On 5 November 2012, the European Commission (EC) adopted Decision C(2012) 7697 on the harmonisation of the bands 1920-1980 MHz and 2110-2170 MHz for terrestrial systems capable of providing electronic communications services in the Union.
The EC Decision establishes an additional radio spectrum allocation of 120 MHz to fourth generation (4G) technologies, including LTE (Long Term Evolution), in the 2 GHz Band. This band is currently used exclusively for wireless communications on 3rd generation (3G) networks, including UMTS.
Member States are therefore required to allocate additional radio spectrum in the 2GHz band by 30 June 2014 and establish harmonized technical conditions which enable the coexistence of different technologies. This measure will mean that the European Union (EU) has double the amount of spectrum available for high-speed wireless broadband, on par with the United States, i.e., with 1000 MHz.
The EC considers that this measure also gives mobile operators access to greater investment opportunities to improve their networks; this has advantages throughout the economy and will bring benefits to consumers, who, in time, will be able to transfer data faster and will have access to more broadband services.
The Decision implements the harmonized liberalization of the 2 GHz frequency band (1920-1980 MHz band paired with the 2110-2170 MHz band) in all Member States, avoiding fragmentation of the internal market in this band's the future use.
Flexibility in the use of spectrum bands, with the elimination of restrictions on technology, is an efficient and economic means of deploying advanced wireless communications infrastructure, responding to market demands. The measure will make a substantial contribution to the Digital Agenda objective of accomplishing universal broadband coverage in the EU with at least 30 Mb/s by 2020.
Further information:
- Digital Agenda: Commission Decision paves the way for 4G in Europe http://europa.eu/rapid/press-release_IP-12-1170_en.htm
- Commission Implementing Decision 2012/688/EU, 05.11.2012 http://eur-lex.europa.eu/LexUriServ/LexUriServ.do?uri=OJ:L:2012:307:0084:0088:en:PDF
Related information on ANACOM's website:
- European Commission moves to foster sharing of radio spectrum https://www.anacom.pt/render.jsp?contentId=1137904
- Publication of the EU spectrum policy programme https://www.anacom.pt/render.jsp?contentId=1122844
