ECO

WGRR 12-15 September 2000, Luxembourg.

R&TTE directive

A joint WG RR/TG2 meeting was held. Results of the joint TG2/WG RR meeting were the following:

The report of TG2 was finalised during the meeting and will be presented to ERC for approval. With this the work of TG2 is finalised.

The report gives on the one hand an insight in the influence of the R&TTE directive on the ERC current and future output documents and on the other hand an analysis, assessment and proposals for spectrum regulation in CEPT.

Many issues (redrafting of necessary changes in existing ERC output, new licensing regimes etc.) are to be transferred to RR for further elaboration according decisions to be made by ERC in Lisbon. Therefore, there is a considerable workload to come for RR in this domain.

Furthermore, discussion in TG2 (e.g. on temperature ranges) as well as in WGRR (e.g. on the licence exemption and free circulation Decisions or the phasing out of CT equipment) has shown that many items still need clarification.

It was pointed out that according to the findings in TG2 ERC would need to expand their interest beyond the traditional frequency management domain. If ERC wanted to keep its place in Europe’s future communications policy, they should foster their position as a regulatory pace maker rather than an administrator. In a competitive and industry policy driven world effective CEPT radio policy probably should not only concentrate on the designation of frequency bands following work orders from the EC. However, he noted that there still seemed to exist a certain reserve from ERC members to the work of TG2 as well as WGRR. Regulatory and legally oriented work might have been considered for a long time a sort of an unwanted side car to the ERC motor bike. TG2 as well as WG RR should aim to change this.

Conformity Assessment matters

RR9, together with TCAM Subgroup on Equipment Classification under the R&TTE Directive, had prepared a joint response to WGFM PT38 on marking issues of Digital Land Mobile Equipment which can be programmed to operate on non-harmonised DMO channels. The response was that the “alert” symbol needs to be included with CE marking together with information in user manual about the programming possibilities and restrictions on the use of such channels.

RR9 reported that market surveillance in Finland had detected that CABs 0167, 9007 and 9010 for the ERC/DEC/(97)10 regime had not sent information on their issued certificates to the ERO Equipment Database. The ERO will send a letter about this problem to these CABs so as to be able to complete the information in the Database now that new certificates cannot be issued any more. This is due to the implementation of the R&TTE Directive in all the countries that had in practice applied the ERC regime.

Information on PMR446 implementation

A table describing the implementation situation of PMR446 prepared in January has been on the ERO web pages for a while and therefore probably some of the information should be updated

Administrations were urged to send information on any changes to the ERO.

RR9 reported that not enough input from the industry is available to consider work on new ideas and innovations of PMR446 and therefore the existing relevant ERC Decisions continue to be applied.

Maritime work items

Outcome of WRC-2000

RR2 has reviewed the outcome of WRC-2000 with regard to maritime issues. In most cases the Conference was a success for the CEPT and all of the basic goals were achieved. Now the CEPT Administrations will have to implement the results of WRC-2000, hopefully in a consistent manner. RR2 would discuss the implementation issues at its future meetings.

It was noted that Resolution 27 (WRC-2000) now contains a clear answer to the eternal question, as to when the words "shall" and "should" shall (or should) be used.

Powerline communications

RR2 reported on its liaison with WGSE PT35 on issues related to powerline communications.

The participants of the WGRR meeting indicated that besides maritime, there are also other services that will be affected by powerline communications, e.g. aeronautical, amateur and military.

The RR2 participants, when considering this matter, should co-ordinate their opinions with the relevant sections in their Administrations.

WRC-2003

RR2 proposed that the responsibility on the initial preparation of following agenda items should be in RR2:

1.9 (GMDSS vs old distress and safety system)

1.10.1 (MMSI numbering resource)

1.10.2 (shore-to-ship distress priorities).

WGRR will propose to ERC/CPG that the previous CPG Project Team structure in the maritime area will be maintained for the next WRC as it had worked efficiently.

Agenda item 1.14 (maritime and aeronautical HF) of WRC-2003 agenda contained several elements that apply to all Working Groups. WGSE PT31 had requested the responsibility on this issue, but RR2 considers that there is also a radio regulatory element. For example, maritime expertise is required to consider the spectrum needs of different types of maritime communications.

RR2 proposed two measures to co-ordinate the responsibility on this agenda item:

1. Split the preparations into different aspects and share the responsibility and

2. Joint meetings of the relevant project teams, as was done with good effect by PT4, RR2 and SE31 in the preparation of WRC-2000.

WRC Agenda items 2 (incorporation by reference) and 4 (review of Resolutions and Recommendations) should be the responsibility of all ERC Working Groups. It was however noted that a major proportion of the existing Resolutions and Recommendations, as well as references to ITU-R Recommendations, are maritime, and therefore RR2 should have a key role on these items.

RR2 has already started preparations in this respect and prepared an initial list of 34 Resolutions and 10 Recommendations that are maritime-related and should be considered under agenda item 4 of WRC-2003.

With regard to item 1.14 (maritime and aeronautical HF) there were some concerns regarding the complexity of the preparations, because several groups would be involved. It was however noted that similar structure had been used already in the preparations of the maritime issues of WRC-2000, with good results.

RR2 further reported that some agenda items of WRC-2003 contain both maritime and aeronautical aspects.

WGRR decided that when RR2 is preparing such an agenda item, it should consider also the aeronautical aspects and co-ordinate with the aeronautical community as relevant.

WP 8B , SCRPM and IMO

RR2 proposed that since the results of WP 8B and SCRPM will be essential in WRC-2003, there should be co-ordination with regard to the maritime agenda items also in these bodies. This was agreed by WGRR as well as to liaise with IMO in preparation to WRC2003 . RR2 was requested to take care of this co-ordination.

It was noted that the SCRPM does not have a rapporteur group on maritime issues and that it is not known, as to whether the SCRPM report will contain considerations on maritime issues.

The RR2 Chairman should contact the Chairman of SCRPM to get information on this issue.

Chairmanship of RR2

WGRR unanimously elected Mr. Trond Olsen (Norway) as the new RR2 Chairman.

Work items on licensing and free circulation

RR6 also discussed the possible future work of WGRR. Some items which are considered to be of importance are:

· Acting as a bridge between EU- and non-EU-Administrations;
· Preparation guidance for harmonising of E-licensing principles;
· Assist in the continued development of the European harmonisation process and prove that it works, through monitoring that Administrations implementing Decisions and Recommendations properly.

WGRR agreed that acting as a bridge between EU- and non-EU-Administrations was something “both sides” could benefit of. It was also important, however, that input was received from non-EEA countries and that if possible, delegates from these Administrations could participate in the work of WGRR Project Teams.

Some Administrations are at present in the process of implementing or planning to implement electronic licensing.

It was indicated that an early harmonisation of electronic licensing in Europe is essential seen from the view point of applicants subject to licensing in different countries.

It was decided to task RR6 to discuss this item further and decide on the further steps.

Draft ERC Decision on Exemption from Individual Licensing of Satellite Short Message System (S-SMS) mobile user terminals

Concerns were raised by one administration about the continuing process of drafting new ERC Decisions on licence exemption and free circulation of new satellite services. Satellite services with different brand names, but more or less using the same kind of satellite mobile terminal equipment are already freely circulated and used under the umbrella of previous ERC Decisions or harmonised standards.

The European Commission stated, that the R&TTE Directive covered the equipment and that harmonised standards for equipment covered by this Decision have existed for a considerable amount of time. Since in addition, the system uses existing and co-ordinated space segment, he asked the EEA Member States, whether without the Decision they would require individual licences for the terminal equipment. Such licences would, in his view, not be compatible with Community law, as they could not be justified on technical grounds. He concluded that the Decision therefore was not required for EEA Member States and that the operator should not be given the false impression, that operation of the service would depend on it. If it were to be adopted, it should however be aligned with the Decisions, on VSAT, SIT and SUT, in order to clarify their relation with Community law.

The Russian Federation noted that their current legislation requires that all operators providing satellite services in the territory of Russia should have a licence of the Ministry of Communications and Informatization obtained in accordance with established order.

There were no objections to send the Decision for public consultation according to the new procedure. A number of Administrations indicated they would commit themselves to the Decision.

WGRR adopted the draft ERC Decision on Exemption from individual Licensing of Short Message System S-SMS mobile terminals. It will be placed on the ERO FTP server for a period of 14 days starting on Monday 18 September. If no substantial comments are received from Administrations, it will be made available for public consultation.

Draft ERC Decision on free circulation and use of Satellite Short Message System (S-SMS) mobile user terminals

The European Commission questioned the need for this Decision. He emphasised, that if users would wish to temporarily import equipment in the EU and use it under the same conditions as equipment sold on the EU market, the easiest way would be to use equipment, which is conformity assessed and marked to comply with the R&TTE Directive.

There were no objections to send the Decision for public consultation according to the new procedure. A number of administrations indicated they would commit themselves to the Decision.

WGRR adopted the draft ERC Decision on Free Circulation and Use of Short Message System S-SMS mobile terminals. It will be placed on the ERO FTP server for a period of 14 days starting on Monday 18 September. If no substantial comments are received from Administrations it will be made available for public consultation.

Border-crossing and use throughout Europe of the Digital Land Mobile Systems for the Emergency Services

This proposed Decision would specify conditions for use of DMO channels to be defined by a draft ERC Decision prepared by WGFM on the harmonised frequency bands designated for DMO which will be presented to the next ERC meeting for final adoption.

WGRR was requested to work on the development of a draft ERC Decision.

Different views were expressed during the meeting on the need for such a Decision, the involvement of other (emergency) organisations, their wishes and what is covered under “Emergency Services”. Some Administrations suggested other ways to achieve the same goal, e.g. bilateral agreements.

It was agreed to ask RR6 to investigate the above mentioned items, liaise if necessary with WGFM and report to WGRR at the next meeting whether the Decision is needed or not.

Draft ERC Decisions on harmonised frequencies, technical characteristics and exemption from individual licensing of SRD equipment

WGRR was requested to consider 29 draft ERC Decisions on harmonised frequencies, technical characteristics and exemption from individual licensing of Short Range Devices (SRD WGRR discussed the text and expressed concern about the number of drafts as well as contradictions between the drafts and the requirements of the R&TTE Directive.

IMT 2000

Draft Decision on the licensing and global circulation and use of IMT-2000 terrestrial and satellite mobile terminals (results of Public Consultation and comments)

This draft Decision was provisionally adopted at the November/December 1999 ERC meeting in Oslo.

Comments were received during the public consultation phase from Croatia, Finland, Sweden, Switzerland and Turkey, ETNO and Inmarsat, mainly supporting the Decision but also with some proposals for change in order to bring the text in line with the Results of WRC 2000 on the one hand and the requirements of the R&TTE Directive on the other hand.

WGRR adopted a revised draft of the Decision on the licensing and global circulation and use of IMT-2000 terrestrial and satellite mobile terminals to take account of these comments. It will be presented to the next ERC meeting for final adoption.

The European Commission stated, that the comments that were made on other decisions applied here as well.

Draft new Recommendation ITU-R on Global Circulation of IMT-2000 terminals

A draft ITU Recommendation on the global circulation of IMT-2000 terminals prepared by ITU-R WP8F was introduced. WGRR took notice of this draft Recommendation.

Delegates were requested to study this Recommendation, liaise with their colleagues at home who attend the ITU-R meetings and send any comments to Mr. Pekka Länsman.

Draft ERC Decision on free circulation and use of Thuraya terminals

A draft ERC Decision on free circulation and use of Thuraya terminals was discussed and some modifications were made in order to bring it in line with the EU law.

The L-band is not part of he CEPT Milestone Review Process but Thuraya has completed the milestones within the Region 1&3 MLM MoU framework.

The European Commission stated, that the comments made on earlier Decisions apply here as well.

WGRR adopted the draft ERC Decision on free circulation and use of Thuraya mobile terminals. It will be placed on the ERO FTP server for a period of 14 days starting on Monday 18 September. If no substantial comments are received from Administrations it will be made available for public consultation.

There were no objections to send the Decision for public consultation according to the new procedure. A number of Administrations indicated they would commit themselves to the Decision apart from Ireland who made a reservation regarding the general use of the equipment.

Draft ERC Decision on Exemption from Individual Licensing of Thuraya terminals

A draft ERC Decision on Exemption from Individual Licensing of Thuraya terminals was discussed and some modifications were made in order to bring it in line with the EU law.

The European Commission stated, that the comments made on earlier Decisionsapply here as well.

WGRR adopted the draft ERC Decision on Exemption from Individual Licensing of Thuraya mobile terminals. It will be placed on the ERO FTP server for a period of 14 days starting on Monday 18 September. If no substantial comments are received from Administrations it will be made available for public consultation.

One Stop Shopping for satellite networks

A development progress report prepared by ETO was discussed. It summarised the problems encountered during the development of the software for the electronic application form. However, since a new subcontractor had taken over the work from the Danish software house, much progress had been made and it was expected that the OSS software would be available at the beginning of October 2000.

Work of JPT-SAT on harmonisation of satellite licensing

The new tasks that had been given to JPT-SAT by the ERC and ECTRA meetings earlier this year, relating to harmonisation efforts on satellite licensing within the CEPT were emphasised. This work included follow-up on the actions of PT SLC and SIG OSS SAT, and had now taken the form of a Comprehensive Satellite Initiative (CSI). The CSI is based on the concept that CEPT has already developed a large number of regulatory measures to facilitate satellite licensing; now it should be tried if combining these into a package might speed up the total implementation in CEPT countries. A report, summarising the existing regimes, and also containing an evaluation as well as industry’s experience with the present regimes is under preparation. If this concept is confirmed by the ERC and ECTRA meetings in October, the report and associated overall proposals for harmonisation should be ready for the March 2001 meetings of the two committees.

Eutelsat made the comment that the numbers for national implementation in the document did not reflect the numbers of countries that had in fact given permission to the operation of the service in question.

WGRR noted the report on the JPT-SAT activity, recognising that there is a need to speed up the work regarding satellite licensing. Some concern was raised by WGRR members on the division of work relating to satellites between JPT-SAT and WGRR, also considering the respective numbers of regulatory experts from Administrations. The WGRR chairman urged a more active participation by WGRR members in future JPT-SAT meetings, and also an increased utilisation of existing WGRR Project Teams in the further work.

Matters concerning radio fees and charges

The report from RR8 to WGRR and the preliminary draft ERC Reports on PMR fees, satellite fees and the outline for the draft ERC Report on refarming were presented. The progress on the PMR and satellite Reports was such, that WGRR would be presented with draft ERC Reports for approval at the next meeting of the Working Group.

With regard to the results of the questionnaire on satellite fees, which were sent to Administrations, the participants to the meeting were asked to check the information.

It was noted with satisfaction that the number of participants in the work was growing and it was remarked that also written contributions from Administrations that can not participate were helpful and welcome.

Enforcement

RR11 considered that placing on the market and free movement of programmable radio equipment, taking into account the progress of technology and the scope of the R&TTE Directive, should be permitted without any restrictions in the CEPT member countries This is also the view of WGRR.

However, more clarification is needed about the responsibility of use of programmable radio equipment. RR11 is requested to investigate this subject in more detail.

RR11 did not present a firm view on how to deal with the use of software radio, because it is not experienced yet in this area. During the RR11 discussion it was stated that radio equipment should not be put on the market without information about the intended purpose and use according to Article 1 of the R&TTE Directive. Therefore, the manufacturer has to declare to the user how to install the conditions within the regulations. Concerning network operators, there does not seem to be a problem, due to the self-regulating effects. In case of misuse it must be clarified who was actually changing the intended use of the radio equipment. Appropriate enforcement measures must be prepared and therefore RR11 considered it important to keep track of future developments in this area. Further RR11 discussion will be necessary to agree a harmonised approach.

E-Commerce problems

A document concerning the increase and popularity of e-commerce in relation to the R&TTE Directive was introduced. As RR11 is supposed to identify new routes which are being used to introduce radio equipment on the CEPT market, RR11 will follow the development in Electronic Commerce and investigate consequences it may have for Enforcement.

Radio equipment is already imported from countries outside the Community by persons with the intention to use this equipment which in some cases is not put on the market according to the requirement of the RTTED. Circulation between countries inside the Community is a minor matter as the equipment hopefully is put on the market in the country of origin according to national and European regulation.

RR11 asked the Commission representative present in the last meeting a number of questions in this field. One essential answer was that it is probably necessary to have one person responsible within the Community for making the equipment compliant with the Directive and to be able to put legal actions against. This means that this person automatically is responsible for CE-marking and all other requirements under the Directive.

RR11 considered these matters very important and it is necessary to find legal support for Member States performing Enforcement. The discussion on this matter will continue and WGRR will be informed about progress of the work

False alarms of EPIRBs

Some Administrations has expressed concern about the increase of false alerts (misuse) of EPIRBs. This type of radio equipment is primarily intended to be used only in case of emergency situations and other use is prohibited. WGRR shared the opinion of RR11 and recognised the importance of the use of EPIRBs during emergency situations and the great risk of false alerts

RR11 suggested that an ERC report might be the best approach to identify the EPIRB problems.

Administrations are strongly requested to forward information about false alerts to RR11.

Quality of receivers in respect with complaints

RR11 discussed the need for a common approach in CEPT regarding the necessity of receiver requirements to avoid interference complaints in receivers. RR11 recognised the importance of receiver requirements in this respect, excluding broadcasting receivers. It was the view of RR11 that users of poor quality receivers should be responsible for any reception problems experienced.

At TCAM 5 the European Commission expressed the view that receiver characteristics should not be considered as an essential requirement under the R&TTE Directive. It is therefore not possible to restrict radio equipment from being placed on the market on the basis of poor quality receiver characteristics.

A liaison statement was sent to WGSE and WGFM for consideration and comments to clarify how receiver characteristics of equipment could be taken into account in the relevant national spectrum regulatory framework; to avoid restricting the placing on the market or the use of equipment; and whether enforcement authorities can adopt a uniform approach based on reference specifications reflecting the "state of the art" which may be used as part of a national regulation, for example a licensing regime (individual licence or general authorisation).

Administrations were also requested to investigate this subject together with the national licence authorities.

WGFM had responded and supported the view that a common approach would be the most efficient way to cope with the issue. It also supported a solution which would consist in referring, in national law, to “state of the art” tests and values for receiver parameters for granting protection right to use. They had developed a proposal. WGFM also noted that the common approach requires the availability of these references in documents such as ETSI standards or ERC Recommendations. It was noted this subject was also mentioned in the TG2 report, where a slightly different approach is proposed to ERC.

WGRR agreed that RR11 will continue the work.

Draft ERC Report on ISM

WGRR adopted after minor changing of the text the ERC Report.

WGRR adopted the ERC report number 83 on ISM machines.

The ERO is requested to publish the ERC Report, number 83.

Draft ERC Report on CEPT marking and the R&TTE Directive

During the last WGRR meeting, it was agreed to stop the CEPT marking schemes taking into account the impact of the R&TTE Directive 99/05/EC. For existing radio equipment the current marking scheme will continue but no new CEPT markings will be issued.

RR11 produced a draft ERC Report “explaining the CEPT marking schemes” for consideration by WGRR and formal approval.

WGRR adopted the draft ERC report (84) on explaining the consequences of the disappearance of CEPT marking in the CEPT member countries. Due to the importance of this Report Administrations are strongly requested to bring this item to the attention to the Enforcement and Market Surveillance authorities and possible other national authorities (e.g. policy or customs) involved in these matter.

Radio Amateurs

The draft revision of Recommendation T/R 61-02, prepared by PT RR6 was adopted by WGRR.

ERO will publish the revised Recommendation on the ERO FTP server for a consultation period until 23rd of October 2000. If no comments from Administrations are received the Recommendation will be published. If comments are received they will be discussed in PT RR6. After this procedure has been completed ERO will inform the non CEPT Administrations who have signed T/R 61-02 accordingly

Other radio amateur matters

The latest update on the implementation on T/R 61-01 and T/R 61-02 was presented. It was noted that Ukraine had implemented these Recommendations.

ERO was further advised by the Israeli Administration that the morse code requirements had been reduced from 12 to 5 wpm from 1 July 2000.

It was further announced that ERO had opened a web page on radio amateurs in the WGRR domain.

WGRR Work Programme

WGRR Work Programme and revision of Terms of Reference

At the last meeting input from the non-EU countries on the WGRR work programme was requested. The Project Teams also discussed this subject at their meetings and prepared input documents.

The European Commission presented its ideas on the future relationship between WGRR and the EC: It was emphasised that WGRR should not address issues, already covered by Community law. An important role for the ERC and ERC WGRR in particular would be to study and establish a sound database on spectrum use in Europe which would assist the harmonisation of technical licensing conditions and harmonisation of frequency use. Another issue, in which WGRR could play a useful role would be to study where diverging fee structures would hamper the deployment of radio services. Since WGRR gathered the best expertise on spectrum use, WGRR should further assist the implementation of the R&TTE Directive, notably to further study the classification of equipment.

The Chairman of the TCAM Subgroup on Equipment Classification introduced a draft interim report to TCAM6. He explained that TCAM needs the support of WGRR in tackling Class 2 issues and the identification of equipment that is harmonised but is still subject to a licensing regime, and identification of equipment where there is a large degree of - but not complete - harmonisation.

It was suggested that PT RR9 could contribute to the work of TCAM.

It was agreed to propose RR9 as a liaison of WGRR to TCAM. However, TCAM first has to endorse this proposal at their next meeting.

A new version of the Goals & Work program in which the input from the Project Teams, EU, TG2 and TCAM was incorporated. It will be sent to ERC for discussion and can be used in the process of merging ERC and ECTRA. However this would only be a first draft, further work on the work programme may depend on ERC discussions (e.g. about JPTSAT) and will continue after the ERC. WGRR members will be informed about the progress on the work programme.

The issue of ensuring that non-EEA countries are fully involved in the WGRR CEPT work was discussed by the Group. It was agreed that it is very necessary for CEPT to act as a bridge between its EEA and non-EEA members and provide a forum for discussion and two way exchange of information, to the benefit of all interested parties. It is particularly important in the areas of work covered by the WGRR, as the harmonisation of national regulations is one of the major challenges facing CEPT. The introduction of new EU regulatory regimes, affecting also non-EEA countries, could and should be discussed at the widest possible scope.

Several opinions were expressed concerning the ways to encourage non-EEA participation in the WGRR PT’s. WGRR agreed that it is up to those countries to initiate contacts with PT chairmen, who will provide any assistance necessary to involve them in Project Teams activities. It was also noted that there are different means of involvement in WGRR work, such as participation in the meetings, e-mail and/or fax contributions and registration on the PT’s mailing lists.

The WGRR agreed to report these concerns to the ERC in order to encourage non-EEA CEPT members to get involved in its work at all levels and EEA CEPT members to provide assistance, whenever necessary.

DSI III

An input on DSI III issues was prepared by the Project Team Chairmen after the WGRR meeting in Eger en presented to WGFM PT37.

The input was discussed at the meeting of PT37 one of the outcomes was the preparation of a draft ERC Decision on the phasing out of CT equipment.

It was remarked that the revision of of ERC Decision (97)01 was an item that would have to be dealt with in the near future.

Draft ERC Decision on phasing out CT equipment in the 900 MHz band

WGRR discussed the draft presented by WGFM. The following points emerged in the discussion:

The draft was the first Decision, which attempted to refarm frequency bands, taking account of the requirements and possibilities of the R&TTE Directive as well as the licence exempted status of the equipment in use in the band. WGRR was of the opinion that it was important to get the “format” of such Decisions right, taking account of the legal consequences, since it was expected that more Decisions of such a nature would have to be prepared in future.

Since there was insufficient time to discuss the matter fully and some Administrations needed to discuss the legal implications further internally, WGRR could not fully agree on a text to propose to WGFM.

One Administration stated that a Decision was not necessarily the best instrument for phasing out equipment, others had diverging opinions on the legal implications of the withdrawal of radio interfaces. It was also said that Administrations cannot phase out equipment (because that is a market issue) but can only phase out the frequency use.

It was felt that the Decision was not that urgent and that it was better to give it more thought before trying to finalise it now. However, this would not have to prevent Administrations from starting already the process of phasing out the equipment in their country.

The following detailed remarks were made to the draft text as presented by WGFM PT37 for comments:

· Such Decisions should concentrate on the adaptation of the frequency table;
· In order to avoid enforcement problems, it is proposed that the date of withdrawal of the national radio interfaces or relevant national regulations should be the same throughout CEPT;
· CT applications covered by the draft Decision are frequency agile systems, so that interference from these will be minimal;
· There was agreement with the position expressed in the draft Decision that under the R&TTE regime there is in general no possibility to forbid the placing on the market of equipment that conforms with the requirements of the Directive, except in cases where article 9.5 could apply;
· It was considered that it was important not to make the use of the equipment illegal for the users at the same date as the withdrawal of the interfaces;
· Information of the manufacturers and the users on the proposed phasing out was considered very important and therefore Administrations should be required to do this in this Decision;
· A number of Administrations were of the opinion that the time frame for phasing out should be much longer than the dates indicated in the draft.

A first proposal for modification of the draft ERC Decision was included in the liaison statement to the WGFM meeting in Leon, as an attachment.

PMR-Vienna Agreement

Following the letter of WGRR to Austrian Administration in which the Signatories to the Vienna Agreement were requested to investigate the shortening of the processing time for frequency co-ordination procedures, an answer was received from the Austrian Administration. The Signatories of the Vienna Agreement do not think that frequency co-ordination is one of the main obstacles to the quick licensing of PMR applications and doubted that an electronic licensing procedure would be suitable for national PMR-networks. However, after the implementation of computerised evaluation methods, which is to be finalised by mid 2002 at the latest, the time limits for frequency co-ordination procedures may be re-considered.

WGRR took note of this letter.

Licensing Committee/European Commission

The package of new measures published by the EU Commission in July was shortly dicussed. They were currently being negotiated in Brussels. EICTA said they were particularly interested in document 1 because of their concern that spectrum should be available for future industry requirements

WGRR took note of these documents.

Chairmanship WGRR

The WGRR Chairman explained that so far no nominations for a new Chairman for WGRR had been received by the ERC Chairman.

He had advised the Chairman of the ERC that if no other Chairman could be found he would be willing to stay as Chairman of WGRR for the next three meetings until the envisaged merging of ERC and ECTRA.

Vice-Chairmanship WGRR

Mr Celestino Menendez indicated that he was no longer available for another term of vice chairmanship. Mrs Jo Madigan of the UK was available for vice chairmanship and was unanimously elected as the new vice Chairman of WGRR.

Date and place of the next meeting

The next WGRR meeting will take place in The Hague (Netherlands) from 5 - 9 February 2001 following the kind invitation of the Radiocommunications Agency.