POLICIES :: eCommunications :: Radio Spectrum
Radio spectrum: a vital resource in a wireless world
Radio spectrum is an essential resource underpinning one of Europe’s most dynamic sectors: wireless communications. As well as telecommunications, wireless technologies support services in areas as diverse as transport, security and environmental protection. But the spectrum is a finite resource so its allocation requires effective and efficient coordination at European (and global) level.
Today, radio spectrum is used by countless technologies that affect most aspects of our lives. These range from the more straightforward and longer established applications, such as listening to our favourite radio programme or using a mobile phone, to the more subtle and pervasive ones, such as remotely locking our car or using a satellite navigation system.
The total volume of services which depend on radio spectrum availability is estimated to be worth at least €200 billion annually in Europe.
Wireless technologies are becoming ubiquitous and more widespread. The tremendous growth in Wi-Fi technology to facilitate connection to the internet at home and in the office shows the popularity and usefulness of wireless communications.
But all wireless equipment and services must transmit and receive information via the radio spectrum. The part of spectrum which is typically covered are the electromagnetic frequencies between 9 kHz (kiloHertz) and 3000 GHz (gigaHertz) corresponding to radio wavelengths from thousands of kilometres to under one millimetre. Your favourite ‘FM’ radio station operates around 100 MHz (megaHertz), while in Europe GSM phones operate either at 900 or 1800 MHz.
Effective regulation = European benefit
To ensure that the competing applications for radio spectrum do not interfere with each others’ operations it is essential that the allocation of frequencies is coordinated and properly regulated both nationally and internationally.
When a single European market is needed, this coordination must happen on a European scale. Rules for spectrum use must be harmonised across borders.
The aim of EU policy in this area is to coordinate the approach to radio spectrum management across the Union to ensure that Europe gets the maximum benefit from its use of this finite resource, both today and in the future.
Why a
common european Radio Spectrum Policy?
A good example: GSM Success
The achievement of the European standard for GSM phones is a clear example of the benefits that a well coordinated radio spectrum policy can bring to society. We now take it for granted that we can use our phones seamlessly as we move around the continent.
However, EU regulation of the radio spectrum was essential in the success of this standard, which has not only benefited GSM phone users, but also enabled European industry to establish a competitive edge in this global sector.
As more and more opportunities for radio-based technologies emerge, it will be increasingly important that radio spectrum is managed on a pan-European basis to ensure that the full potential of these innovative systems is fulfilled.
Proposal for a first radio spectrum policy programme
The Commission presented on 20 September 2010 a draft programme which sets
out policy orientations and objectives for the strategic planning and
harmonisation of spectrum use to achieve the internal market. It supports the
Europe 2020 Strategy and the Digital Agenda for Europe and promotes EU policies
using spectrum beyond electronic communications. It sets concrete priority
initiatives for enhanced coordination, flexibility, and availability of spectrum
for wireless broadband communications and other specific EU policies; it calls
for an inventory of existing uses and emerging spectrum; identifies improvements
to safeguard EU interests in international negotiations, and to assist Member
States in bilateral negotiations; and calls for improved cooperation
standardisation.
Last update: 22/02/2012