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Adoption of the first Radio Spectrum Policy Programme (RSPP)

posted on 17 February, 2012   (public)

On 15 February 2012, the European Parliament agreed upon the common position of the Council allowing for the formal adoption of the first Radio Spectrum Policy Programme (RSPP).

The RSPP establishes a five-year policy programme with the aim to promote efficient radio spectrum management and, in particular, to ensure that sufficient spectrum is made available by 2013 for wireless broadband, which will contribute to bringing fast connections to people in remote areas and to making innovative services available in the EU.

Specific steps to be taken by the EU Member States and the Commission before 1st July 2015 include:

  • By the end of 2012, Member States should have authorised the use of the harmonised 2.5-2.69 GHz, 3.4-3.8 GHz and 900/1800 MHz bands for use by wireless broadband communications, including 3rd & 4th generation mobile communication services.
  • By 1 January 2013, all Member States (unless an individual exemption has been obtained before that date), should have authorised the use of the 800 MHz band for wireless broadband communications. One of the main objectives here is to cover sparsely populated areas.
  • By mid-2013 at the latest, the Commission, in cooperation with Member States, will set out the details for an inventory to analyse efficient spectrum use, in the 400 MHz to 6 GHz range, in the EU. This will form the basis of possible further action on the coordinated allocation of spectrum bands to specific uses, such as wireless broadband.

Common position of the Council: 2010/0252(COD) of 13 December 2011

Statement of the Council 's reasons

European Commission Information Society's thematic portal

RAPID Press Release (IP/12/141)

Source: Digital Agenda website of the European Commission