Hostile reactions to single European regulator plan

Only one stakeholder has so far supported the European Commission's proposal for a regional regulator. For many an extra layer of bureaucracy would undermine existing good practice, for others it is 'too much too soon.'

Reaction from around Europe to the leaked draft proposals for the review of the telecoms Framework Directive has been spirited and generally unfavourable. Of particular concern both to national administrations and sectoral executives has been the proposal to create a new EU-wide regulatory body, designated the European Electronic Communications Market Authority (EECMA), whose duties would include assigning frequencies for cross-border services and collecting the fees for those services.

Read the full details at:

http://www.policytracker.com/alerts.php?tact=621

Consensus on WiMAX still possible says ITU official

Despite the difficulties global agreement on admitting WiMAX into IMT-2000 standards family is still achievable, according to an ITU official. And even if it is rejected there are still other possibilities...

Having reported on the progress of the Working Party looking into the admittance of mobile WiMAX to the IMT-2000 family since its first meeting to consider the issue in January of this year, Policy Tracker caught up with the ITU official responsible for administering it and its parent study group following a final meeting last month.

Read the full details at:

http://www.policytracker.com/alerts.php?tact=620

Opinion: The upcoming 2.5GHz auctions - lessons for Europe

The new round of 2.5GHz auctions, starting with Norway in November and followed by Sweden and the UK, could show regulators whether complex auction design is necessary to achieve the optimal result, argues Erlend Fanebust.

The European sequence of auctions of spectrum in the 2.5 GHz band is about to begin. Much have been said and written about this frequency band already. Will Sprint Nextel and Clearwire's Xohm service take off in the US? What about NTT DoCoMo and ACCA Wireless' Japanese WiMAX venture? Will mobile WiMAX revolutionize broadband access in countries with inferior or no wireline infrastructure? Can the GSM Association and major 3G equipment manufacturers fight off the challenge from Intel, Samsung and others by convincing European governments that the frequency band should be reserved for IMT2000 services using paired spectrum?

Read the full details at:

http://www.policytracker.com/alerts.php?tact=619

Swedish regulator reorganises to reflect new spectrum priorities

As part of its drive towards liberalisation PTS has created a new Spectrum Markets Department.

The Swedish regulator, PTS, committed itself to a more market driven approach to spectrum management in a policy document released last year and one of the aims of this restructuring is to embed that policy approach into the way the organisation works.

Read the full details at:

http://www.policytracker.com/alerts.php?tact=618

WiMAX operators get Europe's first chance to bid for 2.6GHz

Norway has announced the auction rules for 2.6Hz, a key target for mobile WiMAX. The auction will be held in November.

The European Commission fought a long but ultimately unsuccessful battle to persuade regulators that 2.6 GHz should be licensed on a technology neutral basis across the whole EU. Having earlier been earmarked as a 3G expansion band there was insufficient support for making the opening up of the band compulsory. However, Norway is a keen spectrum liberaliser so it is not surprising that the licences will be technology and service neutral, following the approach taken with the recent 3.5GHz auction.

Read the full details at:

http://www.policytracker.com/alerts.php?tact=617

Consultation: Consultation on additional UMTS mobile frequencies

The Swiss regulator, OFCOM, is carrying out preparatory work for the possible licensing of free frequencies in the UMTS core band and extension band. The consultation includes questions on topics such as licensing, market development, requirements for the available frequencies, environmental protection and area planning. The consultation follows the revoking of a 3G licence in 2006 and since then a further 30MHz in the UMTS core band has been available. An invitation to tender could be issued during 2008.

Read the full details at:

http://www.policytracker.com/alerts.php?tact=616

Consultation: Consultation on additional UMTS mobile frequencies

The Federal Office of Communications (OFCOM) has launched a public consultation on the possibilities of allocating free UMTS (Universal Mobile Telecommunication System) frequencies. By doing so, OFCOM wishes to enable interested parties to give their comments and to determine the needs and intentions of the players concerned. The consultation period runs until 2 November 2007.

Read the full details at:

http://www.policytracker.com/alerts.php?tact=615

UK regulator proposes taking back some 900 MHz spectrum from Vodafone and O2

Ofcom seeks to implement European decision on 2G re-farming by offering three blocks of 900MHz spectrum for auction in 2010

Like other EU members the UK will shortly be required to implement the Radio Spectrum Committee's decision on opening up the 900MHz and 1800MHz bands to use by 3G services. Ofcom has considered various options for doing this and concluded that reclaiming some of the spectrum originally given to Vodafone and O2 (then Cellnet) back in 1985 will do the most to benefit consumers, promote competition, ensure the most efficient use of the airwaves.

Read the full details at:

http://www.policytracker.com/alerts.php?tact=614

Consultation: Opening up mobile spectrum to support innovation and competition, including implementation of RSC 900/1800MHz decision

This document sets out Ofcom's measures to implement the Radio Spectrum Committee Decision on the 900 MHz and 1800 MHz bands currently used for 2G services. The Decision requires them to be opened up to use for 3G and potentially other technologies.
Ofcom proposes to reclaim some of the spectrum currently used by Vodafone and O2 in the 900MHz band and offer it for auction to other companies in 2009. All licences for this band and for 1800 MHz would be liberalised i.e. made tradable and service and technology neutral. For 1800MHz Ofcom proposes that the licences should remain in the hands of their current owners.

Read the full details at:

http://www.policytracker.com/alerts.php?tact=613

Gloves come off in US whitespace row

Microsoft says its whitespace prototype does work and poor FCC test results were caused by a faulty device. Broadcasters cry foul and respond with TV ads warning that whitespace devices will ruin the reception on digital sets.

The lobbying resources being poured into the US whitespace proceedings and the increasingly ill-tempered nature of the debate will come as a shock to the European regulators due to start debating this issue in earnest on October 2.

Read the full details at:

http://www.policytracker.com/alerts.php?tact=612

Consultation: Wireless Telegraphy Licence Exemption

Ofcom invites comments on proposals to extend the range of technologies and applications which do not require a licence. These include:
• Building Material Analysis devices using Ultra Wide Band technologies
• High Density applications in the Fixed Satellite Service (HDFSS)
The consultation document also contains proposals to amend the use of licence-exempt Meter Reading & Asset Tracking devices; measures to simplify the regulatory process; and measures to align the UK with the draft Commission Decision relating to Short Range Devices.

Read the full details at:

http://www.policytracker.com/alerts.php?tact=611

Consultation: Frequency assignments in 2010 - 2020MHz and 2500 - 2690MHz as well as future use of 900/1800MHz

The consultation asks a series of questions about the usage of these bands and the technical conditions which should be applied.

Read the full details at:

http://www.policytracker.com/alerts.php?tact=610

Consultation: Spectrum Usage Rights: further information

In the April 2006 consultation on Spectrum Usage Rights (SURs) and in further details about SURs contained within the L-Band and 2.6GHz consultations some stakeholders said Ofcom hadn't addressed legal and other issues concerning the framework under which SURs would be applied. This document seeks to clarify that framework and describe how Ofcom will verify compliance to an SUR licence.

Read the full details at:

http://www.policytracker.com/alerts.php?tact=609

Consultation: Public consultations on draft auction rules for 2500-2690 GHz band and 1900-1905 MHz

PTS, the Swedish regulator, intends to auction both bands in the first half of 2008 and is inviting comments on how to conduct the auctions.
• The 2.6 GHz licenses will be national and intended for wireless broadband services on a service neutral and technology neutral basis (within certain limitations). PTS has divided the band into a total of 15 frequency blocks, 14 FDD blocks of 2x5 MHz and one TDD block of 50 MHz.It is possible for one enterprise to buy the whole FDD frequency band or the whole TDD frequency band. PTS may allow the conversion of TDD frequency band to FDD or vice versa provided there is no harmful interference.
• English translations of both auction documents will be provided on the <a href="http://www.pts.se/Remisser/remisslista.asp?SectionId=1911">PTS website</a> during the week of 17 to 21 September.

Read the full details at:

http://www.policytracker.com/alerts.php?tact=608

Verizon takes FCC to court over open platform rules for 700MHz auction

Top American mobile phone operator Verizon is trying to throw a legal spanner in the works following the US regulator's decision to change the rules for part of the digital dividend spectrum to be auctioned in January.

As we reported last month the Federal Communications Commission bowed to pressure from Google and agreed to open the so called C Block of 22MHz, which will be split into 12 regional licences, to any application and any device regardless of who wins the auction. Google is still deliberating on whether to bid and then sell the spectrum off to independent ISPs, while Verizon according to US media is intent on winning the spectrum for itself.

Read the full details at:

http://www.policytracker.com/alerts.php?tact=607

Commission proposes European regulator with some spectrum responsibilities

The draft proposals for the review of the Framework Directive call for the setting up of a body whose duties would include assigning frequencies for cross-border services and collecting the fees for those services.

The Commission believes that the only way to tackle the fragmentation of the internal market and to encourage the development of cross community services is to set up a new regulatory body, the European Electronic Communications Market Authority or EECMA. In the spectrum field it feels the key problem is the national variation in licensing conditions and application procedures which discourage investment in transnational services.

Read the full details at:

http://www.policytracker.com/alerts.php?tact=606

Reding tries to guarantee UHF access for new services

EU Member states won't be allowed to reserve the digital dividend for broadcasting under controversial proposals circulated today

The European Commission proposals for the digital dividend are being described as 'radical' and 'the most controversial part of the Framework Review package' by one person with knowledge of them. The plans are contained in a draft Communication which has been circulated around the Commission today.

Read the full details at:

http://www.policytracker.com/alerts.php?tact=605

WRC-07 analysis: steps towards liberalization

The preparations for WRC-07 show how technological and market pressures are pushing towards greater flexibility in spectrum management, argues Martin Sims

Changing spectrum policy is often seen as a matter of convincing regulators to adopt new ideas. In one sense this is true, but the power of the technological and market forces pushing towards a more liberalised approach is often ignored.

Read the full details at:

http://www.policytracker.com/alerts.php?tact=604

September 2007 printed issue available for download

Our top story this month is the outcome of the final meeting of the ITU study group which assessed whether WiMAX should be admitted into the IMT-2000 standard.

We also consider recent developments in the re-use of the broadcasting bands in the US, analysing the wider implications of the FCC ruling on the 700Mhz auction, particularly Google's possible involvement and the innovative arrangement for public safety spectrum. Staying on this theme we examine the FCC's critical assessment of the cognitive radios designed to use free broadcast spectrum.

Read the full details at:

http://www.policytracker.com/alerts.php?tact=603

Consultation: Consultation on Digital Terrestrial Television Multiplex Licence Conditions

Proposed regulatory regime for the DTT multiplex licences to be issued to RTE and the Broadcasting Commission of Ireland. Main points of proposals include:
• Licence duration of 10 - 12 years;
• Initial annual licence fees of €114,000 per multiplex
• Rollout obligations
• Sanctions for non-compliance including possible re-allocation of spectrum
• Technical conditions for licences

Read the full details at:

http://www.policytracker.com/alerts.php?tact=602

WiMAX decision looks set for for simple majority approval

After a final meeting of ITU working party 8F the decision on admitting WiMAX to the IMT-2000 family goes to the Radiocommunication Assembly. A positive result seems extremely likely as this only requires a simple majority of member states.

The battle to get WiMAX admitted to the IMT2000 family before WRC-07 next month is still unresolved, although looking very hopeful for the pro-WiMAX lobby, following a special meeting of ITU-R Working Party 8F in Seoul from August 28 to 31.

Read the full details at:

http://www.policytracker.com/alerts.php?tact=601

Finland takes the digital leap, admitting that some TV sets may go blank

Finland now has an all digital TV system but even with some interim measures to smooth the transition up to 40 000 sets could be without a signal

Finland moved into an all-digital world at 4am Saturday morning (1 September) when it switched off its analogue transmission networks. Switchover had originally been planned for 31 August, but TV channels wanted to show that day's programming in its entirety before the transmitters were shut down. The vast majority of households that receive broadcasts through an antenna now need a digital receiver, a set-top box, or an integrated digital TV to view them.

Read the full details at:

http://www.policytracker.com/alerts.php?tact=600