The reorganization of Digital Terrestrial Television (DTT) frequencies was completed the week of June 24, 2019, with a final phase around Grenoble. The aim of this major national plan was to allocate the 700 MHz frequency band to cell phone operators in order to improve mobile coverage of the territory.
Launched in October 2017, these operations involved all French households in mainland France and on Reunion Island*. The technical interventions were carried out according to a thirteen-phase breakdown defined by the Conseil Supérieur de l'Audiovisuel, based on geographical zones.
In almost two years, 3,400 frequencies have been upgraded, and almost 500 TDF technicians have been mobilized for these operations. Each phase was successfully completed.
Precise, expert technical planning
The reorganization of frequencies in the 700 MHz band required expert know-how and precision. TDF's operational teams changed multiplexing cells and modified the transmission configuration. During these operations, almost 500 TDF technicians had to deal with unforeseen circumstances, and sometimes extreme weather and access conditions. Operations took place at night for main network sites, and during the day for the rest of the network. To ensure maximum continuity of service, each transfer operation required several weeks, even months, of preparation and work. In all, TDF worked on nearly 1,500 broadcasting sites throughout France.
700 MHz frequencies reallocated to mobile operators
Since the switchover to High Definition DTT, DTT channels can now be broadcast using fewer frequencies. The freeing up of the 700 MHz frequency band has enabled the gradual transfer of frequencies previously occupied by DTT to cell phone operators. This enables them to extend their 4G networks and improve mobile coverage across France.
DTT, the reference platform
The DTT platform is the leading mode of TV reception in France, with coverage of 97% of the population and 68% of households using it (IFOP survey - May 2018, available at www.tdf.fr).
To contribute to the success of this major national overhaul, TDF worked in collaboration with the Conseil Supérieur de l'Audiovisuel (CSA) and the Agence Nationale des Fréquences (ANFR), responsible for implementing this frequency overhaul plan.
Continuing the waves of DTT modernization initiated since 2008, the CSA published a roadmap in February 2018, following an in-depth consultation with players in the audiovisual sector, setting out major projects to modernize DTT by 2024. On the occasion of the CSA's thirtieth anniversary on June 19, 2019, the Government announced the launch of the implementation of audiovisual modernization starting this fall.
Through its experimentation and innovation work, TDF continues to act in favor of enriching the DTT platform, which offers a free, open-access, high-quality service that is much appreciated by viewers. As France's leading terrestrial broadcaster, TDF reiterates the essential role of DTT as an efficient, essential platform for distributing media content, and supports the modernization plan announced by the CSA and the French government.
Olivier Huart, Chairman and CEO of TDF said:
"For almost two years, TDF has involved nearly 500 employees in the success of this nationwide project. I would like to thank them for their commitment to the success of this major project in the public interest. Thanks to the diversity and complexity of the operations, we have been able to confirm the expertise, experience and responsiveness of our teams, both in terms of management and operations. We now need to work on the future of DTT. I welcome the recent announcements by the Government and the CSA.
* Excluding Île-de-France, which benefited from early DTT upgrades in April 2016, at the time of the switchover to High Definition DTT.