The European Commission (EC) called for tender on a study entitled “Exploiting the digital dividend – a European approach”. The closing date for submitting a tender was September 1st, 2008.

On December 11th, 2008, a consortium led by premier telecoms, IT and media adviser Analysys Mason, including the economic consultancy DotEcon and the law firm Hogan & Hartson LLP, has been awarded a contract to produce this study.

The study will assist the EC in identifying and assessing the options and possible scenarios to achieve the required EU coordination of the digital dividend as outlined in the Commission Communication COM(2007) 799 on 'Reaping the full benefits of the digital dividend in Europe: A common approach to the use of the spectrum released by the digital switchover'.

The study will include:
- conducting an inventory of the situation regarding the digital dividend in each Member State
- carrying out analysis to understand the demand for the spectrum as well as the social and economic value of potential users
- reviewing technical issues (e.g. technology trends, interference issues)
- developing a range of scenarios for a co-ordinated EU approach, and a cost/benefit analysis of each approach.

The planned output of the study will include ideas for co-ordinated EU approach and its future implementation.

For more details on the tender please click here.