Radiocommunications, broadcasting, transport: radio spectrum, regulatory framework

PURPOSE : to create a policy and legal framework in order to ensure coordination of policy approaches and, where appropriate, harmonised conditions with regard to the availability and efficient use of radio spectrum necessary for the establishment and functioning of the internal market in Community policy areas such as electronic communications, transport and R&D. COMMUNITY MEASURE : Decision 676/2002/EC of the European Parliament and of the Council on a regulatory framework for radio spectrum policy in the European Community (Radio spectrum Decision.) CONTENT : This Decision establishes procedures in order to: -facilitate policy making with regard to the strategic planning and harmonisation of the use of radio spectrum in the Community taking into consideration, inter alia, the economic, safety, health, public interest, freedom of expression, cultural, scientific, social and technical aspects of Community policies as well as the various interests of radio spectrum user communities with the aim of optimising the use of radio spectrum and of avoiding harmful interference; -ensure the effective implementation of radio spectrum policy in the Community and, in particular, establish a general methodology to ensure harmonised conditions for the availability and efficient use of radio spectrum; -ensure the coordinated provision of information concerning the allocation, availability and use of radio spectrum; -ensure the effective coordination of Community interests in international negotiations where radio spectrum use affects Community policies. Due account must be taken of the work of international organisations related to radio spectrum management, i.e. International Telecommunications Union and the European Conference of Postal and Telecommunications Administrations (CEPTS). "Radio spectrum" includes radio waves in frequencies between 9 kHz and 3000 GHz. The Commission will be assisted by the Radio Spectrum Committee. For the development of technical implementing measures which fall within the remit of the CEPT, such as the harmonisation of radio frequency allocation, the Commission will issue mandates to the CEPT, setting out the tasks and the timetable, but it may adopt its own measures to achieve the objectives if the CEPT's work is not judged to be satisfactory. ENTRY INTO FORCE : 24/04/02.�