The Council adopted a general approach on a draft decision aimed at freeing up 700 MHz band for mobile broadband services. The 700 MHz band (694-790 MHz), which offers high speeds and extensive coverage, would be made available for wireless broadband in Europe by 2020. According to the Council position, EU countries must reassign the 700 MHz band to wireless broadband services under harmonised technical conditions by 30 June 2020. If they are unable to do this they may decide, for duly justified reasons, to delay the availability of the band by up to two years. Broadcasting services would keep priority in the sub-700 MHz band (470–694 MHz). The Council position stipulates that member states must ensure the availability of the sub-700 MHz band for digital television at least until 2030, based on national needs.
The Council held a policy debate on the upcoming review of the EU telecoms rules. The questions prepared by the presidency focused on the three main topics of the review: 1) Access to fixed communication networks; 2) Management of spectrum for mobile communication networks; 3) Rules for providers of communication services.
In the debate, Hungary stressed that Hungary generally supports the approach for maintaining competition focused regulation. Hungary recognises that regulation in a more and more complex market situation may require a flexible toolbox. This flexibility should be further fostered in order for National Regulatory Authorities to use regulatory instruments complementarily, and where appropriate.
As far as spectrum management is concerned Hungary believes that the EU goals can be reached within the current regulatory framework and with enhanced interaction of current institutions (with the involvement of BEREC and RSPG).
It has to be carefully examined which rules of the current regulatory framework could be expanded to new market players. This means, it has to be assessed which obligations and rights are applicable to the new market players. I has to be kept in mind that these new services have a high innovation potential – which can be easily harmed by unreasonably detailed regulation.
The forthcoming review of EU telecoms rules is foreseen for autumn 2016.
Lastly, the Dutch presidency reported on the endorsement of the deal on the first EU-wide rules on the accessibility of public sector websites and mobile applications. The presidency also briefed ministers on the draft directive on network and information security, on which the Council adopted its position at first reading. Once confirmed by the EP, both sets of rules (accessibility and security) could enter into force during the second half of the year.
