In our response to the European Commission targeted consultation on the 2030 Digital Compass, we stress the need for PSM to be able to reach all communities, particularly in emergency situations such as the COVID-19 pandemic. One of the key distribution requirements for Public Service Media is to make content and services available to the entire population without additional charges. At present, in many EU countries there is no viable alternative to broadcast platforms – therefore there is a continued need for broadcasters to have access to spectrum. 

While we welcome the consultation and support the objective of connectivity, we have concerns about the limited options proposed to reach this goal. Furthermore, in the consultation, connectivity seems to be only understood as broadband connections allowing for two-way communication, with spectrum treated only as a means to reach broadband-connectivity. 

This essential and limited resource fulfills an enabling role for many different equally important services, some of them being broadcasting, PMSE and satellite, that are key for a democratic and open EU, as well as for cultural and linguistic diversity, which are fundamental goals of the European Union.

You can download our full response on the right.