New EU rules to favour smartphone use

The Council of the European Union (GEAC) adopted on the 27 July 2009 a directive amending Directive 87/372/EEC on the frequency bands reserved for public pan-European cellular digital land-based mobile communications in the Community. The directive makes the 900 MHz band available not only for GSM, but also for UMTS and other terrestrial electronic communications systems, provided they can coexist with GSM systems without harmful interference. Its objective is to maximise competition by offering users a wider choice of services and technologies, while maintaining the availability of GSM throughout Europe.