On 9 September, the final results of the study ''Exploiting the digital dividend - a European approach'' were published. This study was ordered by the European Commission from a consortium involving the consultants Analysys Mason, DotEcon and the law firm Hogan & Hartson, and was developed in close cooperation with the Radio Spectrum Policy Group (RSPG). Its goal is to assess the socio-economic impact of the potential uses of the digital dividend and determine concerted actions for maximising its benefits.
In releasing the study, the results of the socio-economic analysis of the options for coordinated action across Europe and a series of nine actions which, together, form the way forward recommended for the exploitation of the digital dividend in European Union (EU). The concerted actions involve, in particular, the availability of the 790-862 MHz sub-band (often referred to as the ''800 MHz'' band) for electronic communications services, as well as the demand that all digital television receivers sold in the EU meet compression standards which are as efficient as MPEG-4, as well as the minimum standards for interference rejection.
The results of the study will form the basis of the Commission's Communication on the digital dividend (including a proposed policy roadmap), which is due in October 2009.
The study whose results are now being presented was conducted as part of a consultation on the same issue. The Commission has also released the contributions received, including contributions from ANACOM, in respect of this consultation, which it launched on 4 September.
Further information:
- Delivering the digital dividend http://ec.europa.eu/information_society/policy/ecomm/radio_spectrum/topics/reorg/dividend/index_en.htm
- Exploiting the digital dividend - a European approach http://www.analysysmason.com/EC_digital_dividend_study
