5G services to benefit from spectrum harmonisation, say EU law makers after vote

The new legislation (22-page / 255KB PDF), endorsed by the Council of Ministers on Tuesday, will generally require each EU country to allocate spectrum between 694-790 MHz "for terrestrial systems capable of providing wireless broadband electronic communications services" by 30 June 2020.

The countries may be able to delay the reallocation of that spectrum for up to two years under certain circumstances, which include if there are difficulties in transitioning broadcast services onto other frequencies.

At the moment, the 700 MHz band is used to deliver digital TV services and for supporting the use of wireless microphones at events. Under the new legislation, EU countries are required to ensure that broadcasters and event organisers can access spectrum in the sub-700 MHz band (470-694 MHz) up until at least 2030 "on the basis of national needs".

In a statement, the Council said: "Member states will have the option of using this [470-694 MHz] range for other purposes, including mobile internet services, as long as this is compatible with broadcasting needs."

Each EU country must set out a "national roadmap" for meeting the new requirements by 30 June 2018.

The Council of Ministers' adoption of the new legislation comes after the European Parliament voted to approve the rules in March. The legislation is set to come into force on 19 June this year.

The adoption of the legislation was secured under the Maltese presidency of the Council of Ministers.

Malta's digital minister Dr Emmanuel Mallia said: "Opening the 700 MHz band for mobile internet helps ensure top-quality connectivity throughout Europe and can really transform many people's lives – let's think for example of the use of telemedicine in remote areas. It also represents a major step in the industrial shift to 5G, which is essential for the future competitiveness of the EU."

In October last year, UK telecoms regulator Ofcom confirmed spectrum in the 700 MHz band will be made available for mobile data services in the UK by the end of June 2020 at the latest.

At the time, Ofcom said digital TV services would, subject to conditions being met, be allowed to continue to operate over the same band of frequency until at least 1 May 2020 and potentially beyond that deadline if it can be demonstrated that running digital TV services and mobile data services over the same frequency band would not result in interference.