The European Spectrum Management Conference will take place virtually from June 23 – 25. The conference will provide a platform for stakeholders to come together and discuss topical issues relating to the management and coordination of spectrum policy across the region.
Attendees will have the opportunity to get involved and engage through interactive sessions, one-to-one and group networking, technology demonstrations, a virtual exhibition area and much, much more…
Don’t miss the opportunity to join the debate at Europe’s leading meeting point for Spectrum policy discussions – registration is now open, and FREE OF CHARGE for all attendees.
The conference is part of The Global Spectrum Series – the world’s largest collection of regional spectrum policy events.
The new Radio Spectrum Policy Programme – key priorities, aims and objectives
Delivering a co-ordinated European approach for vertical connectivity
Technology and policy tools to increase spectrum efficiency
A focus on key spectrum bands: 600MHz, 3.3 – 4.2 GHz, Upper 6GHz and mmWave
To WRC-23 and beyond…spectrum for the next generation of connectivity
The Spectrum ‘Shorts’ – mini roundtables focussing on FWA, EMF limits & Next-Gen Space Connectivity
Rita Wezenbeek, Director for Connectivity, DG CONNECT, European CommissionRita Wezenbeek joined the European Commission in 2002. Before moving to DG CONNECT in December 2020, Rita was the head of DG Competition’s Anti-Trust and Telecommunications Unit, in charge of applying the European competition rules in the area of electronic communications. Between 2010 and 2017, Rita was the head of DG Competition’s unit dealing with Retail Financial Services and Payment Systems. The unit ia. dealt with the investigations against MasterCard and Visa and was responsible for the competition elements of the legislative processes leading to the adoption of the Interchange Fee Regulation and the Payment Services Directive II, opening the EU payment services market for non-bank players.
Before joining the Commission, Rita worked for sixteen years as a private lawyer, specialized in European and corporate law, at the Dutch/ Belgian law firm Nauta Dutilh. During fifteen years, she also was a Member of the Commission on European Integration, an independent advisory body on foreign policy to the Dutch government and Parliament.
Mario Maniewicz Director, Radiocommunication Bureau, ITUMr. Mario Maniewicz was elected Director of the ITU Radiocommunication Bureau at the ITU Plenipotentiary Conference 2018 in Dubai, United Arab Emirates. He took office on 1 January 2019.
Mario Maniewicz is an electronic engineer specialized in telecommunications. He has been with the ITU for over 30 years, where he has held various positions of responsibility in the Radiocommunication and Development Bureaux as well as in ITU Regional Offices.
As Director, Mr. Maniewicz is responsible for the management of the Radiocommunication Bureau, which organizes and co-ordinates the work of the Radiocommunication Sector whose aim is to ensure the rational, equitable, efficient and economical use of the radio-frequency spectrum and satellite orbits.
Frank Krueger, Chairman, RSPGBio to appear here soon.
Jonas Wessel, Chair, Sub-Group on New Radio Spectrum Policy Programme (RSPP), RSPGJonas Wessel is Director of the Spectrum Department at the Swedish Post and Telecom Agency (PTS). He is also Chair of the Radio Spectrum Policy Group (RSPG) for the 2018-2019 period. The RSPG is a high-level advisory group that assists the European Commission in the development of radio spectrum policy. Jonas holds a MSC from the Royal Institute of Technology (KTH) in Industrial Engineering and Management. Jonas started his professional career as a strategy consultant, working mainly with business development in the telecoms and IT-sector.
In 2003, he joined the PTS as advisor on radio spectrum policy issues. After several positions within the Agency, including responsibility for auctions, he was assigned Director of the Spectrum Department in 2014. Jonas has been one of the driving forces behind the transformation of spectrum management in Sweden and has also been working with these issues internationally, mainly through the RSPG where he has been a delegate since 2004. He was Vice Chairman of the RSPG for the 2016-2017 period.
Elodie Viau, Director of Telecommunications and Integrated Applications, European Space AgencyElodie Viau was born in Angers, France. She gained her MSc degree in telecommunications from Télécom SudParis in 2007, an MSc in Space Studies and Management from the International Space University in 2008 and an MBA from the Open University in the UK in 2018.
For the past 12 years, Elodie Viau has worked for SES, one of the world’s leading satellite owners and operators, based in Betzdorf, Luxembourg. She began her career with SES on a two-year Leadership Development Programme, working in a variety of roles on four missions within SES subsidiaries in Luxembourg, the Netherlands and USA.
In 2010, Elodie moved to SES Technology, Space Systems and Operations, in Toulouse, France, as a Satellite Programmes Senior Engineer. Here she served as Deputy Programme Manager for six satellites (ASTRA 1N, 2F, 2E, 2G, 5B and SES-6) built by Airbus Space. Between 2014 and 2018, Elodie was the Programme Manager for the SES-10, SES-12 and SES-14 satellites built by Airbus Space.
In 2018, Elodie moved back to Luxembourg to become Senior Manager and then Director of SES New Space Segment Development and, until recently, she was Vice-President for SES Technology Programme Management.
Gilles Brégant, Director General, ANFRBorn in Chambéry (France) in 1963, Gilles Brégant graduated from Ecole Polytechnique (1986) then from Telecom ParisTech (1988). Following a 7-year-career at France Telecom research center, Gilles Brégant led the transition project from “Minitel” electronic directory to its companion web site, www.pagesjaunes.fr. He was then appointed technical adviser to the Minister in charge of Research (1996-1997). He had to coordinate international projects and themes in relation with information technology. He then worked for the department of trade and industry as deputy director in charge of Prospective. He was appointed secretary general of the ministerial task force “Digital Economy” (2001-2005). He was then appointed Technical Director of Conseil supérieur de l’audiovisuel (the French Media Regulator) in 2005. Gilles Brégant is the CEO of ANFR since 2011. He was elected President of RSPG in November 2011.
Philip Marnick, Spectrum Group Director, OfcomPhilip Marnick is our Spectrum Group Director, responsible for setting and implementing the strategy for managing the UK’s airwaves.
His group works to clear radio spectrum and award it for other uses. It also licenses airwaves for certain uses, monitors how they are used and enforces our rules.
Philip has over 30 years’ experience within the wireless communications industry. He has held senior executive positions covering technology, operations and strategy.
Philip has worked in both start-up companies and large corporations – including UK Broadband, O2, Orange, BT, J-Phone in Japan (now Softbank Mobile), Extreme Mobile and SpinVox (now Nuance).
Thomas Heutmann, Head of Section on Fixed Service, BNetzAThomas Heutmann has been working for the Federal Network Agency since 1992. In 2000, he took charge of the Section for International Mobile Radio Frequency Coordination and Digital Cellular Networks. From 2005 to 2011, he headed the Section for Satellite Services. Since 2011, he has been Head of the Fixed Service and Aeronautical Service Section This Section is also responsible for processing applications for 5G networks in the frequency bands 3.7-3.8 GHz (campus networks) and 26 GHz
Voichita Valcea, Spectrum Management Expert, ANCOM Romania; Sub-Group Coordinator, Connectivity Special GroupBio to appear here soon.
Kyriakos Baxevanidis, Acting Head of Unit, Spectrum Policy Unit, European CommissionBio to appear here soon.
All times listed in the agenda below are Central European time
Launched in 2012, the original Radio Spectrum Policy Programme (RSPP) was instrumental in shaping EU communications policy and setting the direction for the development of 4G networks across the continent. As we now move into the 5G era, the European Commission is working on delivering a new forward-looking spectrum roadmap for Europe, setting a path and plan for how spectrum can best support broader European policy priorities up until 2030 eg the Green Deal and the Digital Decade. At the European 5G Conference (held in February this year) a discussion on the new RSPP was held at a time when the RSPG had just released their draft opinion on the issue. Now 6 months, and following a public consultation, the final RSPG opinion is due to be released in June 2021 (at around the time of this conference). This session will provide an opportunity to look at the key findings and recommendations included in the opinion, and more broadly discuss the key priorities of the RSPP. How can it build on existing spectrum policy and deliver a futureproof spectrum policy environment that contributes to wider European political goals?
• What lessons can be learnt from previous RSPP? How has the spectrum landscape changed since then?
• In what ways are the structure and processes of the new roadmap likely to be similar to the previous package, and where could there be differences?
• What are the key recommendations set out in the RSPG Opinion on the new RSPP?
• How can it be ensured that the roadmap contributes to forward looking and futureproof spectrum frameworks that provides co-ordination, flexibility and choice, and delivers secure and resilient networks?
• How should access of spectrum for vertical sectors be handled within the context of the new guidelines?
• How work is being done to consider the role of sharing in a future spectrum roadmap, and in identifying new spectrum for advanced technologies beyond IMT?
• To what extent is there a need to re-examine spectrum governance models that are used in Europe, specifically relating to spectrum assignments and the ‘peer review’ system?
• One of the key objectives of the RSPP is expected to be around the release of additional spectrum below 100GHz to promote innovative wireless services. How much spectrum should realistically be targeted to be made available and what timeframes should be set?
• How can environment and societal issues be best built-in to the new roadmap, and how can the roadmap help ensure that spectrum policy contributes to and is aligned with the new political targets of ‘the green deal’ and ‘the digital decade’?
As they look to meet the many varied connectivity requirements of different vertical industries, regulators are increasingly moving away from the traditional model of solely allocating spectrum to MNOs, and instead looking at the option of providing access directly to these end-users, enabling them to develop their own private, localised networks. A range of different approaches are being seen for this, including the provision of dedicated spectrum to verticals and adding licence conditions to facilitate secondary licencing. A number of different frequency bands are also being used (for example the 3.7-3.8GHz in Germany, the 3.8-4.2GHz in the UK, the 2.6GHz band in France). These varied approaches have led to concerns of fragmentation across Europe. With attention now moving towards mmWave frequencies alongside mid-range bands to deliver vertical connectivity, this session will look at the current approaches that are being seen and the extent to which there is a need for increased co-ordination across member states. With this shift away from the traditional model of networks being solely operated by MNOs, it will also look at the impact that this may have on business models and relationships between MNOs and vertical users, and at the potential for new partnerships to develop for the benefit of all.
• What different models and approaches to delivering vertical connectivity are being seen across Europe, and what bands are being used?
• How can governments and regulators develop spectrum policies that deliver vertical connectivity in the most efficient and reliable way possible, ensuring flexibility whilst avoiding the possible pit-falls of underutilisation and fragmentation?
• To what extent is there a need for a more co-ordinated approach with the models and frequency bands being seen across member states, and where does the balance lie between a co-ordinated European approach and decisions taken at a member state level?
• Is there still the potential to deliver a harmonized frequency band for private/ vertical usage within the mid-band range across Europe, or are we too late given the many different approaches that are being seen?
• As attention moves to mmWave frequencies, how could a more co-ordinated approach be achieved here (both within Europe and globally) and what benefits would this provide?
• What bands offer the best options for this? Could the 26GHz or 40GHz play a part?
• What role can unlicenced spectrum play in helping to meet the needs for vertical connectivity?
• To what extent can the emergence of private local networks provide a new business case for MNOs – not providing connectivity but the services to run the networks?
• What benefits can collaboration in this way bring for verticals in terms of quality and reliability of service?
Spectrum is of course a finite resource and is hugely sought after. The majority of bands have generally already been allocated, and with the shift to 5G and next generation services, demand and usage is only going to increase. Given this continual ‘squeeze’ on available bandwidth, the only plausible way that these increasing needs are going to be met is through a flexible spectrum ecosystem that integrates sharing technologies and increases spectrum efficiency and density. This session will look at the future, and at the emerging new technological and policy tools that can help deliver this. It will also look more broadly at the traditional spectrum regulatory regime and discuss whether it is sufficiently flexible to meet the requirements of an innovative and fast-moving sector. It will look at the tools and techniques that are available to both regulators and industry to ensure that spectrum is allocated and utilised in the most efficient way possible, and enables fair and sustainable use of the available bandwidth for all.
The European Commission recently announced a study for a new flagship project to send hundreds of internet-beaming satellites into orbit in order to deliver an EU constellation that can provide secure high-speed connectivity for everyone in Europe based on quantum encryption. This EU initiative coincides with a booming private sector push into space with companies such as OneWeb, SpaceX and Amazon all working on similar projects. With this emergence of a rapidly increasing number of NGSO and SmallSat networks alongside more traditional GSO networks, it is estimated that more satellites will be launched in the next 2-3 years than in the last 50 years combined. Alongside the exciting new opportunities that this will bring, it also presents regulatory challenges, including with regards to licencing rules and frameworks. This session will look at this in more detail. It will explore the potential of the proposed EU constellation and other systems, and discuss the best way forward to ensure a future-proof and flexible licencing system to deliver the next generation of space based connectivity.
As part of the Lamy report in 2014, priority in the sub-700Mhz band in Europe was given to terrestrial broadcasters until at least 2030. At the same time however, this ws balanced with the opportunity for each Member States to take a more flexible approach to alternative spectrum use in the band according to quite varied levels of digital terrestrial television (DTT) take-up across member states. Taking this into account and also considering the review of the 470-960 MHz in region 1 that will take place at WRC-23, this session will look at the long-term future of the sub-700MHz band upto 2030 and beyond. It will examine extent to which a co-ordinated European approach can be developed that also takes into account these national differences. It will look at the extent to which 5G and/or other services can be introduced into the band prior to 2030 without affecting DTT services, and longer term, at the likely future of the band beyond 2030 both in Europe and beyond.
A decision has been taken in Europe to open up lower portion of the 6GHz band (5925-6425 MHz) for licence-exempt / WiFi use, with low power indoor (LPI) and very low power (VLP) unlicensed uses of the band now authorised. This session will look at the next steps, at the new use cases that are going to be enabled within the band. It will also examine the measures that have been put in place to protect incumbent users in the band as well as those in adjacent bands, and compare the
approach in Europe to those in other regions around the world – for example in the US where standard power devices are permitted, under the control of an Automated Frequency Coordination (AFC) system.
● What is classified as low power indoor (LPI) and very low power (VLP) unlicensed uses of the band, and what new innovative applications could this help facilitate?
● What measures have been put in place to protect incumbent (satellite and fixed links) users in the band, and also users in adjacent bands (for example intelligent transport systems in the 5.9GHz band)?
● Are these measures sufficient to fully ensure that any harmful interference is avoided?
● How does the approach to opening up the band in Europe differ from that in the US, and what measures to protecting against interference are being seen there?
The 6Ghz band continues to be one of the most sought-after frequency ranges for a number of key stakeholders. It is currently used around the world by satellite and microwave systems, but both unlicensed and licensed services deem access to spectrum in the band as critical. In particular, the future of the upper portion of the band (6425-7125 MHz) is being hotly contested. ITU-R has started its preparatory work towards WRC-23 Agenda Item 1.2 (AI 1.2) assessing the feasibility of allocating it for IMT, with technical parameters and channel modelling are expected to be completed at around the time of this conference. This session will focus on current thinking and positions on the 6425- 7125 MHz, and on the likely long-term future in Europe.
Allocation of spectrum and roll-out of 5g service in the mmWave frequencies has to date been a little slower than many predicted. With only a few exceptions, the vast majority of 5G launches to date in Europe and globally have relied on mid-band spectrum. 2020 however did see the rollout of 5G mmWave networks in a number of different countries (including Japan, US and South Africa), and mobile players are suggesting that this, coupled with mmWave spectrum now becoming more widely available in a number of other countries, shows evidence of increased scale and growth and overall market readiness for 5G in these high capacity frequencies. This session will look at the extent to which this is actually the case, and more broadly at the continued evolution of 5G and other technologies and services in the mmWave frequencies and at the ecosystem that is starting to emerge. It will examine the economic viability of different use cases and solutions, and look at the best way forward to maximise the potential of these high-capacity frequencies for benefit of all.
Preparation for WRC-23 is now well underway in both Europe and around the rest of the world, with a number of key issues already emerging (for example the C-band, the 6GHz band and the revision of the UHF band, all of which were discussed in detail yesterday). This session will start by looking at where we are with the preparation and studies, but then will start to look a little further forward, beyond 2023, and to what comes next. WRC-27 is set to be crucial in setting the early frequency bands to be examined for the early roll-out of IMT-2030 / 6G. This session will take an early look on what might be the future agenda items and candidate bands that are likely to be seen. With the demand for additional spectrum only likely to increase, where is the additional bandwidth going to come from?
3 sessions with 3 speakers in each, and each 40 mins long. Each roundtable will be released afterwards as a podcast as part of ‘Across the Spectrum’ – the podcast series linked to GSS conferences.
For 15 years, The European Spectrum Management Conference has provided the leading neutral platform for spectrum stakeholders policy discussion in the region.
We are looking forward to working alongside with policymakers, regulators and industry stakeholders from mobile, satellite, broadcast, public safety, HAPS, WiFi and more to ensure that their voices are included.
This event is taking place as part of The Global Spectrum Series. In total, more than 5000 attendees participated across the series in 2020. To see an event-by-event breakdown of attendee numbers, please click here.
You can view more details of the 2020 edition of this event here.
“Virtual events do not have to be passive experiences, limited to only watching presentations and panel discussions. They can be engaging and interactive, enabling face-to-face conversations and the possibility to connect with policymakers and stakeholders.”
The European Spectrum Management Conference will take place using mainly a virtual format for attendees, our aim is to provide a platform that replicates the benefits normally enjoyed by attendees at the event when it is held in person and face-to-face.
The format of the event has been designed to not only enable participants to listen to the discussions and debates, but to also have the opportunity to network and engage with speakers, partners and other attendees.
Session will follow an interactive format, and include the following elements:
An interactive panel discussion with expert speakers, and the opportunity to ask questions and make comments using a live chat function
A ‘have your say…’ audience engagement session, where all participants will have the opportunity to request to bring their audio and video feed ‘live’ and actively participate in the debate
A virtual networking lounge, with options to take part in one-to-one networking meetings, join private networking rooms and visit the virtual exhibition area
A ‘Showcase’ stage, where speakers and partners will be providing technology demos, hosting interactive Q&A sessions, and taking part in smaller ‘breakout’ sessions on key topics
This event is taking place as part of the Global Spectrum Series. For further information on speaking, sponsorship or visibility opportunities, and to discuss how you can maximize the value of involvement, please contact Dan Craft on dan.craft@forum-global.com or on +44 (0) 7748 960955.
Group discounts are available when registering multiple delegates on the same booking, as shown below.
| Number of delegates | Group Discount | |
|---|---|---|
| 3 - 5 | 10% | |
| 6 - 8 | 20% | |
| 9+ | 25% |
The entire event will be free to attend for all policymakers, government representatives and national regulators. The majority of sessions are also free to attend for all participants, with the exception of the following three VIP Sessions:
Session 1: Spectrum Strategies and Visions in Europe (Day 1 – Tuesday 23 June)
Session 4: Looking Forward – key agenda items and prominent issues for WRC-23 (Day 3 – Thursday 25 June)
Session 5: The emerging mmWave ecosystem – A focus on the post-WRC landscape (Day 3 – Thursday 25 June)
The combined cost for the above 3 sessions will be €150 + VAT
This event will be taking place using Forum Europe’s virtual solution. For more details, please visit forum-europe.com.
For more information on any aspect of this event, please contact event manager James Curtin using any of the details below.
James Curtin
Event Manager
Forum Europe
spectrum-management@forum-europe.com
Tel: +44 (0) 2920 783 020
© Copyright Forum Europe. All rights reserved | Privacy Policy | Terms and Conditions | Cookies Policy | Booking Terms and Conditions | Registered in UK | Registered Office: Suite 8, 33-35 West Bute Street, Cardiff, CF10 5LH Tel: +44 (0) 2920 783 020 | Email: info@forum-europe.com | Virtual Events by Forum Vision
