Croatia has made a breakthrough in its attempts to reduce the adverse effects on its terrestrial TV services in 470-694 MHz and 5G mobile networks in the 700 MHz bands due to interference from Italy.
In a statement, the regulator HAKOM says that it has been actively participating in the work of the Radio Spectrum Policy Group (RSPG) at the European Commission, as well as in the RSPG subgroup for cross-border coordination “Good Offices” since 2013. During this time, it has pointed out the problem of Italian interference on Croatian radio and TV services, which has occurred over decades.
Recently, HAKOM requested priority interference resolution in the 700 MHz band, given the planned allocation of spectrum to 5G mobile communications networks in August this year and ensuring the smooth operation of terrestrial digital television in the 470-694 MHz band.
At an RSPG meeting on June 16, a draft RSPG opinion was presented and after a lengthy discussion, following a voting procedure, with the support of all member States and the opposition of Italy, the opinion was adopted.
Meanwhile, the Bosnian regulator RAK has ensured that the switch off of the remaining analogue TV transmitters in the country will be carried out according to plan and defined deadlines in order to ensure to uninterrupted operation of 5G networks in Croatia.