EC: Release mobile broadband spectrum or face legal action
The European Commission (EC) said it could take action on some of the member states for non-compliance with its instructions to make radio spectrum available to mobile operators for improving range and capacity of their mobile broadband services.
Last December, in the Council’s Telecoms Ministers at Brussels, the Vice-President for European Commission, Neelie Kroes said EU nations should make available of crucial radio spectrum band of 800MHz and 900MHz & 1800MHz by 2013.
The 900Mhz band which is currently used for 2G services can also help providers to extend their coverage and capacity using advanced technologies.
In a statement, the EC said Hungary and Spain could face legal action and penalty if they do not take measures to enable operators to get 900MHz radio frequency band.
France and Spain will also be referred to the European Court of Justice for imposing taxes on mobile operators, the EC said.
UK regulator Ofcom has issued new ruling that allows 3G operators to use 900MHz for their operations. Ofcom has also allowed spectrum trading between operators with an aim to improve mobile coverage across the UK.
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