POLICIES :: eCommunications :: Mobile broadband
Boosting broadband on the move
The development of wireless broadband networks allowing access to the internet and other innovative applications is a key EU objective, because it will boost the availability of broadband not only in cities, but also in the countryside where fixed line offerings are still not available. In July 2008 the EU broadband penetration rate was nearly 22% of the EU population. Recent decisions securing future access to spectrum for wireless broadband services will help to achieve the target set by the Lisbon strategy of 30% EU broadband penetration by 2010.
The availability of broadband is a key objective of ICT development in the European Union and an integral part of the Commission’s i2010 initiative.
Two frequency bands at 2500-2690 MHz and 3400-3800 MHz are of great importance for the future development of wireless broadband services in Europe. These two bandwidths can provide substantial capacity for the roll-out of terrestrial networks which make use of new innovative technologies to deliver mobile broadband to the consumer.
Recent Radio Spectrum Committee Decisions on these two bands are expected to boost broadband provision, by providing harmonised conditions for investment in alternative broadband infrastructures. This, in turn, will stimulate growth in ICT services across the EU – a key policy objective in the context of the Lisbon goals.
Broadband access
The designation of these bands for any system capable of providing electronic communications services is an important development addressing the convergence of the mobile, fixed and broadcasting sectors and reflecting technical innovation. The services would mainly target end-user access to broadband communications.
The Commission Decisions contain technical parameters that will allow for the successful introduction of electronic communication services using technologies such as WiMAX (Wireless Interoperability for Microwave access) and the long-term evolution of UMTS / LTE (Universal Mobile Telecommunications Systems/ Long-Term Evolution).
WiMAX uses include connections to Wi-Fi hotspots, portable connectivity and wireless alternatives to the use of cable and DSL for broadband access.
Technical decisions
Following investigation, the CEPT has concluded that the use of the bands is technically feasible and that sharing among different technologies is possible, if certain rules are applied to avoid interference.
No specific technology has been mandated for use in the bands, in line with the aim to make regulation technology-neutral and to ensure effective competition and innovative developments in these frequency bands.
The Decisions establish a balance between harmonised technical parameters and flexible use of spectrum in line with the Commission’s proposals on radio spectrum policy in the review of the regulatory framework and the WAPECS approach.