The term “digital dividend” refers to the spectrum that becomes available when analog television is transitioned to digital broadcasting. This spectrum becomes available because digital television transmission is more efficient in its use of frequencies compared to analog television transmission.
The digital dividend spectrum can be allocated for various purposes, including:
- Broadcasting:
- Enabling a higher number of television programs.
- Expanding coverage areas for television broadcasting.
- Supporting local television stations.
- Facilitating the transmission of high-definition television (HDTV) content.
- Enabling mobile television services.
- Electronic Communications:
- Providing spectrum for mobile telecommunications, such as UMTS 500 (Universal Mobile Telecommunications System in the 500 MHz band).
- Offering broadband access to sparsely populated or remote areas using technologies like IEEE 802.22 WRAN (Wireless Regional Area Network).
- Services Ancillary to Broadcasting:
- Supporting services that coexist with traditional broadcasting.
- Allowing for data broadcasting and enhanced TV experiences.
- Other Uses:
- Allocating spectrum for low-power devices.
- Supporting private mobile radio systems.
- Facilitating military communications.
- Aiding in Public Protection and Disaster Relief (PPDR) communications.
The digital dividend spectrum can be found in various frequency bands, including:
- Band I (47-68 MHz)
- Band III (174-230 MHz)
- Bands IV and V (470-862 MHz)
Among these, the UHF (Ultra High Frequency) bands IV and V receive the most attention due to their suitability for a wide range of applications. The availability of the digital dividend spectrum across Europe is expected to be realized fully after the complete switch-off of analog television broadcasts. The European Union had set a target for this transition by 2012, and the ITU Geneva 2006 agreement (GE-06) established a deadline of 2015 for the protection of analog television services. However, some countries have indicated their intention to continue analog broadcasting beyond these dates.