dividends

Spain is leading the digital dividends matter, (GSMA newsflash) with the Spanish Ministry of Telecommunications issuing a press release stating that from 1 January 2015 the spectrum frequency band 790-862 MHz in Spain is to be reserved for services other than television broadcasting, such as mobile broadband. There are some great benefits that will fix some the 3G mobile broadband bottlenecks, such as rural coverage and in-building penetration offered by the UHF digital dividend spectrum.


Is that early or late? Giving the fact that most spectrum will be needed in the beginning of the 4G evolution by 2011 or 2012, then 2015 might be really late. On the other hand, the 4G could be deployed in different ways and by 2015 to achieve full expansion and harmonisation and that should be the Spanish position. Definetely the markets need some time to adpat a new technology that varies, but a 3-4 years sounds reasonable. We shouldnt forget that we transit every other 10 years from 1G to 2G and then 3G. Every generation is different and with diverse innovative trends.


The establishment of a common harmonised frequency band for mobile broadband services is very critical for the success and the best performance. That is translated into reliability and customer experience that will raise the operator's ARPU.


There are many developed countries that are still wondering and trying to make decision; perhaps they will follow Spain's clear decision if they could resolve their market issues with the TV broadcasters and similar 'obstacles'. A harmonised approach across Europe and not only will encourage economic growth and deliver consumers new services at lower cost.


The question that arises now is, if we give priority to mobile broadband services where will the DTV stand? what is the trade-off, winners-losers?