Frequency management
Most of the frequencies used by the French audiovisuel industry are managed by Arcom.
The government and ANFR(Agence nationale des fréquences) intervene upstream to define which frequencies are allocated to each type of use (audiovisuel, electronic communications, defense, weather, etc.) and to ensure a balanced sharing of frequencies between their different uses.
International coordination is also necessary to ensure that the frequencies used by different countries do not interfere with those used by their neighbors, and to regulate this frequency sharing equitably.
Arcom's role
Arcom has major responsibilities in the management of the radio frequency spectrum.
It decides on :
- the planning model and allocation of frequencies for radio stations;
- the planning model and allocation of frequencies for digital terrestrial television operators;
- issuing authorizations for the use of these frequencies.
Finally, the Authority plays an active role in trials and the rise of new audiovisual technologies: digital radio, digital terrestrial television, high-definition television, on-demand audiovisual media services shown over the air, etc.
Frequency management is carried out in liaison with public administrations and within the framework of international coordination proceedings conducted on behalf of France by theAgence Nationale des Fréquences (ANFR).
Each year, these proceedings concern several hundred, if not several thousand, television channels and radio frequencies.
They are organized :
- either as part of European or worldwide meetings to draw up frequency plans ;
- or as part of bilateral or multilateral exchanges designed to prevent the risk of interference with neighboring countries.
Arcom publishes and updates a signalling profile, specifying its concrete implementation. There are several stages in the development of this signaling profile:
- study and monitoring of technologies likely to be deployed in France, taking into account European practices;
- assessment of the risks inherent in technical changes to signaling, and if necessary, definition of a test protocol to assess the possible consequences on the DTT receiver base;
- supply of test streams and technical validation of new signals, the deployment of which must not lead to malfunctions in receivers deployed in mainland France or the French overseas territories;
- field diffusion trials: identification of localized areas, and particular attention to any malfunctions in these areas during the trial;
- assessment of technical trials, validation of the most appropriate signage and, where appropriate, updating of the signage profile.
Signaling profile
The technical characteristics of signals transmitted for the provision of audiovisuel communication services shown on digital terrestrial channels are set by government decree.
The " Signaling Profile " document available below specifies the signaling of DTT services broadcast using the DVB-T standard in mainland France and overseas France, in accordance with current European and international norms.
The services described in this document (television services, on-demand audiovisual media services, data downloading services) are primarily targeted at fixed terminals, DTT adapters or televisions with integrated DTT adapters, connected to a rooftop antenna.
The English translation of the signaling profile is available below. However, only the French version can be listed for signaling implementation in mainland and overseas France.
Any reception problems are also the responsibility of Arcom: its teams provide solutions, if necessary by carrying out technical surveys in collaboration with ANFR (as defined in article 22 of the law of September 30, 1986).
In practice, when Arcom or ANFR are warned of a case of poor reception, an investigation is carried out to identify what is disrupting the signal normally received until then.
The remit of audiovisual technical attachés (ATAs) has now been extended to include television. Working in liaison with the Technology Department's planning models, the ATAs support the deployment and development of DTT. They are now equipped with innovative measuring equipment enabling them to carry out their missions successfully.
Arcom has also acquired new vehicles able to receive and use this equipment more ergonomically, as well as DTT signal analysis equipment offering a high level of expertise.
Since April 2011, an Arcom-led "Zones sensibles" working group has been meeting fortnightly with multiplex operators. Arcom's role is to analyze, with ANFR and these players, the malfunctions observed on the DTT platform, and to resolve them within a reasonable timeframe for users.
To date, the following are considered "sensitive areas" (ZS) and are subject to special monitoring:
- faults related to the life of the network (total or partial failure following a weather event, including storms, faulty transmitter control, de-pointing or jamming of a dish feeding a given transmitter, loss of transmitter power or synchronization, etc.) ;
- faults resulting from platform development operations, such as the restitution of the 700 MHz band (degradation of control quality, synchronization to be optimized, etc.).
To date, malfunctions linked to a faulty reception installation are not considered sensitive areas as such.
Arcom supports multiplexes in implementing corrective solutions (optimizing piloting, modifying channels, improving synchronization, etc.).
Finally, it occasionally resorts to coercive measures in the event of multiplexes' lack of responsiveness, through warnings or formal notices.
Since 2013, the main causes of complaints about poor TV reception identified during surveys have been, in descending order:
- interference between radio broadcasting transmitters and channel diffusion faults;
- non-compliant installations;
- situations outside theoretical transmitter coverage areas;
- the electricity distribution network;
- interfering buildings", in particular wind turbines (in accordance with article L112-12 of the French Construction and Housing Code);
- atmospheric disturbances and propagation conditions.
The role of government
The government, together with Arcom and ANFR, is involved in frequency management.
The Prime Minister relies on the advice of Arcom and the Autorité de régulation des communications électroniques et des postes (Arcep). He then defines the frequencies or bands of radio frequencies allocated to State administrations and those whose summons is entrusted to one or other of these bodies. The ANFR then implements the decisions taken by the government.
The aim is to :
- match the allocation of frequencies to the needs of each assignee (television, aviation, defense, etc.): each type of frequency has its own qualities, adapted to a specific use;
- manage frequencies within the framework of international coordination;
- arbitrate the consequences of changes in frequency breakdown.
Currently, DTT uses frequencies between 470 and 790 Megahertz (MHz).
Following a government decision, frequencies in the 694-790 MHz band, known as the "700 MHz band", have been allocated to mobile telephony. This decision is part of a worldwide movement.
Consequences for television
France was one of the first countries to summons a fixed frequency band for mobile telephony. The first necessary adjustments were made in April 2016 during a vast nationwide frequency streaming operation that also provided the opportunity to switch to "all-HD DTT".
Between 2020 and 2022, further frequency upgrades will take place. As a result, DTT broadcasting in France will remain compatible with television diffusion in neighboring countries, which will free up the 700 MHz band later. It may once again be necessary to search for and memorize channels, depending on the region.
The government selects the norms that govern signage.
Arcom steers their harmonization, with the Commission technique des experts du numérique (CTEN) and numerous industry experts.
In addition to promoting compliance with norms, service signalling must be homogeneous, so that all services can be treated in the same way by the same receiver.
Terminal manufacturers must be kept abreast of developments in DTT signaling to ensure that all receivers are compatible with the diffusion signal.
A number of events may require signaling changes:
- the arrival of a new service ;
- changes to channel breakdowns on DTT multiplexes;
- the transition of a channel to high definition;
- switching to winter or summer time;
- a change of channel name.
These changes sometimes have to be made synchronously between the different multiplexes, sometimes in a specific order, and sometimes in isolation, to ensure that the most heterogeneous receivers take these changes into account.
The Arcom teams ensure dialogue between the players in the sector, and help consolidate information in the event of problems, as well as analyzing and, above all, resolving them.
The role of ANFR
ANFR (Agence Nationale des Fréquences) works with Arcom to ensure proper signal reception.
Coordination between these two public bodies is defined by law (cf. Article 22 of the law of September 30, 1986):
- Arcom"authorizes the use of frequency bands or frequencies allocated or summonsed for radio broadcasting purposes";
- Arcom, together with the Agence nationale des fréquences,"takes the necessary measures to ensure proper signal reception".
An agreement between Arcom and ANFR divides up administrative, technical and legal tasks, particularly in the case of viewer complaints about reception.
ANFR carries out an initial analysis of these complaints, collected via its call center on 09 70 81 88 18. Where appropriate, the ANFR and Arcom teams will then launch an investigation.
ANFR is also responsible for negotiating the future use of frequency bands at international level, and for defending French positions.
New transmitter sites can only be set up with ANFR authorization.
Their subsequent use, the cohabitation of users and the monitoring of compliance with public exposure limits are also within the scope of its responsibilities.
Useful links
Calls for applications
Here you'll find all the calls for applications published before and after the creation of Arcom.