Eastern partner stakeholders discuss finalisation of Regional Spectrum Agreement

On 23 June 2020, the Eastern partner countries stakeholders’ online workshop regarding the Regional Spectrum Agreement (RSA) took place. Due to the continuing travel restrictions, the event was organised on a virtual platform by the Spectrum Expert Working Group and with support of the European Commission.

The aim of the workshop was to discuss the outcomes of the national-level consultations and develop the final version of the RSA. During the event, the current status in terms of signing the RSA as well as release of the 700 MHz and 3.4-3.8 GHz frequency band was presented. In addition, the current RSA text was overviewed, and the feedback from the workshop participants as well as the next steps towards signing the RSA and release of the 700 MHz was discussed.

The preparation of RSA was initiated in December 2019 and its initial version has already passed two rounds of consultation with members of the Spectrum Expert Working Group. It is expected that the final version of the RSA will have to be consulted and approved by Eastern partner countries during the Panel on Harmonisation of Digital Markets (HDM Panel). The signature of the RSA is planned in December during the 4th EaP Ministerial Meeting.

A Regional Spectrum Agreement would ensure harmonised usage of spectrum resources among partner countries and with the EU. Release of the 700 MHz frequency band would ensure better coverage of mobile networks, and in particular future 5G services.