UAE and Russia discuss co-ordination between satellite networks in Geneva

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

The meeting was held in response to the Russian Administration’s request to discuss coordination between satellite frequencies of the two countries and matters related to resolving interference between UAE and Russian satellite networks

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 co-ordination between the two sides in this regard.

Commenting on the meeting, Mohamed Nasser Al Ghanim, TRA director general, said: “The meeting was held in response to the Russian Administration’s request to discuss coordination between satellite frequencies of the two countries and 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 co-operation and co-ordination 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 meeting also identified frequencies that can allow both sides to avoid any interference in bands used by the UAE and the Russian Federation. 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.