It has only been five years since the explosive growth of the mobile Internet enabled GSM operators to set their eyes on a range of frequencies in the hope that they could roll out powerful 3 and 4G networks. Among those frequencies are those that are used on a daily basis within the culture and event sector of this country. The stakes were high: the great demand for frequencies could have impacted on services such as concerts, musicals and events in such a way that they could no longer operate according to the required technical standards.

Therefore at that time, as in other countries, a number of users and manufacturers joined forces to create PMSE.be, The Belgian Interest Group for Programme Making and Special Events, and began talking with the government (BIPT). This led to the preservation of a number of frequency bands within which technical solutions were possible.

Today, the role of PMSE.be is shifting from following up problems experienced by users anywhere in the roll-out of 4G, to providing technical solutions and support. Therefore they joined forces with the STEPP association, the focal point for production, design and technical services of the broad cultural sector.

The STEPP association brings together technical staff from broad cultural sectors (theatres, cultural centres, companies, museums etc.), as well as design staff within the same sector (set designers, designers, costume designers, exhibition designers, architects etc.) thus crossing over sector barriers. STEPP ensures the reliable support of its members and the industry through thematic symposia, consulting, distribution of expertise, training, public awareness and the quarterly STEPP magazine.

PMSE.be can be reached through our new address: pmse@stepp.be.

New logo:

Contacts:

• Jeroen Sierjacobs, chairman STEPP workgroup PMSE
  0476/473.536 – jsierjacobs@sennheiser.be
• Frankie Goethals, chairman STEPP
  0477/266.340 – voorzitter@stepp.be
• Bert Moerman, vice-chairman STEPP
  0477/825.121 – ondervoorzitter@stepp.be