(Telecompaper) The European Commission has proposed opening up the 700 MHz band to mobile services by mid-2020. The proposal to harmonise the schedule for release of the frequencies currently used for broadcasting is in line with the recommendations of an independent report commissioned by the EC and the resolutions adopted at the most recent World Radiocommunication Conference. The EC said this will ensure the spectrum is available under the same technical conditions across the EU in time for the launch of 5G services. Under its proposal member states would need to adopt and make public by 30 June 2017 their plans for allocating the frequencies 694-790 MHz to the mobile market, in order to ensure the spectrum is available by 30 June 2020.