Implementing decision 2016/687 - Harmonisation of the 694-790 MHz frequency band for terrestrial systems capable of providing wireless broadband electronic communications services and for flexible national use in the Union (notified under document C(2016) 2268) - Main contents

EN

Official Journal of the European Union

L 118/4

In the multiannual radio spectrum policy programme (RSPP) adopted by Decision No 243/2012/EU (2), the European Parliament and the Council set the policy objective to identify at least 1 200 MHz of suitable spectrum to meet the increasing demand for wireless data traffic in the Union by 2015 (3). Furthermore, the RSPP empowered the Commission and the Member States in cooperation, to ensure spectrum availability for programme making and special events (PMSE) (4), for the development of safety services and the free circulation of related devices as well as the development of innovative interoperable solutions for public protection and disaster relief (PPDR) (5), and for the ‘Internet of Things’ (IoT) (6). The Radio Spectrum Policy Group (RSPG) has adopted a report on strategic sectoral spectrum needs, which addresses, inter alia, the spectrum needs for PPDR, PMSE and the IoT (7).

Spectrum in the 694-790 MHz frequency band (hereinafter ‘700 MHz frequency band’) is a valuable asset for deploying cost-efficient terrestrial wireless networks with high capacity and ubiquitous indoor and outdoor coverage. The Radio Regulations of the International Telecommunication Union contain allocations of the 700 MHz frequency band to the broadcasting and mobile (except aeronautical mobile) service on a co-primary basis and identifications of this band for International Mobile Telecommunications (IMT). This frequency band is currently used across the Union for digital terrestrial television (DTT) and wireless audio PMSE equipment.

The Commission's strategy for the Digital Single Market (8) highlights the importance of the 700 MHz frequency band for ensuring the provision of broadband services in rural areas and stresses the need for a coordinated release of that frequency band, while accommodating the specific needs of audiovisual media distribution, in order to encourage investment in high-speed broadband networks and facilitate the proliferation of advanced digital services.

In its opinion on long-term strategy for the 470-790 MHz frequency band (9), the RSPG recommends a coordinated approach for repurposing the 700 MHz frequency band for wireless broadband electronic communications services including making this band available under harmonised technical conditions across the Union.

On 11 March 2013, pursuant to Article 4(2) of the Radio Spectrum Decision, the Commission issued to the European Conference of Postal and Telecommunications Administrations (CEPT) a mandate to develop harmonised technical conditions for the 700 MHz frequency band in the Union for the provision of wireless broadband electronic communications services and other uses in support of the Union's spectrum policy priorities.

On 28 November 2014 and 1 March 2016, in response to that mandate, CEPT issued its Reports 53 (10) and 60 (11). They provide the basis for technical harmonisation of the 700 MHz frequency band for terrestrial wireless broadband electronic communications services, which allows for economies of scale for equipment...