(Brussels, 22 May, 2012) European consumer electronic producers, cable and satellite reception equipment industry, the live performance, content making manufacturers and cable operators are announcing today the formation of a forum aimed at preserving the coexistence between devices and services when new radio services are introduced. The European Forum for Spectrum Coexistence (EFSC) calls for EU spectrum policy to ensure that radio and non radio deployed equipments are taken into account when the introduction of new radio services threatens balance in the electromagnetic ecosystem.

“Today we announce the formation of an informal but important group that will aim to work with a wide range of stakeholders to address a gap in the current process of spectrum allocation in Europe. We are counting on decision makers to consider the impact of new radio services on both existing radio and non radio equipments. The importance of coexistence in this mission cannot be understated,” commented Caroline Van Weede, Managing Director of Cable Europe, the association grouping leading European cable operators. “And it cannot be taken in any way other than positive for consumers and business alike if new and existing services and devices can reliably operate together in harmony.”

The economic, societal, cultural and technological implications of European spectrum developments (including potential interference) for both the EU consumer and industry are of great importance for Europe’s Digital Agenda.

“To put it in simple terms, we want next generation smart phones to work next to high speed broadband connections without interference. We want mobile internet applications to function next to connected TVs,” says Mr. Hans Joachim Kamp, Vice President of ZVEI, the German Electrical and Electronic Manufacturers' Association. “And we want the TV and PCs showing premium European content to work even if a person standing nearby is using an LTE device such as a next generation smart phone.”

“While we’re at it, it is not asking too much to also ensure that PMSE equipment such as wireless microphones and cameras used to produce the content works free of interference, too,” commented Mr Dré Klaassen, President of the APWPT.

The EFSC’s mission is to ensure that any radio spectrum allocation and related policy take into account deployed radio and non-radio electronic equipment in order to promote quality connectivity of products and services for European consumers and business.