The European Parliament prefers a “gradual reform” to a “revolution” in Europe’s radio spectrum.

“We reiterate that the member states are competent for authorising the exploitation of frequencies and that this competence cannot be transferred. On the other hand, we propose a new and important stage for the spectrum, which must be coordinated and harmonised by the Commission,” explained Catherine Trautmann (PES, France), on 23 April in Strasbourg. Her report will be put to the vote in the Industry Committee, on 16 June, and in plenary in July.

The reform must be compatible with the decisions of the United Nations International Telecommunication Union and avert any risk of interference between different services (broadcasting, mobile services, etc). For that reason, the marketing of certain frequencies must be “voluntary” and compatible with the first use made thereof. Exchanges of bands must consequently take place between suppliers of similar services.

The broadcasters’ special “public value” task is thus confirmed. They must be able to develop high-definition television, for example.

In contrast, the frequencies freed up as a result of the switchover from analog to digital TV may be granted to other users under new rules for harmonisation and coordination.

Trautmann wishes to set up a committee on spectrum policy, which would advise the European Commission, the EP and the Council. “The new European regulatory body [Body of European Regulators in Telecoms, BERT] will also have the possibility to report on spectrum problems when these relate to pan-European services,” added the rapporteur on the proposal for a European telecoms authority, Pilar del Castillo Vera (EPP-ED, Spain).