Bosnia-Herzegovina

[BA] Allocation of available Frequencies for Terrestrial Broadcasting

IRIS 2005-4:1/32

Dusan Babic

Media Analyst, Sarajevo

The Communications Regulatory Agency (RAK) has conducted a public opening for the allocation of available frequency resources for terrestrial broadcasting of RTV programmes.

The RAK is an independent state-level institution, with responsibility for the regulation of the telecommunications and electronic media sector, but it also has the remit to manage the frequency spectrum in Bosnia and Herzegovina.

In January 2005 the Agency announced a public invitation for the allocation of the available frequencies for terrestrial broadcasting of RTV programmes, along with the list for terrestrial broadcasting of radio programmes in VHF range 87.5 - 108 MHz, and a list for terrestrial broadcasting of TV programmes in UHF range 470 - 786 MHz.

This proceeding was in accordance with the Geneva 1984 and Stockholm 1961 Agreements that specify the usage of these frequencies. It should be remembered that the Stockholm Agreement has established for Europe television plans in bands I, III, IV/V, and an FM radio plan in band II. These plans also include an indication of the agreed technical characteristics and modalities, such as transmitter site, frequency, etc. The Geneva Agreement was intended to revise the Stockholm Agreement, which is going to be further modified in the light and context of Digital Audio Broadcasting (DAB) expansion.

The RAK has announced that 21 applications were received by the end of the deadline at the end of February 2005. The results of this public tender will be announced publicly, and each applicant will be informed separately, in writing, including a note regarding a legal remedy against the decision. This is in line with the Agency's policy guidelines, which order it to perform its duty, role and mandate in a legal, fair and transparent manner.