Brussels, 18/04/2011 (Agence Europe) - On Monday 18 April, the European Commission adopted technical rules on how the 900 and 1800 MHz radio frequency bands should be opened up to advanced 4th generation (4G) communication devices. The rules are important in helping prevent interference problems with existing GSM and 3G devices, and are an important step to bringing wireless broadband access to more EU citizens and businesses. The Commission decision, which must be implemented by member states by the end of 2011, will therefore help to achieve the targets of the Digital Agenda for Europe to give every European access to basic broadband by 2013 and fast and ultra fast broadband by 2020.
The decision adopted on Monday will help ensure that wireless communications gain access to the radio spectrum they require to develop their full potential. In particular, it sets out technical parameters allowing for the co-existence on the 900 MHz and 1800 MHz frequency bands of GSM (2G mobile phones), 3G systems that add mobile internet to regular phone services (using the Universal Mobile Telecommunications System - UMTS) and 4G mobile technology delivering high speed broadband (using the Long Term Evolution -LTE - and Worldwide Interoperability for Microwave Access - WiMAX - systems, enabling larger amounts of information to be processed and transmitted). Such coexistence is foreseen in the revised GSM directive on the use of radio spectrum for mobile services (Directive 2009/114/EC).
The decision sets up a mechanism for the adoption of technical harmonisation rules based on input received from national radio frequency experts. National administrations have until 31 December to implement the decision into their national rules so that GSM bands are effectively made available for LTE and WiMAX systems. Based on the Commission's first steps to open the 900 MHz and 1800 MHz bands in 2009, member states have already had to examine competition between mobile operators and address any distortions of competition, in accordance with the EU's telecoms rules. (O.L./transl.fl)