But will 1200 MHz be enough?

The European Commission (EC) recently agreed a common position on the first ever European Radio Spectrum Policy Programme (RSPP). The RSPP sets out the goals of the Radio Spectrum Policy Group (RSPG) from 2011 to 2015. It includes some generic objectives such as encouraging the efficient use of the radio spectrum, promoting investment and maintaining competition as well as some more measurable goals such as:

• identifying at least 1200 MHz of spectrum for wireless broadband systems
• contributing to the 'all Europe digital' vision of the Digital Agenda
• making the EU a leader of wireless broadband services
• fostering growth by de-fragmenting European markets

Of the above, the identification of 1200 MHz of spectrum for wireless broadband is potentially the most challenging goal, not least because of its timely and measurable nature. Finding 1200 MHz of spectrum in some EU Member States is not as difficult as in others, because of the differing historic uses to which it has been put. Finding 1200 MHz of spectrum that can be harmonised across Europe (and thus de-fragmenting markets) is much more difficult.

In order to achieve these goals the RSPG will have to ensure that existing allocations are used to the full. Helios’ recent work for the Commission investigated possible options to encourage increased use of the 2 GHz TDD (time-division duplex) bands which are generally allocated but are lying fallow in many Member States. Enabling more flexible use of spectrum should open the door for innovative services and thus a greater willingness for operators to invest in what could otherwise be 'dead' spectrum.

Notwithstanding the above, will 1200 MHz be enough? And should that question be tackled over the same time period? In that way, at the end of the current programme, the targets for the following programme can be set.

For further information about the new policy visit the EC website or contact This e-mail address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it

Modern spectrum management in a historic setting

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