This month's edition of PolicyTracker focuses on the challenges of frequency harmonisation concentrating particularly on the unlicensed bands and the use of the analogue TV bands for other services like mobile. Regulators consider re-planning analogue TV frequencies to make room for mobile The first step towards an EU policy on the digital dividend points out the advantages of making common bands available for mobile services but warns this could require another international conference.
Calling all risk takers A handful of European countries are inching towards a more flexible approach to spectrum management. This is a very slow process and consequently begs a fundamental question; do Europe's regulators need to take bigger risks?
Sweden sets spectrum reform in motion A new spectrum management policy document for Sweden is the stepping stone to an environment where all players can compete, but the removal of some of the restrictions imposed by its current legal framework remain a challenge. Give Commission more power to enforce harmonisation A consultants' study says all EU member states should be required to implement harmonised licence-free bands. They also say access to this type of spectrum needs to be speeded up and simplified. Spectrum reform: devil in the implementation Spectrum management reform has been placed firmly on the European policy agenda, but if interpretation and implementation challenges are not speedily ironed out, a would-be regulatory success story may end in disappointment. US think tank research challenges traditional spectrum theory The tendency in spectrum policy to link the licensed model with property rights and the unlicensed model with a commons may need a serious rethink, argues a new paper by Dr Jim Snider of the New America Foundation. BWA gets leg up in Germany Germany's Federal Network Agency is to auction the coveted 3400-3600 MHz band for the provision Broadband Wireless Access, a move it hopes will stimulate broadband competition and innovation. Near two years on...so far so good? Howls of public protest on spectrum trading, in the UK at least, are coming not from traders frustrated two years on at snail's pace progress, but from those being evicted from tradable bands. Arqiva wins spectrum auction hands down Broadcasting transmission company Arqiva outbid five other operators by £1.3 million to secure a Wireless Telegraphy Act licence for the 412-414 MHz paired with 422-424 MHz frequencies. MEPs endorse flexibility but remain concerned about the 'public interest' Their report is still being finalised but MEPs from the European Parliament's industry committee seem broadly in favour of the spectrum liberalisation agenda proposed by the Commission.
You can download the whole November issue as a PDF by clicking here. We are currently offering new subscribers the opportunity to attend the Second Annual European Spectrum Management Conference and take out a years subscription to PolicyTracker at a saving of over 25% on the usual combined price. The conference is being held in Brussels on 24-25 April 2007. To find out more please click here.
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