Authorizations for satellite personal communication services
The European Parliament and Council have adopted a Decision on a coordinated authorization approach in the field of satellite personal communication services. The Decision aims to ensure that new satellite personal communications services which are being developed are introduced in a manner which encourages compatibility. Given the nature of the services, which are designed to be used by travellers moving between and outwith Member States, there is a clear need for interoperability and common standards. The approach contained in the Decision is intended to be an interim procedure, which will last for three years, until the framework for general authorizations and licences in telecommunications is adopted. The need for an interim approach arises since there are no existing rules for cooperation in this fast-developing field. The coordination approach relates in particular to the rules for allocating and using frequencies. For this area, mandates will be given to the European Conference of Postal and Telecommunications Administrations (CEPT), the European Radiocommunications Committee (ERC) and the European Committee for Telecommunications Regulatory Affairs (Ectra) for the harmonization of frequencies. Work on harmonization will start in July 1997, in the 1.6/2.4 GHz and 1.9/2.1 GHz frequency bands. The Commission will also, where appropriate, take steps to introduce a "one-stop shop" procedure for the granting of individual licences and general authorizations for operating services in the Community.