Radiocommunications: Green Paper on radio spectrum, results of the public consultation

PURPOSE : To contribute to the establishment of a Community framework for radio spectrum policy which is responsive to radio communications developments and which supports Europe's competitive position in the global market. CONTENT : This Communication details the results of the consultation on the Green Paper on radio spectrum policy. The Community mainly pursues its policy objectives with regard to radio spectrum in the spectrum management organisations of the CEPT (European Conference of Postal and Telecommunications administrations, an intergovernmental organisation) and the ITU (International Telecommunication Union, a UN body). The environment for radio spectrum policy is presently undergoing significant evolution, as a result of technological, market and regulatory developments. The main messages of the Green Paper consultation: - the need to address certain policy issues at Community level was recognised. - Community action with regard to radio spectrum was believed to be beneficial if taken within a clear regulatory framework. - political support was required to facilitate the achievements of community objectives to be achieved in the World Radiocommunications Conferences (WRC) of the ITU. Where the Community negotiates with third countries on the establishment of international radio networks, it would need to be ensured that due account is given to radio spectrum matters. Accordingly, the following Community action is deemed necessary in order to ensure that the Community's policy objectives with regard to radio spectrum are met: -A Spectrum Policy Expert Group should be established to address radio spectrum policy issues at Community level, taking economic, social, cultural andother factors into account in a balanced manner. The Group would comprise regulatory authorities and representatives from radio spectrum user communities. - A regulatory framework for radio spectrum policy should be established in order to ensure that the use of radio spectrum is harmonised where necessary to implement Community policies in the areas of telecommunications, broadcasting, transport and R&D. A proposal for a European Parliament and Council Decision will be drafted, which should simplify Community legislation and replace the S-PCS (on satellite personal communications services) and UMTS (on mobile telecommunications systems) Decisions when these expire. -In order to increase the effectiveness of the Community in the WRC negotiations, communications will be produced on the Community's policy objectives on the various WRC agenda items. Where these include items of particular importance in the context of Community policies, the Commission will invite the Council to endorse the European positions.�