Digital switchover to boost mobile broadband?The European Union has revealed that the switch to digital TV will free up radio frequencies that could be used to improve services such as mobile broadband. As the UK's digital TV switchover rolls on across the south-west of England, it has emerged that the change may lead to more than just confusion for those who struggle with the concept of set-top boxes or Virgin Media subscriptions.
Experts across Europe have even predicted that the freeing up of radio frequencies previously used for analogue broadcasts could boost the quality of wireless services, particularly mobile broadband coverage.
In order to take advantage of the issue, the European Commission has launched a consultation into how countries can work together to get the most out of the opportunity that the switchover has raised.
Collaboration certainly seems to be the way forward on the subject, as the freed up radio spectrum could transmit data over long distances – meaning decisions made on the so-called "digital dividend" in one member state would undoubtedly impact on others.
Viviane Reading, the European commissioner for information society and media, said: "The digital dividend comes at a critical moment when we want to connect all parts of Europe to high-speed broadband, ensure high quality broadcasting, and expand consumer choice in future wireless services.
"Europe will only achieve all of this if it adopts a coordinated approach using radio spectrum in the most efficient way."
Submissions on the consultation are being accepted until the start of September, with a final proposal on collaborative plans expected quickly after that date. |
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