The European Commission approved a recommendation for promoting Wi-Fi public services. The recommendation asks EU member states to subject the use of available radio spectrum to the least onerous authorization system, calls for a policy of technological neutrality; and promotes security and confidentiality of communications across public networks and services. In a latter phase, the European Commission plans to identify radio spectrum issues and harmonize the necessary frequency usage parameters and requirements. This second phase is timed to follow the forthcoming ITU negotiations at the World Radiocommunication Conference 2003 in June, which will seek additional radio spectrum for public WLANs in the 5 GHz band.http://europa.eu.int/
- In February 2003, the European Commission officially adopted a New Regulatory Framework that requires national regulators in EU member states to review and/or adapt policies governing electronic communications by 24 July 2003. The framework covers regulations for fixed and mobile wireless networks, cable television networks, satellite networks, and IP networks, whether used for voice, fax, data or video. Specific directives address unbundled access to the local loop, differentiating between existing metallic loops and new optical builds, while guaranteeing universal service and affordable access for all citizens. The Commission also defines a market for wholesale broadband access, covering “bit-stream�? services and equivalent wholesale services provided over other infrastructures that permit the transmission of broadband data in both directions. http://www.convergedigest.com/regulatory/regulatoryarticle.asp?ID=6405
