Radiocommunications, broadcasting, transport: radio spectrum, regulatory framework

This Communication constitutes the first report on activities undertaken under the Radio

Spectrum Decision (RSD). It informs the Council and European Parliament about the activities undertaken

to date pursuant to the Radio Spectrum Decision and seeks their support for the policy perspectives for future action.

The report describes past and future actions and challenges related to the implementation of a successful Community policy in this area. The RSD has established a policy and legal framework in the Community to coordinate policy approaches and, where appropriate, harmonise conditions for the availability and efficient use of the radio spectrum necessary for the establishment and functioning of the internal market in Community policy areas.

The Commission counts on the essential contribution of other actors such as CEPT, standardisation bodies like ETSI, and the Member States to make this process work.

Two different platforms have been established for the spectrum policy mechanism:

- Radio Spectrum Committee (RSC);

- Radio Spectrum Policy Group (RSPG).

Mandates have been issued to CEPT to develop harmonised technical solutions for specific issues in line with Community objectives and policies.

The successful achievement of the RSD's aims will depend on the active cooperation by all relevant actors and concurrence of various elements:

-CEPT should continue to support the implementation of the RSD, notably by delivering in a timely manner results in line with Community policy objectives, so that they can be transposed into Commission decisions.

-The mechanisms to prepare and adopt Commission decisions under the RSD should be sufficiently flexible and responsive to rapidly-evolving societal needs and wireless technologies.

-The political will to improve co-ordination of radio spectrum policies between Member States, via the RSPG, should be sufficiently strong to deliver actionable recommendations on such issues.

-Proper synergy and timing coordination between RSPG policy initiatives, RSC implementing measures and other Community activities must be ensured.

The long-term ability of this policy to meet its objectives and to deliver benefits to European citizens depends on effective cooperation between all actors concerned, i.e. the Commission, Member States at the policy and technical levels and the European Parliament. These instances have agreed on a policy framework to support the timely introduction of innovative wireless applications, while balancing the current and future needs of different sectors, including public services.

Effective spectrum regulation is a fundamental requirement for an information-based modern society, enabling citizens to benefit from a wide choice of new applications and industry to increase its productivity via technological innovation. A continuous analysis and reform of spectrum management is required to make best use of this resource. Given Europe's leadership and interest in wireless applications, this is a task which needs to be taken up in full awareness of the issues at stake.