Spectrum coordination between ComReg and other jurisdictions is conducted on an on-going basis. The goal of this spectrum coordination is to minimise the occurrence of cross-border radio interference between licensees operating in different jurisdictions, while at the same time maximising the use of radio-based services in each territory.
The standard model for spectrum coordination between jurisdictions is based upon the development of Memoranda of Understanding (MoUs) or Coordination Agreements, which define the relevant technical criteria under which operators within each territory are to operate. In order to successfully achieve the goal stated above, such criteria often take the form of defined power threshold limits, or preferential channel use, for respective operations on both sides of a border.
Given that the United Kingdom (UK) is Ireland’s closest neighbour, and that radio-based services are more likely to be impacted when such services operate in close proximity to one another, the majority of currently implemented MoUs/Coordination Agreements are solely between the spectrum management agencies in Ireland (ComReg) and in the UK (Ofcom). Where required, however, multilateral coordination agreements are also in place between Ireland and several other international neighbours, dealing with, for example, broadcast services (where very high powers are used) and emergency services that need to operate in border areas.
In light of the dynamic nature of spectrum utilisation, attention is drawn to the fact that, from time to time, new MoUs/Coordination Agreements will need to be drafted in order to cater for additional spectrum demands. Additionally, existing MoUs/Coordination Agreements may also require periodic review in order to more accurately reflect evolving spectrum usage needs, taking into account both new technologies and existing operations.
A number of MoUs and Coordination Agreements between Ireland and its International neighbours are currently in place, details of which are provided in the tables shown below.
Bilateral MoU’s between Ireland & the UK:
| MoU | Details |
|---|---|
| 410 – 414, 420 – 424 MHz | Describes the procedures for coordination of radio services in the frequency bands 410 – 414 MHz and 420 – 424 MHz. |
| 703 MHz - 43.5 GHz | Describes the procedures for coordination of frequencies used by MFCN radio communication networks for specific bands in the spectrum range 703 MHz – 43.5 GHz. Coordination requirements for the bands 872 – 876 MHz, 917 – 921 MHz, and 2300 – 2400 MHz, are currently dealt with under separate MoU’s, referenced below. |
| 872 – 876 MHz, 917 – 921 MHz | Describes the procedures for the coordination of radio services in the frequency bands 872-876 MHz and 917-921 MHz. |
| 1785-1805 MHz | Describes the procedures for the coordination of civil radio services in the frequency band 1785 – 1805 MHz |
| 2300 - 2400 MHz | Describes the procedures for the coordination of civil radio services in the frequency band 2300 – 2400 MHz. |
| 10000 – 10680 MHz | Describes the procedures for the coordination of Wireless Access radio services in the frequency band 10000 – 10680 MHz |
In addition to the above listed MoUs, an “Operator’s Agreement” is also in place between Ireland and the UK. This Agreement enables coordination directly between operators, subject to agreement of the Administrations, whereby licensees holding rights of use in certain frequency bands (used for land mobile radio networks) may mutually agree conditions under which stations operating within those bands can exceed the threshold levels as agreed in the relevant MoUs applicable to those bands.
Multilateral MoU’s between CEPT Administrations:
| MoU | MoU Signatories | Details |
|---|---|---|
| TETRA MoU French Language Version (Signed) English Language Version | Ireland, Belgium, Germany, France, Luxembourg, the Netherlands, Switzerland & the UK | For the coordination of Terrestrial Trunked Radio, used on a common basis for Police, Security, Emergency and Customs services, within the frequency bands 380 – 385 MHz and 390 – 395 MHz. |
| 1.4 GHz CEPT MoU | Ireland, Austria, Bulgaria, Croatia, Czech Republic, Denmark, Estonia, Finland, France, Germany, Hungary, Iceland, Latvia, Lithuania, Malta, Moldova, Montenegro, North Macedonia, Norway, Serbia, Slovak Republic, Slovenia, Spain, Sweden | For the coordination of the frequency assignment of stations in the 1452 – 1492 MHz frequency band in the mobile (except aeronautical mobile service) and fixed services in respect to the Broadcasting-Satellite Service. As of the 21 March 2024, this agreement has been signed by 24 CEPT administrations – including Ireland. |
This MoU describes the procedures for the coordination of Scanning Telemetry (ST) networks between Ireland and the United Kingdom of Great Britain and Northern Ireland (UK), in particular for National ST licences in the UHF spectrum.
| MoU | Details |
|---|---|
| English Language Version (Signed) | For the Frequency Coordination between Ireland and the United Kingdom, concerning the Spectrum Coordination of Scanning Telemetry Networks in the UHF Frequency Range 456.9875-458.5 / 462.4875-464.0 MHz |
Bilateral MoU’s between Ireland & the UK:
| MoU/Agreement | Details |
|---|---|
| MoU to co-ordinate DTT frequency plans | Sets out the maximum agreed technical parameters for radio frequencies in the 470 – 694 MHz band which will be used to provide DTT services in both jurisdictions, following the migration of DTT services from the 700 MHz band in both jurisdictions. |
| MoU for the use of channel 55 and channel 56 in the UK during the 700 MHz band clearance transition period. | The purpose of this MoU is to facilitate early transition to the new 700 MHz band clearance DTT plans within the UK, by permitting multiplexes 7 and 8 to use Channel 55 and Channel 56 (742 – 758 MHz) during the Transition Period. |
Bilateral Agreement between Ireland & France:
| Agreement | Details |
|---|---|
| Agreement on frequency coordination of DTT in the frequency band 470 – 694 MHz | Sets out the maximum agreed technical parameters for radio frequencies in the 470 – 694 MHz band which will be used to provide DTT services in both jurisdictions. |
Multilateral Agreement between Ireland, Belgium, France, Germany, Luxembourg, the Netherlands & the UK:
| Agreement | Details |
|---|---|
| Agreement on the DTT frequency plan in the band 470 - 694 MHz. | For the coordination of respective DTT frequency plans in the 470 - 694 MHz band. |