LTE  |  2022-05-09

BDBOS President Discusses Future of UHF Frequency Band and BOS Broadband Communications in Germany

Source: The Critical Communications Review | Gert Jan Wolf editor

BDBOS President Andreas Gegenfurtner emphasized the importance of real-time communication in operational situations - not only for voice but also for data.

At a panel discussion of "Digitaler Staat Online", BDBOS (The Federal Agency for Public Safety Digital Radio) President Andreas Gegenfurtner debated the future of the UHF frequency band with people from politics and business.

At the same time, Gegenfurtner campaigned for the need-based allocation of frequencies in the 470 – 694 MHz range for the future realization of BOS broadband data communication.

The UHF frequency band has been allocated for use for terrestrial broadcasting and radio-based event technology until the end of 2030. The BDBOS and its partners at federal and state level are committed to opening up this frequency spectrum for mobile communications. The aim here is national allocation of at least 60 MHz in order to economically implement broadband data communication for the emergency, security and rescue forces of the BOS in a self-controlled network.

BDBOS President Andreas Gegenfurtner emphasized the importance of real-time communication in operational situations - not only for voice but also for data. Emergency, security and rescue teams have particularly high demands on the network in terms of availability and security. Therefore, according to Gegenfurtner, the BOS need their own network for their broadband data communication.

"The availability of suitable frequencies is the key factor in realizing such a network."