The GSM Association (GSMA) says it is pleased with the Spanish Industry Ministrys decision to issue a decree to regulate the 790 to 862MHz band that will be freed up after Spain phases out analogue television, and is calling on other governments to do likewise. The Ministry announced that the spectrum would be available for uses other than analogue television as of January 2015 and which would likely be reserved for cellular use, especially for Mobile Broadband.
This is an extremely welcome move by the Spanish Government, which will allow the Spanish people to realise the full potential of the digital dividend, says the GSMAs Chief Government and Regulatory Affairs Officer, Tom Phillips. The GSMA calls on other governments in Europe and across the world to act equally decisively and also allocate this spectrum band to mobile broadband services. A harmonised approach will stimulate competition in the mobile market, encourage economic growth and deliver consumers new services at lower cost.
The GSMA has been working closely with governments and regulators in Europe and other parts of the world to demonstrate the huge and measureable benefits of the digital dividend.