MCA delegation visits RATEL

28.04.2023

Belgrade, April – Representatives of the Malta Communications Authority (MCA) paid a return visit to RATEL, thus continuing a successful collaboration of the two regulatory bodies.

Director of RATEL, Dragan Pejović, with his associates, received the Maltese delegation headed by the MCA CEO Jesmond Bugeja. Both sides expressed readiness to enhance cooperation and to exchange experience between their respective organizations. On this occasion, a Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) in the field of electronic communications and postal services was signed, in an aim to promote further cooperation and knowledge sharing between the regulators’ experts.

During the visit of the Maltese colleagues, information and practical experience in the area of RF spectrum monitoring, and benchmark analysis of the mobile communication networks quality of service were exchanged. Members of the MCA delegation were acquainted with the setup of the RF spectrum monitoring system in Serbia, as well as technical solutions applied in RATEL’s RF spectrum monitoring system.

After the two delegations’ visit to the PE ETV Avala Tower, where a technical solution applied to the broadcasting transmitter system was presented to them, the Maltese regulator’s representatives visited Monitoring Centre Niš, in order to exchange knowledge about the compact remotely controlled station (CRCS) system development. These stations are predominantly installed in urban areas for the purpose of monitoring the RF spectrum use. RATEL shared its experience through presentations themed around the CRCS system development and the mobile network benchmarking carried out in 2022 on the territory of the Republic of Serbia, focusing in particular on the mentioned measurement’s results for 2022.

During the tour of remotely controlled monitoring and measuring station (RCMMS) Povlen, the colleagues of MCA were acquainted with technical features of the measuring equipment and the managing monitoring system, as well as with specific infrastructure works performed on the station powering hybrid system. A solar panel system provides primary charging, with batteries and a diesel power generator ensuring backup charging. Due to favorable weather conditions in Malta, this powering system has been potentially very interesting to the visiting delegation.

The visit was very successful in terms of the exchange of experience and information related to the two regulators’ common tasks and activities. The MCA delegation especially appreciated RATEL’s experience in conducting the phases of the CRCS construction project, including, among other, elaboration of technical documentation, acquisition of location, installation, testing, networking and connecting to the existing RF spectrum monitoring system in the Republic of Serbia. A common conclusion was reached that the transfer of knowledge and experience is a key asset to successfully implement regulations receptive of the development of new technologies.