Spectrum sharing policy in Europe

Abstract

While the importance of harmonization on spectrum matters in the global scale is well known and the national regulatory authorities possess the power to govern the spectrum use within their territory, the regional level regulatory activities are important to bridge the gap between these two levels. This chapter introduces the spectrum management framework and spectrum sharing initiatives in the regional level in Europe. The roles of major European regulation and standardization authorities are outlined as well as the cooperation framework between these entities. Additionally, the activities promoting spectrum sharing in Europe is discussed. These European spectrum sharing policy developments have addressed the introduction of additional users in a spectrum band considering both individual usage rights and general authorization by developing specifically licensed shared access and TV white space sharing concepts. These sharing concept are introduced on general level as well as on the basis of introducing the underlying regional regulatory and standardization activities that have led to harmonized overall framework, leaving national administrations the freedom to decide on details of the implementation of the concept.