The European Internet Forum held a dinner debate on spectrum policy in the context of the upcoming World Radiocommunication Conference (WRC) 2015 and the Digital Single Market Strategy of the European Commission on 29 September. The event, hosted by MEP Gunnar Hokmark, brought together the European Commission, Member State representatives, industry leaders and, of course, key members of the European Parliament.
As WRC-15 approaches, the availability of spectrum is a hotly-debated topic. At the event, each of the industries represented made a case for more spectrum. The GSMA Vice-President for Europe Afke Schaart outlined the need for harmonisation of spectrum policy. As the discussion touched on several of the bands on the agenda for WRC-15, Afke emphasised the need for policy makers to consider both the short-term needs and future requirements, especially with respect to 5G mobile technologies. In a debate with the broadcasting community on the UHF band, Afke stressed the importance of flexibility in the upcoming review so that individual Member States have the option to take a lead in Europe. Highlighting the rising demand for data, Afke also noted that critical spectrum resources are required to enable the development of the Digital Single Market.