Commission Implementing Decision (EU) 2022/173 of 7 February 2022 on the harmonisation of the 900 MHz and 1800 MHz frequency bands for terrestrial systems capable of providing electronic communications services in the Union and repealing Decision 2009/766/EC (notified under document C(2022) 605) (Text with EEA relevance)

This Decision establishes the harmonised technical conditions for the availability and efficient use of the 900 MHz band, in accordance with Directive 87/372/EEC, and of the 1800 MHz band, for terrestrial systems capable of providing electronic communications services.

For the purposes of this Decision, the following definitions shall apply: (a) ‘GSM system’ means an electronic communications network as specified by ETSI standards, in particular EN 301502, EN 301511, and EN 301908-18, also including Extended Coverage GSM IoT (EC-GSM-IoT); (b) ‘900 MHz band’ means the 880-915 MHz and 925-960 MHz bands; (c) ‘1800 MHz band’ means the 1710-1785 MHz and 1805-1880 MHz bands.

1 The terrestrial systems capable of providing electronic communications services that can coexist with GSM systems in the 900 MHz band within the meaning of Article 1(1) of Directive 87/372/EEC shall comply with the parameters set out in the Annex within 30 months from the adoption of this Decision.

2 Member States shall designate and make available, within 30 months from the adoption of this Decision, on a non-exclusive basis, the 1800 MHz frequency band for: (a) GSM systems; and (b) terrestrial systems capable of providing electronic communications services, in compliance with the parameters set out in the Annex.

Member States shall facilitate cross-border coordination agreements to enable operation of GSM systems and the terrestrial systems referred to in Article 3(1) and 3(2)(b), taking into account existing regulatory procedures and rights as well as relevant international agreements, in compliance with EU law.

Member States shall ensure that terrestrial systems referred to in Article 3(1) and 3(2)(b) give appropriate protection to systems in adjacent bands.

Member States shall keep the use of the 900 MHz and 1800 MHz bands under permanent review to ensure the efficient use thereof, and in particular report as soon as necessary to the Commission any need for a revision of this Decision, in compliance with EU law.

Decision 2009/766/EC is hereby repealed. Its Article 5 and its Annex shall remain applicable for 30 months from the adoption of this Decision.

This Decision is addressed to the Member States.