Radio spectrum and broadband EU policies - Towards a European broadband strategy

EuroCPR, Brussels, 22/03/2013

Radio spectrum and broadband EU policies Towards a European broadband strategy Luis Guijarro Universitat Politcnica de Valncia


Objectives

To track two lines of action of Electronic Communications policy of the EU Radio spectrum policy Broadband policy

Focus on the period 2005-2010 To present how both policies were meant

to build a European strategy for broadband and, finally, built a Digital Agenda

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Background

Regulatory framework (2002)

i2010 initiative (2005)

Modified Regulatory framework (2009)

Digital Agenda (2010)

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Hypothesis

i2010 provided political thrust to Radio spectrum policy Single European Information Space goal

To accelerate the economic pay-off from digital convergence by [...] defining an efficient spectrum management strategy

Broadband policy Inclusive information society goal

To give guidance to extend geographical coverage of broadband in undeserved areas

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Radio spectrum policy

Market-based approach Proposed by the Commission in Sept. 2005 To implement at EU level by 2010: Right to trade individual rights to use frequencies in

a selection of spectrum bands for terrestrial electronic commun. services

Not welcome by EP and Council It would be part of the 2007 Reform

Proposals

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Flexible approach Proposed by the Commission in Feb. 2007

with the support of the RSPG Basically, technology and service neutrality e.g. 900 MHz band Abolition of 1987 GSM Directive in Sept. 2009 Technical measures to allow coexistence of GSM

and other systems in a Commission Decision in Oct. 2009

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Digital dividend Lack of coordination in the switchover from

analogue to digital terrestrial TV among MS The Commission first raised the possibility of

alternative use of digital dividend in May 2005 Finally, in Oct. 2009, the Commission

committed to open the 800 MHz band in an harmonized manner with the support of the RSC

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Broadband policy

Bridging the geographic digital divide A priority in the i2010 initiative, the

Commission urged MS in March 2006 to update their Broadband National Strategies: State aid applicable to broadband projects

(Guidelines) Exchange of best practices Promotion of connectivity for public

administrations

Broadband still played a minor role

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Broadband policy

Regulated access to NGAs It involved two draft recommendations with

their respective public consultations in 2008 and 2009

It struggled to solve the dilemma competition vs. investment by providing guidelines to the NRA in their imposing of access obligation in NGAs

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Broadband policy

The European Economic Recovery Plan Proposed by the Commission in Nov. 2008 to

avoid (uselessly) the risk of contraction for the EU economy in 2009 following the global financial crisis.

It contained a program of smart investments 1bn for developing broadband infrastructure in

rural areas

Broadband began to play a key role

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Digital Agenda

Published in May 2010 as one of the 7 flagship initiatives of the Europe2020 strategy

Identified 7+1 areas of action (aka. Pillars), where 16 key actions and other actions were proposed (100 actions)

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European broadband strategy Invitation by the European Council to the

Commission (Brussels, March 2009) Subsumed in Pillar IV of the Digital Agenda

Fast and ultra-fast internet access Three lines of actions

To use EU and EIB funding instruments to make targeted investments

To adopt an NGA Recommendation To develop a European Spectrum Policy

Programme

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European broadband strategy Communication on European Broadband

(Sept. 2010) To reinforce and rationalize the use of Structural

and Rural Development Funds Proposal for a Regulation in October 2011

Connecting Europe Facility Proposed by the Commission in October 2011 Same legal basis as the Trans-European Networks Allocation of 9.2bn to telecom./ digital

networks during 2014-2020 (reduced to 1bn)

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European broadband strategy

NGA Recommendation (Sept. 2010) Investment risk in cost-oriented access prices Level of competition in any given area Co-investments and risk-sharing promoted

Recommendation on consistent non-discrimination and costing methodologies In preparation

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European broadband strategy

Radio Spectrum Policy Program Proposed in Sept. 2010 and adopted in March

2012. Guidelines and objectives up to 2015. Digital dividend (800 MHz band)

Deadline for authorization processes: 1 Jan 2013

Transfer or leasing rights of use (market-based approach)

Shared use of spectrum Bands: 2.4GHz; short-range devices; TVWS Legally binding sharing contracts

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Conclusions Both policies have gained strategic relevance

within the context of the Electronic Communications policy of the EU. Milestones: Broadband funding in the EERP Digital dividend allocation to wireless broadband

The radio spectrum policy has found its role as a tool for realizing the broadband for all target

The broadband policy is struggling to influence funding, e.g. Cohesion and TEN

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Radio spectrum and broadband EU policies Towards a European broadband strategy Luis Guijarro Universitat Politcnica de Valncia

Radio spectrum and broadband EU policiesObjectivesBackgroundHypothesisRadio spectrum policyRadio spectrum policyRadio spectrum policyBroadband policyBroadband policyBroadband policyDigital AgendaEuropean broadband strategyEuropean broadband strategyEuropean broadband strategyEuropean broadband strategyConclusionsRadio spectrum and broadband EU policies

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￼Radio spectrum and broadband EU policies - Towards a European broadband strategy

Radio spectrum and broadband EU policies - Towards a European broadband strategy