The UAE and Russian Federation held a Frequency Coordination Meeting for satellite networks to discuss matters related to resolution of interference between the satellite networks of the two countries; the meeting took place in Geneva from 18-22 June 2012. It addressed coordinating frequency requirements of the Russian satellites with their counterparts in the UAE.

The Telecommunications Regulatory Authority (TRA) represented by Eng. Khalid Al Awadhi, Manager, Space Services in the TRA, headed the UAE delegation; representatives from Al Yah Satellite Communications (Yahsat) and Thuraya Telecommunications were also present in the meeting that was held in response to a request from the Russian Administration to convene such a meeting to achieve coordination between the two sides in this regard.

Commenting on the meeting, H.E. Mohamed Nasser Al Ghanim, TRA Director General said: “The meeting was held in response to the Russian Administration’s request to discuss the coordination between satellite frequencies of the two countries, and to discuss matters related to resolving interference between UAE and Russian satellite networks. The UAE proactively included concerned entities namely: Al Yah Satellite Communications (Yahsat) and Thuraya Telecommunications in its delegation to discuss the technical issues with their Russian counterparts.”

Al Ghanim added: “We are pleased to convene this meeting; the results were positive and promising for further cooperation and coordination in terms of satellite networks. We were able to find solutions to a number of issues of concern for the two countries, and we agreed to enhance mutual cooperation in the future. The two sides asserted the importance of such meetings in achieving mutual interests.”

The meeting was inaugurated by opening remarks from both sides, followed by introduction of participants from both delegations. The business session began in which issues related to achieving coordination of C, KA, KU, X, and L bands used by the two parties were discussed. The meeting also identified the frequencies that can allow both sides to avoid any interference in bands used by the UAE and the Russian Federation.

Following the business session, the meeting discussed a number of other issues of mutual interest in terms of satellite networks. It also set the foundation through which the two sides can solve outstanding problems that may arise in the future, in addition to preparing a brief on topics that were discussed during the meeting. Recommendations were also set by the two sides, and the implementation of those recommendations will begin in order to reach the highest possible level of coordination.

The two sides expressed at the conclusion of the meeting their satisfaction for the outcomes, noting that the meeting was a success. They asserted that they will continue their cooperation in the future to promote coordination between the satellite networks of the two countries.