Brussels, 18/12/2009 (Agence Europe) - The ministers responsible for telecommunications, meeting in Brussels on Friday 18 December, adopted conclusions regarding the digital dividend, the portions of the radiometric spectrum to be freed up by the move to digital broadcasting. With the publication of a recommendation and a communication, which were adopted on 8 October (EUROPE 10008), the European Commission invited the Member States to agree on a coordinated approach to make intelligent use of the digital dividend. In its conclusions, the Council stressed its agreement with the Commission that this is a unique opportunity for Europe to provide broadband wireless connections in rural areas, to promote the adoption of new wireless services and to promote the development of terrestrial broadcasting. Stressing that the radio electric spectrum is a limited resource which must be used effectively and that the digital dividend can make a major contribution to rolling out broadband to the remotest areas (a priority targeted by the new digital agenda for Europe: see article above), the Council calls on the Member States to put together a joint approach to issues of coordination with third countries. The Member States also undertake to facilitate the technical harmonisation of the 800 MHz band (frequencies which cover long distances and penetrate inside buildings), as this is the most relevant aspect of the digital dividend, which can be made available throughout the EU. The Member States are under no obligation to reserve all or part of the band for high-power broadcasting and other existing obligations, but may do so if they wish. "We want technical harmonisation. We need perfect conformity in order to keep all the benefits of the single market. I strongly believe that we will find a solution so that broadcasting and the new wireless services can coexist", said Commissioner Viviane Reding, who is responsible for telecommunications and media. (I.L./trans.fl)