Thanks Jaime for the initial document.
I cannot say that I support the points in all the amended texts.
My original remarks at fora, such as RSPG last June, were aimed at causing a mature discussion of the future use of the whole of 470-790/862MHz in order to get an understanding of the needs of the AV content industry, the needs for DTT, and the needs for Broadband, PMSE, PPDR etc.
It will be helpful for all industry players if the decision makers are fully briefed and have fuly explored the options and the effects of choices before making decisions. There are otherwise too many lobbyist who are selling the vision that suits their commercial interest or technology claiming the ear of decision makers and politicians. These cases of pressure from corporations are compounded by policy pressures.
For instance in Ireland, I have broadcasting legislation which requires the specturm management agency (ComReg) to make spectrum for 6 national DTT multiplexes available. But we also have a political deisre to move on the Digital Agenda for Europe and provide meaningful broadband to our citizens, in an environment where 70% of the population live in major towns/cities (though these are not as densely populated as many european cities) but where 30% of the population live in commercially less viable areas for Broadband providers.
Ireland and the UK had planned for 8 DTT layers in UHF in GE06, the 800MHz band effectively removed 2 layers, a further reduction for the 700MHz band would result in much tighter planning for 6 DTT layers than is preferred by broadcasters. I have seen no move from the Broadcasting Policy section of Government to revise the legislation to fewer national layers in order to ease the planning.
Quite appart from those policy concerns, I understand that there are reservations about abandoning UHF DTT network, which might be a medium/long term visions of some countries. For those interested in some of these aspects, the attached file (not a formal document) sets out some points which reflect on the social, economic and cultural impacts of relying on broadband for AV content delivery. I should state that about 20% of the Irish Population rely on DTT to view Irish PSB content. 12% of the population have Irish DTT delivered content only. Cable subscription networks whcih must carry Irish PSB pass about 35% of homes and other households (~45%) subscribe to Satellite TV packages offering the Irish PSB services.
regards
Rory Hinchy