Electronic communications service in harmonized bands

Electronic communications services should be understood to mean those provided, generally, in exchange for financial compensation, by telecommunications operators. These services are usually identified with the classics of mobile telephony, although the concept of electronic communications is closely linked to the principles of neutrality of the technology used (any harmonized technology within the European Union can be used) and that of neutrality of services (typically applicable to mobile, fixed and Internet access).

Electronic communications services use harmonised specific frequency bands for use within the European Union. Due to the fact that the demand for spectrum exceeds the existing availabilities, concessions are granted through public tender procedures (competition and mainly auction). The basic documents governing tendering are approved by this Ministry, through a Ministerial Order published in the Official State Gazette.

Within the electronic communications services are the different technological generations, 2G (basically identified with GSM technology), 3G (with UMTS technology), 4G (fundamentally with LTE) and 5G, without prejudice to specific applications of other technologies since the principle of technological neutrality is applicable.

In addition to the electronic communications services described above, there are other uses with very limited market niches, such as public trunking networks, which use non-harmonized frequency bands and for which the granting of the mandatory concessions for the use of the spectrum does not require the tendering procedure, but they need to submit an application for an enabling degree through the Ministry’s electronic headquarters.

Administrative procedures of electronic voice and data communication stations

The telematic application for procedures related to the authorization of electronic voice and data communication stations makes it possible to:

  • Request approval of a new technical project of the station and authorization to carry out the installation, or request the modification of the project. In both cases, the corresponding radioelectric studies (type A certifications) must be included.
  • Present the claims to the requirements of correction.
  • Request the authorization to put the station into service: by presenting a replacement certification (PSCS) or through a technical recognition carried out by the telecommunications inspection (PSI).
  • Present annual certifications of radioelectric exposure levels (B, C and D).
  • Request the cancellation of an authorized station.

The XML files must be generated according to the schemes indicated in the Processing of Electronic Communications Stations in Harmonized Bands Using the computer tools that the operator deems appropriate.

The technical projects and certifications will consist of:

  1. An XML file, according to the indicated schemes.
  2. Additional files with PDF format, which must contain exclusively information not collected in the form of the previous file except the station and location codes supplied by the operator himself, in order to link both files.

For type A certifications, the additional files in PDF format must include the information collected in the following link of the electronic headquarters:

Processing of electronic communications stations in harmonized bands

For commissioning by submitting a replacement certification

  • Certification of the technician competent in telecommunication matters.
  • Photographs.
  • Phase II or Phase III measures, where appropriate.
  • Calibration certificates of the measuring equipment used.

For annual certifications

Such information as the telecommunications technician considers appropriate, in particular the calibration certificates of the measuring equipment used.

It is recommended that files with PDF format are digitally signed.

For each administrative procedure, an XSIG file will be generated, where the XML and the corresponding previous documents will be integrated, and will be digitally signed by the competent technician in the field of telecommunication.

In the event that the documents come from visas, the XSIG will also be signed by the corresponding Official College, and there must be a double signature.

To sign documents electronically, you can use the AutoSignature tool, which allows for dual electronic signatures. For more information on double signatures, please consult the technical documentation of the aforementioned tool.

The application for authorisation to put into service can be made by two procedures:

  1. A substitute certification in those cases identified in the Resolution of 4 May 2017by the Secretariat of State for the Information Society and the Digital Agenda, which determines that for electronic communication stations with a maximum equivalent isotropic radiated power greater than 1 watt, which are located in a non-urban environment, or those located in an urban environment, regardless of their radiated isotropic power, in which, within a radius of 100 metres, there are no spaces considered sensitive, as defined in the Order CTE/23/2002, of 11 Januaryestablishing conditions for the submission of certain studies and certifications by operators of radio services.
  2. Technical recognition of installations by the Secretary of State for stations with a maximum equivalent radiated isotropic power greater than 1 watt not included in paragraph 1 above.

Notwithstanding the foregoing, in the resolution granting the qualifying degree for the private use of the public radio domain, or in the approval of a technical project and the corresponding authorization to carry out the installation if it is carried out after the granting of the degree, technical recognition of the facilities may be required by the Secretary of State in the cases of facilities that, due to their complexity or technical characteristics, require such recognition.

The Law 9/2014, of 9 May, General of Telecommunications, provides in Annex I, Fees in the field of Telecommunications, in its section 4, relating to Telecommunications Fees, the obligation to pay a fee for the "presentation of certifications issued by competent technician substitutes for such inspection or verification actions".

For detailed information on the Commissioning Authorization procedures of electronic communication stations, please visit: Authorisations for the commissioning of radio stations