ELECTRONIC COMMUNICATIONS COMMITTEE
ECC Decision
of 18 March 2005
on the withdrawal of the
ERC/DEC(94)02
''Decision on the frequency band to be designated for the coordinated introduction of the
European Radio Messaging System (ERMES)''
(ECC/DEC/(05)03)
EXPLANATORY MEMORANDUM
1 INTRODUCTION
Based on market forecasts and requests from industry, CEPT has designated spectrum and provided relevant regulatory provisions for ERMES in a number of ERC recommendations and ERC decisions.
In 1994 the ERC adopted ERC/DEC(94)02 on the frequency band to be designated for the coordinated introduction of the European Radio Messaging System (ERMES), and identified the frequency band 169.4125 - 169.8125 MHz for this purpose. The EU Council Directive 90/544EEC of 9 October 1990 addresses the same issue.
In many CEPT countries ERMES networks were licensed, however, the actual developments of subscriber numbers in the ERMES networks have not given the expected economical success of these networks. A survey carried out by the European Radiocommunications Office (ERO) at the end of 2001showed that in most CEPT countries the allocated frequency band was no longer used for ERMES systems. The CEPT administrations therefore have decided that other applications should be identified that would benefit from the harmonised status of the band. A project team under the Frequency Management Working Group of the ECC was established for this purpose, and to propose the necessary regulatory provisions, while at the same time taking due account of the systems currently operating in the band.
In June 2003 the European Commission issued a mandate to CEPT to review future possible applications for the band 169.4 - 169.8 MHz in the light of Community policies.
2 BACKGROUND
Around the year 1990 a number of different radio paging systems were in existence in CEPT countries, using different bands in different countries. In order to give coverage across Europe, both CEPT and the European Union worked to define a common standard suitable for cross-border operation. Market research had identified a clear need for such a paging system. Based on those forecasts, ETSI developed the European Radio Message System standard (ETS 300 133). The frequencies required for the ERMES system were incorporated in both CEPT Recommendation T/R 25-07 and in the EEC Directive (90/544/EEC). In 1994 the ERC adopted ERC Decision ERC/DEC(94)02 that covering the frequencies set out in both the Recommendation and the Directive. The frequency band and channel arrangement indicated in the CEPT Recommendation and the Directive only provided 15 channels. Based on the requirements the frequency band identified in the ERC/DEC(94)02 was slightly changed from 169.4 - 169.8 MHz to 169.4125 - 169.8125 MHz to allow 16 ERMES-channels. In 1998 the ERC also developed and adopted ERC Decision ERC/DEC(98)23 that covering the exemption from individual licensing of ERMES paging receivers.
3 REQUIREMENT FOR AN ECC DECISION
The recent record of ERMES paging networks in most CEPT Member countries over the last years has clearly shown that the earlier market estimates were too optimistic. Based on the results of the survey conducted by ERO, CEPT administrations have agreed that there is no need for the ERMES Decision. The ECC has agreed the new Decision ECC/DEC/(05)02 in order to give room for possible new applications to use the frequency band 169.4 - 169.8125 MHz, consequentially ERC/DEC(94)02 is withdrawn.
ECC Decision
of 18 March 2005
on the withdrawal of the ERC/DEC(94)02
''Decision on the frequency band to be designated for the coordinated introduction of the
European Radio Messaging System (ERMES)''
(ECC/DEC/(05)03)
''The European Conference of Postal and Telecommunications Administrations,
considering
a) that CEPT has designated spectrum and provided relevant regulatory provisions for ERMES in a number of ERC recommendations and ERC decisions over many years;
b) that in 1994 the ERC agreed on an ERC Decision on the frequency band to be designated for the coordinated introduction of the European Radio Messaging System (ERMES) (ERC/DEC(94)02);
c) that CEPT Recommendation T/R 25-07 regarding the band 169.4125 - 169.8125 MHz remains in force in relation to the paging and other incumbent systems that remain operational in the band;
d) that the actual development of subscriber numbers in ERMES networks did not meet the forecasted numbers and consequentially the ERMES networks have not had the expected economical success;
e) that a survey conducted by European Radiocommunication Office as well as information collected by the WG FM and its project team shows only a few countries have ERMES systems in operation;
f) that the ECC has agreed a new ECC Decision on the use of the frequency band 169.4 - 169.8125 MHz.
DECIDES
1. to withdraw the ''ERC Decision on the frequency band to be designated for the coordinated introduction of the European Radio Messaging System (ERMES)'' (ERC/DEC(94)02);
2. that this Decision enters into force on 18 March 2005;
3. that CEPT administrations shall communicate the national measures implementing this Decision to the ECC Chairman and the Office when the Decision is nationally implemented.''
Note:
Please check the Office web site (EROhttps://docdb.cept.org/document/category/ECC_Decisions?status=ACTIVE) for the up to date position on the implementation of this and other ECC decisions.
Consult:
- ECC/DEC/(05)03 https://docdb.cept.org/download/1670
