Communication from the Commission to the Council, the European Parliament, the European Economic and Social Committee and the Committee of the Regions - Rapid access to spectrum for wireless electronic communications services through more flexiblity
Date: 2007-02-08
Institutions: European Commission
Subjects: information technology, telecommunications industry, telecommunications policy, waveband

COMMISSION OF THE EUROPEAN COMMUNITIES 

Brussels, 8.2.2007 
COM(2007) 50 final 

COMMUNICATION FROM THE COMMISSION TO THE COUNCIL, THE 
EUROPEAN PARLIAMENT, THE EUROPEAN ECONOMIC AND SOCIAL 
COMMITTEE AND THE COMMITTEE OF THE REGIONS 

RAPID ACCESS TO SPECTRUM FOR WIRELESS ELECTRONIC 
COMMUNICATIONS SERVICES THROUGH MORE FLEXIBLITY 

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COMMUNICATION FROM THE COMMISSION TO THE COUNCIL, THE 
EUROPEAN PARLIAMENT, THE EUROPEAN ECONOMIC AND SOCIAL 
COMMITTEE AND THE COMMITTEE OF THE REGIONS 

RAPID ACCESS TO SPECTRUM FOR WIRELESS ELECTRONIC 
COMMUNICATIONS SERVICES THROUGH MORE FLEXIBLITY 

(Text with EEA relevance) 

TABLE OF CONTENTS 

1. 

2. 

3. 

3.1. 

3.2. 

4. 

4.1. 

4.2. 

4.3. 

5. 

6. 

Introduction .................................................................................................................. 5 

The proposed approach ................................................................................................ 5 

Justification .................................................................................................................. 6 

Political and economic context .................................................................................... 6 

The need for change: current issues challenging the status quo .................................. 7 

How to pave the way.................................................................................................... 7 

Identifying sufficient spectrum for flexible use ........................................................... 7 

Towards a consistent authorisation scheme ................................................................. 8 

More cooperation amongst industry players ................................................................ 9 

Actions ......................................................................................................................... 9 

Conclusion.................................................................................................................. 10 

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SUMMARY 

The deployment of innovative wireless services and technologies is increasingly hampered by 
the  reservation  of  certain  spectrum  bands  for  narrowly  defined  services  coupled  with  rigid 
usage  conditions  that  are  unduly  constraining  spectrum  use.  Making  spectrum  use  more 
flexible empowers the spectrum user to make timely commercial choices close to the market.  

The current EU regulatory framework for electronic communications already  recognises the 
importance of convergence of technologies and services in the market place and highlights the 
need for a competitive and innovative environment. However, there is growing agreement that 
further improvements  of spectrum policy  are  needed and work needs to start without delay. 
The  Commission  is  currently  conducting  a  review  of  the  regulatory  framework  in  which 
implementing  a  new  spectrum  management  approach  is  a  central  issue1.  However,  the 
updated regulatory framework following this review would only enter into force by 2010.  

The aim of this Communication is therefore to set out the practical steps necessary from now 
until  2010  in  order  to  pave  the  way  towards  more  flexible  spectrum  management  in  bands 
with  individual  rights  of  use,  for  which  the  review  of  the  electronic  communications 
framework will ultimately offer the regulatory basis. At the same time, the actions proposed 
in this Communication will address, on the basis of the present regulatory framework, cases 
where a more flexible approach to spectrum usage is urgently required. The Communication 
does not address the introduction of flexibility through an increase of license-exempt bands, 
which will be addressed in later communications. 

Avoiding interference remains a key element of spectrum management, but the way it can be 
achieved has evolved due to technological progress. This progress means that the traditional 
spectrum  management  approach  should  be  replaced  by  a  more  flexible  one,  which  not  only 
facilitates  technical  efficiency,  but  also  economic  efficiency  in  spectrum  use.  Making  sure 
radio  spectrum  is  readily  available  and  ensuring  it  is  used  efficiently  are  key  means  of 
stimulating competitiveness, sustaining innovation and growth, and ultimately creating jobs. 
By  freeing  up  the  power  of  radio  spectrum  to  stimulate  investment  in  innovation  and  to 
increase productivity, the contribution of information and communication technologies (ICT) 
to the EU's renewed Lisbon Strategy for promoting growth and jobs can be made all the more 
effective.  

An  important  and  dynamic  segment  of  European  industry  is  dependent  on  spectrum  for 
electronic  communications  services.  Extrapolating  the  available  data  to  2006  the  total 
turnover  of  this  sector  would  be  between  €240-260  billion.  Market-based  spectrum 
management combined with flexible spectrum usage rights are estimated to bring a net gain of 
€8-9 billion per year across Europe. Flexible spectrum use does not mean fragmented national 
approaches,  but  empowering  industry  to  achieve  voluntary  harmonisation  where  possible. 
Community  coordination  to  achieve  the  aims  of  the  internal  market  and  avoid  radio 
interference  is  essential  and  the  EU  dimension  safeguards  joint  identification  of  spectrum 
bands in which flexibility as well as commonly agreed minimally necessary conditions apply. 
Moreover, coordinated action to allow more flexible use of spectrum would reduce the costs 
of  gaining  access  to  spectrum  by  eliminating  unnecessary  regulatory  barriers  and  reducing 

1 

Communication on “Review of the EU Regulatory Framework for electronic communications networks 
and services”, COM(2006) 334. 

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spectrum  scarcity.  This  is  in  line  not  only  with  the  principles  of  better  regulation  but  also 
allows the savings to be spent on innovation.  

To  prepare  for  the  new  approach,  a  step-by-step  introduction  of  more  flexible  spectrum 
management entails:  

- 

including  competition  between  different 

•  identifying particular spectrum bands in which regulatory restrictions can be lifted, thereby 
introducing  more  competition 
radio 
infrastructures. It is crucial to consider a sufficient amount of spectrum for this purpose in 
order  to  allow  tradeoffs  and  access  opportunities  for  all  market  participants.  The 
Communication proposes as a first step a set of bands, 1350 MHz in total, in which current 
legal  restrictions  should  be  re-examined  in  due  course  with  a  view  to  permitting  more 
flexible  usage.  These  bands  are  today  used  by  the  broadcasting,  mobile  and  information 
technology (IT) sectors, and 

•  agreeing a Community-wide set of proportionate rights and authorisation conditions which 
should  apply  in  the  selected  spectrum  bands.  These  would  be  the  minimum  necessary  to 
allow flexible and efficient usage, while avoiding harmful interference. These authorisation 
conditions will also be used as a reference to facilitate the gradual adjustment of existing 
rights in the bands concerned, which were acquired by operators under previous national 
rules (so called "legacy" rights). 

Certain  specific  cases  appear  to  require  an  immediate  solution  and  will  be  addressed  as  a 
priority. Some examples already visible today are: 

•  reviewing  the  validity  of  the  GSM  Directive2  with  the  aim  of  allowing  operators  to 
implement  new,  more  efficient  and  innovative  technologies  within  the  900  MHz  band, 
such as UMTS; this band will be looked at in conjunction with other bands3 to arrive at a 
consistent and balanced solution, and 

•  applying the new approach to the frequencies that are freed up as a result of the technically 
more efficient usage of spectrum through the introduction of digital broadcasting (the so-
called "digital dividend"). 

Giving more power to spectrum right holders to determine how they use their spectrum rights 
will require an active role by market players. This entails: 

•  recognising  their  greater  responsibilities,  in  a  flexible  environment,  to  avoid  interference 

and to deliver seamless services for the consumer, and  

•  ensuring  dialogue  between  market  players  of  hitherto  separate  industrial  sectors,  i.e. 
between broadcasting, mobile and IT industries, facilitated by the European Commission. 

2 
3 

Council Directive 1987/372/EEC reserving the 900 MHz band for GSM mobile services. 
Such as the 1800 MHz and 2.6 GHz bands. 

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1. 

INTRODUCTION 

Over  the  last  two  years,  the  Commission  has  worked  closely  with  Member  States  at  the 
strategic  level  in  order  to  ensure  that  developments  related  to  the  growing  and  evolving 
variety of wireless electronic communications technologies are in line with the overall policy 
goal  of  developing  the  EU  internal  market  and  European  competitiveness.  Ensuring  an 
innovation-friendly regulatory environment which facilitates rapid access to spectrum for new 
technologies  and  leads  to  the  provision  of  a  wide  variety  of  wireless  services  has  been 
identified as a key aim.  

An  important  milestone  was  reached  in  November  2005  with  the  adoption  of  a  consensus 
opinion in the Radio Spectrum Policy Group (RSPG) on the direction of future policy in this 
area4.  This  opinion  advocates  a  more  flexible  spectrum  management  approach,  including 
long-term  policy  goals,  which  will  be  taken  into  account  in  the  ongoing  review  of  the 
electronic communications framework expected to enter into force by 2010. 

This  Communication  takes  into  account  the  RSPG  Opinion  and  examines  how  its  policy 
recommendations  can  be  put  into  practice  gradually,  but  without  delay.  It  outlines  the 
practical steps needed from now until 2010 in order to pave the way to more flexible spectrum 
management,  for  which  the  review  of  the  EU  electronic  communications  framework  will 
ultimately offer the regulatory basis, and a methodology for dealing with individual cases that 
require urgent action.  

2. 

THE PROPOSED APPROACH  

It  is  proposed  that  a  flexible,  non-restrictive  approach  to  the  use  of  radio  resources  for 
electronic  communications  services,  which  allows  the  spectrum  user  to  choose  services  and 
technology, should from now on be the rule, as opposed to the restrictive approach which is 
often still used today. Measures which deviate from the new approach may still be taken, but 
must be duly justified (e.g. for public safety and security) and take into account their impact 
on  innovation,  competition,  investment  and  social  value.  Furthermore,  within  the  scope  of 
“electronic  communications  services”  as  defined  in  the  Framework  Directive,  exclusive  use 
by  a  particular  service,  such  as  mobile  or  broadcasting,  should  be  removed.  This  does  not 
preclude the obligation to provide a specific service within a particular frequency band. 

The  flexible  approach  must  take  full  account  of  the  need  to  avoid  harmful  interference  to 
protect existing and future applications and must not effectively lead to a fragmentation of the 
EU market for products. This should be achieved through "generic" constraints on usage5, but 
not  through  the  designation  of  one  or  a  set  of  technologies  with  exclusive  rights  to  use 
specific spectrum bands since this would violate the technology neutrality principle. Besides 
helping to avoid harmful interference, measures such as spectrum plans and spectrum masks 
agreed  at  the  Community  level  contribute  to  the  establishment  of  the  single  market  and 
facilitate  cross-border  coordination.  Common  conditions  across  Europe  will  continue  to 
apply,  and  when  formulated  in  a  less  restrictive  manner,  their  coordination  and  coherent 
application at EU level becomes increasingly important.  

4 

5 

Document  RSPG05-102:  Final  Opinion  on  “Wireless  Access  Policy  for  Electronic  Communications 
Services (WAPECS)". 
I.e.,  those  which  identify  channels,  power  limits  and  guard  bands  (so-called  spectrum  plans  and 
spectrum masks). 

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Common,  less  restrictive  conditions  open  up  more  commercial  opportunities  across  the 
Community. Facilitating economic efficiency through enhanced flexibility can be reconciled 
with  single  market  rules,  provided  that  Member  States  are  committed  to  Community-wide 
coordination of authorisation schemes6 (see section 4.2) and industry players are committed to 
cooperating  in  order  to  achieve  interoperability  of  services  and  economies  of  scale  (see 
section 4.3). 

3. 

JUSTIFICATION 

The  move  to  more  flexibility  would  serve  market  needs  in  the  wireless  electronic 
communications sector, where an increasing number of wireless technologies serve a growing 
number  of  convergent  services.  Flexible  spectrum  management  is  therefore  a  key  enabling 
factor for investment in innovation as well as for facilitating market entry for new businesses 
in  a  competitive  environment.  Flexibility  and  facilitating  market  entry  are  in  turn  key 
requirements for ensuring that ICT help to deliver growth and jobs, in line with the renewed 
Lisbon Strategy.  

3.1. 

Political and economic context 

Over 2 billion consumers worldwide already use wireless electronic communications services 
and are therefore likely to be attracted by the new offerings that bring together video, voice 
and  data.  In  this  established  global  market  place,  consumer  demand  and  competition  drive 
investment  and  innovation.  The  Electronic  Communications  Framework7  and  the  i2010 
initiative8  encourage  competition,  including  at  infrastructure  level.  In  the  case  of  wireless 
electronic  communications,  market  entry  is  closely  linked  to  easy  access  to  spectrum  for 
network operators and their preferred technologies. 

Wireless technologies are an important means to bring broadband into the remote rural areas 
of Europe, thus overcoming the digital divide9. Depending on local circumstances, there may 
be  differing  technological  solutions  for  bridging  the  broadband  gap.  Consumers  and  local 
authorities will need to make choices based on economic principles and needs; such choices 
should  not  be  constrained  a  priori  through  regulatory  restrictions  that  would  favour  one 
wireless technology over another.  

The  ability  to  change  the  use  of  spectrum,  which  is  facilitated  through  a  flexible  spectrum 
management  approach,  is  a  necessary  condition  for  market-based  spectrum  management  to 

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8 

9 

RSPG  Opinion  on  WAPECS,  Section  5.5.2:  “WAPECS  will  facilitate  the  development  of  a  set  of 
coherent  authorisation  conditions  which  can  be  applied  across  all  relevant  frequency  bands  in 
accordance with the criteria set out in the Framework Directive. These conditions should be limited to 
the minimum necessary to enable efficient use of spectrum, thus permitting greater flexibility in the way 
in which each frequency band can be used. WAPECS is intended to facilitate the evolution of spectrum 
management in Europe towards an environment with similar and minimal set of conditions across all 
Member States. However, this shall not preclude the application of additional conditions in a specific 
frequency  band,  either  at  a  Member  State  or  EU  wide  basis,  provided  that  any  such  additional 
conditions are justifiable, proportionate and non-discriminatory.” 
Directives  2002/19/EC,  2002/20/EC,  2002/21/EC,  2002/22/EC  and  Decision  676/2002/EC  of  the 
European Parliament and of the Council. 
See  Communication  on  “i2010-a  European  Information  Society  for  growth  and  employment”, 
COM(2005)229. 
See Communication on “Bridging the Broadband Gap”, COM(2006) 129. 

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unleash its full growth potential. Studies10 have estimated a net gain of €8-9 billion per year 
across  Europe  if  flexible  spectrum  usage  rights  were  incorporated  into  a  common  spectrum 
trading  regime.  Extrapolating  the  available  data  to  2006  the  total  turnover  of  European 
industry  dependent  on  spectrum  for  electronic  communications  services  would  be  between 
€240-260 billion. 

3.2. 

The need for change: current issues challenging the status quo 

The  convergence  of  services  being  offered  to  the  consumer  affects  the  use  of  spectrum  for 
broadcasting,  mobile  and  broadband  wireless  services.  Spectrum  used  for  these  purposes  is 
still  largely  fragmented  into  separate  bands,  mainly  for  historical  reasons.  The  ability  to 
provide a combination of broadcasting, mobile and broadband offerings to the consumer (so-
called  “triple  play”),  in  a  wireless  environment  could  be  hampered  if  network  operators  are 
not  treated  equally  with  regard  to  their  access  to  a  specific  spectrum  band  and  to  the 
authorisation conditions to which it is subject.  

Real-world  problems,  that  urgently  need  solving,  have  highlighted  the  need  for  a  change 
towards a more flexible spectrum management:  

•  Existing and new operators wishing to implement different technologies (e.g. UMTS and 
WiMAX) want to make use of the 2.6 GHz band (will become available in 2008), which is 
of  prime  interest  for  mobile  communications  and  accessing  the  Internet  through  wireless 
means. This band currently lacks a coordinated Community approach, which must be clear, 
proportionate and future proof, 

•  Existing  2nd generation mobile  operators wanting to enhance  their current  use of the  900 
MHz  band  currently  covered  by  the  GSM  Directive.  The  Directive  has  served  everyone 
well over the past two decades, but its usefulness is now being called into question, as the 
deployment  of  new  services  using  3rd  generation  mobile  technologies  is  now  technically 
feasible, and 

•  Existing and new operators interested in the use of the 470-862 MHz band currently used 
for  broadcasting,  in  particular  the  "digital  dividend"  freed  up  by  the  transition  from 
analogue to digital broadcasting (which uses less spectrum). These frequencies are of high 
interest for new services such as mobile TV as well as for extending the reach of all types 
of wireless electronic communication services into rural areas. 

These cases need to be addressed as soon as possible in order to secure innovation, investment 
and a dynamic electronic communications sector. They also offer the opportunity to gradually 
introduce the new flexible spectrum usage approach.  

4. 

HOW TO PAVE THE WAY 

4.1. 

Identifying sufficient spectrum for flexible use 

Discussions  on  single,  individual  frequency  bands  linked  to  specific  uses,  such  as  for 
broadcasting,  mobile  or  broadband  wireless  access,  increasingly  lead  to  problems,  because 

10 

See Study “Conditions and options in introducing secondary trading of radio spectrum in the European 
Community”, May 2004. 

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opportunities  arising  in  alternative  frequency  bands  are  not  addressed.  A  collective 
identification  or  bundling  of  frequency  bands  in  the  form  of  a  package  can  ensure  that  the 
spectrum  resources  of  all  sectors  are  considered  as  a  common  resource,  opening  up  new 
opportunities  on  a  competitive  basis  for  all  sectors  through  the  increased  flexibility.  Europe 
must break out of the spectrum gridlock created by legacy rules and rights and instead aim for 
collective win-win solutions for all sectors. Furthermore, a "package" solution can ensure that 
all sectors are treated proportionately.  

In principle, the concept of flexibility can be applied to a wide range of frequency bands and 
Member States are encouraged to do so. However, there is a need to focus on an initial set of 
bands  so  as  to  achieve  practical  results  during  the  next  few  years  and  to  tackle  current 
challenges. In 2007, the Commission, with the assistance of the Radio Spectrum Committee 
(RSC) and the Communications Committee (COCOM), will thoroughly investigate a package 
of frequency bands currently used by the broadcasting, mobile and IT sectors (see Annex) for 
an entire or partial implementation of flexibility. 

4.2. 

Towards a consistent authorisation scheme 

The  single  market,  convergence  and  globalisation  are  making  it  increasingly  important  for 
Member  States  to  agree  on  mutually  consistent  or  common  radio  spectrum  authorisation 
schemes, including the timing, methodology and conditions attached to spectrum rights.  

Existing  differences  in  the  authorisation  conditions  for  specific  bands  at  annex  are 
increasingly distorting competition. Constraints attached to rights of use should be limited to 
what is necessary and sufficient for effective use with consistent implementation across all the 
bands listed in the Annex throughout the Community. The main question is: what differences 
are  still  justified  in  a  converging  environment,  where  competition  is  increasing  between 
broadcasting, mobile and broadband wireless access networks? 

The  Commission  and  the  RSC  with  the  assistance  of  COCOM  and  CEPT  are  investigating 
current conditions which apply to the rights of use of spectrum within the above package of 
bands. The aim is to agree on common and least restrictive conditions attached to the rights of 
use11. 

Based  on  the  present  regulatory  framework  for  e-communications,  agreed  guidelines  for 
consistently  applied  authorisation  conditions  should  be  established  through  a  Commission 
Recommendation12  which  should  be  finalised  in  2007.  This  recommendation  will  seek  to 
introduce flexibility into spectrum management as a way towards applying the new approach 
to  spectrum  management  proposed  by  the  Commission  in  the  context  of  the  review  of  the 
framework.  Minimal  technical  usage  conditions  for  the  bands  are  to  be  established  through 
technical  implementation  measures  adopted  under  the  Radio  Spectrum  Decision13  and 
harmonised  standards  adopted  under  the  R&TTE  Directive  in  order  to  facilitate  the  single 
market, the avoidance of interference, cross-border coordination and protection of health. 

11 

12 
13 

Annex B of the Authorisation Directive (2002/20/EC) contains an exhaustive list of conditions that can 
be attached to spectrum rights of use. 
The Recommendation would be adopted under Article 19 of the Framework Directive 2002/21/EC. 
Decision 676/2002/EC. 

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4.3.  More cooperation amongst industry players 

Making  spectrum  use  more  flexible  empowers  the  spectrum  user  to  make  choices.  At  the 
same  time  it  calls  upon  market  players  to  take  the  responsibility  for  achieving  a  seamless 
service  environment  for  the  consumer.  Cooperation  among  all  players  is  vital  to  finding  a 
consistent solution for the frequency bands affected by digital convergence.  

As a starting point in a flexible environment, interoperability of services as well as spectrum 
harmonisation  for  the  sake  of  economies  of  scale  should  be  driven  by  industry  against  a 
backdrop of "light touch" regulatory guidance. The Commission is monitoring developments 
and notes that for the time being there seems to be no need to impose specific technologies14, 
as  the  standardization  process15  is  driven  by  industry,  in  line  with  spectrum  management 
prerogatives which are discussed in CEPT under mandates from the Commission. 

The  Commission  supports  the  development  of  open  standards  for  wireless  technologies  in 
order  to  facilitate  interoperability  and  seamless  services.  It  considers  that  the  market  is  best 
served  at  the  present  time  by  continuing  to  rely  on  industry-led  voluntary  standardisation 
initiatives. 

5. 

ACTIONS  

With  reference  to  the  package  of  frequency  bands  mentioned  in  the  Annex  the  following 
actions will ensure a step by step introduction of the new approach. 

Member  States  are  asked  to  clarify  existing  authorisation  conditions  (technical  and  non-
technical)  as  a  matter  of  urgency  and  to  remove  restrictive  conditions  wherever  possible  in 
order to facilitate flexibility, rapid access to spectrum and competition, including in the area 
of  radio  infrastructure.  In  the  bands  that  are  identified  for  flexible  use,  common  and 
minimally necessary conditions attached to the rights of use should be set out by the end of 
2007 in a Commission Recommendation. 

The European Commission will make use of current mechanisms to thoroughly investigate 
and  propose  practical  implementation  measures  within  the  package  of  bands,  in  particular, 
concerning  those  cases  awaiting  urgent  solutions  and  with  a  view  to  implementing  a  more 
flexible  spectrum  management  approach  consistently  across  Europe.  In  this  context  the 
Commission will review the validity of the GSM Directive and push for a common European 
approach  to  the  2.6  GHz  band,  in  order  to  find  a  proportionate  and  consistent  solution  for 
these  two  bands,  while  taking  account  of  the  need  for  new  innovative  technologies  and 
services to prosper in urban as well as rural areas. 

Standardisation  organisations,  notably  ETSI,  will  be  mandated  to  develop  adequate 
harmonised standards for equipment operating in flexible bands so as to ensure avoidance of 
interference. 

14 

15 

If  adequate  interoperability  has  not  been  achieved,  Article  18(3)  of  the  Framework  Directive  would 
allow  the  Commission,  to  invoke  the  procedure  in  Article  17  of  that  Directive,  by  which  certain 
standards can be made mandatory. 
For example within the standardization body ETSI. 

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Industry is invited to exchange views and identify best practices on spectrum issues, on the 
basis  of  a  flexible  framework  for  spectrum  use  that  continues  to  ensure  avoidance  of 
interference  and  interoperability  for  the  consumer.  The  starting  point  in  terms  of  relevant 
spectrum bands is the Annex. These bands cut across all three sectors, which are called upon 
to  actively  engage  in  the  proposed  dialogue.  The  Commission  is  ready  to  facilitate  this 
process. 

6. 

CONCLUSION  

Flexibility  in  the  use  of  spectrum,  implemented  through  an  approach  to  issuing  spectrum 
rights  of  use  which  is  technology  and  service  neutral,  is  a  pre-requisite  for  harnessing  the 
wireless  electronic  communications  sector's  ability  to  innovate  and  provide  new  and 
diversified  services.  It  can  do  a  great  deal  to  boost  Europe's  economic  growth  and 
competitiveness.  

Implementing  this  approach  will  require  introducing  regulatory  provisions  to  make 
technology-  and  service  neutrality  the  basic  approach.  Technical  constraints  of  a  generic 
nature  will  continue  to  apply  as  a  means  of  safeguarding  against  harmful  interference  and 
appropriate Community measures will be used to define these essential technical parameters. 
The  more  flexible  approach  to  spectrum  management  forms  part  of  the  review  of  the  EU 
regulatory  framework  for  electronic  communications,  which  would  only  enter  into  force  by 
2010. 

In the meantime the new approach to spectrum management will be introduced gradually, on 
the basis of the existing regulatory provisions. The Commission intends to propose in 2007 a 
Recommendation  to  give  guidance  on  authorisation  conditions  for  a  first  set  of  bands  for 
which  flexible  usage  is  to  be  applied.  This  will  allow  all  parties  to  address  specific  issues 
which call for a solution already at this stage. 

Flexible  spectrum  usage  empowers  market  players  to  make  their  own  choices,  but  it  also 
entails  more  responsibility  for  them  to  ensure  seamless  and  interoperable  communication 
systems.  The  Commission  is  committed  to  proactively  facilitating  cooperation  amongst 
market players to this end. 

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Initial set of frequency bands under investigation  
for the implementation of more flexibility  
(1350 MHz in total) 

ANNEX 

•  470-862 MHz: the band is used for broadcasting today, but issues arising from the digital 

dividend as well as convergence of broadcasting and mobile services call for action; 

•  880-915 MHz / 925-960 MHz as well as 1710-1785 MHz / 1805-1880 MHz: these bands 
are  used  for  GSM  mobile  services  today,  but  issues  surrounding  the  introduction  of  3rd 
generation  mobile  services  and  the  continuing  restrictions  in  the  GSM  Directive  call  for 
action;  

•  1900-1980  MHz  /  2010-2025  MHz  /  2110-2170  MHz;  these  bands  are  used  for  3rd 
generation  mobile  services  (IMT-2000/UMTS)  today,  but  market  developments  point 
towards the introduction of broadcasting type services as well as broadband connections in 
residential and rural areas in the light of convergence;  

•  2500-2690 MHz (the 2.6 GHz band); this band (still to be licensed) is intended for use by 
3rd  generation  mobile  services  (IMT-2000/UMTS),  but  it  is  of  equal  interest  for  the 
provision of broadband using other technologies16; 

•  3.4-3.8 GHz: this band is used for broadband connections to the customer’s premises, but 
there is of equal interest for the provision of mobile services within the EU. However, it is 
also intensively used for satellite communications within Russia and a number of African 
countries. 

16 

E.g. WiMAX. 

EN 

11 

   EN