Belgium considers 800MHz bands for mobile broadband

Belgium’s telecoms regulator, BIPT, has published a proposal for the use of the 800MHz band for mobile broadband services, Cellular News reports. According to the European Radio Spectrum Policy Programme, member states should carry out the authorisation process before January for the 800MHz band (also called ‘digital dividend’) to be available for electronic communications services. BIPT launched a public consultation at the request of minister for the economy Johan Vande Lanotte regarding a bill amending the Electronic Communications Act (ECA) and a draft royal decree with regard to the terms for allocation and use of this frequency band. The draft royal decree and the bill are underpinned by a study carried out by AethConsulting and NERA Economic Consulting for BIPT.