Activities of Gunnar HÖKMARK related to 2016/0027(COD)
Plenary speeches (2)
Use of the 470-790 MHz frequency band in the Union (debate)
Use of the 470-790 MHz frequency band in the Union (debate)
Shadow reports (1)
REPORT on the proposal for a decision of the European Parliament and of the Council on the use of the 470-790 MHz frequency band in the Union PDF (729 KB) DOC (111 KB)
Amendments (34)
Amendment 23 #
Proposal for a decision
Recital 1
Recital 1
(1) In the multiannual radio spectrum policy programme (RSPP) established by Decision No 243/2012/EU20 , the European Parliament and the Council set the objectives of identifying at least 1 200 MHz of spectrum suitable for wireless broadband electronic communications services in the Union by 2015, of supporting the further development of innovative audiovisualtraditional and modern media services by ensuring sufficient spectrum for the satellite and terrestrial provision of such services, if the need is clearly substantiated, and of ensuring sufficient spectrum for programme making and special events (PMSE). __________________ 20 Decision No 243/2012/EU of the European Parliament and of the Council of 14 March 2012 establishing a multiannual radio spectrum policy programme (OJ L 81, 21.3.2012, p. 7).
Amendment 29 #
Proposal for a decision
Recital 1 a (new)
Recital 1 a (new)
(1a) The rapid allocation across the Union of the 700 MHz frequency band is a precondition for the industrial shift to 5G, which would put Europe at the centre of innovation. Lagging behind in terms of allocation means lagging behind in economic growth and competitiveness.
Amendment 30 #
Proposal for a decision
Recital 1 b (new)
Recital 1 b (new)
(1b) In this formative time, the Union as a whole needs to be able to take part in that change, in order for Europe to benefit from being the world's biggest economy, and also having the potential of transforming into the world's most dynamic market. 5G will need spectrum in lower frequencies, such as the 700 MHz frequency band, which is crucial for Internet of Things, B2B, mobile services, traffic and vehicle applications and for rural areas, while at the same time allocation of higher frequencies will be needed to ensure not only connectivity but also sufficient speed.
Amendment 33 #
Proposal for a decision
Recital 2
Recital 2
(2) In its strategy for the digital single market (DSM)21 , the Commission highlights the importance of the 694-790 MHz (‘700 MHz’) frequency band for ensuring the provision of broadband services in rural areas and stresses the need for a coordinated release of that frequency band, while accommodating the specific needs of audiovisualtraditional and modern media services distribution. __________________ 21 See http://ec.europa.eu/priorities/digital- single-market/index_en.htm.
Amendment 39 #
Proposal for a decision
Recital 2 a (new)
Recital 2 a (new)
(2a) Improving the management of spectrum, and of the 700 MHz frequency band in particular, is a precondition for creating a favourable environment for digital networks and services to develop, which thus maximises the growth potential of the digital economy. The European Economy will increasingly have digital society at its core, which requires ubiquitous network coverage to develop services relating to the Internet of Things, E-Commerce, and European Cloud services, and to reap the full benefits of Industry 4.0 across Europe.
Amendment 41 #
Proposal for a decision
Recital 2 b (new)
Recital 2 b (new)
(2b) The '700 MHz' frequency band represents an opportunity for globally harmonised and coordinated spectrum for mobile broadband offering economies of scale. That band should allow new innovative digital services to be developed in urban and in rural or remote areas, such as e-Health and mHealth, supported by mobile phones, patient monitoring devices and other wireless devices, as well as smart energy grids and other services relating to the Internet of Things.
Amendment 48 #
Proposal for a decision
Recital 3
Recital 3
(3) Spectrum in the 470-790 MHz frequency band is a valuable asset for the cost-efficient deployment of wireless networks with universal indoor and outdoor coverage. This spectrum is currently used across the Union for digital terrestrial television (DTT) and wireless audio PMSE equipment. It supports, in parallel to new forms of distribution, the development of the media, creative and cultural sectors, which extensively rely on this spectrum resource for the wireless provision of content to mass audiences.
Amendment 49 #
Proposal for a decision
Recital 3 a (new)
Recital 3 a (new)
(3a) The allocation of the 700 MHz frequency band should be structured in a way that facilitates competition, by the allocation of spectrum as such but also by requirements allowing for network sharing and virtual operators.
Amendment 50 #
Proposal for a decision
Recital 3 b (new)
Recital 3 b (new)
(3b) As underlined in the RSPP, spectrum management may affect competition by changing the role and power of market players, for example if existing spectrum users receive undue competitive advantages. Limited spectrum access, in particular when appropriate spectrum becomes scarcer, can create a barrier to entry for new services or applications and hamper innovation and competition. The allocation of frequencies should therefore be done in a way that does not undermine existing competition but instead opens up for new competition.
Amendment 53 #
Proposal for a decision
Recital 4
Recital 4
(4) For Region 1, which includes the Union, the International Telecommunication Union’s Radio Regulations adopted by the World Radiocommunication Conference in 2015 have allocated the 700 MHz frequency band to the broadcasting and the mobile (except aeronautical mobile) service on a co- primary basis, and the 470-694 MHz (‘sub- 700 MHz’) frequency band exclusively to the broadcasting service, on a primary basis, and to wireless audio PMSE use, on a secondary basis.
Amendment 59 #
Proposal for a decision
Recital 5
Recital 5
(5) Rapidly growing wireless broadband traffic makes enhanced wireless network capacity a necessity. Spectrum in the 700 MHz frequency band provides both additional capacity and universal coverage, in particular for the economically challenging rural and remote areas, for indoor use and for wide-range machine- type communications. In this context, coherent and coordinated measures for high-quality terrestrial wireless coverage across the Union, which build on best national practice for operators’ licence obligations, should aim to meet the RSPP objective that all citizens should have access to broadband speeds of not less than 30 Mb/s by 2020, in order to encourage the necessary investments. In this way, the measures will promote innovative digital services and ensure long-term socioeconomic benefits.
Amendment 61 #
Proposal for a decision
Recital 5 a (new)
Recital 5 a (new)
(5a) The launch of 5G will be crucial for the economic development of the Union and for the competitiveness of European economies. There is therefore a need for Europe to take the lead by securing enough spectrum for a successful launch and development of 5G.
Amendment 64 #
Proposal for a decision
Recital 5 b (new)
Recital 5 b (new)
(5b) 5G will change the logics and opportunities for modern economies far beyond what is normally seen as the telecom or digital sector, and it will have an impact on the economies as a whole by integrating digital structures and broadband.
Amendment 67 #
Proposal for a decision
Recital 6
Recital 6
(6) Spectrum sharing within a common frequency band between bidirectional wireless broadband use (uplink and downlink), on the one hand, and unidirectional television broadcasting or wireless audio PMSE use, on the other hand, is technically problematic. This means that repurposing the 700 MHz frequency band for bidirectional terrestrial wireless broadband electronic communications services would deprive DTT and wireless audio PMSE users of part of their spectrum resources. The DTT and PMSE sectors therefore need long- term regulatory predictability on the availability of sufficient spectrum, so that they can safeguard the sustainable provision and development of their services, in particular free-to-view television, and secure the certainty of their investments by inter alia having the right to trade and share licences. Measures may be needed at national and Union level to ensure additional spectrum resource for wireless audio PMSE use outside the 470-790 MHz frequency band.
Amendment 77 #
Proposal for a decision
Recital 7 a (new)
Recital 7 a (new)
(7a) Europe is lagging behind in terms of deployment of 4G and corresponding services, while previously having led the advancement of 3G, which had a significant impact on the European telecoms industry. Such leadership in advancing 5G is even more important as it will define the innovations, competitiveness and productivity of economies.
Amendment 78 #
Proposal for a decision
Recital 7 b (new)
Recital 7 b (new)
(7b) Competition defines the scale of economies and is the driving force for new services and for absorbing investments, and whereas the more value new services can provide, the more valuable broadband connections will be.
Amendment 93 #
Proposal for a decision
Recital 9 a (new)
Recital 9 a (new)
(9a) Member States should be able to delay, on the basis of reasonable grounds, the availability of the 700 MHz frequency band for use for terrestrial systems capable of providing wireless broadband electronic communications services beyond a common Union deadline of 2020 for up to two years. Reasonable grounds for delay should be limited to: unresolved cross-border coordination issues resulting in harmful interferences, the need to ensure technical migration of a large amount of the population to advanced broadcasting standards, financial costs of the transition exceeding the expected revenue generated by award procedures or force majeure. Member States should ensure protection from radio interference during the period of such delay to neighbouring Member States which comply with a common Union deadline for allowing use of the 700 MHz frequency band for terrestrial systems capable of providing wireless broadband electronic communications services.
Amendment 97 #
Proposal for a decision
Recital 11
Recital 11
(11) The use of the 700 MHz frequency band for terrestrial wireless broadband electronic communications services should be subject to a flexible authorisation regime as soon as possible. This should include the possibility for holders of rights of use of spectrum to trade and lease their existing rights in the context of the application of Articles 9, 9a and 9b of Directive 2002/21/EC24 . The authorisation regime should aim at securing competition and investments driven by new services. __________________ 24 Directive No 2002/21/EC of 7 March 2002 on a common regulatory framework for electronic communications networks and services (Framework Directive) (OJ L108, 24.4.2002, p.33).
Amendment 98 #
Proposal for a decision
Recital 11 a (new)
Recital 11 a (new)
(11a) The sooner the revenues come from licence fees, the bigger the opportunities for financing migration costs, for consumers as well as for internet providers.
Amendment 99 #
Proposal for a decision
Recital 11 b (new)
Recital 11 b (new)
(11b) The costs of migration in frequencies will exist regardless of when the migration is done, while the incomes and licence fees as well as increased growth will come sooner and be bigger the earlier allocation and deployment are done. Furthermore, lagging behind with 5G will risk serious effects on the long- term perspective of European competitiveness.
Amendment 116 #
Proposal for a decision
Recital 14
Recital 14
(14) Member States should adopt coherent and coordinated national roadmaps to facilitate the use of the 700 MHz frequency band for terrestrial wireless broadband electronic communications services while ensuring continuity for the television broadcasting services that vacate the band. Once adopted, Member States should communicate the roadmaps in a transparent manner around the Union. The roadmaps should cover activities and timescales for frequency re-planning, technical developments for network and end-user equipment, co-existence between radio and non-radio equipment, existing and new authorisation regimes, mechanisms to avoid harmful interference to spectrum users in adjacent bands and information on the possibility to offer compensation for migration costs, where these would arise, in order to avoid, inter alia, costs for end- users. Roadmaps should also include detailed steps to be taken in order to ensure the full availability of the 700 MHz frequency band for terrestrial wireless broadband electronic communications services by the deadline laid down in this Decision. A Member State seeking a delay should take all reasonable prior steps to minimise it, such as engaging the RSPG good offices in bilateral negotiations on cross-border frequency coordination agreements, and inform the Commission and other Member States accordingly as well as include justification in its national roadmap published pursuant to this Decision. Impediments which lie within the reasonable power of the Member State concerned to remedy should not be regarded as sufficient justification. The RSPG should as a matter of priority adopt an opinion on any roadmap envisaging such a delay. The Commission should assess the justification and take utmost account of the opinion of the RSPG in determining whether the delay is justified and can thus be deemed to be compliant with the coordinated approach set out in this Decision. Where Member States intend to maintain DTT, the roadmaps should give particular attention to facilitating upgrades of broadcasting equipment to more spectrum-efficient technologies such as advanced video formats (e.g. HEVC) or signal transmission technologies (e.g. DVB-T2).
Amendment 124 #
Proposal for a decision
Recital 15
Recital 15
(15) The scope and mechanism of possible compensation for completing the transition in spectrum use within the 470- 790 MHz frequency band should be analysed in accordance with the relevant national provisions as provided by Article 14 of Directive 2002/20/EC27 , and have to be consistent with the provisions of Articles 107 and 108 TFEU. In this regard, given the high value of the band for wireless broadband use, Member States should take advantage of revenues from award procedures or other fees, which could be expected to significantly exceed migration costs. The Commission should provide guidance to Member States on adequate and prompt compensation, in order to facilitate the transition in spectrum use. Member States should, in particular, take into account the importance of prompt compensation for end-users. __________________ 27 Directive 2002/20/EC of the European Parliament and of the Council of 7 March 2002 on the authorisation of electronic communications networks and services (Authorisation Directive) (OJ L 108, 24.04.2002, p. 21)
Amendment 138 #
Proposal for a decision
Article 1 – paragraph 1
Article 1 – paragraph 1
(1) By 30 June 2020, Member States shall allow the use of the 694-790 MHz frequency band for terrestrial systems capable of providing wireless broadband electronic communications services only under harmonised technical conditions set by the Commission pursuant to Article 4 of Decision 676/2002/EC. A Member State may delay, on the basis of reasonable grounds, the making available of that band for wireless broadband electronic communications services for up to two years. Where a Member State does so, it shall inform other Member States and the Commission accordingly and include due justification in its national roadmap pursuant to Article 5. Where necessary, Member States shall carry out the authorisation process or amend relevant existing rights to use the spectrum in accordance with Directive 2002/20/EC, in order to allow that use.
Amendment 144 #
Proposal for a decision
Article 1 – paragraph 1 – subparagraph 1 a (new)
Article 1 – paragraph 1 – subparagraph 1 a (new)
Member States which delay the use of the 694-790 MHz frequency band under the first subparagraph shall ensure that from 30 June 2020 their use of the 694-790 MHz frequency band does not prevent the availability of that band for wireless broadband electronic communications services other than broadcasting in neighbouring Member States.
Amendment 152 #
Proposal for a decision
Article 2 – paragraph 1
Article 2 – paragraph 1
By 30 June 20221, Member States shall allow the transfer or leasing of the rights of use of spectrum for electronic communications services in the 694-790 MHz frequency band.
Amendment 155 #
Proposal for a decision
Article 3 – paragraph 1
Article 3 – paragraph 1
When Member States authorise the use of the 694-790 MHz frequency band or amend existing rights to use the 694-790 MHz frequency band, they shall take all necessary measures to ensure a high- quality level of coverage of all their population and at least 97% of their territory, at the fastest possible broadband speeds of, and at least 30 Mb/s, both indoors and outdoors, including in pre-determined national priority areas where necessary, and along major terrestrial transport paths. Such measures ma, for the purpose of allowing wireless applications and European leadership in new digital services to contribute effectively to Union economic growth. In addition, Member States shall take due account of the opportunity to ensure that wholesale access to spectrum (for Mobile Virtual Network Operators (MVNOs)) is possible and to increase the geographical coverage of their territory. This may include the ability for an MVNO to exist in all networks, and measures aimed at wholesale services and explicit requirements on geographical coverage to a specific licence. Such measures may explicitly include conditions facilitating or encouraging sharing network infrastructure orf spectrum in compliance with Union law.
Amendment 161 #
Proposal for a decision
Article 3 – paragraph 1 a (new)
Article 3 – paragraph 1 a (new)
The Commission shall support the Member States in promoting and facilitating jointly organised auctions, thus contributing to pan-European structures achieved by virtual operators or network sharing.
Amendment 162 #
Proposal for a decision
Article 3 – paragraph 1 b (new)
Article 3 – paragraph 1 b (new)
In order to encourage investments, licences shall have a duration of 30 years, which would provide opportunities for return on investment or revenues from licence trading.
Amendment 165 #
Proposal for a decision
Article 4 – paragraph 1
Article 4 – paragraph 1
(1) Each Member States shall ensure the availability of the 470-694 MHz frequency band or parts of the band foruntil 2030, for operators managing the terrestrial provision of audiovisual media services to mass audiences, including free television, and for use by wireless audio PMSE equipment, based on national broadcasting needs. Member Statesneeds. Operators shall have the right to fully manage their licences, including the right to trade and share. In this regard, Member States shall promote cooperation between broadcasters, broadcasting operators and mobile operators in order to facilitate convergence of audiovisual and internet platforms and shared spectrum use. Each Member State shall ensure that any other use of the 470-694 MHz frequency band on theirits territory is compatible with its national broadcasting needs and does not cause harmful interference with the terrestrial provision of audiovisual media services in a neighbouring Member State.
Amendment 176 #
Proposal for a decision
Article 4 – paragraph 2
Article 4 – paragraph 2
(2) If Member States authorise the use of spectrum in the 470-694 MHz frequency band for terrestrial systems capable of providing electronic communication services other than television broadcasting networks, such use shall be limited to downlink-only. Such use shall be without prejudice to obligations resulting from international agreements and Union law. This shall allow for the introduction of new technologies and for license holders to trade and share frequencies.
Amendment 180 #
Proposal for a decision
Article 5 – paragraph 1
Article 5 – paragraph 1
Amendment 188 #
Proposal for a decision
Article 5 – paragraph 1 a (new)
Article 5 – paragraph 1 a (new)
Member States shall, in order to address disproportionate distribution of social and economic costs and in accordance with Union and national law, ensure that the direct migration or reallocation costs of spectrum usage, including those borne by end users, are compensated adequately, promptly, and in a transparent and technology neutral manner. Member States shall make sufficient funds available to this effect.
Amendment 190 #
Proposal for a decision
Article 5 – paragraph 1 b (new)
Article 5 – paragraph 1 b (new)
In cooperation with Member States, the Commission may provide guidance to Member States on compensation, in order to facilitate the transition in spectrum use.
Amendment 199 #
Proposal for a decision
Article 6 – paragraph 1
Article 6 – paragraph 1
By 1 January 20253, the Commission, in cooperation with the Member States, shall carry out, based on relevant studies and consultations with relevant stakeholders, an assessment and report to the Council and Parliament on developments in the use of the 470-694 MHz frequency band, taking into account the social, economic, cultural and technological aspects affecting the use of the band pursuant to Articles 1 and 4. The report shall assess whether it is necessary to change the use of the 470-694 MHz frequency band, or any part of it, in the Union with a view to developing a common European position towards the planned review of that frequency band at the World Radiocommunication Conference in 2023.