The European Utilities Telecom Council (EUTC) argued that allocating spectrum for utilities for intelligent communications networks, such as Smart Grids, would support other community goals, especially energy targets, and the Copenhagen Agenda. EUTC was participating in the first multi-annual Radio Spectrum Policy Summit hosted by the European Commission and the European Parliament 22-23 March in Brussels.

EUTC also challenged the EU and EuroParl to consider the carbon implications of spectrum allocation decisions, which currently appears to be overlooked. EUTC was represented by its Director, Peter Moray, and its Special Spectrum Advisor, Adrian Grilli, Managing Director of the Joint Radio Company (UK). The chairman of the new European Radio Spectrum Policy Group comprising national telecoms regulators was on the platform, plus various dignitaries from national governments, including the Belgium Minister for Telecoms as the host nation, the Spanish Minister for Telecoms representing the Presidency, plus the Swedish State Secretary for telecoms. The joint hosts were the Digital Agenda Commissioner Mrs. Neelie Kroes (Netherlands) on behalf of the Commission, plus various MEPs from across Europe who shared the Parliament's role.

The main focus of the debate during the Summit was how the 'Digital Dividend' arising from the switch from analogue to digital TV broadcasting was to be distributed. The principle players were broadcasters trying to retain as much spectrum as possible for digital national and regional TV, HDTV and 3D TV; the digital inclusion advocates wanting more spectrum allocated to expanding the reach of broadband to disadvantaged communities; and the main industrial players wanting as much spectrum as possible for mobile broadband. Since a number of delegates mentioned the recently published US National Broadband Plan, the provision requiring the FCC to identify spectrum that utilities can use to accelerate the deployment of Smart Grids was read out to the Summit. Copies of the EUTC Spectrum Study were given to Commission officials who expressed an interest in the work, and EUTC was the only representative body mentioned by name in the Workshop Chairman's summing up of the discussion.

For additional information, please visit EUTC’s web site at www.eutc.org or contact Peter Moray  or Adrian Grilli.