For the purposes of the RTTE Directive, an interface can mean either the physical network termination point where a user can connect terminal equipment to a public network or a radio interface between wireless equipment (or both). References to "interfaces" of either type can occur in two different senses.

First, there is the concept that Member States may regulate certain interfaces. Although the directive text does not say so specifically, such regulated interfaces are understood to be radio interfaces. There is, in practice, no technical regulation of fixed network interfaces by the Member States.

Second, Member Sates are required to notify the Commission of the types of interface offered by their public network operators. The Member States must also ensure that the operators publish technical specifications for the interfaces. These specifications must contain information relevant to compliance with the essential requirements and sufficient detail for a manufacturer to design equipment compatible with the network.

Notified (radio) interfaces

Information about notified radio interfaces is not intended to go into technical detail or impose specific technical standards. The intention is to give a precise high level description of spectrum use which might include such items as: services operating in the band; licensing regime; specifications used in frequency planning assumptions; channel spacing and designation of emission; maximum transmit power; duty cycle; channel access protocol; duplex direction (if applicable); need for operator's certificate; changes foreseen and any relevant remarks.

Notifed (radio) interface information from some Member States can be accessed via the "Interface Regulations" column in the table on the European Commission web page under the "Member State Links" heading below.

Public network information

It is up to the network operators to decide how they will publish information about their interfaces. Several guides on the information content are available from
European Commission, DG Enterprise & Industry
R&TTE Other Guidance Documents
http://www.europa.eu.int/comm/enterprise/rtte/guides.htm.

Public netwrok nformation from some Member States can be accessed via the "Interface Publications" column in the table on the European Commission web page under the "Member State Links" heading below.

Member State Links

European Commission, DG Enterprise & Industry
R&TTE Websites & Documents of Member States and other countries:
http://www.europa.eu.int/comm/enterprise/rtte/weblinks.htm