World Radiocommunications Conference - Community position
The European Commission has adopted a communication concerning the forthcoming World Radiocommunications Conference, to be held in Geneva in October and November 1997. The Commission wishes to ensure that the Member States are able to establish a common position, and that the Community is more involved in the process, in respect of the Conference. The significance of the Conference is that it is the main forum for the planning and allocation of scarce radio frequencies. The World Radiocommunications Conferences, held every two years under the auspices of the International Telecommunications Union (ITU), are concerned mainly with the technical aspects of frequency allocation. However, the decisions taken at the conference often have a significant impact on policy aspects, including regulatory and trade issues. Currently, Member States prepare positions before the Conference in the Conference Preparatory Group (CPG). However, the Commission suggests that the Community should become more involved in this process. In particular, Community involvement would allow for better responses to last minute offers from third countries, made during the Conference. Community involvement at this stage would also ensure that the Member States' positions are fully inline with Community policies and legislation. The Commission is also concerned to ensure that industry is more involved, particularly in the preparatory stages, so as to ensure that Community positions are compatible with European industry. Issues which are due to be discussed at the 1997 World Radiocommunications Conference include: - Mobile satellite and fixed satellite services; - Simplification of ITU Radio Regulations; - The rules applicable to broadcasting services; - Modification of the frequency allocation table to accommodate specific scientific and maritime services; - Discussion of allocation of spectrum above 30GHz for high-density applications.