Germany - Regulation and Spectrum - History
03.09.2011
Licenses on the national multiplex were awarded on a beauty contest basis. Band III, 174-240MHz, the band reserved in GE-06, is the frequency on which digital radio services are on air in Germany.
In 2009 after extensive research, discussions and trials DAB+ was the standard chosen for the future of digital radio in Germany. A new Telecommunication Act is in discussion which includes a suggested analogue switch-off date in 2015.
No restrictions apply on spectrum or formats to be used - for example broadcasters may chose mixed multiplexs containing any part of the Eureka 147 standard –DAB, DAB+, DMB.
Public broadcasters receive funding for digital radio from a license fee - this funding is assigned by the KEF (the public broadcasters funding body).
Current funding has been awarded to the public broadcasters for the build out of the new DAB+ networks and promotions of digital radio for the next five years (2011-2015)
30.03.2009
Germany has a two-tier government, federal and state, which is reflected in the country’s broadcasting legislation. The federal government issues telecommunications licences to network operators and regulates frequency and spectrum issues. Broadcast programme providers are regulated by the states, each of which has its own regulatory framework. The federal government assigns frequencies, but content distribution is licensed by State Media Authorities. Network operators are granted frequency allocation for 15 years and state licences run for between four and eight years and holders must promote DAB digital radio. It is a requirement that within three years of a licence being issued there is 80% population coverage. There are also no defined rules relating to data capacity use, up to 20% multiplex capacity is normal. Analogue switch off is targeted for after 2015.
08.01.2008
Germany has a two-tier government, federal and state, which is reflected in the country’s broadcasting legislation. The federal government issues telecommunications licences to network operators and regulates frequency and spectrum issues. Broadcast programme providers are regulated by the states, each of which has its own regulatory framework. The federal government assigns frequencies, but content distribution is licensed by State Media Authorities. Network operators are granted frequency allocation for 15 years and state licences run for between four and eight years and holders must promote DAB digital radio. It is a requirement that within three years of a licence being issued there is 80% population coverage. There are also no defined rules relating to data capacity use, up to 20% multiplex capacity is normal. Analogue switch off is targeted for between 2010 and 2015.