The UMTS Forum has welcomed efforts within the Electronic Communications Committee (ECC) to finalise a decision on designation of the 2 500 - 2690 MHz frequency band for future 3G UMTS mobile services in Europe.

"These frequencies represent the only additional band identified for UMTS/IMT-2000 in the Radio Regulations not currently used by 2G systems in Europe", notes Krister Bjrsnj, Chairman of the UMTS Forum Spectrum Aspects Group. "It's vital that this band is reserved to cope with the extra demand for 3G traffic in major cities that our market forecasts predict from around 2005."

"Operators and manufacturers alike must have confidence that the additional spectrum is there to justify their investments in networks, devices and services", adds UMTS Forum Chairman Dr Bernd Eylert. "A decision now by member countries of the European Conference of Postal and Telecommunications Administrations (CEPT) will provide a clear message that the required frequencies will be made available on time and on a European-wide basis. This commitment would also give a signal to countries outside Europe that this band will be available and used for UMTS/IMT-2000".

An ECC decision on usage for the frequency band is expected during 2002.