RESILIENT COMMUNICATIONS

That this House welcomes the launch of a consultation process by the European Union following its reservation of part of the spectrum for mobile satellite services across Europe, which could enable the combination of satellite and ground based mobile networks to increase resilience of mobile communications in times of natural or man made emergencies; suggests that Ofcom recognise the importance of public good when allocating frequencies for mobile satellite services and express such views to the Information Society and Media Directorate General of the European Commission as the UK's position; and calls upon it to make early allocation of spectrum for such purposes when the process has been determined.