Radio spectrum policy programme

PURPOSE: to establish a radio spectrum policy programme for the strategic planning and harmonisation of the use of spectrum to ensure the functioning of the internal market.

PROPOSED ACT: Decision of the European Parliament and of the Council.

BACKGROUND: Framework Directive 2002/21/EC as amended by Directive 2009/140/EC invites the Commission to present a legislative proposal to the European Parliament and Council to establish a multiannual Radio Spectrum Policy Programme (RSPP) setting out policy orientations and objectives for the strategic planning and harmonisation of the use of spectrum, taking utmost account of the opinion of the Radio Spectrum Policy Group (RSPG).

Spectrum is essential for the digital society, fast wireless services, economic recovery, growth, high-quality jobs and long-term EU competitiveness.

Spectrum policy initiatives are also key to the Digital Agenda for Europe and to the Europe 2020 strategy.

IMPACT ASSESSMENT: the impact assessment identifies options and assesses whether EU intervention would add value compared to national or regional action. It identifies the strategic direction necessary for spectrum policy at EU level. It highlights the need for a global EU spectrum policy approach given the impact of spectrum on a number of sectors with varying degrees of EU competence.

LEGAL BASE: Article 114 of the Treaty on the Functioning of the European Union.

CONTENT: the proposed programme sets out policy orientations and objectives for the strategic planning and harmonisation of spectrum use in order to achieve the internal market. It supports the Europe 2020 Strategy and the Digital Agenda for Europe and promotes other EU policies concerned with spectrum. It will ensure the application of principles and define policy orientations for all aspects of spectrum policy with an EU dimension. The programme sets concrete priority initiatives for enhanced coordination, flexibility, and availability of spectrum for wireless broadband communications and other specific EU policies; it requires an inventory of existing uses and emerging spectrum. It identifies improvements to safeguard EU interests in international negotiations, and to assist Member States in bilateral negotiations, and calls for improved cooperation between technical bodies. The proposal requires the Commission to report by 2015.