Italy’s communications regulator, Agcom, announced that it would include the reallocation of spectrum currently assigned to National TV Network No. 12 on the agenda for its council meeting on Jan. 22. The first phase of this process involves updating regulatory frameworks for radio and television digital spectrum use.
The decision follows repeated calls from Aeranti-Corallo to Agcom to consider reallocating the VHF Band III spectrum planned under Resolution 39/19/CONS for TV multiplex No. 12 but left unused. The association, which represents Italian local radio broadcasters, has continually emphasized the urgent need to allocate additional frequencies for local DAB+ radio to overcome transmission challenges.
Integrating these Band III frequencies into the national DAB frequency plan (PNAF-DAB) could address shortfalls in areas where available frequencies do not meet local broadcasting demands. This would also eliminate the need for competitive contests in regions with insufficient spectrum for consortium operators seeking to manage local DAB networks. Furthermore, this reallocation would resolve technical challenges affecting local DAB+ networks.
Aeranti-Corallo says that, if adopted, these changes would strengthen the infrastructure for local digital radio broadcasting and address regional disparities in frequency availability. Additionally, the reallocation supports Agcom’s broader objective of fostering innovation and inclusivity across Italy’s digital broadcasting landscape.
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