EU backs wireless net use of dividend spectrum

Half of the radio spectrum freed-up by the analogue TV switch-off should be reserved for wireless internet services, the European Commission has said.

The commission is planning to issue guidelines on use of the digital dividend spectrum for all member states later this year.

Telecoms commissioner Viviane Reding has favoured the encouragement of wireless technologies which could drive broadband internet penetration.

In what she called a "bold proposal" yesterday, Reding said: "Let us agree to make a very efficient and consumer-friendly use of Europe's digital dividend. Let us agree to allocate, by 2010, 50% of this to new mobile and wireless services."

In the UK Ofcom has said the market should dictate what the cleared spectrum is used for in a "technology agnostic" auction process. More than 50% is likely to be bought with the aim of providing mobile services. Traditional terrestrial TV broadcasters, which had hoped to be given or loaned spectrum for high definition channels, are not expected to buy any.

Spain, in contrast, has clashed with the commission by saying it expects to use all the spectrum for TV. The European Broadcasting Union argues that auctions should be limited because free-to-air television is more socially valuable than other services.

Separately, Reding is also planning to publish guidance or regulation on fibre-based next-generation access networks. Companies need more assurance that investment in roll-out will pay off, she said.

"The objective will be to give certainty to investors on their return on investments over a reasonable timeframe, and to also make sure that access to new bottleneck infrastructures is guaranteed."