The EU is likely to get one market for MSS throughout the member states instead of 27, if the proposal is adapted. A new selection mechanism for the satellite system will move the markets to the European level instead of national level.

The comparative procedure will be organised by the EC in cooperation with Member States. Operators will be selected according to technical and commercial assessments as well as geographic coverage and spectrum efficiency. The selection of authorisation will follow the same format in all Member States, which will make it possible to create EU-wide services. The coordination itself will lead to more efficient use of radio spectrum and reduce the risk of interferences.

MSS are recognised in the strategy on mobile television as an interesting platform for mobile television. Information Society and Media Commissioner Vivian Reding comments with enthusiasm; "The potential for Europe-wide mobile satellite services is massive - Think mobile television, think broadband for all, think public protection and disaster relief". By removing obstacles for a pan-European market on MSS, operators will be encouraged to further develop services for high-speed data communications.

The 2 GHz band has been reserved for MSS and will be put into use after the selection process that is set out to take place in early 2009.

The EC with this draft implies the reinforcement of the DVB-family standard as the unique standard for mobile TV.

Next steps

•  The European Parliament (EP) and EU Council of Telecom Ministers will consider the proposal for a Decision.
•  If the proposal is agreed on after the first reading, it will be adopted in early 2008.
• An open call for interested companies will then be published.

To read the press release please click here
To read the memo please click here
To read the proposal and background information please click here