Brussels, 12/05/2011 (Agence Europe) - The European Parliament has voted by a large majority (615 votes for, 26 against and 16 abstentions) in support of the report by Gunnar Hökmark (EPP, Sweden) on radio spectrum. The Parliament is defending an ambitious European policy for speeding up the installation of internet broadband for all, including isolated areas, through the appropriate use of spectrum freed up by the transition to digital. It also supports the European Commission programme that aims to deliver internet access throughout the EU by 2013 and high-speed connections with at least 30 mbps for all by 2020.
The allocation of frequencies is a matter for national authorities, not the EU, but the rules on how to divide up the spectrum among internet providers and users need to be set at European level. Under the Commission's plans, EU countries would have to make the 800 MHz frequency band available for harmonised use of wireless broadband services by 1 January 2013. The Parliament passed an amendment, which would allow member states to ask for a postponement until the end of 2015, or even longer, if they have problems in cross-border frequency coordination with neighbouring third countries. After 2013, MEPs want the EU to be even bolder: bands of 1.5 GHz and 2.3 GHz should also be made available for mobile broadband, while the spectrum allocated for mobile data traffic should reach at least 1200 MHz by 2015, they say. In addition, the Commission should monitor technological developments and the efficiency of spectrum use to assess whether additional frequencies (such as the 700 MHz band) should also be harmonised to make room for new users and services. In a press release, several MEPs, however, demand that the spectrum allocation procedures be subject to monitoring. Philippe Lamberts (Greens/EFA, Belgium) said: “This unique service must be allocated in a transparent and dynamic way in order to prevent further proliferation of 'vested interests'… strengthening or creating new monopolies must be avoided.” The French socialist delegation also added: “We need to remain vigilant and ensure a balance between different spectrum users, whether they are telecoms operators or broadcasters. Access to this resource for innovative or non-commercial uses should also be promoted.” (I.L.trans/fl)