22 Nov 2017

DSA makes Euro spectrum plea

The Dynamic Spectrum Alliance (DSA) has called for legislators to safeguard what it calls “important provisions” on the sharing and management of spectrum within the draft European Electronic Communications Code (EECC).

In a paper addressed to the Council of Ministers and the European Parliament, the DSA has said it strongly supports proposals empowering managers to reallocate under-utilised spectrum. These are set out in Articles 19(2) and 45(3) of the EECC, a document which is currently being finalised, with both legislative organisations attempting to reach a common position.

A spokesperson for the DSA said: “The draft code gives more prominence to spectrum sharing as a tool for making more efficient use [of spectrum] while protecting incumbents. The DSA also has concerns over the potential introduction of minimum 25-year license terms, a period which would span multiple technology life-cycles.”

Kalpak Gude, president of the Dynamic Spectrum Alliance, said: “Regarding issues around licensing, such long durations will delay the use of new and more efficient technology when it becomes available. Lengthy license terms inherently risk constraining competition and stifling innovation.

“As the lawmakers seek a compromise, the DSA advocates a middle ground which would avoid introducing legally-sanctioned and dangerously long license lengths and, instead, emphasise flexible licensing policies."