In submissions to the Radio Spectrum Policy Group (RSPG) consultation, the GSMA highlighted how exclusive spectrum access (through the licensing process) provides benefits to both consumers and the mobile industry. Spectrum licences should be no less than 20 years with a strong presumption of renewal and usage conditions that enable spectrum trading, infrastructure sharing and pooling.
Moreover, greater coordination across the EU of when spectrum rights are granted and released would generate economies of scale and avoid interference in border regions. The adoption of EU guiding principles, as well as best practice in terms of selection and award methods, would improve coordination and harmonisation in Europe. In particular, the assignment procedures in the EU should be objective, transparent, and non-discriminatory in their treatment of existing and new mobile operators.
Future spectrum awards should also ensure that radio frequencies are effectively assigned and efficiently used. The licence rights and obligations should be clear and promote competition as well as downstream market efficiency, following consultations with industry and other stakeholders to ensure there are no distortions or flaws. Most importantly, the main objective of the award should be to raise the long-term economic value of the spectrum for the economy, society, and consumers through the deployment of mobile networks.
Read the GSMA responses to the RSPG consultations on the GSMA Europe website.