Decision 2008/411 - 2008/411/EC: Commission Decision of 21 May 2008 on the harmonisation of the 3400 - 3800 MHz frequency band for terrestrial systems capable of providing electronic communications services in the EC (notified under document number C(2008) 1873) - Main contents

EN

Official Journal of the European Union

L 144/77

The Commission has supported a more flexible use of spectrum in its Communication on ‘Rapid access to spectrum for wireless electronic communications services through more flexibility’ (2), which, inter alia, addresses the 3 400-3 800 MHz band. Technological neutrality and service neutrality have been underlined by Member States in the Radio Spectrum Policy Group (RSPG) opinion on Wireless Access Policy for Electronic Communications Services (WAPECS) of 23 November 2005 as important policy goals to achieve a more flexible use of spectrum. Moreover, according to this opinion, these policy goals should not be introduced abruptly, but in a gradual manner to avoid disruption of the market.

The designation of the 3 400-3 800 MHz band for fixed, nomadic and mobile applications is an important element addressing the convergence of the mobile, fixed and broadcasting sectors and reflecting technical innovation. The services provided in this frequency band should mainly target end-user access to broadband communications.

It is expected that the wireless broadband electronic communications services for which the 3 400–3 800 MHz band is to be designated will to a large extent be pan-European in the sense that users of such electronic communications service in one Member State could also gain access to equivalent services in any other Member State.

Pursuant to Article 4(2) of Decision No 676/2002/EC, the Commission gave a mandate dated 4 January 2006 to the European Conference of Postal and Telecommunications Administrations (hereinafter the CEPT) to identify the conditions relating to the provision of harmonised radio frequency bands in the EU for Broadband Wireless Access (BWA) applications.

In response to that Mandate, the CEPT issued a report (CEPT Report 15) on BWA, which concludes that the deployment of fixed, nomadic and mobile networks is technically feasible within the 3 400-3 800 MHz frequency band under the technical conditions described in the Electronic Communications Committee's Decision ECC/DEC/(07)02 and Recommendation ECC/REC/(04)05.

The results of the Mandate to the CEPT should be made applicable in the Community and implemented by the Member States without delay given the market demand for the introduction of terrestrial electronic communication services providing broadband access in these bands. Taking into account the differences in current use and in market demand for the 3 400-3 600 MHz and 3 600-3 800 MHz sub-bands at national level a different deadline should be established for the designation and availability of the two sub-bands.

The designation and making available of the 3 400-3 800 MHz band in accordance with the results of the Mandate on BWA recognises the fact that there are other existing applications within these bands and does not preclude the future use of these bands by other systems and services to which these bands are allocated in accordance with the ITU Radio Regulations (designation on a non-exclusive basis). Appropriate sharing criteria for coexistence with...