1. RSPG OPINION on WIRELESS ACCESS POLICY FOR ELECTRONIC COMMUNICATIONS SERVICES

2. WAPECS - A more flexible spectrum management approach Isolde Goggin Chairperson of COMREG, Ireland, and RSPG Rapporteur on WAPECS

3. Outline of Presentation
Introduction – role of the RSPG
Background – what drove this approach?
The WAPECS Concept
Survey of Member States on WAPECS Frequency Bands
The Public Consultation
The Opinion of the RSPG

4. The Radio Spectrum Policy Group
High level group: assist and advise Commission on radio spectrum policy issues
Adopts opinions addressed to Commission
To date: digital switchover, spectrum trading, and now WAPECS
RSPG deals with high-level strategy: RSCOM adopts technical implementation measures
Keeps a web page at:

5. BACKGROUND What drove this approach?
Rapid technology change => explosion in demand for spectrum
Increasing Service Convergence
Need for faster, more flexible spectrum access
EU Policy to Encourage Innovation
Moves in some MS to Spectrum Trading

6. Definition of WAPECS
WAPECS is a framework for the provision of electronic communications services (ECS) within a set of frequency bands to be identified and agreed between European Union Member States in which a range of ECS may be offered on a technology and service neutral basis, provided that certain technical requirements to avoid interference are met, to ensure the effective and efficient use of the spectrum, and the authorisation conditions do not distort competition

7. Topics to be considered
Harmonisation v flexibility
“Big bang” v natural attrition v phased approach
Industrial policy v consumer policy
Services of general interest e.g. broadcasting

8. The WAPECS concept …

10. RSPG Survey of Member States on WAPECS Candidate Bands
Survey examined:
Frequency bands
Broadcasting (Terrestrial and Satellite)
Land Mobile (PMR, PAMR, GSM, 3G)
Fixed links (P2P & P2MP)
Short Range Devices
Licensing approaches
Rights that apply
Obligations that apply
Entry fees
Spectrum related challenges

11. Public Consultation - 1 Views were sought on:
Proposed definition of WAPECS
What constraints, if any, should there be on spectrum used primarily for broadcasting?
What specific rules should be applied to safeguard delivery of Services of General Economic Interest (SGEI)?
What impact will there be on standardisation?
What other challenges should the RSPG consider?
Were the proposed steps to achieve the European objectives for WAPECS adequate?

12. Public Consultation - 2
37 responses received from a wide range of respondents
Some Results:
WAPECS definition acceptable
Scope of WAPECS needed to be better defined
WAPECS should include both public and private applications
Delivery of SGEI must be safeguarded
Harmonised use of spectrum important for broadcasting and other services where economies of scale, roaming and interoperability are important
Transition to WAPECS regime should be evolutionary, not revolutionary
Relationship to spectrum trading and liberalisation issues also seen as a key point

13. The Opinion - 1 EU Context
Contribution of Spectrum to Lisbon Agenda/i2010
Importance of broadband for business and citizen–consumers
Influence of Convergence
Old style: separate fixed/mobile/broadcasting spectrum
Now: services provided over different access networks competing with each other
WAPECS to facilitate converged services and foster innovation and growth

14. The Opinion – 2 Identified constraints
Legacy issues arising from existing fees structure & conditions
Lack of flexibility: international agreements, long licence durations, no change of use in harmonised bands
Excess of technological prescription in some licences
Use of bands by services pursuing general interest objectives (broadcasting, emergency, etc)
Use of bands by non-ECSs (protection) (emergency)

15. The Opinion – 3 Challenges for Member States
Ensure enough spectrum to meet demand, without picking winners or jeopardising SGEI
Increasing flexibility and enhancing harmonisation
Maintaining a stable and predictable regulatory framework
Avoiding fragmentation – consider effect of reduced constraints on harmonised bands
Facilitating standardisation through harmonised set of technical requirements
Identifying transition arrangements to deal smoothly with legacy issues and share burden equitably

16. The Opinion – 4 Long-term policy goals
Facilitate rapid access to spectrum for new technologies to promote competitiveness and innovation
Ensure a coherent authorisation scheme
Technology neutrality within technical constraints to avoid interference.
Service neutrality i.e. Electronic Communications Services (Framework Directive)

17. The Opinion – 5 Transition to a WAPECS framework
“Big bang”: disruption/uncertainty for all players (including NRAs)
Natural attrition: change licences on expiry - slow, penalises new entrants and consumers
Phased approach: implementation packages with target dates.

18. The Opinion – 6 Action Points
MS and RSCOM invited to identify:
Suitable bands for WAPECS
Constraints (technical or other)
Measures to improve coherence of authorisation and specify technical requirements for implementation of WAPECS in those bands
Define implementation packages and actions
First implementation phase:
Identify suitable bands for short term and agree schedule for implementation
Report back to RSPG on any difficulties

19. WAPECS - A more flexible spectrum management approach
Thank you
Questions?
WAPECS - A more flexible spectrum management approach