Threat of economic decline: APWPT warns against the withdrawal of the 600 MHz frequency band for cultural purposes

According to calculations by the APWPT, the proposed reallocation of spectrum for mobile communications would result in significant economic damage to the EU. This would be compounded by a general decline in cultural output and rising costs for thousands of businesses in the cultural and creative sectors.

Economic losses for the cultural and creative sectors

Following a reallocation, mobile communications would indeed benefit by between 3 and 6 billion euros annually. However, across Europe, these would be offset by economic losses of between 4 and 14 billion euros annually (average 7.5 billion euros) in the sectors dependent on PMSE (Programme Making and Special Events).

According to Eurostat, the cultural and creative industries in the EU generate around 199 billion euros annually. Up to 60 per cent of this is accounted for by sectors that rely on wireless audio, video and production technologies (PMSE), such as broadcasting, live events, film production, sport and conferences. They require access to high-quality radio frequencies to operate effectively. These percentages correspond to approximately 80–120 billion euros annually. The 600 MHz band, in turn, supports around 40–60 per cent of these activities, which equates to 40–70 billion euros annually.

High costs and fewer events

The consequences of losing the 600 MHz frequency band would lead to increased production costs, fewer events and lower overall output. A conservative estimate by the APWPT assumes that 10–20 per cent of band-dependent activities would be affected or even cease altogether. This would result in the aforementioned annual losses of 4–14 billion euros (average 7.5 billion euros).

On the other hand, according to estimates by the GSMA (Global System for Mobile Communications) and Plum Consulting, mobile communications services in Europe generate economic value in the region of 269–477 billion euros (average 300 billion euros). However, the 600 MHz frequency band cannot bring about a transformative improvement in mobile communications. Moreover, the existing low-frequency spectrum already ensures comprehensive coverage. Additional frequency bands would yield only diminishing marginal returns.

Secure production in the strong European single market

The events industry therefore continues to require the UHF band with its 600 MHz allocation: this band is the most important and most heavily used frequency spectrum for PMSE across Europe. It offers favourable propagation characteristics and a well-established ecosystem of equipment. This decision is economically justified, but also strategically important.

For it enables the cultural and creative industries to continue operating successfully. This safeguards the production of their high-quality content. This paves the way for innovation in production technologies and efficient, cross-border operations. It prevents the fragmentation of the European single market and safeguards Europe’s global competitiveness in the media, events and broadcasting sectors.