The Italian Communications Regulatory Authority, Agcom, has launched a public consultation to update the regulation on radio spectrum use for DAB+ digital radio and digital television broadcasting. The move follows Agcom’s resolution 54/25/CONS, published on March 13, and aims to determine the allocation of frequencies originally planned for National Television Network No. 12, which was never activated.
Agcom is evaluating whether to use these frequencies to expand the DAB+ networks in the National Frequency Allocation Plan (PNAF) or postpone their planning until the Adriatic-Ionian Frequency Coordination Agreement, currently under discussion, is finalized. In the meantime, additional frequencies will be allocated only in regions with high demand for DAB+ networks, namely, Veneto, Puglia, Tuscany, Lazio and Campania.
Marco Rossignoli, coordinator of Aeranti-Corallo, the association representing 588 local radio and TV broadcasters in Italy, said, “Based on Agcom’s considerations, Aeranti-Corallo believes it is appropriate to proceed only with supplementary planning in the areas of Veneto, Tuscany, Lazio, Campania and Puglia.”
“The additional available frequencies,” Rossignoli continued, “could be used, once the Adriatic-Ionian Coordination Agreement is reached, to implement definitive planning that resolves interference between adjacent areas and provides a partial solution for differentiating the digital radio signal (‘split’) within the same coverage areas.”
Aeranti-Corallo plans to address these issues in detail during the public consultation.
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