May 2009 printed issue available for download

This month's issue examines the role of the digital dividend debate within the telecoms framework review; the impact of the economic downturn on spectrum policy; and new initiatives on public sector spectrum in the US.

Download the issue here:

https://www.policytracker.com/images/Newsletter%20pdfs/PT-May-09.pdf

Opinion: the most important users should get the best spectrum

We need to rethink our attitude to spectrum pricing, argues ATDI’s Managing Director Cyprien de Cosson. Those users with the greatest claim on the airwaves should have sufficient interference-free spectrum, while less important users should be made to share. 

More details:

https://www.policytracker.com/headlines/opinion-the-most-important-users-should-get-the-best-spectrum

Verizon calls for D-block to given wholly to public services

US telecoms industry insiders have reacted positively to a new plan from Verizon Wireless for the creation of a interoperable broadband network for US emergency services rather than the public/private partnership previously proposed. 

More details:

https://www.policytracker.com/headlines/verizon-calls-for-d-block-to-given-wholly-to-public-services

GSMA letter to G20 summit sparks criticism from European Commission

The GSM operators association has urged world leaders to boost their ailing economies by replacing spectrum auctions with a “nominal” upfront payment and rollout conditions. The GSMA also said the European Commission was showing a lack of leadership, provoking a vigorous response from Brussels.

More details:

https://www.policytracker.com/headlines/gsma-letter-to-g20-summit-sparks-criticism-from-european-commission

Obama advisor sees bigger role for unlicensed approach

US willingness to consider allocation of open spectrum is already advanced and could blossom under an Obama Administration eager for innovation and new technologies, says a former member of the president’s transition team. 

More details:

https://www.policytracker.com/headlines/obama-advisor-sees-bigger-role-for-unlicensed-approach

Auto industry set to drive European take-up of DAB

A new DAB traffic information service and growing interest from car manufacturers are further encouraging signs in the development of digital radio. This article is the second in a series examining how the medium is coping with a challenging business climate and competition from other technologies. 

More details:

https://www.policytracker.com/headlines/auto-industry-set-to-drive-european-take-up-of-dab

Digital dividend is sticking point for adoption of telecoms package

Italy has been leading the fight to delete references to the reuse of analogue TV frequencies from the review of the EU Telecoms framework. 

More details:

https://www.policytracker.com/headlines/digital-dividend-is-sticking-point-for-adoption-of-telecoms-package

Commission to give a recommendation on digital dividend by the autumn

The European Commission is waiting for an expert opinion from member state regulators before launching a public consultation on a recommendation for the digital dividend. The consultation is due to start in July.

More details:

https://www.policytracker.com/headlines/commission-to-give-a-recommendation-on-digital-dividend-by-the-autumn

US bill requires regulators to conduct spectrum inventory

Industry has welcomed legislation pending in the US Congress requiring an audit of spectrum managed by the NTIA and FCC, but does it go far enough?

More details:

https://www.policytracker.com/headlines/us-bill-requires-regulators-to-conduct-spectrum-inventory

Indian tribunal rules spectrum must be withdrawn from state telcos

In a ruling welcomed by private sector mobile operators, India’s telecom disputes tribunal has ruled the government may not give preferential treatment to state-owned operators. 

More details:

https://www.policytracker.com/headlines/indian-tribunal-rules-spectrum-must-be-withdrawn-from-state-telcos

Final approval for GSM refarming now expected in June

EU institutions have moved closer to agreement on allowing deployment of UMTS and other technologies in the 900 MHz GSM band, but it is not yet a done deal. 

More details:

https://www.policytracker.com/headlines/final-approval-for-gsm-refarming-now-expected-in-june

DAB: commercial failures matched by national successes

Despite a blow for commercial DAB in the UK March has seen better news in Europe with both Germany and France introducing legislation to speed up the introduction of the technology.

More details:

https://www.policytracker.com/headlines/dab-commercial-failure-matched-by-national-successes

April 2009 printed issue available for download

Our top story this month is the deal on reforming the GSM Directive to finally allow UMTS and other technologies in the 900 MHz band. After more than a year of deadlock EU institutions seems finally to have reached an agreement.

Click here to download the issue:

https://www.policytracker.com/images/Newsletter%20pdfs/PT-April-09.pdf

Standards work required by FCC whitespace decision gets underway

IT companies in Ecma International have started work on a standard for personal/portable equipment using the TV white spaces.

More details:

https://www.policytracker.com/headlines/standards-work-required-by-fcc-whitespace-decision-gets-underway