Consultation: Discussion documents on the award of available spectrum in the 1452-1492MHz band

Comments invited on proposals relating to auction design and
technical conditions for the award of spectrum in 1452-1492MHz (L-band). Substantial interest is expected in the auction as the band can be used for mobile TV.

Read the full details at:

http://www.policytracker.com/alerts.php?tact=513

Replacing the GSM Directive heralds a period of delicate negotiation

Replacing the GSM Directive heralds a period of delicate negotiation

Some European countries are pushing ahead with 2G refarming while those where Hutchinson is a 3G operator fear legal action and wait nervously until next month when an announcement on replacing the GSM directive is expected.

On an Europe-wide basis the European conference of Postal and Telecommunications Administrations (CEPT) Electronic Communications Committee released an EEC Decision on December 1, 2006, which read, in part: "The frequency bands 880-915 MHz, 925-960 MHz, 1710-1785 MHz and 1805-1880 MHz, in line with the WAPECS concept and as a first step, are designated for terrestrial IMT-2000/UMTS systems, subject to market demand and national licensing schemes".

Read the full details at: http://www.policytracker.com/alerts.php?tact=512

YOU HAVE BEEN SENT THIS EMAIL BECAUSE YOU SUBSCRIBED TO THE POLICY TRACKER ALERTS SERVICE. TO UNSUBSCRIBE PLEASE CLICK BELOW
http://www.policytracker.com/unsubscribe.php

Read the full details at:

http://www.policytracker.com/alerts.php?tact=512

MEPs to debate spectrum policy later today

A controversial committee report seen as a crucial test of political
opinion on the spectrum policy proposals contained in the Framework
Review is being discussed in the European Parliament this evening.

The Industry Committee report on spectrum policy has emerged as a key
battleground between liberalisers and broadcasters. The draft version
of the report, produced in November 2006, was supportive of the
European Commission's liberalisation agenda, arguing in favour of
technology and service neutrality as well as spectrum trading.

Read the full details at:
http://www.policytracker.com/alerts.php?tact=510

New initiative expects to release public spectrum within 18 months

Tests are underway in the UK to determine whether commercial
companies can share spectrum currently used by the military and other
public bodies.

New mobile and wireless applications are ever hungry for radio
spectrum. Published in 2005, the UK Treasury sponsored the
"Independent Audit of Spectrum Holdings," which looked at frequencies
held by public bodies like the military. Commonly known as the Cave
Audit, after its author, Professor Martin Cave, it is proving a
catalyst for change.

Read the full details at:
http://www.policytracker.com/alerts.php?tact=509

Preparations for WRC-07 get underway

Mobile players are on the look out for 4G spectrum while satellite
operators are worried about terrestrial operators encroaching into
their territory.

For many in the spectrum management and telecoms sectors, 2007 will
be dominated by the preparations for a single event: the World
Radiocommunication Conference (WRC-07). The Conference Preparatory
Meeting (CPM), a key stage in the build-up, begins on 19 February and
will last until 2 March.

Read the full details at:
http://www.policytracker.com/alerts.php?tact=508

Industry frustration mounts with Ofcom mobile TV plans

The UK regulator has confirmed that a potential single frequency DVB-
H network won't come up for auction for 18 months. Ofcom says this
will give operators the opportunity to bid for larger chunks of
spectrum.

Senior UK industry figures say they are disappointed with regulator
Ofcom's proposal to auction the block of spectrum known as Channel 36
no sooner than mid-2008. In the digital dividend review, published
shortly before Christmas, Ofcom proposes to clear Channel 36 of its
existing use – airport radar – and to auction the spectrum in the
second half of 2008, alongside other spectrum cleared as the analogue
signal is switched off. According to the regulator, this reflects the
time needed for obtaining international agreement for alternative use
of Channel 36 and for moving the existing radar services to new
spectrum.

Read the full details at:
http://www.policytracker.com/alerts.php?tact=506

February printed issue available for download

Our themes this month are the mood at the ITU's biggest spectrum
policy conference for years; progress at the Cameroon meeting on
WiMAX/IMT-2000; and preparations for WRC-07.

There is also in-depth coverage of the MEP's report on spectrum
liberalisation which will be debated in the European Parliament this
month. We talk to Fiona Hall, the MEP who drafted the report, and
Phil Laven, Technical Director of the European Broadcasting Union.

Read the full details at:
http://www.policytracker.com/alerts.php?tact=505