INFORMATION SOCIETY : EUROPEAN DECISION-MAKERS KEEN TO RELAX FREQUENCY SPECTRUM POLICY.

The European Parliament's Committee on Industry and Research unanimously adopted the report by Fiona Hall (ALDE, United Kingdom) on 11 December backing a European policy on the radio frequency spectrum. It aims to promote more rapid and efficient frequency allocation by reducing the national administrative burden. Above all it proposes negotiating rights to the use of radio frequencies, which are already traded in certain member states, at European level. Six compromise amendments, tabled by the ALDE and PES Groups, were notably adopted. They emphasise in particular the importance of cultural and linguistic diversity, as well as media pluralism. They also highlight the general principle of technological neutrality in promoting competition and innovation. The report may be tabled for a vote before the assembly's February plenary session.

EU telecommunications ministers, meanwhile, addressed the issue of...