Portugal: DTT spectrum changes from 2019
July 4, 2018
From Branislav Pekic in Rome
The introduction of 5G in Portugal will lead to changes in the frequency spectrum now used for DTT broadcasts, starting from the fourth quarter of 2019.
This follows the presentation of a roadmap by Portugal’s National Communications Authority for the release of the 700 MHz frequency band, which will no longer be used for DTT in order to accommodate future 5G mobile networks.
According to the regulator, the freeing-up of the spectrum now used by DTT should be completed by June 30th 2020. After this date, all DTT transmissions will use the frequency range of 470 to 694 MHz.
The regulator foresees the adoption of the simplest migration scenario, by maintaining the current transmission technology and without the need for any simulcast period. For viewers, this means there will be no additional costs, as new antennas or digital boxes will not be required.
The frequencies currently used by DTT will in the future be allocated for mobile communications services, including M2M and IoT.
Anacom pointed out that the change of frequencies will not affect plans to launch two more free-to-air TV channels on the DTT network in addition to the existing six (RTP 1, RTP 2, SIC, TVI, RTP 3 and RTP Memória).