- Strategic planning of the use of the radio frequency spectrum;
- Harmonisation of the spectrum reserve;
- Spectrum assignment and licensing;
- Radio equipment and norms;
- Institutional framework for spectrum co-ordination.
- Given that the radio frequency spectrum is an essential and increasingly scarce resource, of significant economic value, presently lacking a global/horizontal political strategy, it is vital that spectrum management is based on transparent and non-discriminatory principles. At the same time, spectrum management must guarantee effective competition contributing towards economic growth, technological innovation and promotion of the public interest.
- In the light of the spectrum characteristics identified above and in order to respond to political priorities, it is desirable to introduce a greater strategic component in the planning carried out at the level of CEPT. This suggests the need for the creation of a permanent linking mechanism between the European Union (EU) and CEPT, where diverse associated issues would be handled.
- At the same time, it is clear that CEPT, whose geographical ambit goes well beyond the EU area, has been successfully developing work linked to strategic planning and harmonisation of frequency bands. CEPT has also prepared and co-ordinated, at a European level, the World Radio Communications Conferences of the UIThttps://www.itu.int/en/Pages/default.aspx (International Telecommunications Union). These activities could, however, be improved, via greater and more dynamic involvement of the EU in CEPT.
- Current procedures relative to the harmonisation of the radio frequency spectrum do not require major alterations. Community measures should be adopted on a case by case basis, limited to pan-European services and situations in which the mechanisms of CEPT are insufficient.
- The assignment of spectrum and associated licensing procedures falls within the domain of each Member State, in that such issues are subject to the respective legal systems (guided, of course, by Community directives). It is neither feasible nor advisable to advance towards the harmonisation of such procedures.