Consultation - Malta communications Authority (MCA)

Policy Review and Strategic Framework of Radio Spectrum Management

MCA are consulting on the radio spectrum management environment in Malta and its existing and emerging policy issues requiring consideration over the coming years, specifically: (i) the need to inform the Minister responsible for Communications on the existing and emerging policy issues. (ii) the need for a clear, well-balanced strategy to maximise the impact of the use of the radio spectrum; (iii)the need to ensure that spectrum is managed in a flexible and transparent way; and (iv) the need to provide stakeholders with a publicly available well- informed strategy.

Read the full details at: http://www.policytracker.com/alerts.php? sact=448

UK: Retrospective licence liberalisation put on backburner

UK regulator Ofcom has confirmed it has no immediate plans to apply a technology and service neutral approach to existing licences.

A new type of licensing, where companies could use any technology provided it kept within specified emission limits, is the last piece in Ofcom’s liberalisation jigsaw. Spectrum Usage Rights (SURs) are intended to deliver change of use – the necessary complement to spectrum trading.

Read the full details at: http://www.policytracker.com/alerts.php? tact=447

December 2006 edition

This month's edition of PolicyTracker, Europe's spectrum management newsletter, examines the latest development in the fight to gain spectrum access for mobile FWiMAX - the attempt to get the technology included within the IMT 2000 standard. We also analyse the first moves towards infringement proceedings for failing to implement an EU spectrum agreement as well as the slow progress in implementing technology neutral licensing. Further details on these and other stories below.

WiMAX/IMT-2000

Formal application made to include WiMAX in 3G standard
In a major change of strategy the WiMAX camp is working frantically to get their mobile wireless standard recognised as an IMT-2000 technology in time for the World Radio Conference.

Norway opens doors for new technologies
In what is expected to be a first for Europe, Norway is to auction technology neutral and tradable licences to use the coveted 2500-2690 MHz frequencies in the second quarter of next year.

Infringement proceedings

First attempt to enforce EU spectrum agreements
For the first time, the European Commission has invoked the process which could lead to formal infringement proceedings against member states for failing to comply with an agreement relating to radio spectrum.

Analysis: A European spectrum space?
How achievable is European spectrum harmonisation? A group of experts are calling for more mandatory common bands while three member states face infringement proceedings for failing to implement the existing ones. Is this success or failure?

Technology neutral licensing

No liberalised licensing in UK for at least 12 months
Industry nerves slow down implementation of technology and service neutral licensing.

Retrospective licence liberalisation put on backburner
Ofcom has confirmed it has no immediate plans to apply a technology and service neutral approach to existing licences.

European agreement on technology neutral licences at 'least two years away'
Progress is being made in creating the technical conditions for the new WAPECS licences. Some of the likely options are now becoming clear, but progress is painfully slow.

Study on licence-free spectrum published
A consultants' report - paid for by the European Commission - which calls for more mandatory unlicensed bands is now available for download.

Other articles

UK Industry concerned about falling behind in mobile TV race
There are fears that a lack of suitable spectrum will delay the rollout of DVB-H and Ofcom is coming under increasing pressure to specify when a key band - Channel 36 - is likely to be released.

Military spectrum under fire
It has been called the lifeblood of the battlefield but in the future the military's radio spectrum could be threatened by commercial terrestrial services. The need for military action is currently being debated; should these frequencies be protected?

Three government ministers and EU Commissioner to speak at spectrum event
The ITU has organised what promises to be the highest level international spectrum policy conference in recent years. About 200 people are expected to attend the Market Mechanisms for Spectrum Management event which will be held on 22 - 23 January 2007 in Geneva.

Ofcom's head of R&D predicts the future
The mobile phone will soon be an indispensable "remote control on life", transforming the users' world and the bank balances of the companies that make them, according to Dr William Webb's new book. But surprisingly he doesn't see any technological paradigm shifts in the near future.

Light touch for FWS bands
UK communications regulator Ofcom has adopted a light licensing approach to the spectrum bands to be used for fixed wireless systems (FWS), a move expected to fuel competition with fibre optic cable.

To download the whole December issue of PolicyTracker click here.