This paper delves into the imperative need for coexistence and compatibility in the 470–694 MHz frequency band, as mandated by the World Radiocommunication Conference 2015 (WRC-15) and the WRC-23. It focuses on challenges in the coexistence of Digital Terrestrial Television Broadcasting (DTTB) and International Mobile Telecommunications-2020 (IMT-2020) services in downlink-only mode, particularly in adjacent-channel scenarios. Using Monte Carlo simulations, the study evaluates the probability of interference from IMT base stations with DTTB reception. The analysis thoroughly investigates the impact of the IMT transmitter’s Adjacent Channel Leakage Ratio (ACLR) and the DTTB receiver’s Adjacent-Channel Selectivity (ACS) on the probability of interference. The results demonstrate a significant degradation in the DTTB reception probability at the edge of coverage based on standard assumptions. To address these challenges, this paper provides recommendations for mitigating interference. These include defining enhanced ACLR regulations for IMT base stations, implementing antenna discriminations, providing specialized filters, and establishing national coordination procedures. The research provides valuable insights for informed decision making in spectrum management within the 470–694 MHz band, aiming to facilitate the coexistence of DTTB and IMT-2020 services, in line with international regulations and best practices.

According to Resolution 235 adopted during the World Radiocommunication Conference 2015 (WRC-15) and the preliminary agenda item 1.5 of WRC-2023, the International Telecommunication Union Radiocommunication Sector (ITU-R) has been entrusted to carry out sharing and compatibility studies between broadcasting and mobile services in the frequency range 470-694 MHz in Region 1. This study specifically focuses on evaluating electromagnetic compatibility in potential co-channel sharing scenarios between Digital Terrestrial Television Broadcasting (DTTB) and International Mobile Telecommunications (IMT) systems within the 470-694 MHz frequency band that may arise in the foreseeable future. To assess the conditions for coexistence, a Monte Carlo simulation method implemented through the SEAMCAT software version 5.4.2 is employed, examining six potential interference scenarios. The simulation results yield the minimum coordination distance required between IMT and DTTB services in the 470-694 MHz band based on the protection criteria to ensure harmonious coexistence while maintaining satisfactory performance. Furthermore, the study investigates the impact of various factors such as transmitter power, antenna heights, coverage radius, antenna discrimination, and antenna tilt angle on the separation distances. The focus lies primarily on critical interference scenarios across neighboring countries' borders. The simulation outcomes confirm that sharing the same frequency band between IMT and DTTB networks would result in significant mutual interference. Nevertheless, carefully analyzing diverse parameters and assumptions helped provide recommendations to reduce the required separation distances. These findings are valuable for broadcasters, mobile operators, and regulators in establishing the technical coexistence conditions for DTTB and IMT in the new band.

The upcoming World Radiocommunication Conference 2023 (WRC-23), according to the preliminary agenda item 1.5, will decide the long-term use of the 470-694 MHz band in International Telecommunication Union Region 1 and consider regulatory actions for the rest of the decade. This article attempts to inform the debate on the future use of spectrum in the 470- 694 MHz band and the status of broadcasting services at the European level and in many individual member states. This article highlights the role WRCs played by allocation of the previous digital dividend bands for mobile services. It provides an overview of the most recent trends and developments of existing services in the sub-700 MHz band. The article also explores and analyzes options for future use of the 470-694 MHz band in Europe and discusses the benefits and implications of adopting each option. Based on this analysis, it is recommended to introduce a secondary allocation to mobile service in the downlink-only mode alongside traditional broadcasting services in the sub-700 MHz band at the upcoming WRC-23.

Since the digitalization of terrestrial television, many countries have discontinued television broadcasting in the UHF band. The freed-up frequencies are now available as digital dividends for mobile and fixed wireless access communication networks (MFCN), particularly for 4G/5G and public safety services in broadband called BBPPDR. Since cable TV still uses the UHF band, leakage from cable TV networks is the most common cause of interference in MFCN networks. Insufficient containment of the radio frequency signals transmitted through a cable system results in cable signal leakage. This article investigates the significance of controlling electromagnetic signal leaks from cable TV networks and how they impact authorized and standardized MFCN networks in the digital dividend bands. The periodic drive-test approach to detect and measure electromagnetic leakage from a cable TV system in the 700 MHz band at a site is detailed. The causes of the detected leaks and offered the appropriate procedure to repair them are also discussed. Additionally, the current measures taken in Hungary to address cable television signal leakage in the digital dividend bands are also discussed and alternative strategies for the adopted test drive approach are proposed.

Recently, the issue of monitoring and repairing leakage from cable television networks have re-emerged, particularly after the International Telecommunication Union released a part of the ultra-high frequency spectrum to mobile broadband services. The newly allocated spectrum, known as the digital dividend bands, was traditionally used throughout Europe for digital TV broadcasting. The emerging problem is the mutual interference between the new frequency spectrum utilized by the Mobile/Fixed Communication Networks and the band used by cable TV providers to offer their services. This article is a brief overview and a starting point for extensive research in this area. We started with a simple description of the cable television system and mobile/fixed communication networks focusing on the aspects associated with ingress and egress interference issues. We also discussed the approaches for detecting and measuring mutual interference and reviewed the relevant literature. This article is concluded with some proposed measures for reducing or mitigating mutual interference.