Spectrum


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Wireless Communications

Every time you turn on your radio, use your mobile or cordless telephone, lock your car by remote control or use a satellite navigation system, you are using radio spectrum.

All wireless equipment receive information transmitted in a different part of the radio spectrum which includes radio waves in frequencies between 9 kHz and 3000 GHz – your favourite radio station is probably on the ‘FM band’ (around 100 MHz), for example, while your GSM phone operates at either 900 or 1800 MHz.

If they did use the same frequency they would usually interfere with each other, so regulating the use of radio spectrum is essential. And in a European single market, this coordination must sometimes happen on a European scale.

The European Union's Radio Spectrum Decision 676/2002/EC adopted on 7 March 2002 has laid the foundation for a general Community radio spectrum policy.

The objective of radio spectrum policy is to ensure co-ordination of radio spectrum policy approaches, harmonised conditions for the availability and efficient use of radio spectrum in particular to support specific Community policies, the provision of relevant information on spectrum usage and the co-ordination of Community interest in international negotiations in relation to existing EU policies such as in electronic communications, transport, R&D or broadcasting.

Further reading...

1. UK Spectrum Allocation Table | Ofcom 2007

2. List of global Telecoms Regulators

Regulators

Global Telecoms Regulators

Ofcom Channel

		Table of Statute Laws and Regulations
Key

Measures		Legal Summary	Regulatory Guidance	Member States Implementation	Additional Information
1st Level	2nd Level
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	I. Spectrum Policy Framework

	a. General Framework

			Decision 676/2002 on a regulatory framework for Radio Spectrum Policy

			Decision 2002/622 on establishing a Radio Spectrum Policy Group

			Communication COM (2004) 507 final: First annual report on Radio Spectrum Policy in the European Union: State of Implementation and Outlook (1st Annual Report)

			Communication (COM) 2005 411 final from the Commission and European Parliament - A forward-looking radio spectrum policy for the European Union (2nd Annual Report)

			Commission Decision 2007/344/EC on harmonised availability of information regarding spectrum use within the Community.

	b. Ofcom - UK Regulator

			Office of Communications Act 2002

			Wireless Telegraphy Act 2006

	c. Technical Standards

			Directive 98/34/EC of the European Parliament and of the Council laying down a procedure for the provision of information in the field of technical standards and regulations

	II. Radio and Telecommunications Terminals

	a. Mutual Recognition on Conformity

			RTTE Directive - 1999/5/EC (Radio Equipment and Telecommunications Terminal Equipment Directive)

	b. Interference

			Directive 2005/49/EC amending, for the purposes of their adaptation to technical process, Council Directive 70/156/EEC relating to the radio interference (electromagnetic compatibility) of vehicles and Council Directive 70/156/EEC on the approximation of the laws of the Member States relating to the type-approval of motor vehicles and their trailers.

	III. Frequencies

	a. Short Range

			Commission Decision 2006/771/EC on the harmonisation of the radio spectrum for use by short range devices

			The Wireless Telegraphy (Exemption) (Amendment) Regulations 2006

	b. 169, 4-169, 8125 MHz

			Commission Decision 2005/928/EC on the harmonisation of the 169, 4-169, 8125 MHz frequency band in the Community (frequency band originally designated for the ERMES paging system).

			Awaiting implementation

	c. 2 GHz - Mobile Satellite Services