BERLIN (dpa-AFX) : Germany's established mobile network operators are looking to relegate antenna-based television to the history books. Deutsche Telekom, Vodafone, and O2 Telefónica presented a study in Berlin, commissioned from the consultancy WIK Consult, which argues that specific radio frequency bands should be released for mobile communications starting in 2031.

These bands are currently utilized for terrestrial television: should mobile carriers gain access, it would effectively signal the end of TV reception via antenna. From an economic perspective, allocating these frequencies to mobile networks would be advantageous, according to the study. During the presentation, corporate representatives from the three network operators reaffirmed their desire to utilize the frequencies in question starting in 2031.

According to the study, an estimated 2.3m households in Germany still rely on antenna-based television, a figure that continues to decline. Most German households receive TV via satellite dish or cable. Internet-based transmission is also an option, and demand in this segment is rising.

Would costs rise for consumers?

WIK study author Bernd Sörries emphasized that following a potential shutdown of DVB-T2 antenna technology, consumers could still watch public broadcasters for free online. "There is no cost increase from the end-customer's perspective if this network is switched off."

Sörries pointed out that antenna-based television is a linear format that is falling out of favor, while demand for on-demand content via the internet is growing. The authors of the study conclude that public broadcasters could save up to €369m over ten years by decommissioning DVB-T2.

Whether the mobile providers' request will be granted remains entirely uncertain. Future frequency usage is set to be discussed at the World Radiocommunication Conference next year, after which German federal policymakers will address the issue. In the digital age, data volumes are increasing rapidly, forcing telecommunications providers to continuously optimize their networks.

Security agencies target their own network

Mobile carriers are not the only ones vying for frequency rights. Security agencies also want to utilize low frequencies to establish a new dedicated government radio network. The Federal Agency for Public Safety Digital Radio (BDBOS) stated that it is seeking an allocation for future broadband mobile voice and data communications.

The focus is on a band in the 600 megahertz range, which the agency intends to use jointly with the Bundeswehr (German Armed Forces). According to current assessments, spectrum in other frequency ranges is not suitable for implementing BOS broadband communications. BOS refers to authorities and organizations with security tasks, such as the police.

The WIK study views the government's plans with skepticism. Establishing a dedicated radio network for authorities would require the construction of approximately 23,000 base stations, says study author Sörries. Such a network would cost more than €9bn and take over ten years to build. Mobile companies want the authorities to use their established cellular networks for a fee. According to the study, this would be significantly more cost-effective, totaling only €1.8bn./wdw/DP/jha