Activities of José BLANCO LÓPEZ related to 2016/0027(COD)
Plenary speeches (1)
Use of the 470-790 MHz frequency band in the Union (debate) ES
Amendments (11)
Amendment 68 #
Proposal for a decision
Recital 6
Recital 6
(6) Spectrum sharing within a common frequency band between bidirectional wireless broadband use (uplink and downlink), on the one hand, and unidirectional television broadcasting or wireless audio PMSE use, on the other hand, is technically problematic. This means that repurposing the 700 MHz frequency band for bidirectional terrestrial wireless broadband electronic communications services would deprive DTT and wireless audio PMSE users of part of their spectrum resources. The DTT and PMSE sectors therefore need long- term regulatory predictability on the availability of sufficient spectrum, so that they can safeguard the sustainable provision and development of their services, in particular free-to-view television, whilst ensuring an appropriate environment for investments. Measures may be needed at national and Union level to ensure additional spectrum resource for wireless audio PMSE use outside the 470- 790 MHz frequency band.
Amendment 75 #
Proposal for a decision
Recital 7
Recital 7
(7) In his report to the Commission (the ‘Lamy report’)22 , Pascal Lamy, the Chairman of the high-level group on the future use of the 470-790 MHz frequency band, recommended that the 700 MHz frequency band be made available for wireless broadband by 2020 (+/- two years). This would help achieve the goal of long-term regulatory predictability for DTT in having access to the sub-700 MHz frequency band until 2030, although this would have to be reviewed by 2025. The Lamy Rreport also recommended national flexibility in spectrum use of the sub-700 MHz frequency band, which is limited to downlink-only. Downlink-only is the restr electronic communication of all transmissions in a wireless system, independent ofs services, in cases where there its technology, to unidirectional transmission from central infrastructure stations such as a TV broadcasting tower or a mobile base station to portable or mobile terminals such as TV sets or mobile phonesno or declining demand for DTT at national level. __________________ 22 Report by Mr Pascal Lamy, available at: https://ec.europa.eu/digital- agenda/en/news/report-results-work-high- level-group-future-use-uhf-band.
Amendment 82 #
Proposal for a decision
Recital 8
Recital 8
(8) The Radio Spectrum Policy Group (RSPG) recommends in its opinion on a long-term strategy on the future use of the 470-790 MHz frequency band in the Union (the ‘RSPG opinion’) the adoption of a coordinated approach across the Union to make the 700 MHz frequency band available for effective use for wireless broadband electronic communications services by the end of 2020, noting that Member States should be able to decide on the basis of reasonable grounds to delay the availability of the band for up to two years. This would be in conjunction with ensuring long-term availability until 2030 or even beyond of the sub-700 MHz frequency band for the downlink-only provision of audiovisual media services. The RSPG particularly recommends introducingprovision of broadcasting services. The RSPG recommends that Member States should have the flexibility sto thatuse the sub-700 MHz frequency band can also be used for downlink-onlyfor wireless broadband electronic communications services, provided that such use is compatible with the broadcasting needs in the relevant Member State and does not create a constraint on the operations of DTT in neighbouring countries.
Amendment 103 #
Proposal for a decision
Recital 12
Recital 12
(12) In line with Articles 9 and 9a of Directive 2002/21/EC, Member States should apply a flexible approach where possible and may allow the introduction of alternative downlink-only uses such as terrestrial wireless broadband electronic communications services in the sub-700 MHz frequency band in accordance with national needs for distribution of audiovisual media services to a mass audienceuse in the sub-700 MHz frequency band in accordance with national needs and with the primary allocation of that band to broadcasting services, as set out in the International Telecommunication Union's Radio Regulations. When allowing alternative use within the sub-700 MHz frequency band for downlink-only terrestrial wireless broadband electronic communications services, Member States should ensure that such use does not affect the use of sub-700 MHz band for digital terrestrial broadcasting in neighbouring Member States, as provided for in the agreement at the Regional Radiocommunication Conference of 200625 . __________________ 25 Regional Radiocommunication Conference of 2006 for planning of the digital terrestrial broadcasting service in parts of Regions 1 and 3, in the frequency bands 174-230 MHz and 470-862 MHz (RRC-06) in Geneva.
Amendment 111 #
Proposal for a decision
Recital 13
Recital 13
(13) In any caseAccording to the Lamy report, spectrum usage in the 470-694 MHz frequency band should be reassessed at Union level no later than 2025. Such an assessment should also take into account the planned review of this frequency band at the World Radiocommunication Conference in 2023. CPossible changes in the use of the sub-700 MHz frequency band should take into consideration technological developments, consumer behaviour, the importance of continuing the delivery of free television26 service and social, economic and cultural general interest objectives. In this context, studies on technical and regulatory conditions for co-existence between incumbent and new spectrum uses in the sub-700 MHz frequency band are necessary. These would ensure coherence between the approaches taken by different Member States on flexible and efficient spectrum use and would enable technical harmonisation measures for use and co- existence in this band. Such studies and measures may be developed pursuant to Decision No 676/2002/EC. __________________ 26 In the meaning of Directive 2010/13/EU of the European Parliament and of the Council (Audiovisual Media Services Directive).
Amendment 132 #
Proposal for a decision
Recital 16
Recital 16
(16) Since the objective of this Decision, namely to ensure coordinated transition in spectrum use of the 470-790 MHz frequency band in the Union according to common objectives, cannot be sufficiently achieved by the Member States and can therefore, by reason of its scale and effects, be better achieved at Union level, the Union may adopt measures in accordance with the principle of subsidiarity as set out in Article 5 of the Treaty on European Union. In accordance with the principle of proportionality, as set out in that Article, this Decision does not go beyond what is necessary in order to achieve that objective,
Amendment 140 #
Proposal for a decision
Article 1 – paragraph 1
Article 1 – paragraph 1
(1) By 30 June 2020, Member States shall allow the use of the 694-790 MHz frequency band for terrestrial systems capable of providing wireless broadband electronic communications services only under harmonised technical conditions set by the Commission pursuant to Article 4 of Decision 676/2002/EC. A Member State may decide for duly justified reasons to delay the availability of the band for up to two years. In that case, it shall inform other Member States and the Commission accordingly. Where necessary, Member States shall carry out the authorisation process or amend relevant existing rights to use the spectrum in accordance with Directive 2002/20/EC, in order to allow that use.
Amendment 167 #
Proposal for a decision
Article 4 – paragraph 1
Article 4 – paragraph 1
(1) Member States shall ensure, at least until 2030, availability of the 470-694 MHz frequency band or parts of the band for the terrestrial provision of audiovisual mediabroadcasting services to mass audiences, including free television, and for use by wireless audio PMSE equipment, based on national broadcasting needs. Member States shall ensure that any other use of the 470-694 MHz frequency band on their territory is compatible with national broadcasting needs and does not cause harmful interference with the terrestrial provision of audiovisual mediabroadcasting services in a neighbouring Member State.
Amendment 174 #
Proposal for a decision
Article 4 – paragraph 2
Article 4 – paragraph 2
Amendment 184 #
Proposal for a decision
Article 5 – paragraph 1
Article 5 – paragraph 1
By 30 June 20178, Member States shall adopt and make public their national plan and schedule (‘national roadmap’) for fulfilling their obligations under Articles 1 and 4 of this Decision.
Amendment 204 #
Proposal for a decision
Article 6 – paragraph 1
Article 6 – paragraph 1
By 1 January 2025, the Commission, in cooperation with the Member States, shall carry out an assessment and report to the Council and Parliament on developments in the use of the 470-694790 MHz frequency band, taking into account the social, economic, cultural and technological aspects affecting the use of the band pursuant to Articles 1 and 4. The report shall assess whether it is necessary to change the use of the 470-694790 MHz frequency band, or any part of it, in the Union.