EU: more frequencies for mobile communications
By 2020, more frequencies are to be made available for mobile communications services in the EU area, while the radio frequencies below 700 MHz are to be made available primarily for audiovisual uses. The European Commission therefore wants to optimize communications networks.
The use of radio frequencies must be better coordinated at EU level to avoid interference and secure innovative applications, such as in connected vehicles or in the field of telemedicine, throughout Europe. In addition, the demand for wireless broadband connections is growing: By 2020, almost eight times as much Internet traffic will run over mobile networks as today.
Andrus Ansip, Vice President for the Digital Single Market, said: "28 different approaches to spectrum management in the EU do not make economic sense in the Digital Single Market. That is why we are presenting our first proposal for better coordination of radio spectrum use in the EU. We propose a common approach to the use of the 700 MHz band for mobile services. This band offers an optimal balance between long range and high speeds. It enables first-class Internet access for all Europeans, even in rural areas, and paves the way for 5G, the next-generation communications network. At the same time, we are securing spectrum for the audiovisual sector and promoting the development of technology that makes more efficient use of radio waves. Radio spectrum is a scarce resource, so we must make the best use of it."
Günther Oettinger, EU Commissioner for the Digital Economy and Society, said: "We cannot have high-quality mobile Internet for everything, everyone, everywhere, unless we first create modern infrastructures and modern rules. With this proposal, we are showing that we can have both: both a vibrant audiovisual sector and the spectrum needed for 5G. The 700 MHz band is ideal for new promising application areas such as connected driving or the Internet of Things. I want Europe to be a leader in 5G. That's why all member states must act by 2020."
The EU Commission's proposal comprises two main elements:
- in the 700 MHz band: a common schedule for effective deployment for wireless broadband services under harmonized technical conditions, with appropriate coordination measures to support the switchover;
- in the ultra-high frequency band below 700 MHz: a long-term priority for the distribution of audiovisual media services to the general public, with a flexible spectrum usage approach for digital terrestrial television (DTT) broadcasting that takes into account the different needs in the Member States.
The Commission proposes that the 700 MHz band be allocated for wireless broadband networks in all EU countries by June 30, 2020 at the latest. This is also in line with the rollout of 5G mobile communications planned from 2020. In order to meet this deadline, member states must decide on and publish their national plans for network coverage and the release of this frequency band by June 30, 2017. They will also have to conclude cross-border coordination agreements by the end of 2017. The plans should enable a smooth switchover and ensure good network coverage, which will help bridge the digital divide and create the necessary network connectivity requirements for connected cars or telehealth services.
France and Germany have already approved the use of the 700 MHz band for mobile services. Other member states (Denmark, Finland, Sweden and the UK) have plans to reallocate the 700 MHz band in the coming years.
The proposal is made within the framework of the Digital Single Market Strategy, under which the Commission had already made proposals on copyright and digital contract law in December 2015. The strategy envisages a total of 16 key initiatives to be presented by the end of 2016.
Press release European Commission
More on the Digital Single Market Strategy here:
