Application of the recommendations of the International Telecommunication Union
23.4.2009
WRITTEN QUESTION E-3307/09
by Antonio De Blasio (PPE‑DE)
to the Commission
National legislation concerning telecommunications is drawn up by the governments of individual states in the light of the recommendations of the ITU (International Telecommunication Union), which works in conjunction with the UN to coordinate international cooperation in telecommunications.
Recommendation ITU-412-9 of 1984 recommends that the MPX output of traditional radio stations broadcasting in the analogue FM band should cease. According to data supplied by international authorities, 95 % of European radio stations currently operate with an output of 4–7 dBr MPX.
As a result of the agreement reached between international authorities it became clear that, whilst some Member States do not wish to implement the recommendation, the governments of a few Member States have passed and are passing decrees recommending a restriction of MPX output by analogue radio stations, thereby in many cases causing a disproportionate financial burden to companies operating the broadcasting stations.
Whilst, however, maintaining the average level of MPX output (4–7 dBr) results neither in market benefits nor market disadvantage, reducing the output and obtaining the necessary equipment to do so might give rise to a breach of the principle of equal market opportunity.
In view of the above, I would like to ask the Commission the following:
- 1.Is there any Community legislation which contains rules concerning MPX output and which ensures the competitive neutrality of the radio market at Union level?
- 2.If there is no such legislation in force, does the Commission plan to introduce any in the near future?
- 3.Does the Commission think that the recommendations of the ITU concerning legislation on telecommunications should be applied?
OJ C 189, 13/07/2010