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SOS Save Our Spectrum

SOS

The initiative "SOS - Save Our Spectrum" sees itself as a lobby group for people who use so-called wireless production tools, such as wireless microphones.

Lobbying Activity

Response to European Critical Communication System

5 May 2025

Der deutsche Behörden Spiegel hat jüngst wichtige Details zur Lösung des Funkbedarfs von PPDR = BOS (Behörden und Organisationen mit Sicherheitsaufgaben) veröffentlicht. Behörden Spiegel Newsletter. Seite 5f. https://www.behoerden-spiegel.de/nl/nl_kata_139.pdf Aus dem Inhalt: Die bisherige Mitnutzung der LTE- und 5G-Infrastruktur kommerzieller Mobilfunknetze durch die BOS soll künftig auf der Basis bevorrechtigter Funknetzzugänge für die BOS-Endgeräte erfolgen. Bei der Mitnutzung kommerzieller Mobilfunknetze will die BDBOS künftig als Mobile Virtual Network Operator (MVNO) auftreten und eigene SIM-Karten an die BOS ausgeben. Die bevorrechtigte Mitnutzung der Mobilfunknetze und die Tätigkeit der BDBOS als MVNO soll auf der Basis von Rahmenverträgen mit den Netzbetreibern geregelt werden. Alle in Deutschland agierenden MNOs (Telekom Deutschland GmbH, Vodafone GmbH, Telefónica Germany GmbH & Co. OHG, 1&1 Telecom GmbH) sollen demnächst zu einem Vertragsabschluss von der BDBOS eingeladen werden. Dazu sagt SOS Save Our Spectrum: Prima! Damit braucht BOS keine Frequenzen im TV-UHF-Band zwischen 470 und 694 MHz. Zusätzlich schreibt Thomas Kuhn in der deutschen Zeitschrift Wirtschaftswoche: Mobilfunker wollen Funknetz für deutsche Sicherheitsbehörden betreiben. Darin heißt es: "Nun suchen BDBOS-Präsident Jens Koch und Behörden-Vize Frank Buddrus nach Alternativen, die Kommunikation der Sicherheitsbehörden zukunftsfähig zu machen. Und könnten diese, so jedenfalls die Vorstellung von Netzbetreibern wie der Deutschen Telekom, von Vodafone oder Telefónica O2, in entsprechend angepassten Mobilfunkangeboten auf Basis der kommerziellen 5G-Netze finden. Das Network-Slicing ist eine der wichtigsten neuen Funktionen des jüngsten Mobilfunkstandards 5G. Sie erlaubt es, auf einer physischen Infrastruktur ganz unterschiedlich konfigurierte Mobilfunkdienste komplett voneinander getrennt zu betreiben." (Quelle: https://www.wiwo.de/technologie/digitale-welt/polizeifunk-der-zukunft-mobilfunker-wollen-funknetz-fuer-deutsche-sicherheitsbehoerden-betreiben/30238830.html) Pia von Houwald, die bei Telefónica unter anderem die Zusammenarbeit mit Behördenkunden vorantreibt, sagt: Wenn sich Bund und Länder über die Ausschreibung einig sind und der Zuschlag für den Aufbau solch eines Kernnetzes erfolgt ist, sollte es nicht mehr als zwölf bis 15 Monate brauchen, diese Infrastruktur betriebsbereit aufzubauen. Dazu teilt SOS Save Our Spectrum mit: Prima! BOS darf Mobilfunknetze nutzen, kann sofort loslegen, spart viel Geld und lässt die Kulturfrequenzen unangetastet. Das ist ein win-win-win-Lage für alle! Wir wollen eine europäische Lösung für PPDR / BOS. Keine deutschen Sonderwege!
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Response to How to master Europe’s digital infrastructure needs?

22 Feb 2024

1. In terms of frequency policy, it should be noted that not only IMT companies need frequencies, but also culture, media and the event industry. The range between 470 and 694 MHz, which is harmonized throughout Europe for wireless production equipment such as wireless microphones, should be considered in particular. This harmonization must remain in place ("Save Our Spectrum"). The previous joint use of Broadcasting, PMSE (culture/microphones) and radio astronomy has proved its worth. There is no room for IMT. 2. The white paper states: "Therefore, it is imperative that spectrum is managed in a more coordinated way among all Member States to maximize its social and economic value and enhance terrestrial and satellite connectivity across the entire EU." However, it should be remembered that spectrum management should remain a national matter. Member States have found good solutions for their regions in the past. The CEPT is a suitable body for agreements. Greater intrusion by the EU into national sovereignty should be rejected. 3. The disadvantages described for 5G do not exist because the EU has too little competence in this area. Shifting competences from the Member States to the EU would not solve these problems (if there are any), but would exacerbate them. The principle of subsidiarity is important. Why does Brussels have to decide how frequencies are to be organized in northern Finland or Crete? 4. If IMT companies do not harmonize their usage and offers across the EU, there should be incentives or national rules for this. 5. Incidentally, 5G is not an IMT technology, but open, think of 5G Broadcast. This form of terrestrial television distribution allows citizens to watch television on their cell phones without a contract with a IMT provider and without using expensive data volume. 5G is a technology for Braodcast without IMT!
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Response to Fighting against online piracy of live content

14 Jan 2023

Live events and live concerts must be protected. To do this, they must first be able to take place. This requires frequencies in the range between 470 and 694 MHz for microphones, in-ear systems, etc. These frequencies must be preserved for culture. The EU should campaign for this at the 2023 World Radiocommunication Conference (WRC-23) in Dubai! Our initiative "SOS - Save Our Spectrum", supported primarily by artists and musicians, aims to secure an interference-free frequency spectrum for wireless microphones, in-ear systems, talk-back systems and audio links. Without these wireless production tools, our fans cant hear us. But the number of frequencies available is limited, and the rights pertaining to their use are constantly being renegotiated. This concerns many different groups and sectors: broadcasting, mobile communications, the military, industry, astronomy, etc. The cultural and creative industries must not be left empty-handed. We need the cultural frequencies. What are often called the cultural frequencies consist of the frequency range used for radio microphones and other wireless production equipment. The technical term for this production equipment is Programme Making and Special Events (PMSE). The frequency in question ranges from 470 to 694 MHz, known as the TV UHF spectrum. This is also where terrestrial television transmission takes place, i.e. what is received via the household antenna. For more than 60 years, terrestrial television (broadcasting), the arts, weather services and astronomy have been using the frequency range together in good partnership. We intend to keep it that way. In 2014, point 5 of the European Unions official decision ruled that cultural events (PMSE) have a daily spectrum need of 96 MHz. We assume an annual increase of about 2 MHz, interrupted by the coronavirus pandemic in 2020 and 2021. This means that we now need about 110 MHz. This demand, which can appear anytime and anywhere (unexpected media events, etc.), can only be satisfied by the frequencies in the TV UHF spectrum.
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Response to The Union Position for the World Radiocommunication Conference 2023

30 Jun 2022

World Radiocommunication Conference 2023 – EU position zu agenda item 1.5: NO CHANGE! Broadcasting and culture need frequencies for their work. These frequencies between 470 and 694 MHz are in danger. Europe must act and secure these frequencies! Broadcasting needs UHF spectrum for easy, low-cost and therefore accessible terrestrial television transmission. Future broadcast technologies will allow the population to be reached directly on mobile devices. In the event of a disaster or of a crisis, terrestrial broadcasting ensures that the population remains informed about the situation, if necessary for days and weeks. Broadcasting transmissions have proved to be more secure regarding natural disasters. Content producers (PMSE) – either professionals or amateurs – need UHF frequencies for the proper operation of wireless microphones, in-ear systems, talk-back systems and audio links, especially in the context of live events. It enables touring musicians and artists to travel throughout Europe with their own sound system and keeps churches, schools and all other types of meetings and associations running. In addition, broadcasting services need those devices for their high-quality productions. Trade fair organisers, universities and many others also depend on these frequencies. Our initiative, supported primarily by artists and musicians, aims to secure an interference-free frequency spectrum for wireless microphones, in-ear systems, talk-back systems and audio links. Without these wireless production tools, our fans can’t hear us. But the number of frequencies available is limited, and the rights pertaining to their use are constantly being renegotiated. This concerns many different groups and sectors: broadcasting, mobile communications, the military, industry, astronomy, etc. The cultural and creative industries must not be left empty-handed. We need the “cultural frequencies”. What are often called the “cultural frequencies” consist of the frequency range used for radio microphones and other wireless production equipment. The international technical term for this production equipment is “Programme Making and Special Events (PMSE)”. The frequency in question ranges from 470 to 694 MHz, known as the “TV UHF spectrum”. This is also where terrestrial television transmission takes place, i.e. what is received via the household antenna. For more than 60 years, terrestrial television (broadcasting), the arts, weather services and astronomy have been using the frequency range together in good partnership. We intend to keep it that way. Why frequencies from the TV UHF spectrum? – Only the TV UHF spectrum adequately prevents disruptive body interference. Artists want to move freely on stage with their radio microphone. This is possible only at 470 to 694 MHz, since body interference is minimal within this frequency range (it’s not for no reason that pacemakers use the frequency band around 400 MHz). – Radio waves in the TV UHF spectrum can penetrate stage structures. Theatre decorations are made of complicated steel or aluminium constructions, which strongly impair the transmission of radio waves. The radio waves are transmitted and spread so well in the UHF range that they reach the receivers on the mixing console undisturbed by such setups. Higher transmitting power cannot compensate for this, because the transmitting power of our microphones is limited by law. It would also significantly reduce battery life. Larger batteries and transmitters are not an option. The audience would see them on the costumes. – Only the TV UHF spectrum allows for touring artists to travel throughout Europe with their own sound system. Musicians on tour use the frequency range between 470 to 694 MHz. Most sound equipment is produced for this spectrum. This range is harmonized in Europe. We want to preserve that. NO CHANGE!
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Response to Europe’s digital decade: 2030 digital targets

11 Feb 2021

Our initiative "SOS - Save Our Spectrum" fights for the preservation of radio frequencies for culture and media. The aim of SOS is to inform about the frequency requirements of users of wireless means of production (PMSE, Program Making and Special Events). This includes, as just two examples, wireless microphones and in-ear monitor systems. Since 2010, the cultural, creative and event industries have lost large parts of the frequency spectrum that had previously been available to them, to mobile communications sector. Proposed replacement spectrum is either partially disabled, noisy or there are no devices that can be deployed in it. SOS, in partnership with technical groups such as APWPT (Association of Professional Wireless Production Technologies e. V.), is working to preserve the small remainder of the so-called "cultural frequencies" (470 - 694 MHz) as well as to identify and open new, suitable frequency ranges. Traditionally, culture and media (terrestrial broadcasting and PMSE) have very successfully shared the 470-694 MHz frequency range. This arrangement needs to be allowed to continue, so that the cultural and media sectors have stability for the wireless elements of their productions, for the future. The UHF frequencies (470 – 694 MHz) are vital for the cultural industry! To date, the UHF-band has been guaranteed for culture and broadcasting until December 2030. We want this guarantee commitment to be upheld. However, even after 2030, interference-free frequencies for culture and media must remain available in the UHF-band. https://sos-save-our-spectrum.org/?lang=en https://apwpt.org/news/?lang=en Responsible: Jochen Zenthoefer / Luxembourg, February 11th, 2021
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Response to Review of the Broadband Cost Reduction Directive (Directive 2014/61/EU)

8 Jul 2020

It is important to say that the new standard 5G does not work everywhere. e.g. at PMSE - Programme Making and Special Events. Wireless production equipment of the cultural and creative industries such as radio microphones cannot be used with 5G. One reason is the latency. It must therefore be ensured that the cultural and creative industries can continue to access their own frequency spectrum in the UHF band (470 to 694 MHz). This is essential! The band is used jointly and in successful cooperation with terrestrial television broadcasting. Please consider in your directive the concerns of theatres, trade fair organisers, concert halls, the event industry, etc. and assure that the frequency band 470 - 694 MHz will be available for wireless means of production (PNMSE) until at least Dec. 2030. Further information is available in English and French on our website from "SOS - Save Our Spectrum". https://sos-save-our-spectrum.org/about-sos/?lang=en +++ Wireless microphone users need quantitatively and qualitatively adequate amounts of frequency spectrum for their diverse applications at any given time or location. There must not be a one-sided preference for mobile radio in frequency assignments. In Europe, it must remain possible in the future to produce elaborate theatrical performances, live music, stage and TV shows with current, state of event technology. +++
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Response to Enhancement of European policy on critical infrastructure protection

8 Jul 2020

Quoting "potential threats associated with new and emerging technologies (such as drones, 5G, artificial intelligence)": It is of great importance that frequencies for terrestrial transmission remain secured (terrestrial television). Terrestric transmission is secure and cannot be switched off by third countries like satellites. Nor can it be interrupted like the Internet. It is therefore very important that terrestrial transmission in the 470 to 694 MHz frequency range remains to have the ability of informing the population in the event of disasters or war. As the 4 politicans Margit Stumpp, Member of the Bundestag (Alliance 90/The Greens), Anke Domscheit-Berg, Member of the Bundestag (The Left Party), Thomas Hacker, Member of the Bundestag (FDP / Liberal), Dr. Christian Jung, Member of the Bundestag (FDP / Liberal) wrote in 2020: "Alongside newspapers, terrestrial transmission is the secure way for authorities to be able to reliably reach citizens at times of major emergency. [...] At the same time, however, there is a need for networks independent from mobile telephony and the internet that will also continue to function in the event of a power cut. This applies to broadcast networks, as well as to the DVB-T2 networks. These terrestrial television networks also allow anyone to watch what they wish, unobserved. That is not the case when media is consumed via mobile networks or the internet." https://sos-save-our-spectrum.org/what-the-corona-pandemic-means-for-radio-spectrum-policy/?lang=en Frequencies in the UHF-band are critical infrastructure!
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Response to Evaluation of State Aid rules for broadband infrastructure deployment

23 Jun 2020

La 5G ne peut pas être utilisée pour les microphones sans fil. Les principaux problèmes sont la latence trop élevée et la forte consommation d'énergie. Des activités de recherche sont actuellement en cours pour résoudre ces problèmes. On peut se demander s'il existe une solution. Même s'il existe une solution technique, il faudra des années avant que de nouveaux microphones soient développés, prêts à être commercialisés, mis sur le marché et installés par les clients. Cela s'applique également aux systèmes intra-auriculaires, etc.
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Meeting with Maria Koleva (Cabinet of Commissioner Mariya Gabriel)

13 Mar 2020 · Presentation of SOS Save Our Spectrum activities within portfolio of Commissioner Gabriel