By Manny Pham
The Lithuanian communications regulator Rysiu Reguliavimo Tarnyba (RRT) won a spectrum dispute against Russia, as Lithuanian airwaves along its borders gained international protection against its neighbour.
The case was brought in 2019 up by the International Telecommunication Union (ITU) when the body registered frequencies to the Master International Frequency Register (MIFR).
Russia challenged the frequencies registered to Lithuania, stating in 2021 it needed Lithuanian civilian airwaves to operate its military and won.
RRT council member Darius Kuliesius explained the regulator was seeking “international protection” for Lithuanian radio frequencies, to ensure Russian base stations do not interfere with communications and enable 5G development.
Kuliesius said in a translated statement: “We have received the highest protection status for our frequencies, and our negotiating position in further disputes or negotiations with our neighbours has become stronger.
“We aim to ensure a new generation, fast and high-quality communication and efficient use of state radio resources in the border areas.”
