Brussels hosed last 6-7 December 2017 the 61st meeting of the RSC of the European Commission (EC).
Highlights of the issues discussed include the following:
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Radio local area networks (RLANs) in 6 GHz
The draft mandate for CEPT for RLAN in the 6 GHz band was discussed; there were differences regarding the upper limit of the band to study (i.e. 6425 MHz or 7125 MHz).
The mandate for CEPT to study the viability and to identify harmonised technical conditions for wireless access systems, including RLAN, ended up being approved for the 5925-6425 MHz band.
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1.5 GHz band
The EC presented a revision of the draft implementing decision that modifies Decision (EU) 2015/750 on harmonisation of the 1452-1492 MHz frequency band for terrestrial systems able to provide electronic communication services in the Union. Some member states insisted on the need for flexible use of portions of the extension bands to guarantee coexistence with other existing uses, including military ones. That flexibility is provided in the EC proposal.
The harmonised technical conditions are based on CEPT Report 65.
Given the widespread support of the member states, a stable text was developed during the meeting. The EC services plan to ask for the RSC’s opinion at the next meeting in March 2018.
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Internet of things (IoT) in 900 MHz and 1800 MHz
The EC presented a draft decision that modifies the harmonised technical conditions for the 900 MHz and 1800 MHz frequency bands to support high-end IoT applications. This draft is based on results of the draft CEPT Report 66. The EC services plan to ask for the RSC’s opinion on the draft decision at the next meeting in March 2018, as per the availability of the final CEPT Report 66.
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870-876 and 915-921 MHz bands
Based on discussions at previous meetings, the EC presented a draft decision on harmonisation of the 870-876 and 915-921 MHz bands for use by short range devices. The auxiliary document explains the decision’s purpose and its benefits for interested parties (military, railways and IoT, including users of radio frequency identification equipment). The EC stressed that the draft offered a balanced approach meant to reconcile all different interests expressed by the member states and interested parties, which was acknowledged at the meeting.
The member states and the EC drew up a set of technical questions to be sent to the ECC, whose answers, expected in March, would permit the RSC to work with a view to finalising the draft.
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Radio interface specification form
The EC presented a revised version of the form for providing notification of radio interface specifications (RIS form) under the Radio Equipment Directive (RED) and its guide. This form should be used by the member states and countries of the European Free Trade Association (EFTA) when preparing and publishing radio interface specifications. The members agreed on the form, which will be published in due time.
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Drones
At the request of various member states, the EC presented a document on drones for discussion.
The European Aviation Safety Agency (EASA) provided an update on the ongoing revision of the EASA Basic Regulations and the Directorate-General for Internal Market, Industry, Entrepreneurship and SMEs (DG GROW) explained the relations with the Radio Equipment Directive.
This topic will be discussed again in the RSC in July 2018.
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Advanced antenna systems in 2 GHz
The RSC discussed the question of multiple antenna (more than four) usage in the context of EC Decision 2012/688/EU on harmonised use of three in the 2 GHz band paired. Agreement was reached to consider this topic at the next RSC meeting, based on a grounded contribution from CEPT.
The next meeting (RSC#63) is scheduled for 14-15 March 2018.
