EU countries that allocate spectrum from the digital switchover to...
EU countries that allocate spectrum from the digital switchover to wireless services must comply with new rules to avoid harmful interference, the European Commission said Thursday. The decision requires all governments that decide to make the 790-862 MHz spectrum band (the “digital dividend") available for services other than broadcasting to apply the same technical rules to ensure that radio communications equipment can be used for wireless broadband networks such as Long Term Evolution and WiMAX without harmful interference, the EC said. As with every new service, additional live testing and final coordination among applications may be needed when the infrastructure is deployed, it said. The decision doesn’t require countries to make the band available for non-broadcasting services, but the EC said it’s considering such a proposal.
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Cable operators, who say LTE services in the digital dividend are likely to interfere with TV sets, set-top boxes and other consumer electronics equipment, said the EC’s decision showed a willingness to address the problem. “We also see a willingness to seek a holistic solution whereby the existing services are not simply victims or where only the ‘polluter pays’ -- but where all parties are expected to take measures,” said Cable Europe Managing Director Caroline Van Weede. One option the EC could consider is creating a fund from spectrum auction proceeds to offset any costs incurred by potentially millions of European consumers affected by LTE interference, she said.