The EU council has published a proposal to free up the 700 MHz band spectrum for wireless broadband in Europe by 2020, making the spectrum exclusively for mobile broadband services. The low band spectrum enables high speeds and good penetration, making it ideal for mobile internet services and to promote the take-up of 4G in Europe. Broadcasting services would keep priority in the sub-700 MHz band at least until 2030.
The use of 700MHz spectrum is expected to make it easier to roll out 5G as soon as it becomes available (around 2020) that will allow effective deployment of innovative services such as connected cars, smart cities and remote healthcare.
According to the Council position, EU countries must reassign the 700 MHz band (694-790 MHz) to wireless broadband services under harmonized technical conditions by 30 June 2020. Member states must adopt a 'national roadmap' by 30 June 2018, setting out how they will implement the decision.
The Council position stipulates that member states must ensure the availability of the sub-700 MHz(470-694 MHz) band for digital television and wireless microphones at least until 2030, based on national needs. The 470-790 MHz range is currently widely used for digital television broadcasting and for wireless microphones, for instance in theatres, concerts and sporting events.