COMMISSION OF THE EUROPEAN COMMUNITIES 
Brussels, 09.10.1998 
COM(1998) 559 final 
COMMUNICATION FROM THE COMMISSION 
To THE COUNCIL 
AND FOR INFORMATION TO THE EUROPEAN PARLIAMENT, 
THE ECONOMIC AND SOCIAL COMMITTEE 
AND THE COMMITTEE OF THE REGIONS 
ON THE IMPLEMENTATION AND FUNCTIONING 
OF THE MOBILE COMMUNICATION FREQUENCY DIRECTIVES 

TABLE OF CONTENTS 
1. INTKOIH ICTION 1 
2. COMMUNITY MEASURES IN THE AREA OF RADIO FREQUENCIES 2 
2.1 FREQUENCY DIRECTIVES 2 
2.2 FURTHER DEVELOPMENTS IN CO-ORDINATION 01" I'RI.QUENCIES 4 
2.3 OTHER COMMUNITY MEASURES CONCERNING MOBILE COMMUNICATIONS 5 
2.4 EVOLUTION TOWARDS THIRD GENERATION MOBILE COMMUNICATIONS SYSTEMS 7 
3. DIRECTIVE 87/372/EEC 7 
3.1 BACKGROUND 7 
3.2 CURRENT SITUATION 7 
3.2.1 Market Development 7 
3.2.2 Impact of Frequency Directive on the Market 8 
.?. 2.3 Spectrum Management and A vailahility 9 
3.2.4 Transposition/Implementation issues 10 
3.3 SIGNIEICANT ISSUES 12 
4. DIRECTIVE 90/544/EEC 13 
4.1 BACKGROUND 13 
4.2 CURRENT SITUATION 13 
4.2.1 Market Development 13 
4.2.2 Impact of the Frequency Directive 15 
4.2.3 Spectrum A vailahility and Management 15 
4.2.4 Transposition/Implementation issues 15 
4.3 SIGNIEICAN TISSUES 16 
5. DIRECTIVE 91/287/EEC 17 
5.1 BACKGROUND 17 
5.2 CURRENT SITUATION 17 
5.2.1 Market Development 17 
5.2.2 Impact of the Frequency Directive IS 
5.2.3 Spectrum Management and A vailahility IS 
5.2.4 Transposition/Implementation issues 19 
5.3 SIGNIEICANT ISSUES 19 
6. CONCLUSIONS 20 
6.1 (iENEKAl 20 
6.2 IMPLEMENTATION 20 
6.3 On IER ISSUES: SPECTRUM MANAGEMENT, LICENSING AND SAIETYOI' FREQUENCY USAGE 21 
6.4 PARTICULAR- (JSM 23 
6.5 PARTICULAR - ERMES 23 
6.6 PARTICULAR - DECT 23 
ANNEXES 24 
ANNEX l: COUNCIL DIRECTIVE 87/372/EEC: NATIONAL REGULATORY FRAMEWORKS 25 
Table I 29 
Table 2 35 
ANNEX 2: COUNCIL DIRECTIVE 90/544/EEC: NATIONAL REGULATORY FRAMEWORKS 38 
Table 3 43 
ANNEX 3: COUNCIL DIRECTIVE 91/2S7/EEC: NATIONAL REGULATORY FRAMEWORKS 46 
J-
1. INTRODUCTION 
In the last decade mobile communications has arguably been the most dynamic market in 
the telecommunications sector. Analogue and digital cellular telephony, paging and 
cordless telephony are now an integral part of developed telecommunications markets. 
And all the market trends point to continued and sustained growth in mobile 
telecommunications. 
Of particular note has been the world-wide success of the GSM family (GSM, DCS 18(M), 
IX\S l()(H)) with 220 GSM networks in operation in 1()6 countries with more than 44 
million users. 
Whilst GSM has swept the world, the growth of the ERMES paging system and the 
DECT systems has been much less dramatic. Substantial regional variation between the 
far East, the TAJ and the USA can be observed in the paging market, with Europe lagging 
behind Far Eastern countries. Cordless telephony, including DECT, is now well 
established and could be on the verge of substantial growth, though competing 
technologies may contain this growth. 
Further expansion in the mobile market is to be expected within the next few years with 
the introduction of a third generation mobile system UMTS (Universal Mobile 
Telephony Services). 
This Communication: 
• reports on the implementation and functioning of the three Council Directives which 
reserved frequency spectrum for the co-ordinated introduction of GSM1, ERMES2 and 
DECT3 and reviews the extent with which Member States have complied with the 
requirements of the Directives; 
• assesses the impact of the frequency directives on the development of the markets for 
each of these three technologies. 
• considers additional action needed to ensure full compliance of the national regulatory 
framework with the requirements of the directive, in order to further encourage the 
development of the market. 
Following this Communication, the Commission will initiate a wide discussion on the 
appropriateness of the current regulatory framework for frequency allocation in the 
Community, with a view to considering the need for additional Community measures in 
the area, where appropriate. 
Council Directive 87/372/EEC (GSM) of 25 June 1987 on the frequency bunds to be reserved for the 
co-ordinated introduction of public pan-1 European cellular digital land-based mobile communications 
in the Community. 
Council Directive 90/544/EEC (ERMES) of 9 October 1990 on the frequency bands designated for the 
co-ordinated introduction of pan-European land-based public radio paging in the Community. 
Council Directive 91/287/EEC (DECT) of 3 June 1991 on the frequency bands to be designated for 
the co-ordinated introduction of digital European cordless telecommunications (DECT) into the 
Community. 
A 1 
2. COMMUNITY MEASURES IN THE AREA OF RADIO FREQUENCIES 
2.1 Frequency Directives 
Fostering the development of mobile services has always been a key issue of the 
European Community's policy for telecommunications. Initiatives were launched as early 
as 1987 to promote the Community-wide introduction of digital cellular communications 
systems, of digital radio-messaging systems, and of digital cordless communications. 
Three Recommendations have been adopted by the Council promoting the co-ordinated 
introduction of services based on these systems, while the Commission has used its 
powers to propose three Directives reserving frequency band for the same services, which 
have been adopted by the Council. The Directives do not link frequency reservation to a 
specific technology to be applied. They only have as objective to reserve frequency 
necessary for a co-ordinated Community-wide introduction of modern cellular 
communications and paging. 
All these measures can be described as follows:-
• Council Recommendation of 25 June 1987 on the co-ordinated introduction of public 
pan-European cellular digital land-based mobile communications in the Community4, 
Council Resolution of 14 December 1990 on the final stage of the co-ordinated 
introduction of public pan-European cellular digital land-based mobile 
communications in the Community5, accompanied by Council Directive 87/372/EEC 
of 25 June 1987 on the frequency bands to be reserved for the co-ordinated 
introduction of public pan-European cellular digital land-based mobile 
communications in the Community6. 
The Directive is aimed at ensuring reservation of adequate frequency in the 900 MHz 
band for the introduction of public pan-European cellular digital land-based mobile 
communications in the Community which, under Council Recommendation 
87/371/EEC of 25 June 1987, should be started by 1991 at the latest. 
In particular, Article 1(1) of the Directive requires Member States to ensure that the 
905-914 and 950-959 MHz frequency bands (often referred to as "core band") or 
equivalent parts of the band mentioned in paragraph 2 are reserved exclusively for 
CJSM services by 1 January 1991. Under Article 1(2), Member States shall ensure that 
the necessary plans are prepared for GSM to be able to occupy the whole of the 890-
915 and 935-960 MHz bands according to commercial demand as quickly as possible. 
No deadline is set out concerning the latter obligation. Member States were given 18 
months after notification of the Directive to bring into force the provisions necessary 
to comply with the Directive, and were requested to inform the Commission thereof. 
• Council Recommendation of 9 October 1990 on the co-ordinated introduction of 
pan-European land-based public radio paging in the Community7, coupled with 
4 OJn. LI 96, 17.7.1987, page 81. 
5 OJn. Cn. 329, 31.12.1990, page 25. 
6 OJ n. L 196, 17.7.1987, page 85. 
7 OJn. L 310 of 9.11.1990, page 23. 
Council Directive 90/544/EEC of 9 October 1990 on the frequency bands designated 
for the co-ordinated introduction of pan-European land-based public radio paging in 
the Community**. 
The Directive is aimed at ensuring adequate frequency band in the 169.4 to 169.8 
MHz range for the provision of pan-European land-based radio paging service which, 
under Council Recommendation 90/543/1 iIIC of 9 October 1990, should be started by 
31 December 1992 at the latest. In particular. Article 2(1) of the Directive requires 
Member Stales, in accordance with CEPT Recommendation T/R 25-07, to give 
protection and priority to four channels in the 169.4 to 169.8 MHz range for the pan-
European land-based radio paging service by 31 December 1992 at the latest. These 
four channels should be, preferably: 
• 169,6 MHz 
• 169.65 MHz 
• 169,7 MHz 
• 169.75 MHz 
Under Article 2(2) Member States shall ensure that plans arc prepared as quickly as 
possible to enable ERMES services to occupy the whole of the 169.4 to 169.8 MHz 
band (i.e. 16 channels) according to commercial demand. No deadline is set out 
concerning this obligation. Member States were requested to bring into force the 
provisions necessary to comply with the Directive by 18 October 1991. 
Council Recommendation of 3 June 1991 on the co-ordinated introduction of digital 
European cordless telecommunications (DECT) into the Community9, coupled with 
Council Directive 91/287/EEC of 3 June 1991 on the frequency bands to be 
designated for the co-ordinated introduction of digital European cordless 
telecommunications (DECT) into the Community10. 
The Directive is aimed at ensuring adequate band in the 1880-1900 MHz range for the 
provision of DECT services which, according to Council Recommendation 
91/288/EEC of 3 June 1991", should be implemented by 31 December 1992 at the 
latest. In particular, Article 2(1) of the Directive requires Member States, in 
accordance with CEPT Recommendation T/R 22-02, to designate the frequency band 
1880-1900 MHz for digital European cordless telecommunications by 1 January 1992. 
In accordance with the CEPT Recommendation, DECT shall have a priority over other 
services in the same band and be protected in the designated band. Under Article 
3(1) Member States were requested to bring into force the provisions necessary to 
comply with the Directive by 31 December 1991, and inform the Commission thereof. 
K OJn. I, 310 of 9.11.1990, page 28. 
k> OJ n. L 144 of 8.06.1991, page 47. 
10 OJ n. L 144 of 8.06.1991, page 45. 
11 OJn. L 144 of, 8.06.1991, page 47. 
in a wider European context, the application of three Directives have been extended to 
CEPT countries by Decisions adopted by the CEPT/ERC in 199412. Moreover, in 1997 a 
further ERC Decision identified the "extended bands" to be used for GSM when 
additional spectrum is needed beyond the frequency band mentioned in the previous ERC 
Decision on GSM1J. 
2.2 Further developments in co-ordination of frequencies 
Council Resolution 90/C 166/02 of 28 June 1990 on the strengthening of the European-
wide co-operation on radio frequencies, in particular with regard to services with pan-
European dimension14 recognised the importance of a co-ordinated approach to frequency 
allocation for Europe-wide systems and noted with satisfaction that a reform of the radio 
frequency planning and co-ordination mechanisms was being developed within the 
framework of CEPT. five major policy goals in the area of frequency allocation were 
identified. 
• to strengthen European co-operation in the field of radio frequency co-ordination, 
with the objective of providing for a sufficient frequency spectrum for new services; 
• to work towards the timely allocation of sufficient frequency resources for mobile 
and satellite applications; 
• to promote the most efficient use of the frequency spectrum; 
• to develop common European positions in relation to the use of the frequency 
spectrum, in particular with regard to the ITU and its relevant administrative radio 
conferences, using mechanisms set up by CEPT. 
• to support these objectives, encouraging the further development of the framework of 
co-operation between frequency experts from national authorities responsible for 
frequency management, telecommunications organisations and other service 
providers, industry and users, developing the existing co-ordination mechanisms set 
up by CEPT. 
In the Resolution, the Council invited the Commission, the Member States and CEPT to 
support the further development of the new framework set up by CEPT. 
12 ERC Decision of 24 October 1994 on the frequency bands to be designated for the co-ordinated 
introduction of the GSM digital pan-European communications system (ERC/DEC/(94)01); ERC 
Decision of 24 October 1994 on the frequency bands to be designated for the co-ordinated 
introduction of the European Radio Messaging System (ERMES) (ERC/DEC/(94)02); ERC Decision 
of 24 October 1994 on the frequency bands to be designated for the co-ordinated introduction of the 
Digital European Cordless Telecommunications system (ERC/DEC/(94)03). 
1 ' ERC Decision of* 21 March 1997 on the extended frequency bands to be used lor lite (iSM digital pan-
European communications system (EU(7DEC7(97)02). Not all CEPT Members have yet committed 
themselves to apply the terms of this Decision 
14 OJ n. C 166 of 7.07.1990, page 4. 
The Resolution has certainly played a role for the development of a Europe-wide 
framework for frequency co-ordination, and a number of important initiatives have been 
taken by CEPT European Radiocommunications Committee (ERC) in response to this 
initiative, including the selling up of a European Radiocommunications Office (ERO) 
and the adoption of a mechanism to secure implementation by members of CEPT of ERC 
Decisions concerning radio frequencies. 
Subsequent Council Resolution 92/C 318/01 of 19 November 1992 on the 
implementation in the Community of European Radiocommunications Committee 
decisions15 reaffirmed support to the CEPT method of co-operation as the primary means 
for Europe-wide frequency co-ordination. This was followed by a Communication of the 
Commission in September 1993, concerning a new approach to the co-ordination of 
frequency in the Community10 and by another Communication of the Commission on the 
ERC Decision mechanism in April 199517. 
A Memorandum of Understanding is currently in force between ERC and the 
Commission, and a framework contract between the Commission and ERO,x setting out 
arrangements for co-operation and procedures. The framework contract allows the 
Commission to mandate ERO to conduct work of a technical nature in the form of "work 
requirements", with a view at reaching Decisions concerning designation of harmonised 
frequencies for certain services. So far, Decisions have been adopted by ERC on, inter 
alia, TETRA, DCS 1800, Terrestrial Digital Audio Broadcasting, Satellite Personal 
Communications Services (S-PCS) and UMTS. 
Lastly, the Commission has also issued a Communication on "Radio frequency 
requirements for Community policies in the context of the World Radiocommunications 
Conference 1999 (WRC-99)"19. 
2.3 Other Community measures concerning mobile communications 
Building on the consensus achieved on the basis of the Mobile Green Paper20 and, in 
particular, on the support of the Council and the European Parliament to abolition of 
special and exclusive rights in the mobile sector, the Commission adopted in January 
15 OJn.C 318 of 4.12.1992, page 1. 
16 COM (93) 382 final of 10.09.1993. 
17 COM (95) 85 final of 26.04.1995. 
IS The framework contract expired at the end of April 1998, but a proposal has been put forward by the 
Commission to grant a prolongation. 
|,} COM(98)298, 13.05.1998. 
20 Towards the Personal Communications Environment: Green Paper on a common approach to mobile 
and personal communications in the European Union, COM(94)145 final, of 27.04.1994. 
1996 a Directive amending the Services Directive21 to include mobile communications, 
which had so far been excluded from its scope:-
• Commission Directive 96/2/EC (Mobile Directive) of 16 January 1996 amending 
Directive 90/388/EC with regard to mobile and personal communications22. 
Besides requiring the removal of any remaining special and exclusive rights by 
February 1996, the Directives provides for: i) an early liberalisation of infrastructure, 
so that restrictions on mobile operators are lifted with regard to the establishment of 
their own infrastructure, the use of infrastructures provided by third and the sharing of 
infrastructure, other facilities and sites; ii) the right for mobile operators to 
interconnect directly with other mobile networks or with the public fixed network; iii) 
the licensing of DCS 1800 systems by I of January 1998 and of public 
access/telepoint applications, including systems based on DECT. 
Essential provisions concerning frequency allocation are set out by Article 3b of 
Directive 90/388/EC, as amended by the Mobile Directive, under which Member 
States must publish every year or make available on request the allocation scheme 
of frequencies, including plans for future expansion of such frequencies. This 
designation must be reviewed by Member States at regular appropriate intervals. 
Other Community measures containing provisions related to frequency assignment are: 
• Directive 97/13/EC (Licensing Directive) of the European Parliament and of the 
Council of 10 April 1997 on a common framework for general authorisation and 
individual licences in the field of telecommunications services23. 
The Directive aims at establishing a common framework for general authorisations 
and individual licences in a liberalised environment, to avoid that an undue burden is 
imposed on operators through licensing conditions or procedures. Article 7(1) makes it 
possible for Member States to issue individual licences inter alia to allow the licensee 
to access radio frequencies or numbers; the efficient use of radio frequencies is among 
the reasons justifying a limitation of the number of licences under Article 10(1), and 
the charging of additional fees under Article 11(2). 
• Decision 710/97/EC (S-PCS) of the European Parliament and of the Council of 24 
March 1997 on a co-ordinated authorisation approach in the field of satellite personal-
communications services in the Community24. 
In the light of the growing importance of satellite personal communications, in 
particular through systems comprising low-earth orbiting satellites (LEOs), the 
Decision aims at facilitating the rapid introduction of compatible satellite personal-
21 Commission Directive 90/388/EC of 28 June 1990 on competition in the market for 
telecommunications services (OJ n. L 192 of 24.07.1990, page 10). 
22 OJ n. L 20 of 26.01.1996, page 59. 
23 OJn.L 117 of 7.05.1997, page 15. 
24 OJn.L 105 of 23.04.1997, page 4. 
communications services in the Community by means of a co-ordinated approach to 
selection and authorisation. An important role is to be played by CEPT, which is 
being given mandates to make proposals concerning harmonisation of frequency use 
and of the conditions attached to general authorisations for S-PCS. 
2.4 Evolution towards third generation mobile communications systems 
On 3 March 1998 the Commission submitted a proposal for a European Parliament and 
Council Decision on the co-ordinated introduction of mobile and wireless 
communications (UMTS) in the Community (98/C 131/05)25. The proposed Decision 
aims at supporting gradual evolution towards third generation mobile communications 
systems, capable of providing in particular innovative wireless multimedia services and 
combining the use of terrestrial and satellite components, by means of co-ordination of 
national licensing regimes. Under the proposed framework, CEPT should be given 
mandates by the Commission to harmonise frequency use and the conditions to be 
attached to authorisations for UMTS networks and services, without prejudice to the 
provisions of the Licensing Directive regarding individual licences. 
3. DIRECTIVE 87/372/EEC 
3.1 Background 
The development of the digital mobile communications market over the past decade has 
been dramatic. It is recognised that this development has been supported by the policy 
initiatives taken by the Commission ten years ago to encourage the introduction of digital 
mobile communications in the Member States. Council Recommendation 87/371/EEC 
made proposals for the co-ordinated introduction of a pan-European cellular digital land-
based mobile system in the Community; Council Directive 87/372/EEC reserved the 
frequency bands for such a system. In addition, the standardisation activity received 
considerable support from the Commission by means of mandates to ETSI. 
3.2 Current situation 
3.2.1 Market Development26 
Today there are more than 42 million users of digital mobile communications in the 
Community. Another 8 million subscribers use analogue systems. Penetration rates 
currently average 13% across the EU. The most successful countries have achieved 
penetration rates between 31.5% (Finland) and 26.6% (Sweden). Given the dramatic 
25 OJn.C 131 of 29.04.1998, page 9. 
26 Sources: ERC (March 1998); data provided to the Commission by the National Regulatory 
Authorities; two studies realised for the Commission: "UMTS Market Forecast", Analysis/Intercai, 
February 1997; "The effectiveness of the Mobile Communications Frequency Directives in Member 
States", Eurostrategies, November 1997. Data provided reflects status at 1 January 1998, unless 
otherwise indicated. 
growth in the mobile market in Europe over the last two to three years, current level of 
penetration in the Scandinavian countries and the expected increase of competition and 
availability of services across Europe, it is expected that, even in less optimistic 
scenarios, penetration rates could achieve 40% to 50% levels in 2005 in some of the more 
developed markets, with an average 22% for the whole of the EU. GSM (and its related 
technologies, DCS 1800 and PCS 1900) has also emerged as a world standard for mobile 
communications, with services provided through nearly 220 networks with more than 44 
million users in over 100 countries. The success of GSM can be seen from its global 
market share of 60% for all digital mobile markets. 
The number of authorisations granted varies between Member States, which is partly to 
be explained by the different liberalisation dales and the size and opportunities of each 
national market. There are currently at least two digital mobile systems (GSM) in each 
Member Slate, although some of them were not yet operational at 1 January 1998 (e.g. 
Luxembourg, where the second licence was awarded at the end of 1997)27. 
Analogue systems are still in operation in nine Member States (Denmark, Spain, Ireland, 
Italy, Netherlands, Austria, Finland, Sweden United Kingdom). Despite the gradual and 
steady shift from analogue to digital mobile services in the last years, analogue systems 
continue to maintain a relatively high number of subscriptions in a few countries, owing 
to the relatively limited need for international roaming for certain categories of users and 
to the lower priced service packages for the analogue systems. 
There is no doubt that the mobile communications sector is currently the fastest growing 
area of telecommunications. By 2010 there could be nearly 200 million mobile users in 
the EU for all mobile services, including UMTS. Ultimately mobile communications 
penetration could be as high as 80% of the population, whereas fixed penetration is not 
expected to exceed 50% of the population. In many Member States 35% penetration rates 
will be feasible within the next 10 years. With the forecasts of GSM subscriber 
population for Europe running so high, many operators of GSM networks complain that 
the current allocation of frequencies will be a major constraint. 
3.2.2 Impact of Frequency Directive on the Market 
A recent study28 on the effectiveness of the Frequency Directives has assessed the impact 
of the GSM Frequency Directive on the GSM market. All respondents (regulators, 
27 II is worth providing a short overview of DCS 1800 systems, given their close relations with GSM 
systems (without prejudice to any market assessment that the Commission may carry out, on a case by 
case basis, in the framework of the application of competition rules). As of 30 June 1998, "pure" DCS 
1800 licences, or combined GSM/DCS 1800 licenses have been awarded in 14 countries (Belgium, 
Denmark, Germany, Greece, France, Ireland, Italy, Luxembourg, Netherlands, Austria, Portugal, 
Finland, Sweden and United Kingdom) and tendering procedures are very close to conclusion in 
Spain. In this respect, it is recalled that according to the Mobile Directive, at least one DCS 1800 
licence should have been granted before 1 January 1998. In recent years the tendency has grown to 
grant frequencies in the 1800 MHz band to the existing GSM operators (e.g. Denmark, Italy, 
Luxembourg), and to award combined licences GSM/DCS 1800. It is recalled that frequencies for 
DCS 1800 have been reserved through ERC Decision of 1 December 1995 on the frequency bands to 
be designated for the introduction of DCS 1800 (ERC/DEC/(95)03). 
28 Sources: study realised for the Commission: "The effectiveness of the Mobile Communications 
Frequency Directives in Member States", Eurostrategies, November 1997. 
operators, manufacturers, users) confirmed that the Directive had made a positive 
contribution to the early introduction of GSM. Some respondents also pointed out that 
the liming of the Directive coincided with technological opportunity and market demand. 
The Directive had also enabled the availability of frequencies in a binding way across 
Europe. The implementation of international roaming and the free circulation of handsets 
were also cited as major achievements which had been factors in the success of the 
Directive. 
Some concerns were also expressed. In particular, the lack of implementation dates 
outside the "core band" is causing concern in relation to the phasing-out of analogue 
networks, which in many Member States still occupies part of the GSM reserved bands. 
Similarly the lack of a date, at European level, for the phasing out of analogue networks 
was seen as a problem. In short, it would appear that the Directive has raised the profile 
of the GSM system both politically and legally. 
3.2.3 Spectrum Management and Availability 
The "core band" as set out by the Directive is now used for GSM in all Member States. 
As far as the "extension band" is concerned (i.e. 890-905 MHz and 935-950 MHz), often 
occupied by other analogue systems despite formal reservation under national legislation, 
this is being gradually cleared by Member States, although at different paces: owing to 
the lack of compulsory deadline for full GSM occupation, different time limits or no time 
limits at all, in some cases, have been set out by Member States. Estimates indicate that, 
even when these bands arc cleared and fully used, there will be a need to use the further 
GSM extension bands, i.e. 880-890 MHz and 925-935 MHz. 
Despite international co-ordination in the use of frequency bands, there are large 
differences in the amount of spectrum allocated to operators in different countries and 
even to operators within the same country. In some cases, differences can be justified 
between countries due to different market conditions, but it is harder to understand 
differences within countries. Very often, these are due to the fact that the incumbent 
operator with a mobile subsidiary enjoys access to both analogue and digital frequency 
bands, as it is the case in Austria, Denmark, Finland, Ireland, Italy, the Netherlands, 
Portugal, Spain, Sweden and the United Kingdom. 
Given the growth rates exhibited by GSM operators throughout Europe, it is likely that 
lack of availability of spectrum could inhibit market growth. Network operators arc able 
to alleviate the problem of a lack of new spectrum, up to a point, by introducing 
micro/pico cells, particularly in urban areas which allow greater frequency re-use and 
hence can accommodate a higher degree of traffic loading on the network. There is a 
limit, however, beyond which further investments in network infrastructure cannot 
provide for a more efficient use of the radio frequency spectrum. In this case the only 
solution seems to be availability of more spectrum. 
It would appear that a further element impeding fair allocation of frequency is the fact 
that publishing of existing and intended future frequency allocation does not appear to be 
obligatory in most countries, despite the requirements of the Community directives. 
3.2.4 Transposition/Implementation issues 
Key issues of Directive 87/372/EEC 
While a clear deadline is fixed by Article 1(1) of the Directive concerning allocation of 
the "core band", no such date is established concerning the obligation to make available 
the remainder of the band reserved for GSM: allocation of the "extension band" is left for 
assessment by Member States in accordance with the principle of subsidiarity. 
An indication is, however, provided by Recital 11 of the Directive which states that "on 
the basis of present technological and market trends it would appear to be realistic to 
envisage the exclusive occupation of the 890-915 and 935-960 MHz frequency band by 
the pan-European system within 10 years of 1 January 1991". The date of 1 January 
2001 is, therefore, suggested to Member States as a realistic deadline for occupation of 
the whole reserved band, given market and technology tendencies early in 1987. Since 
more recent surveys confirm that a clear move towards digital technologies is under way 
throughout Europe and that market demand is buoyant, such an indication seems to 
remain valid. 
Even in the lack of a binding date under the Directive, the Commission is of the view that 
Member States should identify clearly time limits for the phasing out of analogue 
systems, bearing in mind that such phasing out should not be excessively delayed. The 
Commission is aware of difficulties linked to the closure of analogue services, but it is 
also concerned that development of pan-European cellular digital mobile 
communications should not be hampered. 
The lack of a deadline in the Directive does not affect the main obligation on Member 
States under Article 1(2) of the Directive, which is to draw up plans to allow expansion 
of GSM into the complete band as quickly as possible, according to commercial 
demand and to communicate these plans to the Commission in accordance with Article 
4(2). In this context, it is essential that Member States carry out an accurate 
assessment of commercial demand, repeated ni regular intervals, and of the related 
need for expansion of frequencies, with a view to drawing up and reviewing allocation 
plans, in order to ensure effective spectrum management. Member States should, 
therefore, ensure that effective mechanisms are in place to measure evolution of demand 
at regular intervals. Only if such mechanisms arc in place can allocation plans be drawn 
up and reviewed in an effective way, including identification of a deadline for phasing 
out analogue system and of a time-schedule be fixed for gradual assignment of new 
frequencies to GSM. 
This approach is confirmed by the Mobile Directive (96/2/EC): under Article 3b of 
Directive 90/388/EC, as amended by the Mobile Directive, Member States must publish 
every year or make available on request the allocation scheme of frequency, including 
plans for future expansion of such frequencies, according to the scheme described in 
Annex. This designation must be reviewed by Member States at regular appropriate 
intervals. 
The Commission considers that establishment of final deadlines for closing analogue 
systems is not sufficient to implement the requirement of Article 1(2) of the Directive. In 
order to ensure legal certainty and transparency to market players, Member States are 
10 
required to lay down precise plans and to review them regularly. The Commission 
takes the view that revision of plans should take place at least every year. Plans should 
include a clear time-scale for further expansion and identify intermediate dates and steps 
for migration; they should be communicated to the Commission. 
The Commission will investigate closely whether the obligation of publishing of existing 
and planned frequency allocation scheme has been clearly set out in the national 
regulatory framework and implemented by Member States. 
Status of transposition 
The Directive has been transposed by a majority of Member States by adoption of 
specific regulations (details in Annex 1). In some other countries reservation of 
frequencies has been ensured either by decision of the national regulatory authorities 
responsible for frequency allocation (Portugal, Finland) or through the published 
National frequency allocation table, and subsequent licensing decisions (Sweden). In one 
case (United Kingdom) no legislation has been enacted to implement the Directive, since 
the existing legislation was considered sufficient to permit provision of GSM. 
In general, most of the Member States had difficulties in meeting (he transposition 
deadline, and at an early stage the Commission had to open infringement proceedings 
against a number of Member States for non-communication of national implementation 
measures. Proceedings were only closed against notification of relevant implementing 
measures. 
Transposition is, however, only part of the process necessary to ensure implementation of 
the Directive. Member States have also an obligation to ensure effective application of 
transposition measures, and it is part of the Commission's responsibility to ensure that 
Member States fulfil this obligation. 
In particular, the requirement of Article 1(1) of the Directive, under which Member 
States have to ensure that the 905-914 and 950-959 MHz frequency bands ("core band") 
or equivalent part of the band mentioned in paragraph 2 are reserved exclusively for 
GSM service by 1 January 1991, has been implemented in all Member States, even 
though with some delay. Only one country (Ireland) has reserved "an equivalent part". In 
all Member Stales at least two operators have been granted licences and frequencies to 
provide services nation-wide. 
As far as Article 1(2) of the Directive is concerned, legislation is in place which reserves 
the whole of 890-915 and 935-960 MHz bands exclusively for GSM virtually in all 
Member States. However, only four countries (Germany, France, Luxembourg, United 
Kingdom) have actually assigned all relevant frequencies to GSM operators. In these 
countries coexistence of analogue and digital networks is not problematic since GSM and 
analogue systems (where existing) do not operate in the same band. In two other Member 
States, although no analogue or other system is reported to be operational, some 
frequencies remain to be assigned: Belgium, with 914-915 and 959-960 MHz bands to 
assign, and Greece, where only 2x10 MHz of the overall band have been assigned to two 
GSM providers, the remaining 2x5 MHz being free and available for future operators. 
In the remaining Member States, full occupation of the above-mentioned range of 
frequencies seems to be delayed mainly by the existence, in the bands reserved for GSM, 
11 
of analogue services like NMT900, TACS and E-TACS (Denmark, Spain, Ireland, Italy, 
Netherlands, Austria, Sweden, Finland), or of cordless systems like CT1 or SLT1 
(Denmark, Italy, Netherlands, Austria, Portugal, Sweden, Finland), or of fixed service 
systems (Spain). In-these countries, given the wide geographical coverage and the 
sizeable and still increasing number of subscribers (though at a slower pace than GSM 
subscriptions), national authorities seem reluctant to take short term initiatives to reduce 
spectrum allocated to analogue systems and phase these systems out. Plans are said to be 
in place in several countries for closing existing analogues networks, and virtually all 
Member States have set out the date for phasing out analogue systems (ranging from 
1.1.2001, in the case of Spain, to 2007-2012 in Finland) or are preparing to take a 
decision on the issue (Netherlands). However, apart from these deadlines, only a few 
countries (Austria and Sweden) have provided the Commission with detailed 
information about the time-scale for the migration of the concerned frequencies to 
GSM, as required by the Directive. Information on frequency assignment and licensing is 
provided by Tables 1 and 2. 
3.3 Significant Issues 
The phasing out of Ihe analogue systems needs to be addressed in a specific way, in 
consultation with Ihe national regulatory authorities and the relevant market players. 
With respect to the existing GSM service, the main concern is that, in the absence of a 
compulsory deadline in the Directive for the phasing out of analogue systems, transition 
from the analogue use of GSM frequency bands is proceeding at uneven paces in 
Member States, and generally very slowly. This issue is also linked to the setting of 
tariffs in the Member States. At present there are wide differences between tariffs set in 
all the Member States. This is a key factor in the rate of migration from analogue to 
digital systems and hence the clearing of the GSM reserved bands. 
One of the reasons for the slow migration from analogue to digital is that both NMT and 
TACS analogue services tend to be highly profitable and still represent large investments 
for operators. The situation which now occurs is that new entrants, who do not have 
access to the analogue frequency pool of incumbent operators, have to implement 
technical solutions to accommodate increasing traffic densities within spectrum 
allocations in some instances as small as 5.4 MHz. 
The Commission will continue to support the migration to digital systems. The crucial 
question which needs to be addressed is how to ensure the phasing in of (additional) 
digital frequency bands and equipment while at the same time taking account of the state 
of development of, and investment in, current mobile systems, including analogue 
networks. In particular, the Commission will continue to monitor the situation in Member 
States in order to determine whether: 
• incumbent operators tend to support or restrict the migration to digital systems; 
• incumbent operators use their monopoly use of analogue frequencies to strengthen 
their already dominant position and also slow down the migration to digital 
technologies; 
• new GSM operators are on an equal competitive footing with the incumbent GSM and 
analogue service operators; 
12 
it is realistic and desirable to set deadlines by which digital services should have the 
exclusive disposal of frequency bands which are currently partly used by analogue 
services. 
The Commission will review, in co-operation with the NRAs, their plans to allocate the 
full range of frequencies set out in the Directive, in particular raising the issue of the 
phasing out of the analogue use of the GSM bands. In case Member Stutes do not 
communicate their plans, the Commission will open infringement proceedings. 
In phasing out analogue service, Member States should ensure that consumers are given 
clear and transparent information by the operator marketing these services of any time 
limits attached to the continuation of the service. 
4. DIRECTIVE 90/544/EEC 
4.1 Background 
Paging is the longest established form of mobile communications in Europe. ERMES 
was developed as a European digital paging system in the same way that GSM was 
developed for the cellular telephony market, i.e. to provide greater functionality, 
intelligence and pan-European roaming. 
The Community launched similar initiatives as were taken for the digital mobile 
communications service to encourage the introduction of ERMES in the Member States. 
Council Recommendation 90/543 made proposals for the co-ordinated introduction of 
pan-European public radio paging in the Community. In addition Council Directive 
90/544/EEC reserved the frequency bands for such a system. The standardisation process, 
undertaken in ETSI, also received considerable support from the Community. 
4.2 Current Situation 
4.2.1 Market Development29 
Globally, paging has emerged in the 1990s as an important sector in the total market of 
mobile communications. The world paging market is estimated at approximately 120 
million units-in-service at the end of 1996. About 38% of all pagers are in North America 
where the market has been growing at an average rate of nearly 25% per year for the past 
seven years. Today there are 44 million pagers, giving a penetration rate of 15% of the 
population. Another 56% of the total base are in the Asia-Pacific region, which is home 
to some of the world's highest paging networks, such as China, Korea and Japan. The 
total number of pagers in use in this region amount to 67 million. Some of the 
penetration rates are also very high, with countries like Singapore reaching more than 
30% penetration. 
29 Sources: see footnote 28. Data provided reflects status at i January 1998, unless otherwise indicated. 
13 
On the other hand, the paging market in Europe seems underdeveloped compared with 
the rest of the world. The European penetration rate is only 1.5% with a total number of 
5.8 million pagers in Western Europe. In some countries the number of subscribers has 
increased significantly (France, Germany, UK, Portugal, Netherlands), whereas in other 
countries the market would appear to be stagnant (Denmark, Greece). The reasons why 
Europe lags behind vary, depending on the commentators, but most of them agree that 
the main reasons are historical in nature, i.e. that paging in the US was introduced much 
earlier than cellular telephony (as compared to Europe) and marketed by stand-alone 
paging operators whose livelihood depended on their core business, as opposed to the 
European telecommunications operators for whom paging was only a secondary activity. 
ERMES licences have been granted in nine Member States (Denmark, Germany, Greece, 
France, Italy, Netherlands, Finland, Sweden, United Kingdom). In addition to that, in no 
country have plans been drawn up to assign the complete band, largely owing to the lack 
of clear obligations and compulsory deadlines under the Directive. Analogue paging 
networks are also in operation in all Member States, mainly based on the POCSAG 
technology. They operate over a different frequency band except in Austria, Finland and 
Sweden. The number of operators runs from one (Greece, Italy, Finland) to 440 
(Finland). 
So far, the mass acceptance and implementation of ERMES services across Member 
States has been somewhat delayed. Among the possible reasons the following can be 
identified: i) some existing paging operators still have excess capacity on their analogue 
networks, and foresee no major costs or service benefits from introducing ERMES; ii) 
most of the major markets had not until very recently licensed ERMES operators, which 
has reduced the attractions of the roaming facility; iii) the success of cellular telephony, 
and in particular GSM, may have absorbed some potential ERMES customers; iv) there 
have been technical difficulties, especially interference with adjacent channels utilised by 
cable TV operators; v) national frequency management bodies seem to have been 
reluctant to release spectrum. 
There arc now signs that ERMES is becoming more successful. Over the past year 
ERMES has gained strength and licences have been granted in several Member States, 
with a promise of more networks being opened. In spite of the fact that Europe lags 
behind the rest of the world in pager penetration rates, the European market has one of 
the highest untapped potential for paging. It is predicted that the market could grow by 
25% per annum in Europe over the next few years. The total number of users could triple 
by the beginning of the 21st century, with potential for penetration levels of 10% in later 
years, if the right market conditions are created to sustain this growth. 
Even though this growth will have to be shared between several technologies owing to 
considerable competition between different systems in this market (FLEX, analogue 
POCSAG), ERMES is gaining increasing support from the paging industry. It is 
recognised that ERMES has unique qualifications not only for providing traditional 
paging services at enhanced quality (e.g. longer messages) but also for supporting 
emergence of new services (e.g. broadcasting high speed data services with pan-
European dimension). 
14 
4.2.2 Impact of the Frequency Directive 
A recent study on the effectiveness of the ERMES Frequency Directive revealed mixed 
perceptions of its impact-*0. A majority of regulators did not consider that the Directive 
had contributed to the early introduction of ERMES in Europe, while a majority of 
paging operators, manufacturers and users have agreed that the Directive had been 
successful in promoting a pan-European paging service, and that there were clear 
incentives on using specified frequency bands and implementation dates. 
4.2.3 Spectrum A vailability and Management 
In all Member Slates national regulatory measures have been adopted giving protection 
and priority to four channels in the 169.4 to 169.8 MHz range for ERMES (see chapter 
4.2.5). However, not all channels have been actually assigned, allegedly for lack of 
sufficient commercial demand. The major difficulty that had been encountered for 
ERMES spectrum allocations (see Annex 2) seems to have been the problems caused by 
joint usage of the same frequencies, associated with interference between ERMES 
transmitters and cable TV signals, particularly in Germany and Austria. 
4.2.4 Transposition/Implementation issues 
Key issues of Directive 90/544/EEC 
The remarks made in section 3.2.4 apply, mutatis mutandis, to Directive 90/544/EEC. 
Status of transposition 
The Directive has been transposed by a majority of Member States by adoption of 
specific regulations (details in Annex 2). In some other countries reservation of 
frequencies has been ensured either by decision of the national regulatory authorities 
responsible for frequency allocation (Portugal, Finland) or through the published 
National frequency allocation table, and subsequent licensing decisions (Sweden). In one 
case (United Kingdom) no legislation has been enacted to implement the Directive, since 
the existing legislation was considered sufficient to permit provision of ERMES. 
The requirement of Article 2(1) of the Directive, under which Member Stales must give 
protection and priority to four channels in the 169.4 to 169.8 MHz range for the pan-
European land-based radio paging service by 31 December 1992 at the latest (and, 
preferably, to the following channels: 169.6 MHz, 169.65 MHz, 169.7 MHz and 169.75 
MHz) has been transposed in all Member States, with some variations. In particular, on 
the basis of information collected from national regulators, which in some cases is not 
fully complete or accurate, the following overview can be drawn: 
• in seven Member States (Denmark, Greece, Ireland, Italy, Austria, the Netherlands 
and Portugal), the transposition measure/allocation decision has explicitly reserved 
four channels for ERMES systems (three in the Netherlands), which are in three cases 
the same as those recommended by the Directive. In some cases the whole band is 
also in principle reserved fully to ERMES, although it is laid down that the 
30 See footnote 28. 
15 
remaining channels of this band will be made available when necessary, taking into 
account expansion of the service. Of these countries only Denmark, Greece, Italy, and 
the Netherlands have subsequently assigned channels to operators. 
• in five further Member States (Belgium, Germany, Spain, France, Luxembourg) the 
transposition measures reserve the band for ERMES, but without specific reference to 
any channels. Channels have been subsequently assigned in Belgium, Germany, 
France. 
• in Finland, Sweden and United Kingdom, channels have been reserved (three 
channels in Finland) and then assigned to ERMES systems in various ways. 
The description above is to be read in conjunction with information concerning the 
effective implementation of the Directive. Despite adoption of legal acts, implementation 
of the directive, including frequency assignment, has proved difficult in several countries, 
owing apparently to the lack of sufficient demand for ERMES services. This alleged lack 
of commercial demand can be explained, in some cases, by the existence of analogue 
paging systems in the national markets, often licensed at a time when the Directive had 
already entered into force. 
ERMES licences have been granted in Denmark (two), Germany (three), Greece (one), 
France (three), Germany (three), Italy (one), Netherlands (two), Finland (one), Sweden 
(two), United Kingdom (four). In Belgium, Spain, Ireland, Austria and Portugal there are 
still no ERMES operators, but the grant of some licences is envisaged. In the United 
Kingdom licences have also been granted recently allowing to use the FLEX standard. 
In none of the Member States have plans been drawn up to make the whole band 
available; the decision is left for future assessment. Information on frequency 
assignment and licensing is provided by Table 3. 
4.3 Significant Issues 
Other technical solutions are currently available for paging, in some cases with 
comparable features. For example, some Member States are licensing the Motorola based 
FLEX™ technology which is now coming into direct competition with ERMES. There is 
no evidence to substantiate the view that ERMES is more expensive than FLEX or 
POCSAG. On the contrary, estimates show that the ERMES pagers themselves are 
comparable in price to FLEX or POCSAG quality pagers and the network components 
(base stations and switches) arc also similar in cost. 
The frequency band is a critical factor. At equal power levels, a high speed network 
operating at 169 MHz (e.g. ERMES at 6400 bps or FLEX at 6250 bps) requires as many 
base stations as a low rate 300 bps FLEX or POCSAG network operating at 900 MHz. In 
other words, the investment in an ERMES high speed network operating at 169 MHz 
would require the same investment as a low speed FLEX network at 450-900 MHz. 
Hence the interest in the 169 MHz band. 
The existence of a Europe-wide harmonised frequency allocation for ERMES is a very 
attractive element and one of the reason for its success. In this context, pressure is 
growing from non ERMES operators for the release of the unused channels which are 
"reserved" in the ERMES Frequency Directive for use with other technologies.. 
16 
The Commission will continue to encourage the full implementation of the ERMES 
Directive, in particular by monitoring the channel utilisation plans of the Member 
States. 
The Commission has initiated a study on the future of the paging market, investigating in 
particular growth prospects and likely scenarios for evolution of the paging market in 
Europe. 
5. DIRECTIVE 91/287/EEC 
5.1 Background 
The Digital Enhanced Cordless Telephone (DECT) system has been developed and is 
now commercially available. Thanks to the extreme flexibility of the technical standards, 
the DECT technology can be used to provide cordless access to a range of networks, both 
mobile and \~\xa\. In this context, DECT can be used either for offering "limited" 
mobility in urban areas (Cordless Telephone Mobility, CTM) as a low cost alternative to 
full-Hedged cellular mobile systems which is particularly attractive in densely populated 
areas, or as access technology in wireless local loop configurations (WLL), where it can 
provide high capacity transmission links. DECT products have been on the market only 
since 1994, but have achieved success particularly in the residential cordless telephone 
and cordless PBX domains. Its development has been further enhanced by adoption of 
Common Technical Regulations under Directive 91/263/EEC. 
As for GSM and ERMES the development of DECT has been assisted by policy 
measures taken by the community in 1991 to encourage the introduction of DECT in the 
Member States. Council Recommendation 91/288 made proposals on the co-ordinated 
introduction of DECT into the Community. Council Directive 91/287 reserved the 
frequency bands for such a system. In addition, standardisation activities have been 
supported by the Commission by means of standardisation mandates to ETSI. 
5.2 Current Situation 
5.2.1 Market Development31 
DECT was engineered as a successful product of European co-operation and is 
developing well. Between 1994 and mid 1997, more than 50 suppliers shipped more than 
8 million units. The most successful application of the DECT technology has been for 
residential cordless telephones which accounts for 7 million units out of the total 
shipments. DECT based wireless PBXs are also available in the majority of Member 
States. 
31 Sources: see footnote 28. Data provided reflects status at 1 January 1998, unless otherwise indicated. 
17 
Since DECT was conceived to be a flexible radio access technology, one of its target 
applications was to provide the public with limited mobility access capability to fixed 
networks. This was seen to be particularly attractive in densely populated areas, for 
instance in shopping centres, petrol stations etc. This application of DECT remains 
underdeveloped with one operational DECT network in Finland, two licenses granted- in 
France and one in Italy. 
The potential for introducing the DECT technology at commercial level remains largely 
under-exploited. It is expected that the cordless telephone applications for the residential 
and cordless PBX markets will continue to be successful. The DECT Forum predict that 
7 million units will be sold in 1997 and that by the turn of the century, annual shipments 
will reach more than 30 million units. 
DECPs future as a public networking technology is unclear. It does not have the 
intelligent networking abilities of GSM or DCS 1800. A number of operators are 
currently carrying out trials which combine DECT with other technologies (most 
commonly with GSM or DCS 1800). DECT would then complement GSM in high 
traffic density zones and pico-cellular indoor environments. In this respect, it would 
appear that some operators are preparing to launch commercially DECT in dual mode 
during 1998. 
The future for DECT as a WLL technology is also not fully clear. The potential is 
certainly there. Wireless local loops are seen as a cost effective way of extending the 
fixed network, particularly in urban areas, and can shorten waiting lists dramatically. 
DECT could have competition in this field from such technologies as CTM and CT2. 
Outside Europe, systems such as the Public Access Cordless Systems (PACs) and the 
Personal Handyphone System (PHS) seems to provide serious competition to DECT. 
5.2.2 Impact of the Frequency Directive 
The views of NRAs and manufacturers support the notion that the DECT Frequency 
Directive has contributed to the extensive introduction of DECT and had improved the 
European market opportunities. Market opportunities ought to be realised more quickly. 
Also, the Directive had encouraged less expensive equipment as a result of the larger 
market for a single standard, and by providing a clear incentive to use a specified 
frequency band with implementation dates. 
Some manufacturers suggest that there had been only limited success in achieving the 
aim of promoting Pan-European DECT services for customers, owing to two main 
reasons. Firstly, lack of clarity over the regulatory status of DECT-based wireless in the 
local loop services is limiting market development, particularly in relation to the 
development of public services DECT networks. A second reason would appear to be the 
delay by some national regulatory authorities to develop DECT regulations, again 
particularly in respect to public services. 
5.2.3 Spectrum Management and A vailability 
Operators and manufacturers have expressed concerns that the current frequencies 
allocation is limiting demand and that this is closely related to national spectrum 
management. Other points of concern include the view that some national procedures are 
18 
"minor deterrents" and that spectrum availability for public service users is being 
generally delayed. 
There is a general concern in CEPT on the spectrum available for DECT studies arc 
being undertaken in conjunction with the planning for FLMTS/UMTS. There is also 
pressure to extend the currently allocated hand 1800-1900 MHz to 1920 MHz. 
5.2.4 Transposition/Implemen tat ion issues 
The Directive has been transposed by a majority of Member States by adoption of 
specific regulations (details in Annex 3). In some other countries reservation of 
frequencies has been ensured either by decision of the national regulatory authorities 
responsible for frequency allocation (Portugal, Finland) or through the published 
National frequency allocation table, and subsequent licensing decisions (Sweden). In one 
case (United Kingdom) no legislation has been enacted to implement the Directive, since 
the existing legislation was considered sufficient to permit provision of DECT. 
It seems that the requirement of Article 2(1) of the Directive, under which Member Slates 
must designate the frequency band 1880-1900 MHz for digital European cordless 
telecommunications by 1 January 1992, has been implemented by all Member States. In 
some countries, however, the band reserved for DECT is partly occupied by other 
systems (mainly military telecommunications networks, or digital fixed links). 
5.3 Significant Issues 
• Whilst interest in the licensing of DECT operators is increasing, so far only a few 
operators have been licensed to provide DECT services, in some cases already 
enjoying a dominant position in the public switched telephone network market. The 
Commission is concerned that competition is ensured for DECT services and has 
already taken action against certain member States. 
• 
• In most countries DECT is used as a terminal technology rather than as a service 
provided to third parties. 
There was consensus that the Directive has contributed to the introduction of DECT 
across the Member States. The Commission will continue to encourage the use of the 
DECT standard. 
19 
6. CONCLUSIONS 
6.1 General 
There is consensus that reservation of frequency band, harmonised at European level, 
through a binding instrument such as a Directive, has contributed to the introduction 
of GSM, ERMES and DECT in Europe. Success of the three services has been uneven, 
with considerable variations also between Member States, owing not only to regulatory 
aspects but also to market conditions and commercial demand. 
In general, the Directives have proved particularly effective when clear implementation 
deadlines have been fixed: this is the case for the designation of the "core band" for 
GSM, of the four channels in the 169.4 to 169.8 MHz range for ERMES and of the 
frequency band for DECT, which have been fully transposed and implemented in all 
Member Slates. On the other hand, the absence of binding provisions concerning full 
occupation of whole range of frequencies reserved (for GSM and ERMES) is to be seen 
as a major reason for uneven implementation by Member States: different deadlines, or 
no deadline at all in some cases, have been set out by Member States, often giving rise to 
slowness and delays in making available the necessary frequency, with special reference 
to GSM. 
The Commission will take account of these elements when reviewing its current 
spectrum policy with a view to identify the best solutions for harmonised allocation of 
frequencies. 
6.2 Implementation 
The three Directives have been transposed by all Member States either by means of 
regulatory measures, or through decisions of the national regulatory authorities 
responsible for frequency allocation. As regards practical implementation, however, 
problems have emerged in some countries concerning full occupation of the reserved 
bands. 
In particular, as far as the GSM and the ERMES Directives are concerned, where the 
obligation is imposed on Member States to drawn up plans to allow expansion of GSM 
and ERMES into the complete band as quickly as possible, according to commercial 
demand and to communicate them to the Commission, these plans have been notified 
only by a limited number of Member States so far (see Annexes 1 and 2). 
The Commission is of the view that, despite the lack of a mandatory deadline in the GSM 
and ERMES Directives for full occupation of the entire band reserved, this obligation 
has to be fully complied with by Member States. Member States are therefore required, 
also in accordance with the requirements of Article 3b of Directive 90/388/EEC as 
amended by the Mobile Directive, to lay down plans for future expansion of such 
frequencies and to review them regularly, at least every year. Plans should include a clear 
time-scale for further expansion and identify intermediate dates and steps for migration; 
they should be communicated to the Commission. 
20 
The Commission will continue to monitor implementation of the Frequency Directives, 
putting a particular emphasis on the need to ensure that all obligations are satisfied. 
In order lo ensure full implementation of the Directives, the Commission will use all ils 
powers, including recourse to its formal powers under the Treaty to launch formal 
infringement procedures against Member States. 
6.3 Other issues: spectrum management, licensing and safety of frequency usage 
As far as spectrum management is concerned, the Commission notes that in general 
there are large differences in the amount of spectrum assigned to operators in different 
countries and even to operators within the same country for the three systems, for reasons 
which are not always clear. 
The Commission, while reaffirming that frequency assignment is a matter for the 
national authorities to decide, in conformity with EC law (often dealt with in the 
framework of licensing procedures), recalls the main principles applicable under the 
Community legal framework 
• Under Article 3a of Directive 90/388/EEC as amended by the Mobile Directive 
(96/2/EC) "as far as frequencies are available, member States shall award licenses 
according lo open, non-discriminatory and transparent conditions. Member States may 
limit the number of licenses for mobile and personal communications systems to be 
issued only on the basis of essential requirements and only where related to the lack of 
availability of frequency spectrum and justified under the principle of 
proportionality." In addition to that, Article 10(1) of Directive 97/13/EC lays down 
that Member States "may limit the number of individual licences for any category of 
telecommunications services and for the establishment and/or operation of 
telecommunications infrastructure, only to the extent required to ensure the efficient 
use of radio frequencies (...)". It follows that only the lack of sufficient spectrum, 
when justified under the principle of proportionality, can be invoked to limit the 
number of licences granted. Therefore, when frequencies are available, they have to 
be assigned. 
• These principles should be read in conjunction with other essential principles under 
EC law. In particular, when granting licenses Member States should also take into 
account, under Article 2(4) of Directive 90/388/EEC as amended by the Mobile 
Directive, "the requirement to ensure effective competition between operators 
competing in the relevant markets" and should give, under Art. 10(3) of Directive 
97/13/EC, "due weight to the need to facilitate the development of competition and to 
maximise benefits for users". Frequencies should be granted in an adequate way so as 
to allow real competition between operators, bearing in mind that there is no unique 
solution: Member States have to identify the most appropriate assignment in the 
specific national context on the basis of a thorough evaluation of market needs. An 
inadequate frequency assignment could in fact result into increasing the operators' roll 
out costs of the networks (especially in urban areas where the effort to acquire sites 
might be substantial, given planning rules and the cost of negotiating agreements with 
a great number of individual owners and landlords) thus affecting, especially in the 
case of new entrants, its ability to compete in the market. 
21 
The Commission takes the view that, when granting frequencies through licensing 
procedures, Member States should make sure that all available frequencies are 
assigned, in so far as appropriate allocation decisions have been made. In doing so they 
should ensure efficient use of the spectrum and should allow operators to compete in an 
effective way in the relevant market. 
Member States should review the extent to which claims of shortage of frequency are 
justified as against inefficient use of frequency by operators. Member States should also 
verify that frequencies granted are actually used for the intended purposes. They should 
report to the Commission on these matters. t 
The Commission will prepare a report on the implementation of the Mobile Directive. 
In this context, the measures adopted by Member States on frequency planning and 
management will be further reviewed. 
As far as licensing is concerned the Licensing Directive, although it does not aim at full 
harmonisation of national licensing procedures, is expected to introduce more 
homogeneity between the latter. If, in accordance with the principle of subsidiarity, 
Member States are free as regards, for instance, choice of procedures and level of 
licensing charges, they have nevertheless to comply with the relevant principles laid 
down by the Directive (such as: priority to be given to "lighter" authorisation regimes; 
granting of individual licences only in specific circumstances; maximum duration of the 
licensing procedures; licence fees to reflect the administrative costs incurred in the 
issuing of the licence, etc.). 
The Commission notes that, in practice, divergent authorisation procedures for voice 
telephony and public telecommunications networks have been implemented by Member 
States, although virtually in all cases individual licences are required to apply for scarce 
resources, i.e. numbers and/or frequencies. In some Member States auctioning systems 
arc under consideration or already being put in practice for attributing certain 
frequencies. 
The number of authorisations granted also varies between Member Stales, which is partly 
to be explained by the different liberalisation dates and the size and opportunities of each 
national telecommunications market. In the same way, fees vary widely from country to 
country. 
The Commission will review by 2000, on the basis of the results of the application of the 
Licensing Directive, the extent to which licensing procedures can be improved and 
harmonised within the Community. 
Finally, as regards safety of frequency usage, even though this issue is not covered by 
the current Communication, it is worth mentioning it given its growing sensitiveness and 
importance. Work is being carried out by the Commission on the subject, and a Scientific 
Steering Committee has been set up for this purpose, which has recently provided an 
22 
opinion on the possible health effects from exposure to electromagnetic fields (011/-
300011/.)". 
•The Commission will consider reviewing whether safety of frequency usage is 
adequately addressed by the current regulatory framework. 
6.4 Particular - GSM 
• The Commission reviews and assesses national plans, to be prepared by NRAs, to 
allocate the full range of frequency set out in the Directive, in particular raising the 
issue of the phasing out of the analogue use of the GSM bands. In the lack of 
notification of plans, the Commission will open infringement procedures. 
• The Commission is of the view that member States should ensure that adequate and 
transparent information is provided to consumers as to the phasing out of the analogue 
services. 
• The Commission will consider discussing with NRAs about a mechanism to assess the 
effective use of frequencies already granted. 
• The Commission will considers mechanisms to ensure binding designation of 
frequencies to be reserved for DCS 1800. 
6.5 Particular - ERMES 
• The Commission reviews and assesses national plans, to be prepared by NRAs, to 
allocate the full range of frequency set out in the Directive, in particular raising the 
issue of the phasing out of the analogue use of the ERM ES bands. In the lack of 
notification of plans, the Commission will open infringement procedures. 
• The Commission is carrying out a study on the future o( the paging market, 
investigating in particular growth prospects and likely scenarios for evolution of the 
paging market in Europe. 
• The Commission will continue to encourage use of ERM ES. 
6.6 Particular-DECT 
• The Commission will consider investigating the extent to which existing frequencies 
are sufficient and if more frequencies should be made available, given the market 
demand for DECT systems. 
• The Commission will consider reviewing the frequency implications of integration of 
GSM and DECT. 
• The Commission will continue to encourage use of DECT. 
}1 Opinion adopted at the meeting of the Scientific Steering Committee of 25-20 June 1998. 
23 
ANNEXES 
(DATA AT 1 JANUARY 1998) 
24 
ANNEX 1 
COUNCIL DIRECTIVE 87/372/EISC: NATIONAL REGULATORY FRAMEWORKS 
Belgium 
Transposition has been achieved by Royal Decree of 21 May 1991 {Arrêté Royal relatfà 
l'attribution des fréquences destinées au service mobilophone pan-européen, published 
in the Moniteur Belge of 5 September 1991) and by Royal Decree of 7 March 1995 
concerning provision of GSM services (now repealed by the Royal decree concerning 
GSM of 24 October 1997). The 1991 Decree allocated 905-914 and 950-959 MHz 
frequencies to GSM, in accordance with article 1 of the directive, and called for the 
whole of the reserved band (890-915 and 935-960 MHz) to be attributed by 1 January 
1996 at the latest; the 1995 Decree has completed the attribution. 
Frequencies currently allocated to GSM include 890-914 and 935-959 MHz. It would 
appear that that there is still some band available for further licences (880-890 and 925-
935 MM/). There is one analogue system (NMT450), operating in a different band 
(451.3-455.74 and 461.3-465.74 MHz), with an unknown expected lifetime since there 
are still over 300.000 subscribers. 
Denmark 
The directive has been transposed by the Radiocommunications Act n. 297 adopted on 22 
April 1992. Frequencies are currently allocated as follows: 890-895.6 and 935-940.6 
MHz to analogue NMT900, 896-914 and 941-959 MHz to GSM, and 914-915 and 959-
960- MHz to cordless telephone system CT-1. The two analogue systems are expected to 
be phased out by 2005, but no plans have been communicated to the Commission on that. 
Germany 
Transposition has been achieved by the Law for Telecommunications Equipment of 3 
July 1989 (Gesetz ùber Fernmeldeanlagen (FAG) in der Fassung der Bekanntmachung, 
BGB1. I S. 1455). There is no analogue system in the band devoted to GSM. 
Greece 
The National Allocation Table, issued by the Ministry of Transports and 
Communications, was revised in 1994 (FEK 157/B/1994). Frequency band 890-915 and 
935-960 MHz are reserved to GSM. Of this band, 10 MHz have been allotted twice in the 
two relevant bands. There are no analogue systems. 
Spain 
The directive has been transposed by Order of 29 December 1989 (Cuadro Nacional de 
Atribuciones de Frecuencias, C.N.A.F.), by Royal Decree 1486/1994 of 15 July 1994 
concerning regulation on GSM, and by Order of 26 September 1994 concerning tender 
for the granting of GSM licences. 
The bands 890-915 and 935-960 MHz are reserved for GSM, although full occupation of 
the band will be reached gradually: 905-915 and 950-960 were moved to GSM in June 
25 
1995, 899-905 and 944-950 MHz in January 1996. A remaining 890-899 and 935-944 
MHz band should be attributed to GSM by January 2001. Apparently, the main problems 
with implementation of the directive arc linked to occupation of the concerned band by 
fixed service systems. There arc still two analogues services: TACS, which operates in 
890-905 and 935-950 MHz, is expected to be phased out by 1 January 2007, and 
TMA450 (464-468 and 454-458 MHz) should be closed by 31 December 1997. 
France 
The directive has been transposed by Decree of 27 April 1987 which modifies the 
national frequency allocation table established by the Comité de coordination des 
fréquences, under which the whole of the band 890-915 and 935-960 MHz has been 
reserved and assigned to GSM operators. 
There are two analogue systems, which make use of a different band: NMT450 (441.5-
443.55 and 451.5-453.55 MHz), operated by SFR, and Radiocom2000 (414.8-418 and 
424.8-428 MHz; part of 174-223 MHz; 884.8-888 and 929.8-933 MHz in some big 
towns), operated by France Telecom. 
Ireland 
The directive has been transposed by European Communities / Co-ordinated introduction 
of public cellular digital land-based mobile communications GSM Regulations 1995 
(Statutory Instrument n. 416 of 8 December 1994), under which frequency band 900-915 
and 945-960 MHz are reserved to GSM. 
Frequency band 890-895 and 935-940 MHz is currently allocated to the analogue system 
(TACS); an indicative date of December 2003 exists for TACS to cease operation. The 
frequency band 895-900 MHz and 940-945 MHz will be allocated to the winner of the 
third mobile telephony licence (i.e. 2x4.8 MHz). The third mobile operator will also be 
allocated 2x 14.4 MHz of DCS 1800 spectrum. No plans for full occupation of the band 
have been have been communicated to the Commission. 
Italy 
Transposition has been achieved by Ministerial Decree of 4 May 1993, by Ministerial 
Decree of 3 June 1997 and by Ministerial Decree of 20 March 1998. According to the 
latter, which amends note 58 of the national frequency plan, frequencies 894,5-913,7 
MHz and 939,5-958,7 MHz have been made available to GSM as from 15 Aprill998, 
while 892,3-813,7 MHz and 937,3-958,7 MHz will be made available form 15 October 
1998. Before, only frequencies 897.1-913.7 and 942.1-958.7 are exclusively assigned to 
GSM. The remaining band which is reserved to GSM but is still currently allocated to 
analogue, may be attributed for exclusive occupation to GSM on the basis of commercial 
demand. 
The 914-915 MHz and 959-960 MHz band is occupied by a cordless telephone system 
using the standard CT-1, which is currently being phased out to accommodate GSM. 
There is also one analogue system (E-TACS), provided by Telecom Italia Mobile, 
operating in the 880-894.5 and 925-937.5 MHz band. It is expected to be phased out by 
31 December 2005, as set out by the July 1997 Decree. However, detailed plans for the 
occupation of the whole of the band have not been yet communicated to the Commission. 
26 
Luxembourg 
The directive was transposed by decision of the Administration des Postes et 
Telecommunications of 20 March 1990, under which frequencies 905-914 and 950-956 
MHz were reserved immediately to GSM. The Commission has no information about 
subsequent allocation of the entire range prescribed by article 1(2) of the Directive. 
Netherlands 
The directive was transposed by the Telecommunications Act of 1988 (WTV - Wet of de 
Telecommunicatievoorzieningen, Stb. n. 552/1988), as modified by the Law of 16 June 
1994 (Stb. n. 628/1994), by the Mobile Telecommunications (GSM) Decree (Besluit 
mobiele telecommunicatie GSM, Stb. n. 629/1994) and other secondary legislation of the 
same year. 
Frequencies allocated to GSM include, in principle, the whole of the range laid down by 
article 1(2) of the directive. However, part of the "extension" band is currently occupied 
by an analogue service (NMT900) operated by KPN Telecom. The analogue service will 
be phased out before 1 January 2000. As from 1 July 1998 KPN Telecom will have to 
make available 18 channels out of this band, which will be reassigned to the two GSM 
operators (KPN Telecom and Liberté!); between 1 October 1999 and 31 December 1999 
the remaining 23 channels will be reassigned to the same operators. As from 1 January 
2000 KPN Telecom will use 62 of the total of 119 GSM channels and Libertel 57The 
914-915 MHz and 959-960 MHz band is used for CT-1 applications. 
Austria 
Transposition has been achieved by Ordinance BGB1. n. 313/1996 of 5 July 1996, which 
sets out a gradual allocation of frequencies to GSM. Current allocation covers 898-914 
and 943-959 MHz; by 1 January 1998 898-903 and 943-948 MHz was moved to GSM, 
and by 1 January 2005 the whole of the band foreseen by the directive will be attributed 
to GSM, after phasing out existing analogue services. 
There are currently two analogue systems: TACS, which operates on 890-898 and 935-
943 MHz, and SLT1 (a relatively small networks, with only 500.000 subscribers) which 
is operated in 914-915 and 959-960 MHz. They are expected to be phased out by 1 
January 2005. 
Portugal 
On 3 February 1994, in accordance with the powers granted by Decree-law 283/89, the 
Instituto des Comunicaçôes de Portugal reserved frequency bands for pan-European 
digital cellular land-based mobile communications in the 850-914 and 935-959 MHz 
band. 
At present the 890-914 and 935-959 MHz frequencies are allocated to GSM. In the 
medium term full occupation of the whole of the range 890-915 and 935-960 is 
envisaged, but this will only be possible after the 914-915 and 959-960 MHz bands have 
been made available from cordless telephones (CT-1). There is also another analogue 
system operating in the band 450-470 MHz ("C-network" system), for which a licence 
has been issued until 2007. However, it is probable that the system is closed before, 
owing to limited number of subscribers. 
27 
Sweden 
The directive has been implemented through the published National frequency allocation 
table, and a complex of subsequent licensing decisions and secondary legislation. 
Following reallocation of frequency in 1996 and 1997 (decision by the National Post and 
Telecom Agency of 1 December 1996; decision by the same authority of 25 April 1997, 
PTSFS:5 1997), the 890-915 and 935-960 MHz band has been re-attributed to GSM. Part 
of this band, however, is currently occupied by analogue services (NMT: 890-893.1 and 
935-938.1 MHz; CT-1: 914-915 and 959-960 MHz). Under PTSFS:5 1997, which 
contains plans for making frequency band available to GSM, the whole band should be 
allocated to GSM by 2010 at the latest, but the deadline could be anticipated due to very 
high commercial demand for GSM. Assessment of the need for further frequency to 
GSM will be carried out every six months, based on traffic measurements and each 
operator's forecasts concerning expansion of the service. 
Finland 
A first set of frequencies were reserved for GSM in August 1987 by decision of the 
Telecommunications Administration Centre (TAC). Further decisions were taken by 
TAC in February 1990, December 1993, August 1994, May 1996, November 1996, 
February 1997, April 1997 and May 1998. TAC's decision of December 1993, which 
formally transposes the directive, refers to future allocation of additional band to GSM 
according to commercial demand. 
Current frequency allocation is described in the table attached. Part of the band reserved 
for GSM is currently occupied by analogue services, including NMT900 and CT-1 (914-
915 and 959-960 MHz). Frequencies are being gradually transferred from NMT to GSM 
based on traffic loading information, as set out by the decision of April 1997. NMT900 is 
expected to be phased out in 10-15 years from now (2007-2012), but no decision has 
been made concerning phasing out of CT-1. 
Besides NMT900, there is another analogue service operating in a different band 
(NMT450: 463-467.5 / 453-457.5 MHz), and an analogue/digital service (ARP/Mobiltex 
147.9-149.9 and 152.9-154.9 MHz) which is also based on different frequencies. They 
should be phased out in 10-15 years the former and after 2000 the latter. 
United Kingdom 
No laws have been enacted to implement the Directive, since current existing legislation 
is considered sufficient to permit provision of GSM. This technology and the licensing of 
GSM base stations is covered by the 1949 Wireless Telegraphy Act, and GSM mobile 
equipment is exempted from licensing under the Wireless Telegraphy Regulation, which 
should have been published in September 1997. The provision of GSM network is 
covered by the 1984 Telecommunications Act. 
GSM is operated in the 890-915 and 935-960 MHz frequency band. Both TACS 
operators are reported to have been migrating TACS traffic out of the primary GSM band 
over the past year to enable GSM expansion into the whole band. E-TACS systems are 
also operated in the band 872-888 and 917-933 MHz at present. Both analogue systems 
are expected to be closed by 2005. The Commission has not, however, received any plan 
for the phasing out. 
28 
TABLE 1 - GSM FREQUENCY ASSIGNEMENT (1 JANUARY 1998 - Update at 30 June 1998 in italics, where available) 
Country 
Belgium 
Denmark 
Germany Licences granted 
GSM: 
- Proximus 
- Mobistar 
DCS 1800: 
KPN Orange (June 1998) 
GSM/DCS 1800: 
- Sonofon 
-TDM 
DCS 1800: 
-Telia 
- Mobilix 
GSM: 
- DeTeMobilNet GmbH 
- Mannesmann Mobilfunk GmbH 
DCS 1800: 
-E-Plus 
- VTAG Iuterkom GmbH Frequencies assigned in the 900 
MHz band (total) 
890-914 935-959MHz 
896-904.8'941-949.8 MHz 
905-913.8/950-958.8 MHz 
890.1-914.9/935 1-959.9 MHz2 MHz assigned in the 
900 MHz band (total) 
2x24 MHz 
2x17.6 MHz 
2x24.8 MHz 
Source: ERC + data provided to the Commission by the National Regulatory Authorities. 
* Figures take account of the fact, where appropriate, that DCS 1800 frequencies have also been granted to GSM operators. Subscribers4 
956.832 
1.260.0001 
7.800.0003 
1 Subscribers of Telia and Mobilix (DCS 1800) at 1 January 1998: 0 
2 Frequencies assigned in the 1800 MHz band: E-Plus: 1758.1-1780.5/1853.1-1875.5 MHz; VTAG International GmbH: 1730.1-1752.5/1825.1-1847.5 MHz. 
3 Of which 1.000.000 with E-plus. VIAG International GrabH's subscribers at 1 January 1998: 0. 
29 
Country 
Greece 
Spain 
France Licences granted 
GSM: 
- Panafon SA 
- TeleSTET 
DCS 1800: 
- Cosmote 
GSM: 
- Telefonica Moviles 
-Airtel 
Licensing procedure in progress for 
DCS 1800. 
GSM: 
. - France Telecom 
-SFR 
DCS 1800: 
- Bouygues Telecom Frequencies assigned in the 900 
MHz band (total) 
890-900/935-945 MHz 
905-915/950-960 MHz 
899.2-906.8/944.2-951.8 MHz 
907.2-914.8/952.2-959.8 MHz 
890-915/935-960 MHz5 MHz assigned in the 
900 MHz band (total) 
2x20 MHz 
2x16 MHz 
2x25 MHz Subscribers* 1 
975.2604 
3.237.000 
5.396.900 
4 Cosmote's subscribers at 1 January 1998: 0. 
5 Frequencies assigned in the 1800 MHz band: 1770-1785/1865-1880 MHz 
30 
Country 
Ireland 
Italy 
Luxembourg Licences granted 
GSM: 
- Eircell 
- Esat-Digifone 
GSM/DCS 1800: 
- Meteor (June 1998) 
GSM: 
-TIM 
- Omnitel7 
GSM/DCS 1800: 
-WIND (June 1998) 
GSM/DCS 1800: 
- PTT Luxembourg 
- Millicom Luxembourg (Tango) Frequencies assigned in the 900 
MHz band (total) 
900-915/945-960 MHz 
(June 1998: 895-915/940-960 
MHz)6 
897.1-905.3/942.1-950.3 MHz 
905.5-913.7/950.5-958.7 MHz 
(June 1998: 894.5-913.7/939.5-
958.7 MHz)* 
890.2-894.6/935.2-939.6 MHz 
895.2-899.6/940.2-944.6 MHz 
900-907.2/945-952.2 MHz 
907.6-914.8/952.6-959.8 MHz MHz assigned in the 
900 MHz band (total) 
2x15 MHz 
(June 1998: 2x20 
MHz) 
2x16.4 MHz 
(June 1998: 2x19.4 
MHz) 
2x23.2 MHz Subscribers" 
325.000 
8.340.000 
67.2109 
In June 1998 the frequencies 895-900/940-945 MHz were assigned to Meteor, the winner of the third mobile licence, which also obtained 2x14.4 MHz in the 1800 MHz 
band. 
The GSM operators are entitled to receive frequencies in the 1800 MHz band. 
Following adoption of Ministerial Decree of 20.3.1998, amending the national frequency plan, frequencies 894.5-913.7 MHz and 939.5-958.7 MHz have been made 
available to GSM as from 15.4.1998, while 892.3-813.7 MHz and 937.3-958.7 MHz will be made available as from 15 October 1998. The winner of the third mobile 
licence will obtain 2x10 MHz within the band 1755-1785/1850-1880 MHz, and another 2x5 MHz as from 1.1.2002. 
Tango's subscribers at 1 January 1998: 0. 
Country 
Netherlands 
*• 
Austria 
Portugal Licences granted 
GSM: 
-KPN 
- Libertel 
GSM/DCS 180010: 
- Telfort 
- Federa 
DCS 1800: 
- sixteen regional operators 
GSM: 
- Mobilkom Austria 
- Max Mobil 
DCS 1800: 
- Connect Austria 
GSM/DCS 1800: 
-TMN 
- Telecel 
- Main Road Frequencies assigned in the 900 
MHz band (total) 
890.2-892 935.2-937 MHz 
896.2-899 941.2-944 MHz 
903.8-906.2/948.8-951.2 MHz 
906.4-913.8/951.4-958.8 MHz 
(as from 1.7.1998: 
890.2-893.6/935.2-938.6 MHz 
896.4-899.4/941.4-944.4 MHz 
906.6-910/951.6-955 MHz 
902-906.4/947-951.4 MHz 
910.2-913.8/955.2-958.8 MHz) 
898-914 943-959 MHz11 
890.2-898.2/935.2-943.2 MHz 
898.2-905.8/943.2-950.8 MHz 
906-913.8/951-958.8 MHz12 MHz assigned in the 
900 MHz band (total) 
2x16.4 MHz 
(as from 1.7.1998: 
2x17.8 MHz) 
2x16 MHz 
2x23.8 MHz Subscribers* 
1.458.000 
914.000 
1.715.15613 
10 These operators have been assigned frequencies in the "extended band" for GSM (under ERC Decision). 
11 Frequencies assigned in the 1800 MHZ band to Connect Austria: 1758.1-1774.9/1853.1-1869.9 MHz. 
12 2x18.8 MHz in total have been assigned in the 1800 MHz bans. 
13 Main Road's subscribers at 1 January 1998: 0. 
32 
Country 
Finland 
Sweden Licences granted 
GSM: 
- Alands Mobiltelefon 
GSM/DCS 1800: 
- Sonera 
- Radiolinja 
DCS 1800: 
- Telia LTD 
- Finnet Group 
GSM/DCS 1800: 
- Telia Mobile 
- Tele2/Netcom 
- Europolitan 
DCS 1800: 
- Tele 8 Kontakt Frequencies assigned in the 900 
MHz band (total) 
Helsinki area: 
894.1-905.5/939.1-950.5 MHz 
905.8-913.8/950.8-958.8 MHz 
Lapland: 
890.1-892.3/935.1-937.3 MHz 
900.4-907.2/945.4-952.2 MHz 
907.5-913.9/952.5-958.9 MHz 
rest of the country: 
895.7-906.3/940.7-951.3 MHz 
906.5-913.9/951.5-958.9 MHz 
893.1-899.9/938.8-944.9 MHz 
900.1-906.9/945.1-951.9 MHz 
907.1-913.9/952.1-958.9 MHz MHz assigned in the 
900 MHz band (total) 
Helsinki area: 
2x19.6 MHz 
Lapland: 
2x15.6 MHz 
rest of the country: 
2x18 MHz 
2x20.4 MHz Subscribers* 
1.594.00014 
2.426.000 
14 Subscribers of Telia LTD and of Finnet Group at 1 January 1998: 0. 
33 
Country 
United Kingdom Licences granted 
GSM/DCS 1800: 
- Vodafone 
- Cellnet 
DCS 1800: 
- One20ne 
- Orange Frequencies assigned in the 900 
MHz band (total) 
890-905/935-950 MHz 
905-915/950-960 MHz15 MHz assigned in the 
900 MHz band (total) 
2x24.4 MHz Subscribers* 
6.579.00016 
15 Frequencies assigned in total in the 1800 MHz band: 1710-1785/1805-1880 MHz. 
16 Of which 2.214.000 with the two DCS 1800 operators. 
34 
TABLE 2 - ANALOGUE SERVICES IN THE 900 MHz BAND: FREQUENCY ASSIGNEMENT (1 JANUARY 1998) 
Country 
Belgium 
Denmark 
Germany 
Greece 
Spain 
France 
Ireland Licences granted 
None 
TDM 
None 
None 
Telefonica Moviles 
none 
Eircell Frequencies assigned (total)* 
890-895.6/935-940.6 MHz 
CT1: 914-915/959-960 MHz 
874-890/919-935 MHz 
890-905/935-950 MHz 
-
890-895/935-940 MHz and 
880-885/925-930MHz MHz assigned 
(total) 
2x5.6 MHz 
2x25.2 MHz 
2x10 MHz Subscribers 
240.000 
1.100.000 
184.500 Plans for full 
allocation notified 
to the Commission 
no 
no 
no 
no 
no 
no 
no 
Source: ERC + data provided to the Commission by the National Regidatory Authorities. 
* In italics when the spectrum assigned to the analogue system is included in the band reserved for GSM. 
35 
Country 
Italy 
Luxembourg 
Netherlands 
Austria 
Portugal Licences granted 
TIM 
none 
KPN Telecom 
Mobilkom Austria 
none Frequencies assigned (total)" 
Nation-wide: 
880-883.8/925-928.8 MHz and 
888-896.8/933-941.8 MHz 
In 9 large cities: 
880-896.8/925-9241.8 MHz1 
CT1: 914-915/959-960 MHz 
892.3-896.1/937.3-941.1 MHz 
899.5-902.7/944.5-94 7.7 MHz2 
CT1: 914-915/959-960 MHz 
890-898/935-943 MHz 
NB: 914-915/959-960 MHz is 
used for SLT1 
CT1: 914-915/959-960 MHz MHz assigned 
(total) 
Nation-wide: 
2x12.6 
In 9 large cities: 
2x16.8 
2x7 MHz 
2x8 MHz 
2x1 MHz Subscribers 
3.394.000 
248.214 
250.000 Plans for full 
allocation notified 
to the Commission 
no 
no 
no 
yes 
no 
1 Following adoprion of Ministerial Decree of 20.3.1998, amending the national frequency plan, the following frequencies have been assigned to analogue services 
nation-wide as from 15 April 1998: 880-894.2 and 926-939.2 MHz (2x14.2 MHz nation-wide). As from 15 October 1998 analogue services will operate in the 
band 880-892 and 926-937 MHz (2x12 MHz nation-wide). 
2 Frequency assignment for NMT 900 as from 1 July 1998: 893.7-896.3/938.7-941.3 MHz and 899.5-901.9/944.5-946.9 MHz. 
36 
Country Licences granted Frequencies assigned (total)* MHz assigned 
(total) Subscribers Plans for full 
allocation notified 
to the Commission 
Finland Sonera Helsinki area: 
890-893.9/935-938.9 MHz 
Lapland 
892.6-900/93 7.6-945 MHz 
rest of the country: 
890-895.5/935-940.5 MHz 
CT1: 914-915/959-960 MHz Helsinki area: 
2x3.9 MHz 
Lapland 
2x7.4 MHz 
rest of the 
country: 
2x5.5 MHz 380.000 no 
Sweden Telia Mobile 890-893.1/935-938.1 MHz 
CT1: 914-915/959-960 MHz 2x3.1 MHz 548.000 yes 
United 
Kingdom Cellnet 
Vodafone 872-880/917-925 MHz 
880-888/925-933 MHz 2x16 MHz 1.765.000 no 
aatagBaaaBBaaOBBeaaBtaaiEi 
37 
ANNEX 2 
COUNCIL DIRECTIVE 90/544/EEC: NATIONAL REGULATORY FRAMEWORKS 
Belgium 
Royal Decree of 30 October 1991 established the legal framework to enable ERMES 
services to be established. The whole band has been reserved exclusively to ERMES but 
only four frequencies can be used on a preferential basis over the complete territory. 
Allocation of the full 169.4-169.8 MLIz range will depend on commercial demand, but no 
definite plans have been drawn up so far. 
A "cahier des charges" has been published with a view to granting three ERMES 
licences. Two candidates have been selected but. no licence has been granted yet, 
allegedly owing to the lack of interest shown by the selected operators. The regulator is 
of the view that there is no real demand to grant more licences and is reflecting on the 
future of paging taking into account a possible return path.. There are currently three 
analogue paging networks using the POCSAG standard, operating in a different band. 
Their expected lifetime is unknown. 
Denmark. 
The Directive was implemented by the Radio Communications Act of 22 April 1992, 
which, allowed for ERMES operators to be established, and two ERMES licences were 
issued in 1997, running for 10 years. The four channels recommended by the Directive 
have been allocated to ERMES; two frequencies have been assigned to the two operators 
(169.7 MHz and 169.75 MHz). 
There are no plans to make available the full 169.4-169.8 MHz range for ERMES, and 
the national regulator does not consider that there is sufficient demand to grant additional 
licences. It also seems that no spare frequency is available for further licences. There is 
currently one analogue service, using the POCSAG standard,. operating over three 
channels around the 4f>9 MHz hand. !i is expected to be phased out in 2005. 
Greece 
The Directive was transposed by the National Allocation Table issued by the Ministry of 
Transports and Communications and revised in 1994, under which the four channels 
recommended by the Directive were allocated to ERMES. Occupation of the whole band 
is currently under consideration, but it seems that no plans have been drawn up so far. 
The Greek operator OTE was licensed in 1995, and the national regulatory authority 
seem to consider that there is sufficient demand to guarantee the grant of further licences. 
There is also an analogue sendee (POCSAG standard), operating in 155 MHz band, 
which will be phased out according to evolution in demand. 
Spain 
The directive was transposed by Order of 29 December 1989 (Cuadro Nacional de 
Airibuciones de Frecuencias, C.N.A.F.). Current allocation covers 169.4 to 169.8 MHz 
38 
which is exclusively assigned to ERMES; channels will be allocated starting from the 
highest ones. The Order does not provide for any specific allocation of channels. 
There are no ERMES operators licensed at the moment, but three licences are foreseen in 
the medium term. There arc a number of POCSAG analogue paging systems (three 
national systems and 35 with local coverage only) occupying the band 146-174 MHz, 
which are expected to be closed depending on market demand or medium term 
replacement by ERMES systems. 
France 
The directive has been transposed by a regulatory act which has included note F036 in 
the National frequency allocation table. The whole band has been reserved for ERMES 
and it is not foreseen that parts of this band are used for other technologies. 
Three operators have been licensed in 1993 to provide ERMES: TDR, Infomobile, 
FTMR, the sole former using three channels and the reminder using two channels. The 
French authorities envisage to attribute more channels to existing operators or to new 
applicants, if any, but they do not think that the demand is sufficient for the moment. 
There are no analogue systems operating in the same band. 
Germany 
The Telecommunications Equipment Law (FAG) of 3 July 1989 established the legal 
framework for ERMES services and the 169.4-169.8 MHz frequency band has been 
identified for exclusive use for ERMES. 
Three ERMES licences have been granted. It seems that there is not sufficient demand to 
grant additional licences; however, spare frequencies are available which could be 
utilised for further licences should the need arise. It also seems that some of the 
frequencies reserved to ERMES are used for the broadband cable network. 
Ireland 
The directive was transposed by European Communities/Pan-European land-based public 
paging service - ERMES Regulations 1995 (Statutory Instrument n. 28 of 31 January 
1995), under which four channels in the prescribed band were reserved immediately to 
ERMES (169.450; 169.550; 169.750; 169.800). As to the other channels in the band 
reserved by the directive, the Regulation lays down that they will be designated to 
ERMES according to commercial demand. No indications have been given about plans 
for full occupation of the band. 
So far, no licences for ERMES have been granted. There is also an analogue system, 
based on the POCSAG technology and occupying the 153 MHz frequency band, which is 
not expected to be phased out. 
Italy 
The legal framework for ERMES was established by Ministerial Decree of 25 March 
1992, under which the 169.4-169.8 MHz frequency band was reserved for the system in 
question. The four channels recommended by the Directive have been allocated to 
.39 
ERMES, and the remaining channels will be made available according to development of 
the service. There are no plans for exclusive occupation of the entire band. 
There is one ERMES operator (Telecom Italia Mobile). Licences are granted on 
application, but it seems that there is no demand for other licences at present. There arc 
also two analogue systems which make use of a different band: Teledrin (161.175 MHz), 
operated by Telecom Italia Mobile, and Euromessage (466.075 MHz), whose expected 
lifetime remains unknown. 
Luxembourg 
The legal framework for ERMES was established by administrative decision (Decision 
by the Director of the Administration des Postes et des Télécommunications) of 16 
August 1991, under which the 169.4-169.8 MHz frequency band was reserved for the 
system in question. 
Netherlands 
The directive was transposed by Telecommunications Act of 1988 (WTV -Wet of de 
Telecommunicatievoorzicningen, Stb. n. 552/1988), as modified by the Law of 16 June 
1994 (Stb. n. 628/1994), by the Mobile Telecommunications (GSM) Decree (Besluit 
mobiele telecommunicatie GSM, Stb. n. 629/1994) and by a notice of the Ministry of 
Transport, Communications and Water works of 1995. The 169.4-169.8 MHz frequency 
band has been reserved for ERMES and, in particular, the following channels have been 
made available: 169.450; 169.550; 169.750. Full allocation of the band will depend on 
development of market demand; it seems that no plans have been established in this 
respect. 
Two ERMES licences have been granted so far (KPN Telecom and CallMax, one 
channel each); a third operator has shown serious interest for the remaining channel but 
no formal application has yet been received. There are also five analogue systems using 
the POCSAG standard, operated in the VHF and UHF bands; they are expected to be 
closed in about ten years 
Austria 
Ordinance BGB1 n. 313/1996 was passed on 5 July 1996 to allow for ERMES operations 
to commence. The following channels have been allocated to ERMES: 169.450 MHz and 
169.600 MHz nation-wide; 169.550 MHz except for southern regions; 169.700 MHz in 
southern regions only. 
There are no ERMES operators nor ERMES licences are foreseen: the commercial 
demand for this system is considered non-existent since there are already three nation­
wide paging systems in operations. Three analogue paging systems are in place, as well 
as a number of private networks and networks for safety purposes, which operate in the 
frequency band reserved Tor ERMES under the directive (169.425, 169.450, 169.475, 
169.500, 169.525, 169.550, 169.575, 169.600). 
40 
Portugal 
On 3 February 1994, in accordance the with powers granted by Decree-law 283/89, the 
Instituto des Comunicacacs dc Portugal designated the band 169.4125-169.8125 MHz 
for use by ERMHS. 
In the beginning of 1998 seven channels within this band were identified and a licensing 
procedure based on the "first-come-first-served" approach was opened. However, unitl 
now no ERMES licences have been required. A part of the remaining frequency in the 
designated for ERMES is still occupied by private mobile radio systems based on 
analogue technology, but it seems that there are no plans for making this frequency 
available.. 
There are four national analogue networks and two regional networks (Madeira and 
Azores), based on the POCSAG standard, operating over different frequencies (164.925, 
167.200, 167.325 MHz, 167.375 MHz, 168.950 MHz). Three of the..nation^ analogue 
networks arc also entitled to use the FLEX standard. The relevant licences will expire in 
2007 -• , ; •- • • 
Finland 
The first frequency assignments were granted in August 1991 by Telecommunications 
Administration Centre (TAC). A TAC's decision of December 1993, which formally 
transposes the directive, refers to future allocation of additional band according to 
commercial demand. 
Only Channel 11 is currently in use (with Sonera) and it is considered sufficient to meet 
traffic needs. There are no plans to allocate the full 169.4-169.8 MHz range at the 
moment, owing to lack of sufficient demand. One ERMES network is currently in 
operation, and it seems that demand would not justify other networks. No difficulties are 
foreseen, however, in opening new channels to ERMES if the need arises. 
There are, on the other hand, 440 analogue PMR-nctworks (minly only mobile stations) 
in the band reserved to ERMES under the directive, with an expected lifetime of 5-10 
years. 
Sweden 
The directive has been implemented through the published National frequency allocation 
table, and subsequent licensing decisions. Two ERMES licenses have been issued, and 
channels allocated accordingly within, the 169.425-170.0375 MHz. , although no details 
have been given as to the precise channels; the service, however, has not yet been started. 
The band reserved for ERMES by the directive is still partly occupied by analogue 
networks, including national ones, and there are no plans to move this frequency to 
ERMES given the seemingly limited demand for this service. 
United Kingdom 
No laws have been enacted to implement the Directive, since current existing legislation 
is considered sufficienl to permit provision of ERMES. The technology and the licensing 
of base station are covered by the existing 1949 Wireless Telegraphy Act. ERMES 
paging receivers are exempt from licensing under the Wireless Telegraphy Apparatus 
41 
(Receivers) (Exemption) Regulation 1989. The provision of ERMES telecommunications 
networks is covered by the existing 1984 Telecommunications Act. 
ERMES is operated in the range 169.4125-169.8125. One licence has been issued and a 
further four are envisaged. Each operator has been allocated a single channel; remaining 
channels arc held in reserve to accommodate future expansion in the paging market, but 
no plans have been drawn up so far nor the demand is considered sufficient to grant 
additional licences. There are also seven POCSAG analogue paging systems in operation 
(four national licences, three geographically restricted), making use of different 
frequency. A survey is under way which should determine paging growth rates for next 
ten years so as to allow definition of spectrum strategy proposals. 
42 
TABLE 3 - ERMES FREQUENCY ASSIGNEMENT (MARCH 1998) 
Country 
Belgium 
Denmark 
Germany 
Greece 
Spain Licences granlliilll'l"--
None 
- TeleDanmark 
- Infocall 
- DeTeMobileNet GmbH 
- InfoCom GmbH 
- Miniruf GmbH 
-OTE 
None Frequency allocation under 
the National Frequency Plan 
band reserved + priority to the 
four channels indicated by the 
directive 
band reserved + priority to the 
four channels indicated by the 
directive 
band reserved 
(169.40-169.80 MHz) 
priority to the four channels 
indicated by the directive 
band reserved + priority to the 
four channels indicated by the 
directive Channels 
assigned* 
None 
-169.7 MHz 
-169.75 MHz 
-5 
-4 
-4 
n.a. 
None Plans for full 
occupation 
notified to the 
Commission 
no 
no 
no 
no 
no Analogue 
systems in 
operation 
3 (POCSAG) 
1 (POCSAG) 
3 (POCSAG, 
FLEX) 
1 (POCSAG) 
3 nation-wide + 
35 with local 
coverage Band reserved 
for ERMES 
and used for 
analogue 
systems 
no 
no 
no 
no 
no 
Source: Data provided to the Commission by the National Regulatory Authorities 
* Where available, channel/s assigned to each operator are indicated. 
43 
* » 
| Country 
1 
j France 
Ireland 
Italy 
• Luxembourg 
s 
: Netherlands 
i 
Austria Licences granted . 
--•-rmmmm;^ 
-TDR 
-FTMR 
- Infomobile 
None 
-TIM 
n.a. 
- KPN Telecom 
- CallMax 
None Frequency allocation under 
the National Frequency Plan 
band reserved 
band reserved + priority to four 
channels 
band reserved + priority to the 
four channels indicated by the 
directive 
band reserved 
band reserved + priority to three 
channels 
band reserved + priority to four 
channels Channels 
assigned 
-169.475 MHz 
169.725 MHz 
169.750 MHz 
-169.550 MHz 
169.575MHz 
- 169.625 MHz 
169.650 MHz 
None 
-169.6 MHz 
n.a. 
- 169.750 
- 169.550 
None Plans for full 
occupation 
notified to the 
Commission 
no 
no 
no 
no 
no 
no Analogue 
systems in 
operation 
n.a. 
1 (POCSAG) 
2 
n.a. 
5 (POCSAG) 
3 (POCSAG) + 
private/safety 
networks Band reserved 
for ERMES 
and used for 
analogue 
systems 
no 
no 
no 
n.a. 
No 
Yes 
Country 
Portugal 
Finland 
Sweden 
United 
Kingdom Licences granted 
None 
• Sonera 
-Telia 
- Tele Danmark 
- PageNet(UK) Ltd 
. Page One 
Communications Ltd 
- Vodapage Ltd 
BT Mobile Ltd Frequency allocation under 
the National Frequency Plan 
band reserved + 7 channels 
identified 
band reserved + priority to three 
channels 
band reserved + priority to four 
channels 
band reserved 
(169.425-169.800 MHz) Channels 
assigned 
None 
- 169.675 MHz 
-169.650 MHz 
-169.725 MHz 
169.425-169.800 
MHz (total) Plans for full 
occupation 
notified to the 
Commission 
no 
no 
no 
no Analogue 
systems m 
operation 
4 (POCSAG), of 
which E can 
also use FLEX 
440 small PMR 
networks 
(mainly only 
mobile stations) 
1 nation wide 
paging network 
8 (POCSAG), of 
which 5 nation­
wide Band reserved 
for ERMES 
and used for 
analogue 
systems 
Part of the band 
reserved for 
ERMES is still 
occupied by 
private mobile 
radio systems 
Yes 
Yes 
no 
45 
ANNEX 3 
COUNCIL DIRECTIVE91/287/EEC: NATIONAL REGULATORY FRAMEWORKS 
Belgium 
A Royal Decree was passed on 8 January 1992 to enable DECT technology to be used. 
The 1880-1900 MHz frequency band has been allocated for DECT use with priority 
being given to DECT usage in this band. It seems, however, that there are practical 
problem in making spectrum available owing to existing military radio links. 
There arc currently no DECT operators. DECT systems are mainly used only for wireless 
telephones and wireless PBXs which do not require any licence. Licensing of wireless 
local loop applications is, however, under consideration. Three analogue PAMR trunk 
systems arc in operation in a different band (410-430 MHz). 
Denmark 
The Directive was implemented by the Radio Communications Act of 22 April 1992. The 
whole 1880-1900 MHz band has been allocated to DECT, and priority is given to DECT 
usage within this band. Use of DECT was wholly liberalised in 1996 and requires no 
licence (it may be provided under a general class licence). No DECT licences have been 
granted nor the demand is considered sufficient to envisage more operators. No analogue 
systems are in operation. 
Germany 
The Telecommunications Equipment Law (Gesetz ûber Fernmeldeanlagen (FAG) in der 
Fassung der Bekanntmachung, BGB1. I S. 1455), adopted on 3 July 1989 (BGBI.IS 
1455), allows for the use of DECT. The whole 1880-1900 MHz band has been allocated 
exclusively for this system. Licences are required for WLL applications, and currently 
seven licences have been granted for experimental purposes. 
Greece 
The Directive was transposed by the National Allocation Table issued by the Ministry of 
Transports and Communications and revised in 1994 (FEK 157/B/1994) under which the 
whole 1880-1900 MHz band has been allocated for the priority use of DECT, and priority 
given to this system within the band in question. Under its Special Operating Licence of 
1995, granted pursuant to Law 2246/1994, the Greek operator OTE has the right to 
provide DECT services nation-wide using allocated frequency between the band 
designated for DECT. The system, however, is not yet in operation, nor it seems that 
there is sufficient demand to justify the granting of further licences. There are no. 
analogue systems in operation. 
Spain 
The directive was transposed by Order of 29 December 1989 (Cuadro Nacional de 
Atribuciones de Frecuencias, C.N.A.F.) and subsequent modifications. The whole 1880-
1900 MHz band has been allocated to DECT, and priority is given to DECT usage within 
this band. For the time being there is no public DECT operator, DECT systems being 
46 
used only for wireless telephones and wireless PBXs which do not require any licence. 
There are no analogue systems in operation. 
France 
The directive has been transposed by a regulatory act which has included note F075 in 
the National frequency allocation table. A Ministerial Decree concerning introduction 
and private use of DECT equipment has been adopted on 13 May 1995. The whole band 
has been reserved for DECT, and priority given to this system. However, some problems 
remain owing to the existence of some military telecommunications systems operating in 
the same band. 
Two licences have been granted so far: CEGETEL (covering the areas of Saint-Maurice-
des-Fossés, Nice and La Défense) and ADP (Paris). No analogue system is in operation, 
with the exception of the above mentioned military systems. Use and licensing of DECT 
technology in the local loop is currently under consideration. 
Ireland 
The directive was transposed by European Communities/digital European cordless 
telecommunications - DECT Regulations 1994 (Statutory Instrument n. 168 of 1 July 
1994), under which the whole 1880-1900 MHz band has been allocated exclusively for 
this system and shall enjoy priority. There are no DECT Tclepoint or wireless local loop 
operators in Ireland. 
Staly 
The legal framework for DECT was established by Ministerial Decree of 18 March 1994, 
under which the whole band has been reserved for DECT, and priority given to this 
system. A DECT licence was granted to the incumbent operator, Telecom Italia, in 
December 1997. Operation have started in 28 cities. It seems that there is sufficient 
demand for granting further licences. 
Luxembourg 
The legal framework for DECT was established by administrative decision (Decision by 
the Director of the Administration des Postes et des Télécommunications) of 30 
September 1991, under which the whole band has been reserved for DECT, and priority 
given to this system. 
Netherlands 
The directive was transposed by the Telecommunications Act of 1988 (WTV - Wet of de 
Telecômmunicatievoorzieningen, Stb. n. 552/1988), and by other secondary legislation 
(Ministerial decision of 13 January 1992). The whole band has been reserved exclusively 
for DECT, and priority given to this system. Licences are not required for DECT 
operations, and the number of existing operators has not been specified. No analogue 
systems are in operation. >*''•u 
Austria 
Ordinance BGB1 n. 313/1996 of 5 July 1996 was passed to enable DECT technology- to 
be used. The whole 1880-1900 MHz band has been allocated to DECT and the system 
47 
has been given priority within this band. There are no DECT licences, nor analogue 
systems in operation. DECT-SLT application require a licence, while no DECT licences 
have been issued for wireless local loop. 
Portugal 
On 3 February 1994, in accordance with the powers granted by Decree-law 283/89, the 
Institute) des Comunicaçôes de Portugal reserved to DECT systems the whole band 1880-
1900 MHz. For the time being, no licences have been issued, and the way different 
types of DECT applications will be authorised is still under consideration. In this respect, 
the Portuguese authorities have launched a call for interest which should help assess the 
actual market demand and establish licensing procedures. There are a number of 
authorised indoor applications of cordless telephones, based on CT-1, CT-2 and CT-0, 
which operate in different bands. 
Finland 
The directive was implemented by decisions of TAC of 25 August 1993 and of 30 
December 1993. The whole 1880-1900 MHz frequency band has been allocated to 
DECT, and priority given to this system within the prescribed band. There are currently a 
number of digital fixed links (point-to-point) operated in the DECT band, which are to be 
phased out by 30 June 1998. Licences are not required for DECT operations, but the 
number of existing operators has not been specified. 
Sweden 
The directive has been implemented through the published National frequency allocation 
table, and subsequent licensing decisions. In the band 1880-1900 MHz priority is given 
to DECT and it is not used for any other purpose. DECT equipment is exempted from 
radio licensing. Use of DECT as public mobile network might not even require a licence, 
depending on the size of the operations; so far, no licences have been requested.. 
United Kingdom 
No new law has been enacted in the UK to implement Directive 91/287/EEC since the 
existing legislation is sufficient to permit operation of DECT services. This technology 
and the licensing of DECT base stations and DECT terminal equipment is exempt from 
licensing under the 1949 Wireless Telegraphy Apparatus (Cordless Telephone 
Apparatus) (Exemption) Regulation 1996. The provision of a DECT telecommunications 
network is covered under the existing 1984 Telecommunications Act. DECT equipment 
used in a cordless system must be covered by a valid approval certificate covering both 
EMC and radio requirements and connection to the public telecommunications network. 
The 1880-1900 MHz band has been available to DECT since the early 1990s and DECT 
is given priority access to this band. 
Selling DECT service to third parties require a Wireless Telegraphy Act licence from the 
Radiocommunications Agency, and a general Telecommunications Act Class Licence 
covers the networks. There are no DECT licences at present, but the recent launch of 
Public Access Cordless Telephony (PACT) licence may alter this figure in the future. 
48 
There are analogue cordless and digital systems, occupying respectively 8 channels at 
1.7/47 MHz and 8 channels at 31/39 MHz (CT-0) and 40 channels between 854.1-868.1 
MHz (CT-2). Analogue channels at 1.7/47 MHz arc going to be phased out. 
49 

ISSN 0254-1475 
COM(98) 559 final 
DOCUMENTS 
EN 15 06 16 10 
Catalogue number : CB-CO-98-566-EN-C 
ISBN 92-78-39629-X 
Office for Official Publications of the European Communities 
L-2985 Luxembourg 
So