How will the additional spectrum be licensed?
The method and timing of the allocation of the additional spectrum raises a number of issues and will depend on, amongst other things, the development of the 3G mobile market beyond initial deployment. No decisions have yet been taken. The bands identified by WRC-2000 for 3G expansion are used currently in the UK for a range of existing applications. In the band 2500 2690 MHz, there are ancillary broadcasting links used for electronic news gathering and outside broadcasts operated in the UK and internationally. The band is also earmarked for some satellite usage. Consideration of how to clear the spectrum of existing users, and to co-ordinate with existing usage, will be needed before the spectrum could be made available for 3G use. Although the WRC has identified the spectrum internationally, work will be needed within Europe (CEPT) in order to implement the decisions of the WRC within the harmonised European framework. Once the necessary European (ERC) Decisions are in place, it is l
