Commission Implementing Decision (EU) 2019/784 of 14 May 2019 on harmonisation of the 24,25-27,5 GHz frequency band for terrestrial systems capable of providing wireless broadband electronic communications services in the Union (notified under document C(2019) 3450) (Text with EEA relevance.)

This Decision harmonises the essential technical conditions for the availability and efficient use of the 24,25-27,5 GHz frequency band in the Union for terrestrial systems capable of providing wireless broadband electronic communications services.

By 30 March 2020, Member States shall designate and make available on a non-exclusive basis the 24,25-27,5 GHz frequency band for terrestrial systems capable of providing wireless broadband electronic communications services, in compliance with the essential technical conditions set out in the Annex. Depending on the authorisation regime applied in this band, Member States shall analyse if it is necessary to impose additional technical conditions in order to ensure appropriate co-existence of terrestrial systems capable of providing wireless broadband electronic communications services with other services in the band.

Member States shall ensure, in compliance with the relevant technical conditions in the Annex, that the terrestrial systems referred to in Article 1 appropriately protect: (a) systems in adjacent bands, in particular in the Earth Exploration Satellite Service (passive) and in the Radio Astronomy Service in the 23,6-24,0 GHz frequency band; (b) earth stations in the Earth Exploration Satellite Service and in the Space Research Service for space-to-earth communications operating within the 25,5-27,0 GHz frequency band; (c) satellite systems for earth-to-space communications in the Fixed Satellite Service operating within the 24,65-25,25 GHz frequency band; (d) satellite systems for inter-satellite communications operating within the 24,45-24,75 GHz and 25,25-27,5 GHz frequency bands.

Member States may allow the continued operation of fixed links within the 24,25-27,5 GHz frequency band, if the terrestrial systems referred to in Article 1 can co-exist with such fixed links through managed shared spectrum use. Member States shall regularly monitor the need for continuing the operation of fixed links referred to in the first subparagraph of this Article.

Under the condition that the number and locations of new earth stations are determined as not to impose disproportionate constraints on the systems referred to in Article 1, subject to market demand, Member States shall ensure, that the continued deployment of earth stations is made possible: in the Earth Exploration Satellite Service (space-to-earth) or in the Space Research Service (space-to-earth) within the 25,5-27,0 GHz frequency band; in the Fixed Satellite Service (earth-to-space), within the 24,65-25,25 GHz frequency band.

Member States shall facilitate cross-border coordination agreements to enable operation of the terrestrial systems referred to in Article 1, taking into account existing regulatory procedures and rights, as well as relevant international agreements.

Member States shall report to the Commission on the implementation of this Decision by 30 June 2020. Member States shall monitor the use of the 24,25-27,5 GHz frequency band, including the progress on co-existence between the terrestrial systems referred to in Article 1 and other systems using the band, and report their findings to the Commission upon request or at their own initiative to allow a timely review of this Decision.

This Decision is addressed to the Member States.