ETSI EN 302 208 v3.3.0, “Radio Frequency Identification Equipment operating in the band 865 MHz to 868 MHz with power levels up to 2 W and in the band 915 MHz to 921 MHz with power levels up to 4 W, Harmonized Standard for access to radio spectrum,” was revised May 2020.
The frequency usage conditions for RFID are EU wide harmonized in the band 865 MHz to 868 MHz according to “Commission implementing Decision (EU) 2017/1483 of 8 August 2017 amending Decision 2006/771/EC on harmonization of the radio spectrum for use by short-range devices and repealing Decision 2006/804/EC” and in the band 915 MHz to 921 MHz according to “Commission implementing Decision (EU) 2018/1538 of 11 October 2018 on the harmonization of radio spectrum for use by short-range devices within the 874-876 and 915-921 MHz frequency bands.” According to this later decision EU member states are requested to implement 3 channels only in the 915 MHz to 921 MHz band.
The frequency band 915 MHz to 921 MHz has only a limited implementation status within the European Union and the CEPT countries. The following table summarizes Impinj’s understanding of country acceptance as of May 2020. Impinj recommends contacting the country’s communications ministry for confirmation.
| Status | EU Member States | CEPT Countries |
|---|---|---|
| Accepted |
Bulgaria, Belgium (lower 2 channels), Croatia, Czech Republic, Cyprus, Denmark, Estonia, Finland, France, Hungary, Ireland, Italy, Latvia, Luxembourg, Malta, Portugal, Slovenia, Spain[Note 6] With license: Austria[Note 1], Belgium (upper 2 channels)[Note 2], Greece[Note 3], Lithuania[Note 4], Sweden[Note 5] |
Belarus (lower 2 channels), Bosnia and Herzegovina, Georgia, Iceland, North Macedonia (lower 2 channels), Montenegro (lower 2 channels), Moldova (lower 2 channels), Norway, Switzerland (lower 2 channels), United Kingdom |
| Not Accepting | Germany, Netherlands | Monaco |
| Decision Pending | Poland, Romania, Slovak Republic | Albania, Andorra, Liechtenstein, Russia, San Marino, Serbia, Turkey, Ukraine, Vatican |
Impinj expects those countries listed as “decision pending” will accept upper band operation.
Countries “accepted with license” require the system operator to obtain approval from their local communications ministry before deploying a 915 MHz to 921 MHz system at a specific site. Operation is permitted after obtaining the site license. Additional details for specific countries are listed below.
Note 1: Upper Band operation in Austria requires site license from ministry. Before the RFID interrogator is put into operation, an application must be submitted to the telecommunications office in accordance with Section 80a TKG 2003. The application form can currently be found here.
Note 2: Upper Band operation in Belgium requires site license from ministry. License is temporary and must be renewed. End user must submit the application. If granted, the license is temporary, limited to the end of the year, and must be renewed. License may be refused to protect E-GSMR (too close to railway tracks). To apply for a license, end user must fill out the application form available here. Regulations: available here.
Note 3: Upper Band operation in Greece requires site license from ministry and military authorities. Individual site license issued by EETT (after approval by the military authorities). Interested parties shall send a request including the following elements: exact geographical location (in terms of geographical coordinates) of the intended use, type of installation (indoor or outdoor), antenna height (above ground), preferred channel. Requests can be sent by email to info@eett.gr or by regular mail to EETT postal address: HELLENIC TELECOMMUNICATIONS & POST COMMISSION, 60 Kifissias Avenue, 151 25 Maroussi, Athens, Greece.
Note 4: Upper Band operation in Lithuania requires site license from ministry. The technical and location information of the stations intended to be registered in the RRT database shall be sent to rrt@rrt.lt.
Note 5: Upper Band operation in Sweden requires site license from ministry. To apply for a license, complete this application and email it to pts@pts.se.
Note 6: Upper Band operation in Spain is permitted for lower 2 channels. Operation in upper 918.7 MHz channel requires placing the reader at least 300 meters away from all rail lines (as measured in a straight line between reader and rail line).
Comments
Country list updated with latest known status.
Article updated with the latest known status.
Article updated with the latest known status.
Article updated with additional details for countries that require site license in order to operate in the EU Upper Band.
Article updated with additional details for Sweden that requires site license in order to operate in the EU Upper Band.
Article updated to reflect that Spain was moved from "Decision Pending" to "Accepted" for EU Upper Band usage. See Note 6 above for deployment details.
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