This week sees the semi-finals (8th and 10th) and the final (12th) of the Eurovision Song Contest 2018 taking place, ending over a month of measurements made by ANACOM in the context of spectrum monitoring at the Altice Arena, where the event will take place, and surrounding areas.
The purpose of this work, developed in cooperation with RTP - Rádio e Televisão de Portugal and with Eurovision, is to make sure that the radio networks and stations operate without interference detrimental to the event.
Ensuring the absence of interference is fundamental to the success of this international event in which there is a high concentration of "radio media". An event of this nature involves the use of dozens of wireless microphones and in-ear monitoring aids, walkie-talkies for coordinating and managing operations, systems for the remote control of lighting and robotics of cameras and cranes, as well as satellite communications, so that the event can be transmitted to all the participating countries. In any of these situations it is essential to ensure the correct use of the spectrum, without constraints and interference, so that everything can work in the best conditions.
The monitoring carried out in large-scale events of this type requires the use of a huge array of technical resources and needs a very specialised level of knowledge of radiocommunications systems and services. ANACOM has important experience and know-how in this area, as borne out by other international events such as the London Olympic Games in 2012 and the European Football Championship in 2004.
