EC calls for European spectrum to be set aside for mobile broadband

A specific band of radio spectrum should be set aside throughout Europe to ease the development of mobilebroadband connectivity, according to the European Commission (EC).

The EC believes the 790 to 862 megahertz band should be part of the spectrum reserved for this purpose so that mobilebroadband communications can be standardised across the continent, potentially making applications such as VoIP solutions more efficient.

This specific bandwidth is currently used for analogue television broadcasting, but there remains concern that when the existing signal is switched off countries developing mobilebroadband coverage at a slower rate that others could start using it for regional television instead.

Mobilebroadband coverage problems could be created if signals start to interfere with each other.

The EC estimates Europe could reap economic benefits valued as much as €50 billion (£45.2 billion) over the next 15 years if its recommendation is embraced by member states.

Mobilebroadband is seen as one way the UK's universal connectivity policy could reach rural communities by 2012.