1. This project is funded by the European Union EU regulatory framework for electronic communications - Spectrum and related aspects Richard Harris Independent EU telecommunications consultant ICTtrain workshop London 3-14 November 2008

2. Agenda – The early days – The fiasco – The Decision – The Committee – Growing support – The Policy group – What next? 3rd November 20082

3. The early days – GSM Directive (87/372/EEC) – ERMES Directive (90/554/EEC) – Tetra Directive – Satellite PCS Decision No 710/97/EC – UMTS Decision No 128/1999/EC 3rd November 20083

4. The fiasco The auctions for 3 rd generation spectrum licences in 2000. Distortion of the whole market. Diversion of surplus capital. Lessons learned: – Adopt common EU approach. – Make enough spectrum available. – Permit spectrum trading. 3rd November 20084

5. The Decision DECISION No 676/2002/EC on a regulatory framework for radio spectrum policy The Commission shall be assisted by the Radio Spectrum Committee Commission submits draft measures to the Radio Spectrum Committee Commission issues mandates to the CEPT, setting out the tasks and the timetable. 3rd November 20085

6. The Committee -1 Web site of the Radio Spectrum Committee : http://ec.europa.eu/information_society/policy/radio_spectrum/activities/rsc_work/index_en.htm Commission chair, members from MSs Information about the Committee’s: – Meetings schedule – Reports and public documents 2002 to present. – Commission mandates – Annual work programme Messages go by e-mail Committee papers are downloaded 3rd November 20086

7. The Committee - 2 Now well established and earning respect Growing volume of work Clear that its work is needed and was overdue Many things in hand. For example: Digital dividend in the UHF band (470-852 MHz) Mobile communication on aircraft Government use of spectrum More flexible use of GSM spectrum 3rd November 20087

8. Growing support 14 th Feb 2007 the EP adopted a resolution “Towards a European policy on the radio spectrum”. – 48 recitals – 36 clauses Industry is aware of the magnifying effect of harmonised spectrum for new applications and products. 3rd November 20088

9. The Policy Group The RSPG website: http://rspg.ec.europa.eu/ Senior government experts from 31 countries, EP, ETSI, EFTA and EC. Chooses its own chairman Meets two or three times a year It is a link between policy making at EU level and spectrum management at national level. RSPG consults widely and advises the EC. 3rd November 20089

10. What next? Spectrum trading and liberalisation EC paper (COM)2005/400 on a market based approach to spectrum management At present spectrum trading is permitted by EU law but not required Some moves have been made in about 10 EU countries The current review goes further. EC (COM)2007/50 proposes flexibility for WAPECS. 3rd November 200810

11. Summary The Europe-wide and world wide success of GSM. MS initially reluctant to share any power with the Commission. Now it is accepted that EU coordination and leadership is necessary. The process has taken about 20 years. 3rd November 200811

12. Thank you for your attention dickharris@btinternet.com For more information: See - Europa web-site 3rd November 200812