GSMA Welcomes Multi-Country Support for Sub-700MHz Spectrum for Mobile Broadband at WRC-15

John Giusti, Chief Regulatory Officer, GSMA, commented on the submission of multi-country proposals in support of spectrum for mobile to the International Telecommunication Union (ITU), in advance of the World Radiocommunication Conference (WRC-15) in Geneva next month:

“The GSMA welcomes the progress amongst the six ITU regional groups in recognising the need for identifying additional spectrum for mobile broadband at the upcoming WRC-15. We further applaud the countries that have joined proposals that demonstrate their national support for more spectrum for mobile services in advance of the one country, one vote process in Geneva this November.

“The GSMA is particularly encouraged by the importance that many governments have placed on ensuring flexibility for the UHF (sub-700MHz) band, which has historically been used for TV broadcasting and is increasingly critical for meeting rapidly growing demand for mobile broadband from citizens and businesses around the world. The way we view video content is changing and mobile broadband is playing an ever more significant role in providing consumers with video when and where they want it. The efficiency of new digital broadcast technologies means that some of this TV spectrum can be freed up to provide essential and affordable mobile broadband, while still ensuring access to remaining broadcast services.

“We are seeing positive momentum for the UHF spectrum band from many countries in Regions 2 and 3 – namely in the Bahamas, Barbados, Belize, Canada, Colombia, Mexico, New Zealand, Papua New Guinea and the United States – which has resulted in multi-country proposals being submitted to the ITU, supporting part or all of the band for possible future use for mobile broadband. In Europe, Finland has submitted a single-country proposal for the UHF band, while Egypt is spearheading a multi-country proposal in the Middle East, supported by Jordan, Lebanon and Morocco.

“By planning ahead now, countries that identify mobile allocations at WRC-15 will ensure they have the flexibility to satisfy future mobile data demand of their citizens. The more countries that support a band, the greater the possibility for global harmonisation, offering substantial economies of scale, reducing interference along country borders and delivering cost benefits for consumers.”

-ENDS-

About the GSMA

The GSMA represents the interests of mobile operators worldwide, uniting nearly 800 operators with more than 250 companies in the broader mobile ecosystem, including handset and device makers, software companies, equipment providers and internet companies, as well as organisations in adjacent industry sectors. The GSMA also produces industry-leading events such as Mobile World Congress, Mobile World Congress Shanghai and the Mobile 360 Series conferences.

For more information, please visit the GSMA corporate website at www.gsma.com. Follow the GSMA on Twitter: @GSMA.

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