Telecompaper

The European Commission has launched a consultation to determine how to better work together at EU level to get the most from the change from analogue to digital TV, which will free up radio frequencies for use by new services. The freed up radio spectrum can transmit data over long distances and across borders, so decisions about it made in one member state impact areas up to several hundreds of kilometres away. Without coordination, this precious resource may not be used to maximum efficiency, and some services may not be available in parts of Europe or parts of some countries, the EC warned. Appropriate European coordination would increase the potential economic impact of the digital dividend by an additional EUR 20 to EUR 50 billion between now and 2015, the commission estimates. In the long run an additional benefit of EUR 30 billion could be realised beyond 2015 through further EU coordination. Given that by 2012 digital TV will completely replace analogue transmission and that several Member States want to quickly use the potential of wireless solutions to achieve full broadband access, EU countries need urgently to agree upon a common approach now. The commission proposes to adopt an EU roadmap – a set of common, coordinated actions outlined in today's consultation. To ensure that a clear and predictable regulatory environment prevails for regulators and industry alike in making the best use of the digital dividend, the commission is also considering a plan harmonising the 800 MHz band, particularly suitable for new generations of mobile broadband. The consultation is open until 4 September, and the commission will present a final proposal as quickly as possible after the closure of this public consultation.