Brussels, 06/05/2010 (Agence Europe) - On Thursday 6 May, the European Commission adopted a decision establishing harmonised technical rules for member states on the allocation of radio frequencies in the 790-862 MHz frequency band (the 800 MHz band). This area of the spectrum contributes to the deployment of high-speed wireless internet services by avoiding harmful interference. In several member states the 800 MHz frequencies are being freed up as part of the so-called “digital dividend” resulting from the switchover from analogue to digital television broadcasting. Hitherto, the 800MHz band was used in most member states for broadcasting terrestrial television. If member states decide to change the existing frequency allocation (for broadcasting), they must immediately apply the harmonised technical rules laid down by the decision to make these frequencies available to wireless broadband applications. The decision does not itself require member states to make available the 790-862 MHz band for electronic communication services. However, the Commission is considering such a proposal in the forthcoming Radio Spectrum Policy Programme. It is currently working on a radio spectrum programme which will take account of the other factors in the digital dividend and may also set a date by which all member states will have to make the 800 MHz band available. Digital Agenda Commissioner Neelie Kroes said: “This Decision paves the way for implementation of innovative broadband technologies and for the fast growing demand for wireless services to be met. I encourage member states to take the necessary steps to implement the Decision, so that European businesses and citizens can take full advantage of the benefits of the switchover to digital TV”.
The Commission strongly supports the use of the 790-862 MHz band for electronic communication services and wants EU countries to act quickly, as coordinated management of this spectrum could give an economic boost of up to €44 billion to the EU economy and help to achieve the EU 2020 strategy target of high-speed broadband for all by the end of 2013. The new Commission decision stipulates that all member states which decide to make available the 790-862 MHz spectrum band for services other than broadcasting should apply the same harmonised technical rules when they do so. These technical rules will ensure that radio communications equipment, like handsets or base stations using the 800 MHz band, can be used efficiently for wireless broadband networks, such as 4th generation mobile technology. (I.L./transl.rt)