The European Commission has launched an infringement procedure against Italy, arguing that the country has failed to take sufficient administrative measures to eliminate harmful interference allegedly caused by Italian FM broadcasters operating in the 87.5–108 MHz band. According to the Commission, the interference affects radio services in several EU member states, including Croatia, Slovenia, France (notably Corsica) and Malta.
Italy is expected to respond in the coming days to a formal notice sent last November. If the Commission finds the response unsatisfactory, it may issue a reasoned opinion and set a further deadline for compliance. Continued failure to act could ultimately lead to referral to the Court of Justice of the European Union and possible financial penalties.
Against this backdrop, Italy’s Ministry of Enterprises and Made in Italy held a meeting on Dec. 30 with Aeranti-Corallo, the trade association representing private radio and television broadcasters; other industry associations; RAI, Italy’s public service broadcaster; Agcom, the national communications regulator; and the Ugo Bordoni Foundation, a technical research body that advises the government on telecommunications and spectrum issues. Aeranti-Corallo says the ministry indicated it is examining technical options to reduce interference, while also stating that voluntary transmitter decommissioning schemes would not be sufficient to resolve the issue.
Shutting down transmitters
Following the meeting, Aeranti-Corallo says it asked the ministry to provide aggregated, anonymized data on the number and locations of FM transmitters involved in reported interference cases, and on how many cases could be resolved through technical compatibility measures. The association says that without this information, it is difficult to assess the scale of the problem.
Aeranti-Corallo also warns against any legislative or regulatory measures that would lead to the shutdown of FM transmitters, arguing instead for a technical working group to address the issue. It argues that the Italian state should safeguard all radio broadcasting facilities operating under ministerial licenses issued in accordance with national law and approved technical parameters. It also points to what it describes as the state’s responsibility in the matter, noting that license fees and concession taxes have been collected for more than 30 years.
The association also adds that its executive committee is examining further initiatives to raise political and institutional awareness of the issue.
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