Radio spectrum – the fundamental pillar of wireless communications
Radio spectrum is the invisible range of airwaves that allows mobile phones, TVs, Wi-Fi routers or satellite terminals to send and receive signals wirelessly. Radio spectrum is a scarce resource which requires careful planning, coordination and harmonisation. Without it, wireless communications –and, by extent, modern societies– would not be able to function.
The proliferation of wireless devices, fuelled by advances in semiconductor technology and the emergence of new applications such as the Internet of Things, will result in a shortage of usable radio spectrum (also known as “spectrum crunch”) unless new and more efficient mechanisms of using the radio waves can be found.
The JRC supports the development and deployment of new wireless technologies (e.g., next-generation WiFi systems, Non-Terrestrial Networks, 6G, etc.) by conducting experimental research activities to test their impact on existing wireless services.
Protecting the quality of wireless services
Using spectrum more efficiently means that certain parts of the spectrum will be shared by multiple wireless systems using different technologies (e.g., WiFi and Bluetooth systems). EU spectrum regulations need to ensure that different wireless systems coexist without interfering with each other in a way that negatively impacts the service experienced by end users. The quality of service of hundreds of millions of EU citizens and businesses is at stake.
The JRC supports the definition of robust EU spectrum regulations by evaluating spectrum sharing solutions and providing opinions to the European regulatory and standards bodies. The scope of these activities comprises both simulations and experimental verification through laboratory tests, as well as field measurements and pilot trials.
European standards for wireless communications
The emergence of new wireless applications and devices has dramatically increased the demand for radio spectrum, with the ensuing risk of causing interference to primary radio services. In addition, wireless devices placed on the EU Single Market need to abide to stringent regulations to protect the health and safety of EU citizens.
The JRC works in close collaboration with European Standards Development Organisations (such as ETSI, CEN, and CENELEC) to support the development of standards that safeguard primary services from harmful interference and protect EU citizens from potential health risks related to electromagnetic exposure.