The European Commission has adopted a Decision establishing harmonised technical rules for the Member States on the allocation of radio frequencies in the 800 MHz band that contribute to the deployment of high-speed wireless internet services by avoiding harmful interference. In several Member States, the 800 MHz frequencies are being freed up as part of the so-called “digital dividend” resulting from the switchover from analogue to digital television broadcasting. If the Member States decide to change the existing frequency allocation (for broadcasting) they must immediately apply the harmonised technical rules laid down by the Decision to make these frequencies available to wireless broadband applications. Today’s decision does not itself require the Member States to make available the 790-862 MHz band for electronic communication services. However, the Commission is considering such a proposal in the forthcoming Radio Spectrum Policy Programme, which will take account of a recent consultation on the subject and the 22-23 March Spectrum Summit organised by the Commission and the European Parliament (see IP/10/232).
Digital Agenda Commissioner Neelie Kroes said:
This Decision paves the way for the implementation of innovative broadband technologies and for the fast growing demand for wireless services to be met. I encourage Member States to take the necessary steps to implement the Decision, so that European businesses and citizens can take full advantage of the benefits of the switchover to digital TV.”
Neelie Kroes, Digital Agenda Commissioner