UMTS spectrum requirements and management

The development of the UMTS environment for Europe is moving forward at a rapid pace, and it is essential that an overall framework for UMTS spectrum utilisation, a European Spectrum Plan, be in place in good time for the projected rollout of UMTS from the year 2002 onwards. The UK Government is taking a strong lead in the introduction of UMTS. The DTI has set up an industry-wide consultation group, the UK Third Generation Advisory Group (UK-TAG), and in 1997 published discussion and consultation documents to test public and industry opinion on a future UMTS environment. With the UK being the front-runner, many of the ideas on UMTS spectrum utilisation will inevitably come from this country. In particular, the question of how best to roll out a fully competitive mobile multimedia environment within the existing ITU IMT-20002 spectrum is presenting a particular challenge. The notes address some of these issues relating to UMTS spectrum