Poland

[PL] Public Debate on the Proposal of a Regulatory Strategy on the Use of Frequencies

IRIS 2007-4:1/29

Małgorzata Pęk

National Broadcasting Council of Poland

On 16 February 2007, the Urząd Komunikacji Elektronicznej (President of the Electronic Communications Office - UKE) organised a public debate on a draft Regulatory Strategy on the use of frequencies.

A proposal for a new strategy was already announced by the UKE on 11 December 2006 and was followed by public consultations. Several interested parties submitted their written observations to the UKE, which on 2 February 2007 announced its position as regards the comments received. Finally, a public debate was organised, during which the results of the consultation process were presented. This was the second frequency debate, the first one being held by the UKE on the 4 July 2006.

The UKE’s proposal referred to the strategy for the management of the electromagnetic spectrum for the next two to five years. It aims to achieve maximum advantages for the State, its economy and society. It observes that the national strategy on the use of frequencies should be in line with European policy for the use of radio spectrum. It also notes the importance of international harmonisation of spectrum frequencies.

A separate part of the strategy document (section 4.3) refers to radio and television broadcasting. It tackles inter alia issues of digital radio and digital television, outlining key tasks leading to the realisation of strategic goals in this respect. These tasks include, in relation to digital radio:

- the preparation of a strategy for the analogue television switch-off and the launch of digital radio on the VHF band;

- the implementation of analyses and research on the choice of a system for radio broadcasting (T-DAB, DMB);

- the consideration of the need for, and possibility of the use of, the national multiplex DVB-T for the purposes of digital radio;

- the consideration of the need for, and possibility of the use of, band L for digital radio or multimedia services.

There are also a considerable number of tasks mentioned to be completed in the area of digital television. They address, for example:

- a maximum limit on the development of analogue television in relation to the launch of new programme services;

- a restriction on the adjustment process of technical parameters for analogue television stations, allowing only measures that enable the process of introducing digital broadcasting;

- the implementation of analyses on methods and final dates for the analogue television switch-off, as well as carrying out legislative activities to this end;

- further work within the Intergovernmental Group on Digital Radio and Television in Poland aimed at the adoption and implementation of a new strategy for the launch of digital television within the transition period;

- the international coordination of the national digital multiplex;

- the decision on how to use the digital dividend;

- the consideration of the need for, and possibility of, launching DVB-H.

The draft strategy describes in detail the strategic goals in the area of digital broadcasting.