EPP Hearing: A Radio Spectrum Policy for Europe Panel 2: Impact of Digital Switchover on EU Citizens Martin Whitehead – GSMA Europe 12 January 2011

About GSMA Europe We represent the interests of the worldwide mobile communications industry and have nearly 800 operator members covering over 200 countries. Between them they provide over 4 billion mobile connections across the globe. The GSMA also has more than 200 associate members from the broader mobile ecosystem – this group includes handset makers, software companies, equipment providers, Internet companies, and media and entertainment organizations. In the European Union the GSMA represents over 100 operators providing more than 600 million subscriber connections.

The switchover releases the digital dividend The digital switchover releases digital dividend spectrum. If part of this is allocated to mobile broadband, the impact on EU citizens will be strongly positive. More EU citizens could benefit from innovative mobile broadband applications and services.

Mobile broadband demand driven by advances in key technologies Explosion in mobile data usage enabled by advances in… Mobile phone usage Network + Devices Internet access Applications

Smartphone 50x traffic of a feature phone Surging mobile data demand. Smartphone 50x traffic of a feature phone 8X Laptop user 25x traffic of a Smartphone By 2015, networks will need to support over 700% more traffic than they do today Source: ABI Research Source: ABI Research

A historic opportunity t Very rare for such an amount of spectrum below 1 GHz to become available for re-allocation e.g. only 70MHz below 1GHz found for GSM services framework for current use dates back to 1961

Mobilising Europe’s Digital Agenda wwgsmworld.com/gsmaeurope/digital_agenda

A WORLD OF CONNECTIONS… Mobile beyond voice Consumer Electronics Healthcare Transportation Utilities Government A WORLD OF CONNECTIONS… 7

Mobile broadband: the benefits for EU citizens The expanding coverage and capacity of mobile networks will act as a significant economic stimulus. Mobile broadband can positively impact rural and less populated communities by spreading the benefits of the knowledge economy to all. Mobile is becoming a critical enabler of eco-efficiency with mobile broadband providing the necessary connectivity, transmission capabilities and security to help consumers and businesses more effectively manage their energy consumption. Mobile broadband is a key area of innovation in the delivery of healthcare, education and government services.

The Radio Spectrum Policy Programme Maximise the benefits of the digital switchover by encouraging all Member States to free up the 800 MHz digital dividend band for wireless broadband by 1 January 2013. Act now to ensure that there continues to be sufficient spectrum for wireless communications services for the long term. Ensure a clear approach to the harmonisation of spectrum use in Europe. Ensure that key spectrum assets are tradeable in all Member States and that regulations remain service and technology neutral.  

A final word Mobile broadband is good for the EU’s citizens, its economy and its society. And the digital dividend is good for mobile broadband. Let’s make the most of this historic opportunity!