Netherlands

[NL] Amendments to Bill Concerning the Auction of Radio Broadcasting Frequencies

IRIS 1997-5:1/15

Maartje Verberne

Institute for Information Law (IViR), University of Amsterdam

The Dutch government announced its intention to delay the auctioning of broadcasting frequencies. The Dutch Lower House (Tweede Kamer) recently adopted several amendments to the Dutch Media Act as well as to the Telecommunications Act. During the legislative process, Parliament amended the Government's proposal, significantly. The amendment stipulates that the intended auction of broadcasting frequencies cannot take place until a full inventory of the available spectrum bandwidth for broadcasting purposes has been completed. This research is expected to be completed in the beginning of 1999.

In the meantime, the available bandwidth which is now unused, will be assigned on a temporary basis. A decision on this assignment is due shortly. IRIS will keep you informed.