Radio spectrum Archives

Telecoms companies will face new rules on how they can access internet networks under a change to EU law that could stoke tensions between large, former monopolies and smaller operators.

The European Commission is setting itself up for a fight with national governments by forcing them to pay for guaranteed internet access across the EU and comply with new rules on radio spectrum sales, according to an internal document obtained by EURACTIV.com.

The European Commission wants internet download speeds to reach 100 megabits per second by 2025 and calls for more public funds to build faster networks, according to a leaked document obtained by EURACTIV.com.

Telecoms operators and car manufacturers have asked the European Commission to put money into a major, four-year project running driverless cars between EU member states, in the first test of the new technology between more than one country.

The Council endorsed on Thursday (26 June) the European Commission’s proposal to liberate the 700 MHz frequency by 30 June 2020, in time for the irruption of the next generation of wireless broadband (5G).

The European Commission will reshuffle its digital policy department DG Connect this summer, according to a leaked plan obtained by EURACTIV.com.

The European Commission's digital single market strategy turns one year old today. With seven months left in the 16-point policy plan, the executive has only scratched the surface.

The Privacy Shield data transfer agreement with the US could go into effect this June, EU Digital Commissioner Günther Oettinger said yesterday (14 March).

The EU should have just two sets of rules for telecoms: one for infrastructure, and one for services, argue Alexandre de Streel and Bruno Liebhaberg. When similar services are on offer, the same rules should apply regardless of the technology, they contend.

Exclusive / European Commission Vice-President Andrus Ansip supports Apple’s decision to refuse unblocking the iPhone of a terrorist, as requested by US authorities.

This week, EURACTIV reports from Barcelona's World Mobile Congress on the latest developments on 5G and broadband.

The European Commission will unveil its strategy to develop the next generation of mobile broadband network (5G) on Monday (22 February), EURACTIV has learned.

National governments must announce their plans to move TV broadcasters below the 700 MHz band by 2017, which will be assigned exclusively to wireless broadband by 2020.

The European Parliament will adopt its position on the Digital Single Market (DSM) strategy today (19 January). In an interview with EURACTIV, rapporteur Kaja Kallas warned that it would be a “mess” if the European Commission does not come up with its proposals in a timely manner.

In February, the European Commission will present a controversial proposal to harmonise the use of radio spectrum in the EU, including the prized 700 MHz band, amid growing disparities among member states, EURACTIV has learned.

The European Commission has called radio spectrum used by telecoms and mobile internet services “the basis for a digitally enabled society”. Ahead of a crucial conference to take place in Geneva (2-27 November), Pascal Lamy explains why the executive should stand up for its powers in the field.

The EU signed an agreement with China this morning (28 September) for joint research to develop 5G mobile networks expected to be available for use in Europe by 2020.

Eyeing the growing influence of online platforms, and the risk they'll abuse their dominant positions, the European Commission is considering whether new measures are needed to limit firms that could include Google and Facebook, or Apple's app store.

Upgrading broadband networks to 5G might be another opportunity to move on EU spectrum policy, according to a European Commission official.

Germany launched its first radio spectrum auction today (27 May) since 2010. The auction includes the sale of 700 MHz band for mobile broadband for the first time in Europe, where it has been used for television broadcast up until now.

Digital Terrestrial Television (DTT) is the leading platform for TV distribution in Europe and a major provider of jobs. It is time to take into account these dimensions in the Digital Single Market strategy, writes Olivier Huart. 

The European Commission's proposed Digital Single Market strategy, unveiled this week, seeks to introduce common rules for radio spectrum allocation across the EU, a sensitive issue for member states who have defeated previous attempts.

SPECIAL REPORT / European member states are divided over the apportionment of radio spectrum for critical public safety – seen as vital to maintain free flows of data in the hyper-connected world – especially in the wake of recent terrorist attacks.

Beyond smartwatches and underwater television, real innovation is waiting for new 5G technology to be unleashed. Its groundwork was laid out by policymakers and telecoms players during the Barcelona event.