Europe Split Over 3G Wireless Expansion Bands

Europe : The future market for wireless broadband services in the European Union will be thrown open to question in October when member states vote whether to introduce a technology-neutral approach to spectrum previously earmarked for 3G systems.

According to a report published by Informa Telecoms & Media, European states have split into two camps. One led by the UK and, crucially, with strong backing from the EU, is pushing to adopt a free-market approach to the 3G expansion bands (2.5 MHz -2.69 Mhz). The other, led by France and Finland, wants the EC to mandate use of IMT-2000 technologies only.

"In principle, the debate is about whether Europe eventually embraces a free market approach to spectrum management," says Paul Lambert, editor of Global Mobile. "However, in practice, the proponents claim a multitude of issues are at stake, not least of which is the future of Europe's telecommunications manufacturing industry."

The EC hopes that October's vote, to be held at a meeting of the EC-led Radio Spectrum Committee, will lead to the 2.5-2.69MHz spectrum bands, currently set aside for WCDMA, utilised by rival wireless broadband technologies such as WiMAX and OFDM-based systems.

If agreement can't be reached within the European Commission-led Radio Spectrum Committee by December, the issue will move to the European Parliament.

A decision is expected to become law in individual member states by
end-'07, while spectrum in the 2.5-2.69 MHz band is expected to be allocated across Europe by the beginning of 2008.