Strasbourg, 06/07/2001 (Agence Europe) - On Thursday, the European Parliament adopted the report by Ms Angelika Niebler (CSU, Bavaria) on the proposal of decision concerning a regulatory framework for radio spectrum policy. Although the EP welcomes this initiative, it nonetheless challenges the Commission's determination to want to assume decision-making powers in this respect.
In its proposal, the Commission proposes to establish a regulatory framework for the EU radio spectrum policy. The radio spectrum is the essential element of a vast range of cordless telecommunications applications such as mobile and third generation communications and satellite communications. The aim is to ensure the harmonised availability and effective use of the radio spectrum and to implement EU policies relating to electronic communications, transport (Galileo), radiobroadcasting and research and development. The experience of Member States in the attribution of UMTS licences to mobile telephony operators has demonstrated the need for a common framework for radio spectrum policy. The diversity of methods used (auction, "beauty contest" or a combination of both) have an adverse effect in terms of making competition conditions uniform on the internal telecommunications market.
The Parliament therefore welcomes the Commission's initiative. Nonetheless, it stresses that, if the latter were to be authorised to grant mandates to spectrum management bodies, mainly to the European Conference of Postal and Telecommunications Administrations (ECPT), these bodies should appeal to experts of Member States. In addition, such mandates should have the aim of resolving technical problems, it notes. In the same order of things, MEPs are opposed to a total transfer of decision-making powers to the Commission, considering that, even if it is possible to envisage technical application arrangements being adopted by the Commission assisted by a radio spectrum committee, all the legislative proposals must be subject to codecision procedure in order to guarantee political control. The Parliament also considers that radio spectrum policy must guarantee the right of freedom of expression without interference by public authorities and insists on the regional aspects for use of the radio spectrum.