Brussels hosted last 18-19 October the 61st meeting of the Radio Spectrum Committee (RSC) of the European Commission (EC).
The following stand out among the matters debated:
-
Short range radars (SRR) in the 24 GHz band
The Commission draft decision modifying Decision 2005/50/EC on harmonisation of radio spectrum in the 24 GHz frequency band for time-limited use in short range radar equipment by automobiles in the Union was subject to verbal vote procedure. This proposed modification just replaces the obligation to annually provide to the EC a set of data on short range radars (SRR), made available on specific occasions at the Commission’s request. After the vote, that draft decision received a favourable opinion from the RSC and will soon be adopted by the EC. Portugal voted in favour.
-
Radio local area networks (RLANs) in 6 GHz
A possible new initiative was discussed, meant to increase the amount of spectrum available for radio local area networks (RLANs). The discussion at first focused on a possible draft mandate for the European Conference of Postal and Telecommunications Administrations (CEPT) for RLAN in the 6 GHz band. There were different points of view on the scope, i.e. the portion of band to study (5925-6425 MHz, 5925-6725 MHz or even 5925-7125 MHz). Comments also concerned the planned timetable for CEPT’s work with a view to developing harmonised RLAN usage conditions in the 6 GHz band.
The EC will also draw up a draft mandate for which comments from member states will be requested so that it can be presented at the December RSC meeting.
-
Intelligent transport systems (ITS)
The EC submitted for final discussion the draft mandate for CEPT to study the possibility of extending the upper limit of the band harmonised for ITS security applications (5875-5905 MHz) by 20 MHz up to 5925 MHz.
The eventual update of Decision 2008/671/EC is also meant to allow other means of transport beyond road transport, such as urban rail (using communication-based train control) in the harmonised ITS band at European level.
During the meeting various proposals to modify the draft mandate’s text were presented. A stable text was achieved, which the Commission decided to subject to verbal vote procedure. The text was adopted.
-
1.5 GHz band
The EC presented an initial draft implementing decision that modifies Decision (EU) 2015/750 based on CEPT Report 65, which should be completed in November. The approach presented garnered general support, though some questions must still be made clear (on the formulation of some elements).
The EC services will ask member states to submit comments so that this matter can be discussed again at the December RSC meeting.
-
Low power short range devices (SRDs) – 7th update
The EC presented a revision of the CEPT guidelines regarding the seventh update of Decision 2006/771/EC on SRD, based on comments received from the member states. They will be forwarded to CEPT, thus beginning a new update cycle until March 2019.
-
870-876 and 915-921 MHz bands
The EC presented a new draft revision of recitals and articles for an eventual decision in the 870-876 and 915-921 MHz bands, taking into account the written comments received from member states.
While some member states sought a stable text so a draft decision could be achieved at the next meeting in December, others preferred to await new studies from the railways and to postpone this matter until the July 2018 meeting.
As no consensus was reached, this matter will be considered again at the next meeting scheduled for 6-7 December 2017.
