News

APWPT opinion 2025

Keep it as it is: PMSE must have daily access to high-quality radio spectrum in 470-694 MHz

To what extent do we want to support cultural and political life in our pluralistic and democratic societies in the future?

Long-term access to the 470 to 694 MHz band, free from interference, is vital for PMSE to produce independent, high-quality content that fosters social cohesion; enrichs cultural life; unlocks creative innovation; and increases Europe’s competitiveness and economic potential of the cultural and creative sectors. Importantly, PMSE operates independently of external infrastructure or business decisions, ensuring creators retain full control over their work.

The APWPT is calling for access to this spectrum to be maintained for PMSE beyond 2030. We will work closely with regulators and industry stakeholders to develop a long-term strategy to deliver growth in media and content production.

More than ever, it is crucial to support European values through content and creativity to promote sharing values and emotions by bringing people together in “real world” events.

Wireless PMSE equipment (Programme Making and Special Events) plays a fundamental role in cultural, education, entertainment and media organizations across Europe. In live concerts, theatre productions, broadcasting, sports events and political conferences, wireless microphones and in-ear monitors rely on stable and interference-free spectrum.

For many decades PMSE has shared the UHF band with TV broadcasting. This band is the core spectrum resource and provides unparalleled reliability, range, and flexibility. PMSE operates in the gaps between TV broadcast frequencies and is made available on this basis in all EU member states (and globally). This coexistence between Broadcast and PMSE is very efficient and works very well.

Along with TV broadcasting, PMSE has lost access to the 800 MHz and 700 MHz bands under two reallocations of spectrum to IMT. The remaining spectrum from 470 to 694 MHz is essential to deliver the cultural and creative events that Europeans enjoy every day. Any further loss of radio spectrum would damage the sector’s ability to deliver the events and productions that are the backbone of social cohesion and well-being along with economic and cultural value.

PMSE access to the 470-694 MHz band provides a sustainable harmonization that has been implemented in the European single market and provides huge benefit to the cultural and creative industries across the European Union.

Continued access to the 470-694 MHz band is necessary to maintain the long-standing successful use of this spectrum by PMSE and the cultural and creative industries throughout Europe

Harmonised access to the 470-694 MHz band encourages investment in PMSE technology; lowers prices; allows for economies of scale; and enables cross-border portability. The risk of spectrum fragmentation across member states is a serious issue for the audio PMSE sector — it increases costs, stifles innovation, and complicates cross-border operation. Preserving harmonized spectrum is essential for efficient, sustainable use, especially for artists and performers on international tours.

Events are already constrained by lack of available spectrum, even with access to the 470 to 694 MHz band. This has been noted by the RSPG and its recommendation to find additional spectrum to support audio PMSE. Additional spectrum should be harmonised across member states under similar regulatory and technical conditions as the UHF band.

PMSE manufacturers continue to innovate and explore new technologies. Studies and trials of 5G based on 3GPP over the last 10 years have shown that this technology does not meet the performance requirements of audio PMSE and is not considered a viable technology for PMSE.

Statement on the German coalition negotiations

APWPT e.V. (Association of Professional Wireless Production Technologies e. V.) is committed to ensuring that the frequencies in the TV UHF band between 470 and 694 MHz can continue to be used for wireless production equipment, i.e. for culture and the event industry, without interference. This has been possible in recent decades thanks to the symbiotic and successful use of the band with the primary user broadcasting, but also with radio astronomy and the weather service.

Keep it like it is.

As the Federal Government declared on March 13, 2025, it wants to “secure the needs of the aforementioned users in the long term”. We support this. On March 20, 2025, the Federal Government also declared that it attaches great importance to the resilience of terrestrial television coverage as part of the information infrastructure. We understand this to mean that PMSE is also important in the long term. The 2024 coalition agreement between the CDU, BSW and SPD in Thuringia recognized that the frequency requirements of culture are increasing. This applies to the whole of Germany. Without frequency security, culture, media production and distribution are at risk.

APWPT has several working groups. We present the current topics here. Today:

Working Group Communication & Promotion

Terms of Reference (ToR)

1. Background and purpose:

The aim of the working group is to ensure and improve internal and external communication in APWPT. This is done via various media internally (newsletter, MS Teams, website) and externally (website, press articles, publications, social media). We also deal with legal issues, data protection, recruiting new members and political work with our partners, mainly “SOS – Save Our Spectrum” and the Broadcasters.

2. Objectives

The working group will take on the following main tasks:

• Update our communication strategies to different stakeholders regarding WRC-27 and WRC-31.
• All other communication matters; e.g. Organizing and updating the website. Sending a monthly member email.
• Recruiting members and onboarding new members.
• Statements to the press.
• Ensuring data protection internally and externally, as well as other legal regulations.
• Meeting with external partners, including about participation in initiatives.

For more information, ask Guillaume Mascot and Jochen Zenthöfer.

Workshop “The future of the 470-694 MHz band within the EU” / 11 April 2025 from 09:30 to 16:30 CEST

The RSPG Subgroup on “Assessment of future usage of the frequency band 470-694 MHz within the EU” is organising a workshop about the TV-UHF-band in Brussels on Friday, April 11th. You can join sur place or remotely.

From APWPT, Vaughan John and Wolfgang Bilz will speak.

Programme: https://radio-spectrum-policy-group.ec.europa.eu/document/download/20cea10c-04d3-49cf-a6a8-929f9b2d70c9_en?filename=Future_of_UHF-Workshop_programme.pdf

Please join and support us!

Next meetings Working Groups (WG):

• WG Innovation: Thursday, March 6, 10 – 11.30
• WG Communication & Promotion: Thursday, March 6, 11.30 – 12.30
• WG Regulation + WG Use Cases and Spectrum Requirements (combined meeting): Monday, March 17, 14 – 15.30; Topic: the future of UHF below 700 MHz
• WG Use Cases Spectrum Requirements: Friday, March 21, 2025; 10 – 12.30

All time = Berlin/Paris time

APWPT has several working groups. We present the current topics here. Today:

1. Background & Purpose: The WG aims to systematically track, share and analyse technological advances and their impact on PMSE, and to establish a technology repository to provide continuous updates on trends, research and technical developments.
2. Objectives The Working Group will undertake the following key tasks:

• Information tracking:  Track innovations in content production technologies  and their possible impact on PMSE.
• Technology Library: Create and maintain a repository of relevant technology innovations, including research papers, white papers, standards, patents, and market trends.
• Events & Education: Catalogue and promote workshops, conferences, and educational activities related to PMSE, including events such as SQQ-Event and PMSE-Event landscape.
• Networking & Collaboration: Strengthen APWPT’s role as a networking institution by fostering collaboration between within the PMSE community.
• Technical Guidelines & Recommendations: Develop and publish technical feedback, best practices, and guidelines to facilitate the implementation and use of innovative PMSE technologies.
• Invited Talks: Invite stakeholders to regularly present and discuss relevant technological advances that may have an impact on PMSE.
• Fundraising & Research Coordination: Support and promote fundraising efforts for PMSE-related research projects and coordinate with national and international funding agencies.

• Welcome ​
• Administrative Issues​
• New WIs Proposals​
  • Coexistence between Classic DECT and DECT NR+: current status in standardization​ (Axel Schmidt, Shure​)
• Reporting​
• Regular Tech Talks​
• Next Meeting​

In 2024, the German military, Bundeswehr, started trial operations of communications systems in the TV-UHF range below 512 MHz, occupying ~ 8 MHz, first, at seven properties. At the end of 2024, the Bundeswehr applied for trial use of eight properties for the year 2025. This can affect cultural institutions in the vicinity of the barracks. Their deployment can lead to interferring noise in the use of microphones and IEM systems. Depending on the transmission power of the military, crackling and complete dropouts in cultural sound transmissions could occur even several kilometers away. APWPT is involved in the discussion for the analysis of the potential interference power. We keep you informed.

The next general meeting will take place on June 18, 2025, 2:00 p.m. (CET / time in Berlin).

Topics include: News from the APWPT working groups; current developments in frequency events; other.

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

The next General Assembly will take place on November 19, 2024, 4 – 5 pm (CET / Berlin time).

Topics: Presentation of the APWPT working groups; current developments in the spectrum business; other matters.

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

APWPT statement on the German military’s requests for spectrum in the TV-UHF range

The German military, the Bundeswehr, is currently submitting requests for spectrum in the TV UHF range. As this affects the cultural frequency range, the APWPT is involved in discussions about this and is representing its members. We are working on a process, including testing, to develop an objective, evidence-based position. Whatever the outcome, it is clear that any development must fully protect the interests of the PMSE community now and in the future. The APWPT will keep its members informed and is available to answer any questions.

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.