Decision (EU) 2017/899 of the European Parliament and of the Council of 17 May 2017 on the use of the 470-790 MHz frequency band in the Union
Decision (EU) 2017/899 of the European Parliament and of the Council of 17 May 2017 on the use of the 470-790 MHz frequency band in the Union
Decision (EU) 2017/899 · Decision · 10 articles
Data as of 2026-07-04 · Compiled from an official source version. Later amendments or repeals may not be reflected; the official text prevails. · Read the official text ↗
1. By 30 June 2020, Member States shall allow the use of the 694-790 MHz (‘700 MHz’) frequency band for terrestrial systems capable of providing wireless broadband electronic communications services only under harmonised technical conditions established by the Commission pursuant to Article 4 of Decision No 676/2002/EC.
Member States may, however, delay allowing the use of the 700 MHz frequency band for up to two years on the basis of one or more of the duly justified reasons set out in the Annex to this Decision. In the case of such a delay, the Member State concerned shall inform the other Member States and the Commission accordingly and shall include those duly justified reasons in the national roadmap adopted pursuant to Article 5 of this Decision. Where necessary, Member States shall carry out the authorisation process or amend relevant existing rights to use the spectrum in accordance with Directive 2002/20/EC, in order to allow such use.
A Member State that delays allowing the use of the 700 MHz frequency band under the second subparagraph and the Member States affected by that delay shall cooperate with each other with a view to coordinating the process of releasing the 700 MHz frequency band for wireless broadband electronic communications services and shall include information on such coordination in the national roadmaps adopted pursuant to Article 5.
2. In order to allow the use of the 700 MHz frequency band in accordance with paragraph 1, Member States shall, by 31 December 2017, conclude all the necessary cross-border frequency-coordination agreements within the Union.
3. Member States shall not be bound by the obligations laid down in paragraphs 1 and 2 in geographical areas where frequency coordination with third countries remains unresolved, provided that Member States make all practicable efforts to minimise the duration and geographical scope of such unresolved coordination and report the results to the Commission, on an annual basis, until the outstanding coordination issues have been resolved.
The first subparagraph shall apply to the spectrum coordination problems in the Republic of Cyprus arising from the fact that the Government of Cyprus is prevented from exercising effective control in part of its territory.
4. This Decision is without prejudice to the right of Member States to organise and use their spectrum for the purposes of public order, public security and defence.
Upon the granting of the rights of use in the 700 MHz frequency band for terrestrial systems capable of providing wireless broadband electronic communications services, Member States shall allow the transfer or leasing of such rights in accordance with open and transparent procedures pursuant to the applicable Union law.
1. When Member States authorise the use of or amend existing rights to use the 700 MHz frequency band, they shall take due account of the need to achieve the target speed and quality objectives set out in Article 6(1) of Decision No 243/2012/EU, including coverage in predetermined national priority areas where necessary, such as along major terrestrial transport paths, for the purpose of allowing wireless applications and European leadership in new digital services to contribute effectively to Union economic growth. Such measures may include conditions to facilitate or encourage the sharing of network infrastructure or spectrum in accordance with Union law.
2. In applying paragraph 1, Member States shall assess the need to attach conditions to the rights of use for frequencies within the 700 MHz frequency band and, where appropriate, shall consult relevant stakeholders in that regard.
Member States shall ensure availability at least until 2030 of the 470-694 MHz (‘sub-700 MHz’) frequency band for the terrestrial provision of broadcasting services, including free television, and for use by wireless audio PMSE on the basis of national needs, while taking into account the principle of technological neutrality. Member States shall ensure that any other use of the sub-700 MHz frequency band on their territory is compatible with the national broadcasting needs in the relevant Member State and does not cause harmful interference to, or claim protection from, the terrestrial provision of broadcasting services in a neighbouring Member State. Such use shall be without prejudice to obligations resulting from international agreements, such as cross-border frequency-coordination agreements.
1. As soon as possible and no later than 30 June 2018, Member States shall adopt and make public their national plan and schedule (‘national roadmap’), including detailed steps for fulfilling their obligations under Articles 1 and 4. Member States shall draw up their national roadmaps after consulting all relevant stakeholders.
2. In order to ensure that the use of the 700 MHz frequency band is in accordance with Article 1(1), Member States shall include in their national roadmaps, where appropriate, information on measures, including any support measures, to limit the impact of the forthcoming transition process on the public and on wireless audio PMSE use and to facilitate the timely availability of interoperable television broadcasting network equipment and receivers in the internal market.
Member States may, where appropriate and in accordance with Union law, ensure that adequate compensation for the direct cost, in particular for end users, of the migration or reallocation of spectrum use is provided promptly and in a transparent manner in order to, inter alia, facilitate transition to more spectrum-efficient technologies.
At the request of the Member State concerned, the Commission may provide guidance on such compensation in order to facilitate the transition in spectrum use.
The Commission shall, in cooperation with the Member States, report to the European Parliament and to the Council on developments in the use of the sub-700 MHz frequency band, with a view to ensuring efficient use of spectrum, pursuant to the applicable Union law. The Commission shall take into account the social, economic, cultural and international aspects affecting the use of the sub-700 MHz frequency band pursuant to Articles 1 and 4, further technological developments, changes in consumer behaviour and the requirements in connectivity to foster growth and innovation in the Union.
ANNEX
Justified reasons for a delay in allowing the use of 700 MHz frequency band for terrestrial systems capable of providing wireless broadband electronic communications services later than 30 June 2020 (Article 1(1)):
(1)
unresolved cross-border coordination issues resulting in harmful interferences;
(2)
the need to ensure, and the complexity of ensuring, the technical migration of a large amount of the population to advanced broadcasting standards;
(3)
the financial costs of transition exceeding the expected revenue generated by award procedures;
(4)
force majeure .
