BEREC Vice-Chair L. Kozlowska on the importance of spectrum for the networks and services regulated by the NRAs in BEREC

On 15 June, the BEREC Vice-Chair, Lidia Kozlowska, on behalf of the BEREC Chair 2015 Professor Fatima Barros, participated in the 10^th Annual European Spectrum Management Conference in Brussels, Belgium. The conference brought together more than 250 delegates and top level speakers, including the key European decision makers and representatives of the global spectrum communities.

During her speech, the BEREC Vice-Chair emphasized the importance of spectrum for the networks and services regulated by the NRAs in BEREC. Efficient spectrum management is crucial for proper functioning of competition and the achievement of the goals set out in the Digital Agenda 2020. The Vice-Chair stressed that radio spectrum, though not a core competence of BEREC, remains an important part of its work and BEREC maintains close relations with relevant parties working on this subject matter, especially with the Radio Spectrum Policy Group. She outlined major trends in service usage and consumer expectations that need a relevant response. She briefly touched on the spectrum proposals announced in the Commission’s Communication on a Digital Single Market Strategy for Europe and declared BEREC’s willingness to engage in the forthcoming regulatory framework review process.

The 10^th Annual European Spectrum Management Conference was an opportunity to discuss major spectrum issues in the context of the forthcoming WRC-15 and developments at a European level, such as the continuing drive towards an internal digital market and the expected release of the 2nd Radio Spectrum Policy Programme. Participants also exchanged their views on the future of the 700 MHz band, offloading, backhaul, auctions and spectrum