Event overview

With wireless technologies becoming more and more widespread, radio spectrum remains a fundamental aspect of the development of new generation mobile services. The European Union is currently finalising its policy framework to coordinate the approach to radio spectrum management across the Continent. The Commission is pushing ahead for the renewal of GSM spectrum licences and reallocation of liberalised spectrum and the release of 3G extension and digital dividend spectrum for enhancing mobile broadband. A number of national spectrum auctions have already taken place with more coming up soon including France, Spain and the UK. National Telecoms Regulators strive to meet the Commission’s 2013 deadline for the Digital Agenda, while operators are vying for ‘must have’ spectrum licences to secure their place in a highly competitive environment.

The strategic planning and redeployment of spectrum to meet the challenges of the evolving telecoms landscape will be thoroughly examined at IIR’s Spectrum Management Forum 2011. With both operator and regulator perspectives, the Forum will holistically cover the latest developments in the sale and acquisition of spectrum, from evaluation of options through to bidding strategies.

Who you will meet

Primary issues to be addressed

• The Radio Spectrum Policy Package: The plan of the European Commission for ensuring Europe's continued global competitiveness in telecommunications
• The benefits from harmonisation and use of 1.4 GHz (1452-1492 MHz) for a supplemental mobile downlink for enhanced multimedia and broadband services
• How to include new “harmonized” band‐plans into the handsets and use them where geographically / temporarily available
• The opportunities of the 2011 French spectrum auctions and their impact on the French telco landscape?
• Examining the option of releasing public spectrum, including military spectrum, for meeting future demands for commercial uses
• Evaluating the market tools already used for allocating spectrum in mobile bands and identifying the right market tools helpful for re‐allocating spectrum
• What is the best way forward in liberalising the existing 900MHz and 1800MHz licences to allow use for LTE and WiMAX systems, as well as GSM and UMTS systems
• Making spectrum available for next generation mobile broadband in the UK: the Ofcom spectrum auctions in 2012
• Selecting the right auction format: assessing the needs of bidders and preparing for the impact and outcomes
• Exploring the tools for encouraging auction participation and helping smaller bidders
• Spectrum for the future in Latin America: meeting the increasing market needs for wireless broadband
• How can it be ensured that future refarming is pro‐competition, and what level of competition review is needed
• Combining satellite and terrestrial wireless broadband for meeting the Commission's Digital Agenda for Europe spectrum target
• How to approach the impact of conditions such as coverage obligations on the valuation of spectrum options