The proposal for a decision to allocate 700 MHz (694 - 790 MHz) bandwidth to wifi in 2020 seems well-set to be approved by the European institutions (see EUROPE 11481). In a vote on Thursday 10 November, the European Parliament’s industry committee adopted a negotiating position very similar to that of the Council of the EU’s (see EUROPE 11559).
Like all the member states, the MEPs support the idea of allocating the 700 MHz band to wifi in 2020. They foresee a two-year delay for "duly justified reasons" such as interference due to cross-border coordination issues. They are considering limiting privileged access to frequencies below 700 MHz (470 – 694 MHz) to 2030, which are currently used by audiovisual services. A report by Patrizia Toia (S&D, Italy) introduces a measure to allow them to ensure that the direct costs, particularly for end users, of migration or re-allocating frequencies are compensated for properly, rapidly and transparently.
After the vote (which was welcomed by the association of historical operators, ETNO), the committee decided to grant Patrizia Toia a negotiating mandate. As soon as agreement is reached with representatives of the Council, it will need to be approved by the European Parliament before it becomes formal legislation. (Original version in French by Sophie Petitjean)