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Removal of interference in the UHF band for the smooth operation of digital television and the future fifth generation network (5G) – relations with Italy and BiH

The adopted RSPG Opinion proposes a coordinated solution to cross-border harmful interference from the Italian Republic, in order to ensure the smooth operation of terrestrial digital television networks in the 470-694 MHz band and fifth-generation mobile communications networks (5G) in the 700 MHz band

ZAGREB, 12 July 2021 - HAKOM has been actively participating in the work of Radio spectrum Policy Group (RSPG) of the European Commission since 2013, as well as in the RSPG subgroup for cross-border coordination “Good offices”. During this entire period, the representatives of HAKOM pointed out the great problem of Italian interference with the Croatian radio and television programmes that have been going on for several decades. Besides the Italian administration, the International Telecommunications Union (ITU) and the RSPG were also regularly informed of this problem. Prior to its membership in the European Union, in accordance with ITU International Radio Regulations, HAKOM attempted to resolve these interference through bilateral cooperation with the Italian Republic and through procedures for resolving interference within the competence of the Radio communication Bureau and the ITU Radio Regulations Board. Accordingly, in the last ten years HAKOM has sent more than 7,000 reports of disruption to the competent authorities of the Italian Republic and ITU, demanding that they should be removed urgently.

Although mutual agreements and established international plans have been signed for the UHF zone, in comparison to the Italian Republic, the Republic of Croatia has a much greater number of reported cases of harmful interference resulting from the internationally non-harmonised use of frequencies. The conversion and release of the 700 MHz harmonised frequency band is particularly influenced by the work of internationally uncoordinated Italian transmitters transmitting on frequencies in the 470-694 MHz frequency band, which the Republic of Croatia uses for the reception of terrestrial digital television after liberating the 700 MHz frequency band for wireless broadband mobile communications networks. In this regard, there was no certain resolution of this issue, which makes it difficult for the Republic of Croatia to implement the activities within the deadlines provided for in Decision (EU) 2017/899 of the European Parliament and of the Council of 17 May 2017 on the use of the 470-790 MHz frequency band in the Union (hereinafter: the UHF Decision), and also since the Italian Republic has decided to postpone the release of the 700 MHz band until 2022, it may further restrict the Republic of Croatia in the disposal of this radio spectrum. Therefore, HAKOM is in January of this year pursuant to Article 28(3) EUTMR. The Code of Directive (EU) 2018/1972 of the European Parliament and of the Council of 11 December 2018 on the European electronic Communications Code) applied for the mediation and issue of an RSPG Opinion, proposing a coordinated solution to cross-border harmful interference by the Italian Republic in order to ensure the smooth use of the harmonised radio spectrum in the Republic of Croatia, in accordance with the EU law.

In short, HAKOM requested priority resolution of interference in the 700 MHz band, given the planned allocation of spectrum to the fifth generation mobile communications networks (5G) in August of this year and ensuring the smooth operation of terrestrial digital television in the 470-694 MHz band.

The Draft RSPG Opinion (RSPG21-029) was presented at the RSPG meeting on 16 June 2021 and the RSPG Opinion was adopted after a long discussion, following a voting procedure, supported by all Member States and opposition from the Italian Republic, available at the following link.

The proposed coordinated solution, according to  the RSPG Opinion the measures are provided whose fulfilment ensures smooth operation on TV channels in the 470-694 MHz band and the smooth operation of fifth generation mobile communications networks (5G) in the 700 MHz band.

In addition to the above procedure for issuing RSPG Opinions, and with regard to the public auction procedure that will award the radio spectrum and enable the introduction of fifth-generation mobile communications networks (5G) in the 700 MHz band, HAKOM has requested the regulatory Communications Agency of Bosnia and Herzegovina (hereinafter: RAK) to exclude the remaining analogue television transmitter network that could cause interference in that band. Until the start of the public auction procedure, RAK confirmed that the switch off of analogue TV was conducted in accordance with the plan and deadlines set, in order to ensure the smooth operation of 5G networks in the Republic of Croatia by the time of issuing the licence to the public auction in August.

For additional information please contact:

Croatian Regulatory Authority for Network Industries (HAKOM)

  • Roberta Frangeša-Mihanovića 9 Street
  • 10110 Zagreb, Croatia
  • Tel. + 385 (0) 1 700 70 07
  • Fax + 385 (0)1 700 70 70

Media inquiries can be submitted online using HAKOM’s official website: www.hakom.hr

About Hakom

HAKOM - Croatian Regulatory Authority for Network Industries – ensures preconditions for a fair market competition, stable growth and environment for innovations in the electronic communications and postal services market. HAKOM protects users’ interests and the possibility of choice among various communications and postal services at affordable prices, defines sustainable competitive conditions for operators and service providers under fair conditions for return on investment, and provides support to economic growth, public services and the quality of life in the Republic of Croatia by using modern technologies. HAKOM’ strategic goals are: to promote regulation of the electronic communications and postal services market, to support growth of investments and innovations in the electronic communications and postal services market, to provide efficient use of limited resources, to accelerate the growth of broadband products and services, to provide affordable offers of communications and postal services, to provide protection and informing of users, to build an efficient and comprehensive information system, to define and implement efficient processes, and to acquire multi-disciplinary expertise in market regulation.