The particularly frequencies are in the bands between 5150-MHz and 5350-MHz and between 5470-MHz and 5725-MHz. The member states have been given up until Oct. 31, 2005, to implement the decision, which includes the use of so-called intelligent techniques to protect other radio spectrum users, such as military radar and satellite services, from interference.
High-speed electronic communication networks are essential to Europes competitiveness. A supportive regulatory environment is a key factor in their take-up, Viviane Reding, the European Commissioner for the Information Society and Media, in a statement.
The decision is part of Europes i2010 initiative, a five-year plan to boost the digital economy in order to foster economic growth and create jobs in Europe.
The opening up of additional spectrum is intended to allow the take-up of wireless systems.
The European Commission said that market analysts predict that the global use of wireless LANs will quadruple over the next three years from 120 million at present to 500 million. Western Europe has about one-fifth of present-day wireless LAN users at 25 million.