The fifth meeting of the expert working group on Mobile Connectivity (Mobile EWG) was held last 5 September in Brussels.
The group should develop a common BEREC position on monitoring mobile network coverage, noting that there may be benefits in reaching a common understanding on the definition and form of mobile coverage measurement, given that the various national regulatory authorities use different metrics and definitions for mobile coverage. This meeting served to discuss and consider the document produced by the group on the monitoring of mobile network coverage. Due to the document’s current format, some administrations questioned whether it could be considered a common position or should only be considered a BEREC report. The document, as revised at this meeting, was submitted to Contact Network 3 (CN3); it also indicates future work to be carried out on these matters.
The group should also produce a BEREC/RSPG joint report on mobile connectivity in “challenge areas” which among other aspects should include a comprehensive and comparative analysis of initiatives to facilitate mobile connectivity in challenge areas where mobile operators may be reluctant to implement it. Based on various contributions previously submitted by the member states, the report’s first version was considered and debated; it compiles the diverse contributions received, including challenge areas and respective solutions implemented to supply mobile coverage. The document, as revised, was submitted to CN3; it was noted that discussion in the CN should also help make clear how to specifically proceed in the work with the RSPG, paying special attention to the dates of its plenary meetings.
The group is also responsible for the topic of ‘spectrum needs to promote innovation in Europe’. It will result in a BEREC/RSPG joint workshop which is expected to be held in 2018.
