Mr. Christophe Forax, Counselor of EU Delegation to Singapore, and Mr. Frederic Laplanche, Head of European Economic and Trade Office (EETO), were received by NCC Chairperson Dr. Howard Shyr and Vice Chairperson Hsiao-Cheng Yu at NCC on July 2, 2013. Both parties exchanged experiences and opinions on a wide range of issues, with special attention to 4G licensing, the plan of unlicensed bands of the EU, broadband and relevant services, radio frequency interference, and digital cable TV.
　The EU representatives expressed much interest in Taiwan’s plan of releasing 4G licenses and its future plans for the digital dividend after the digital switchover, which was completed last year. With regards to 4G licenses in Taiwan, a total of 270MHz of bandwidth, in the 700MHz, 900MHz and 1800MHz bands, is released for auction. It was noted that, based on the principle of technology neutrality, seven companies have already submitted applications. After completing the preliminary review of applicants, the NCC will announce the eligible bidders in August with a view to conducting the auction in early September and completing the procedures of releasing 4G licenses by the end of this year.
　Regarding NCC’s plan for the digital dividend of the 700MHz band, which has become available since the completion of the digital switchover, NCC expressed its aim to observe global trends and industry development. The NCC also expressed its commitment to continue cooperation with related organizations, and maintain a close relationship with the EU with a view to exchanging opinions and learning from their experiences in spectrum management.