Iran, Azerbaijan Sign Updated Frequency Coordination Protocol

TEHRAN (Iran News) According to the Ministry of Information and Communications Technology (ICT), Alireza Darvishi said that the protocol was signed following a bilateral meeting between the two countries. The agreement updates previous arrangements to address frequency interference and signal spillover along the Iran–Azerbaijan border.

Darvishi explained that, after reviewing the results of drive tests conducted in the border areas, both countries committed to taking corrective action within three months to eliminate signal interference and cross-border frequency overlaps.

He added that one of the main provisions of the new protocol involves developing technical criteria for assessing frequency interference and signal spillover in the newly allocated frequency bands. These standards were established with the participation of mobile network operators from both Iran and Azerbaijan, allowing both sides to minimize disruptions and ensure better coordination.

Describing the new criteria, Darvishi noted: “In some technologies, frequency coordination is based on frequency division, while in others it depends on signal strength thresholds at border points. By measuring these indicators in border regions, both sides can verify compliance with the agreed technical standards.”

Darvishi pointed out that the previous frequency coordination protocol dated back to 2016, and that with the evolution of communication technologies — particularly the rollout of 5G mobile networks — it became necessary to revise and modernize the agreement.

“Under the new protocol, all future frequency monitoring and evaluations in border areas will be conducted according to the updated standards. Both parties are now obligated to resolve interference and signal spillover based on this new framework,” he said.

He further noted that the three-day meeting was held in line with regional broadcasting treaties and followed up on agreements reached earlier this year in Baku. The talks also aimed to ensure that radio and television broadcasting in border areas remains free from interference while providing sufficient frequency spectrum for both Iran and Azerbaijan.

The three-day frequency coordination meeting was attended by deputy ministers and senior officials from Iran’s CRA, representatives of Azerbaijan’s Ministry of Digital Development and Transport, spectrum management authorities, and delegates from IRIB (Islamic Republic of Iran Broadcasting) and mobile network operators from both countries.