Commission consults on radio spectrum policy The European Commission has published its final green paper on radio spectrum policy. The paper has a number of implications for research policy, particularly affecting radioastronomers and earth observation, and comments are invited. In the area of R&D, the green paper obse... The European Commission has published its final green paper on radio spectrum policy. The paper has a number of implications for research policy, particularly affecting radioastronomers and earth observation, and comments are invited. In the area of R&D, the green paper observes that radio spectrum availability has not been seen as a matter requiring legislative or political action. The scientific disciplines which rely on availability, particularly Earth observation and radioastronomy have had access to the bands they require. However, radio spectrum which historically has been available for such uses has come under pressure, either because new entrants wish to use the radio spectrum currently used by researchers or because interference form other services has increased to such an extent that the performance of research activities becomes technically difficult. Since demand for certain frequency bands exceeds supply, the green paper warns that EU policymakers are faced with a new situation where radio spectrum availability for R&D "can no longer be taken for granted". In addition, a variety of research and technology development activities funded by the EU are dependent on the radio spectrum for implementation and could be affected by re-allocations of the spectrum. The green paper highlights amongst these mobile communications, delivery of audio-visual entertainment and new transport telematics systems. The development of mobile terrestrial communication has been subject to intensive R&D activities at EU-level through the ACTS programme in the Fourth Framework Programme. Satellite Communication has been recognised as a necessary component in realising the Information Society. And the EU actively contributes to efforts to coordinate the introduction of global Satellite Personal Communications Services systems, which requires the harmonisation of radio spectrum bands. A growing number of transport telematics systems are emerging, many resulting from related R&D activities. New proposals such as comprehensive transport information systems or a Europe-wide "GSM for Railways" phone service are being developed. The European Commission's MEDIA programme aims at promoting and developing the European audio-visual industry. Digitisation and the development of new services such as specialist channels and Video-on-Demand will create increased demand for audio-visual content, increasing pressure on the radio spectrum. The European Commission pursues efforts to stimulate the technological underpinning of Earth observation through R&D programmes. Under the Fourth Framework Programme around ECU 275 million were dedicated to the topic. The commission's proposal for the Fifth Framework Programme includes research developing generic Earth observation technologies, notably satellite technologies for environmental monitoring and resources. All interested parties are invited to contribute to the debate by responding to the issues raised in the green paper and by making any submission they with on the subject before 15 April 1999.
