The 27th Meeting of the European Aviation System Planning Group (EASPG) Frequency Management Group (FMG/27) combined with the Twentieth Meeting of the Network Manager Radio Frequency Function Group (RAFT/20) met virtually from 21 to 23 September 2021 to address a number of items in order to advance the overall Frequencies work Programme.
The FMG and RAFT members were presented with an update on the European Aeronautical Common Position (EACP) for the International Telecommunication Union (ITU) World Radiocommunication Conference (2023) (WRC-23), and noted that both the European and ICAO Position are aligned.
The potential interference 5G/Radio Altimeter bands were discussed. The Meeting noted the Global and National 5G spectrum (Global assignments are from 3300 – 3800 MHz; most of European States assigned or plan assignments from 3400 – 3800 MHz). It was highlighted that there would be a relevant agenda item at WRC-23 in this regard and the Aviation and Telecom industries do need to work together to find a sustainable solution.
The Group reviewed proposals in view of optimizing the VHF Digital Link (VDL) and considered actions to be taken to relieve the AOC traffic congestion in the Data-Link Sub-band. Additionally, the meeting also approved several amendments to the EUR Frequency Management Manual (EUR Doc 011).
An update to the upgrade of the Spectrum and Frequency Information Resource (SAFIRE) web-based application was also provided.
A total of 104 participants from 37 States, 7 International Organizations and one Industry participated at this meeting.
The next combined FMG/RAFT meeting is planned to take in Paris place from 16 to 20 May 2022.
