE, was not only retained, but also signed by four signed by four more countries. That is good. Now 89 countries in our world region support PMSE.

For some countries, it has been made possible for mobile radio to have use, but only in the 614 – 694 MHz range and only if it does not interfere with broadcasting. This applies in: Saudi Arabia, Bahrain, Egypt, United Arab Emirates, Iraq, Jordan, Kuwait, Oman, Palestine, Qatar, Syrian Arab Republic, as well as Gambia, Mauritania, Namibia, Nigeria, Senegal, Somalia, Tanzania and Chad.

FAQ

Can devices still be used?

a) In many countries, especially in Europe, it is possible to continue frequency use as before.

b) In the country groups “Saudi Arabia, Bahrain, Egypt, United Arab Emirates, Iraq, Jordan, Kuwait, Oman, Palestine, Qatar, Syrian Arab Republic”, changes are to be expected.

If new systems/services/applications come into the frequency range, when and which ones?

We are trying to obtain further information on this from administrations.

Will frequency planning become more difficult?

Frequency management (frequency planning and on-site necessary adjustments) is basically an event-dependent challenge. The foreseeable loss of radio spectrum in some countries is likely to make this task considerably more complicated there.

Note

The “Provisional Final Acts” of the WRC is a timely summary of existing resolutions, which are only converted into a binding decision document a few months later. A number of editorial corrections are made in the process. We keep an eye on this. All information provided here is therefore provisional.

Abbreviations

SAP/SAB = PMSE

SAP:  (Services Ancillary to Programme making) includes the use of radio frequencies by independent program producers and other non-commercial broadcasters, with the purpose of providing ancillary services to the program processing.

SAB: (Services Ancillary to Broadcasting) includes the use of radio frequencies by terrestrial radio broadcasters, with the purpose of providing ancilliary services to the program production.

The term PMSE (Program Making and Special Events) is also used to describe the combination of these applications.

^{First APWPT Summary of WRC-23}

^{APWPT is represented by three Board-members at the World Radiocommunication Conference 2023 in Dubai. This document provides a summary on the current status of the discussion after week two of total four weeks.}

^{1. Preliminary summary of World Radiocommunication Conference 2023 (WRC-23)}

^{About 2.900 participants are joining the WRC discussion in Dubai.}

^{ITU-R, an UN organisation works on the principle of consensus. This means, that the task to resolve issues and the associated negotiations to achieve compromises solutions can take a great deal of time.}  

 ^{There are many agenda items covering many spectrum bands and the radio regulations for that bands. However, for this status report, we limit ourselves to those radio spectrum issues connected to wireless production tools. These are known under the acronyms SAB/SAP or PMSE.}

^{2. APWPT at WRC-23}

 ^{APWPT is an international network of organisations and has been taking part in the WRC work since 2012. Some APWPT members are ITU-R “Sector Member” (e.g., European Broadcast Union (EBU), Sennheiser and Shure). Other APWPT members (e.g. EMG NL, PMSE-NL) are delegates or advisers in the national delegations of D, NL, UK and USA.}

^{3. Our first priority: Future of UHF TV-band 470 – 694 MHz}

^{Based on the decision at WRC 2019, the main work has happened during the four-year ITU-R study cycle, i.e. the position was developed in preparation of WRC-23.}

^{The 470 – 694 MHz band (among all other candidate bands for mobile) is discussed under Agenda Item 1.5 (AI 1.5). Proposals to the conference on possible regulatory action ranged from ‘No Change’ (i.e., spectrum allocations stay the same) to primary allocation to the mobile service. From our perspective, ‘No Change’ would be an excellent outcome, but intensive discussions are ongoing between the different views to try to find a compromise solution – this is often described as trying to find a solution where everyone is equally unhappy!}

^{APWPT and EBU are having intensive discussions with a number of administrations to try to influence their positions on AI 1.5.}

^{4. Situation for Video-PMSE}

^{Wireless cameras or monitors and video links are mainly operated in these frequency ranges:}

^{2.01 to 2.11 GHz, 2.20 to 2.50 GHz, 2.70 to 2.90 GHz, 4.40 to 5.00 GHz, 6.70 to 8.50 GHz, 10.0 to 10.68 GHz, 21.20 to 23.60 GHz, 24.00 to 24.50 GHz and 47.20 to 50.20 GHz.}

^{We have observed that several of the above mentioned radio frequency bands are addressed in at least five agenda items. It is a particular challenge for us to take part in the deliberations of the relevant working groups. We try our best to support wireless video tools and video links and the associated audio and remote-control links!}

^{5. CEPT weekly report of WRC-23}

^{The CEPT weekly report from the first week of WRC is now published here: https://cept.org/ecc/groups/ecc/cpg/page/weekly-report-from-wrc-23}

^{See also the status table of Agenda Items for a more high-level overview here: https://cept.org/ecc/groups/ecc/cpg/page/current-status-of-work-at-wrc-23}

^{6. Important focus during RA, the week before WRC-23: Resolution ITU-R 59-3}

^{One week before the WRC-23 the Radio Assembly 2023 (RA-23) agreed a new revision of Res 59 “Studies on availability of frequency bands and/or tuning ranges for worldwide and/or regional harmonization and conditions for their use by terrestrial electronic news gathering systems”.}

^{This Resolution is an important reference as it can highlight the global importance of PMSE:
“that the use of terrestrial portable and transportable radio equipment by services ancillary to broadcasting and programme making (SAB/SAP, PMSE), commonly described as electronic news gathering (ENG), currently operating in bands allocated to the fixed, mobile and broadcasting services, has become an important element in the comprehensive coverage of a wide range of internationally noteworthy events, including natural disasters as well as in content production”.}

^{This resolution also highlights the need for PMSE to have access to harmonised spectrum and calls for studies on possible solutions for global or regional harmonisation of spectrum bands for PMSE. These studies will be conducted during the next study cycle until the next WRC in the year 2027 (WRC-27). This work has already started several years ago and will continue on basis of this resolution.}

^{7. Outlook}

^{The WRC-23 will end on December 15th and the preparation for the next conference in 2027, CPM27-1, will start the week after.}

^{If you have any questions about the conference, please sent an E-Mail to: wrc23@apwpt.org}

The next General Assembly will be held on 17 January 2024, 1 – 2 pm (CET / Brussels time).

Topic: Results of the World Radiocommunication Conference – what follows from it? – what do we do now? – what are our questions?

The meeting will take place virtually. An invitation link will be sent out, but can also be requested from the board.

This year’s general meeting will be held virtually on Thursday, 28 September 2023, 1:30 – 3:30 pm (CET / Berlin time).

Beforehand, the new Executive Board for the period from 2023 to 2026 will be elected in an online procedure.

Anyone nominated by a member of the APWPT e.V. may stand for election.

The candidacy has to be declared on a pre-prepared sheet and sent to the election committee by 20 July 2023:

Wahlvorstand@APWPT.org

The prefabricated sheet is also available there. It has also been sent to all members.

The APWPT Board welcomes any candidature!

APWPT Statement on the World Radiocommunication Conference 2023  

APWPT, Association of Professional Wireless Production Technologies, is looking forward to the World Radiocommunication Conference 2023 (WRC-23) with great concern. At the next World Radiocommunication Conference in autumn 2023, there is another threat of a decision to further reduce the radio frequencies that are absolutely necessary for education, art, culture and event production.   

Due to the decisions of previous World Radiocommunication Conferences, we have already lost the 700 MHz and 800 MHz frequency ranges. To compensate, art, culture and the creative industries had to make considerable investments. This was a task that was hardly feasible, especially for small organizations.  

Now we are facing a new, almost unsolvable problem – the further loss of further radio spectrum would, especially in conurbations, jeopardize future daytime productions and, in addition, the implementation of major events that are very much desired by politicians. This is a business or organizational problem that probably can’t be solved by investment.  

Any change to the existing regulations currently under discussion would have extremely negative consequences. Note: the loss of 600 MHz should not be “trivialized”.  

Our position:  

It must be ensured that broadcasting, education, art, media, film, culture and event production can use sufficiently interference-free frequencies between 470 and 694 MHz on a permanent basis.   

We therefore strongly advocate the retention of the existing and proven system and advocate a no-change for the use of 470 – 694 MHz at WRC23. 

If you are looking to contact the APWPT’s WRC team, you can reach us at: wrc(at)apwpt.org.

APWPT has signed the “Call to Europe 2023”, together with about 100 associations and organizations from media and culture in Europe.

The statement calls for a “no change” vote on agenda item 1.5 at the 2023 World Radiocommunication Conference. The frequency band between 470 and 694 MHZ must continue to be available without restriction for wireless technology (PMSE)!

The wording of the “Call to Europe 2023” can be found here:

https://sos-save-our-spectrum.org/call-to-europe-2023-vote-to-protect-culture-and-media/?lang=en

This year’s General Meeting will be held virtually on Thursday, September 28, 2023, 13:30 – 15:30 (Berlin time).

Contents: Accountability report of the board, discharge of the board, new election of the board (will be done online in advance of the meeting), World Radiocommunication Conference 2023, among others, discussion.

Preliminary information on the presentation on 10.11.2022, starting at 10:00 CET

Presentation: Coordination and monitoring of radio frequencies

APWPT, together with many organisations, has over many years participated in event productions and observed spectrum use, including by wireless microphones, their return paths and team communications. This work has been considered in (inter)national working groups and studies.

On 10 November 2022, we will provide updated information, focusing on the UHF TV frequency range. We look forward to your participation, your questions and advice – thank you in advance!

Information & Link: matthias.fehr@apwpt.org

This year’s general meeting will be held virtually on Thursday, November 3, 2022, 1.30 – 3.30 pm (CET / Luxembourg time). Invitation, agenda and access link can be found in the members area at Teams or on request at the board.

APWPT Chairperson Wolfgang Bilz writes an article in EBU tech-i-magazine, in it:

“In 2008, users and manufacturers of wireless production tools founded APWPT as an international stakeholder group that could speak with one voice. […] Agenda item 1.5 at the next World Radiocommunication Conference, WRC-23, is discussing potential regulatory changes for the 470–694 MHz band. […] APWPT supports the continuation of the successful symbiosis of broadcast and PMSE with no change to the existing rules.”

https://www.umfrageonline.com/s/a06757d

September 13, 2021: Our survey is now closed, the results will be published soon. Thank you for your active participation!

For our Australian and NZ members, we offer a second informal APWPT – member’s meeting! Registration is not required.

Monday 21st June, 8 am CET (morning in Berlin) = Monday 21st June, 6 pm (evening in Auckland) = Monday, 21st June, 4 pm (afternoon in Melbourne).

The web meeting will be with Zoom. The link has been emailed to members and can be obtained by contacting office@apwpt.org.

The Executive Committee (the Board) invites you to an informal membership meeting. This will be held on Thursday, June 17, 2 – 4 pm, in English.

The web meeting will be with Zoom. The link has been emailed to members and can be obtained by contacting office@apwpt.org.

Registration is not required.

Agenda: Welcome, Brief summary of our activities (Technical Regulation activities, Policy activities), MSTeams for interactive collaboration, Open discussion, Summary (tasks, goals, next steps, ideas…).

The new statutes and rules of procedure are published here.

The agenda for the General Assembly on 25 March 2021 has been published. The meeting will be held in English.

APWPT General meeting,
March 25, 2021, 4 pm CET, Duration: approx. 60 minutes, via Zoom

Agenda:

1. What happened since our assembly october 2020?
Responsible: Matthias Fehr

2. Strategy 2021 and beyondResponsible: Wolfgang Bilz

3. Financial Report
Responsible: Frank Ernst

4. Changes in the articles and statutes
Resonsible: Jochen Zenthöfer

5. Miscellaneous
Assembly management: Dr. María Dolores Pérez Guirao

Technical management: Stefan Gehrke, buero fuer neues denken GmbH, Berlin
Voting tool by Vopin.io UG, Berlin, www.vopin.io

Minutes: Dr. Jochen Zenthöfer

The UHF frequencies (470 – 694 MHz) are vital for the cultural industry! Statement by the German politicians Gustav Herzog, MdB (SPD), Margit Stumpp, MdB (Greens), Anke Domscheit-Berg, MdB (Left), Doris Achelwilm, MdB (Left), Thomas Hacker, MdB (Liberal) and Dr. Christian Jung, MdB (Liberal). Title: UHF band – The future of broadcasting and cultural frequencies must be negotiated in parliament.

https://margit-stumpp.de/wp-content/uploads/2021/01/The-future-of-broadcasting-and-cultural-frequencies-must-be-negotiated-in-parliament.pdf

The next general meeting will take place on March 25, 2021 – 4 pm CET. The APWPT General Assembly will take place over the Internet. The agenda will be announced at a later date.

Artists who stand up for our cause: https://sos-save-our-spectrum.org/artists-for-sos/?lang=en

The new board started its work after the general meeting on October 28th. Chairpersons are: Wolfgang Bilz, Dr. Jochen Zenthöfer. Deputy chairpersons are: Dr. María Dolores Pérez Guirao, Frank Ernst, Matthias Fehr. The cashier is: Frank Ernst.