3GPP Market Representation Partners have played their part in encouraging the European Paliament to amend the GSM Directive (87/372/EEC) to allow the use of the 900 MHz band for 3G networks.

In Europe the band has been reserved for GSM, but many operators have supported a change to the Directive to allow them to deliver new services.

Alan Hadden, President, GSA said in their press release of today:

“This groundbreaking spectrum agreement in Brussels enables more Europeans to benefit from mobile broadband services. It is a clear signal to all regulators to prepare the path in their respective markets for a new wave of HSPA deployments in the 900 MHz band.”



Sources:

• Prepare for New Wave of UMTS900 Deployments as Brussels Gives the Green Light, says GSA

• Lift regulatory obstacles to UMTS900 in Europe, says UMTS Forum

• GSMA Spectrum Refarming pages

• European Council Directive 87/372/EEC (GSM Directive)

• European Parliament pages on 87/372/EEC