Strong Support For Retaining Crucial Frequency Band for European Broadcasters

Space for 5G Broadcast as game changer for future terrestrial radio and television 

Radio Spectrum Policy Group (RSPG) is a high-level advisory group that assists the European Commission in the development of radio spectrum policy. The RSPG workshop on the future of the 470–694 MHz band had a crucial meeting in April 2025 for the future of audiovisual services in Europe. Here the strategic value of terrestrial broadcasting and digital terrestrial television (DTT) was highlighted as an open, universal and accessible platform that ensures:

 - Free and equal access to news, cultural and entertainment content

 - Social and territorial cohesion, reaching where other platforms don’t

 - Technological sovereignty and resilience in times of crisis

 - A sustainable and energy-efficient model that supports pluralism and diversity

-  An innovative platform developing UHD, HbbTV and 5G Broadcast.

FM Radio Important Part of Emergency Preparedness During Power Outages

Linear broadcasts on terrestrial networks provide safer communication in emergencies

In an increasingly digital world where information is mostly disseminated via the internet, social networks or mobile apps, a proven technology is proving to be indispensable in times of crisis: FM radio. The recent power outages in Spain, Portugal and parts of France have impressively shown that in the event of a major power outage, only linear broadcasts continue to function reliably – a result with far-reaching implications for disaster management.

The power outage on the Iberian Peninsula confirmed that broadcast radio is “the only medium that can ensure fast and reliable communication in such a crisis”. While internet connections and mobile phone networks stopped working, terrestrial radio stations such as FM (and DAB) continued to broadcast thanks to backup power.

Digital Radio Station in Vienna Expands with FM

Availability on all listening platforms a matter of survival.

In Europe, it was claimed for a few decades that the analog radio on FM would be closed and replaced by the digital DAB system. Today, however, FM remains in all countries around the world. It has been realized that DAB - like the Internet - has become more of a digital complement to FM. Since April 22, ROCK ANTENNE Österreich has been supplementing its existing DAB+, web and app offering and now offers listeners in Vienna even better reception quality with FM on 101.6 MHz in Vienna, Donaustadt and Floridsdorf. This in order to expand the station's technical reach in the region and ensure a stable rock sound over analog frequencies, writes Radiowoche.deFM