The GSMA, the body that represents the worldwide mobile communications industry, is pleased to learn that Spain’s industry ministry has announced that he will issue a decree to regulate the 790 to 862 megahertz band that will be freed up after Spain phases out analogue television. 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 Internet broadband.<\/p>\n
\u201cThis is an extremely welcome move by the Spanish Government which will allow the Spanish people to realise the full potential of the digital dividend,\u201d said Tom Phillips Chief Government and Regulatory Affairs Officer, GSMA. \u201cThe 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.\u00a0 A harmonised approach will stimulate competition in the mobile market, encourage economic growth and deliver consumers new services at lower cost.\u201d<\/p>\n
The Spanish government\u2019s decision reflects a growing momentum in Europe towards the establishment of a common harmonised frequency band for mobile broadband services. The GSMA has been working closely with governments and regulators in the region as well as other parts of the world to demonstrate the huge and measureable benefits of the digital dividend. This boost to the global economy at this critical time will also enable widespread Internet access, fuelling significant productivity enhancements and social benefits.<\/p>\n