New radio frequencies for mobile internet services [EU Legislation in Progress]

Written by Marcin Szczepański (4th edition),

While radio spectrum management is predominantly a national competence, EU policy plays an increasingly important role in its coordination and harmonisation. The EU actively seeks ways to harmonise use of the different bands of the spectrum to meet the ever-growing demand for wireless mobile broadband. Nevertheless, spectrum allocation in the EU remains fragmented and varies among Member States.

Following developments in the international framework, as well as the considerations of high-level expert groups and a public consultation, the Commission adopted a long-term strategy for use of the 470-790 MHz frequency band. The strategy proposes to repurpose the 694-790 MHz band, to use it for wireless broadband rather than television broadcasting. The latter is to have priority in the 470-694 MHz band.

Under the agreement among the co-legislators, Member States will reassign the 694-790 MHz band by 30 June 2020. This reallocation may be delayed by up to two years in duly justified cases, examples of which are given in the agreed text. Broadcasting services will maintain priority in 470-694 MHz band at least until 2030, but the Member States will have certain flexibility to use this range for other purposes.

Versions

• July 2017: New radio frequencies for mobile internet services (4th edition)
• December 2016: New radio frequencies for mobile internet services (3rd edition)
• September 2016: New radio frequencies for mobile internet services (2nd edition)
• March 2016 New radio frequencies for mobile internet services (1st edition)

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Chart 1 – Spectrum assigned for wireless broadband in EU harmonised bands, by spectrum

Table 1 – Status of the UHF (470-862 MHz) band in the EU