PMeV urges to grant long-term use of 410 to 430 MHz frequency range for narrow-band trunked radio
PMeV – Netzwerk Sichere Kommunikation (German Association and Network for Critical Communications) requests the German Federal Network Agency (BNetzA) to grant a long-term use of radio frequencies in the 410 to 430 MHz range for narrow-band mission- and business-critical trunked-radio applications. Currently, the allocation of this frequency spectrum is limited until 31 December 2025. In order to ensure planning and investment security, the PMeV Association considers it imperative to offer users of narrow-band technologies early and reliable prospects for the use of frequencies in the 410 to 430 MHz band beyond the year 2025: “Safety- and mission-critical voice communication in this frequency range remains essential and indispensable both for Critical Infrastructure operators and the industry. Besides the renewal and expansion of existing networks, there are currently lots of new business enquiries for TETRA communication systems. There will be an investment backlog, if users cannot plan beyond 2025”, explained Bernhard Klinger, Chairman of the PMeV Board of Management.
Critical Infrastructure operators and industrial plants need planning security
Users of narrow-band trunked radio services in the 410 to 430 MHz range mainly include Critical Infrastructure operators (KRITIS) and the industry. “Delays in urgently needed investments by these users will finally result in deficits and inefficiencies regarding the supply and protection of the population”, warned Bernhard Klinger. The PMeV Chairman pointed out that – irrespective of the increasing need for wide-band services – secure and highly-reliable voice communication in narrow-band communication networks will remain a top priority. “In my opinion, this situation will not change in at least the next ten years”, he added.
Fixed deadline to be abolished for frequency allocations
Although frequencies are otherwise generally assigned for a duration of ten years, the Administrative Provisions regarding Frequency Allocations for Narrow-band Trunked Radio (VVBÜFu) specify the 31 December 2025 as a fixed deadline. The PMeV Association considers an amendment of this provision as an urgent need: “In order to organize the regulatory framework in a more reliable way and thus avoid investment backlogs, such a fixed deadline should not be specified in this provision. Then all investments could be taken again at any time under equal temporal constraints and conditions”, said Klinger.
About PMeV – NETZWERK SICHERE KOMMUNIKATION
The PMeV is a network of experts for mission- and safety-critical communication solutions in mobile professional applications. Its members include manufacturers, system providers and application houses, network operators, users, consultants as well as further specialists and experts. The aim of PMeV is to further expand and develop the PMR market in Germany. The Association demonstrates the importance of PMR solutions for business and national economies and influences the political and regulatory parameters and framework for the use of professional mobile radio solutions. In its role as leading center of competence for PMR in Germany, PMeV offers a forum for a neutral, manufacturer-independent and collaborative dialog with market partners, politicians as well as public authorities and institutions. In addition, PMeV offers manufacturers, users and consumers a neutral dialog platform for the assessment of technologies and the discussion of chances and risks of technical solutions and concepts. The PMeV Association promotes standards and is actively involved in their further development in line with the requirements of the German market.