EC wants to allocate switchover spectrum to mobile broadband

The European Commission wants to allocate a portion of broadcast spectrum in the 800MHz range to mobile operators after digital switchover, according to press reports.

The New York Times-owned International Herald Tribune obtained a copy of the proposal, which would see EU members setting aside the 800MHz band for mobile broadband operators by the beginning of 2013. The move is part of a package of proposals by telecoms commissioner Neelie Kroes aimed at creating a pan-European market for mobile services. If the proposal was adopted by the European Parliament and Council of Ministers, member states would be under pressure to follow by allocating digital dividend spectrum to mobile applications rather than auction it on a technology neutral-basis.