HC Deb 27 March 1987 vol 113 c300W
Mr. Mudd

asked the Secretary of State for Trade and Industry if it remains Government policy to take a leading part in the development of a Pan-European cellular mobile telephone network; and if his Department will reserve all the frequencies earmarked for this purpose.

Mr. Pattie

The Government's commitment to the early introduction of a Pan-European digital cellular mobile telephone network remains firm. Once agreement on the standard has been reached we shall be looking for agreement for service to start in 1991. The European Commission has tabled a draft directive calling for the frequency bands 905–914 MHz and 950–959 MHz or equivalent parts of the bands 890–915 MHz and 935–960 MHz to be made available exclusively for the needs of a public Pan-European digital cellular mobile communication service by 1 January 1991. The United Kingdom supports this in principle and is willing to take the steps necessary to comply with this.