Satellite Operators Welcome Plans for International Harmonisation of Radio Spectrum

Published on: 30th November 2008

The European Satellite Operators Association (ESOA) has welcomed the result of the Telecoms Council vote on the Telecoms Package especially in regard to the provisions that call for coordination and harmonisation with international regulation and the exceptions to technology and service neutrality. The Telecoms Council also recognised the fact that radio frequencies are a public good that has an important social, cultural and economic value.

According to the compromised version adopted this week, spectrum management in Europe should be consistent with the work of international and regional organisations such as the International Telecommunications Union (ITU) and the European Conference of Postal and Telecommunications Administrations (CEPT) to ensure the efficient management of spectrum across the Community and globally.

"Satellites are global in nature, blind to national borders and therefore coordination must respect the regulation and the agreements signed at the ITU", explained Aarti Holla-Maini, ESOA's secretary general. That is why all European satellite operators agree that the vote in Council may finally bring "adequate recognition of the role and nature of the ITU to avoid any fundamental threat to the future of satellite services, whose business plans depend first and foremost on securing coverage of a certain geographic area through a specific orbital slot, and the ability to serve that area over the long term with spectrum associated with that slot", she said.

Council also agreed on the fact that administrative exceptions to the principles of technology and service neutrality should always be in accordance with the National Frequency Allocation Plans and the ITU Radio Regulations. Restrictions to the application of technology neutrality could come into place to avoid harmful interference, protect public health against electromagnetic fields, and to ensure the proper functioning of services and the efficient maximisation of spectrum sharing.

"After travelling the 36,000km from outer space, satellite signals are fragile when arriving on earth and can be easily harmed by stronger terrestrial frequencies. That is why protection must be in place to avoid interference with crucial services such as emergency or sea communication, but also with day-to-day information and entertainment that the world has come to take for granted. European legislation must be consistent with those international agreements to avoid potential conflicts among operators and member states", said Mrs. Holla-Maini.

In the case of service neutrality, the Telecoms Council foresees the provision of specific bands when justified to fulfil general interest objectives such as safety of life or the avoidance of inefficient use of radio spectrum.

In this respect, ESOA's secretary general calls upon policy-makers "not be held back in the name of "technology neutrality," from promoting technologies, such as satellites, that are not only optimally suited to respond to public sector requirements but are also a proven technology that already brings TV to tens of millions of households everywhere in Europe and that can quickly bridge the digital divide in a cost-effective way providing connectivity to all European citizens".

The compromised version of the Telecoms Package as approved by the Council of Ministers will now go back to the EU parliament for a second reading. Some countries such as the UK and Sweden still have reservations about the issues concerning the application of the ITU regulation and amendments may still be introduced. Second reading is planned to take place in early 2009.

 

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