Legal framework

The law relating to radio communications for emergency and security services

The law relating to radio communications for emergency and security services determines, among other things, the following points:

  • The creation of ASTRID by the Federale Investeringsmaatschappij/Société Fédérale d'Investissement (Federal Investment Company).
  • The definition of ASTRID’s social objective, the composition of its Board of Directors and issues relating to capital and financing.
  • The allocation of the 380-385/390-395MHz frequency band.
  • The monitoring of ASTRID by the Minister of the Interior and the Minister of the Budget.
  • The monitoring of the financial situation, annual accounts and the legality of the company is entrusted to a group of commissioners.

Management service agreement 2023-2027

The management service agreement covers ASTRID's relationships between both the Belgian government and end users. This code of practice offers a clear and transparent framework for ASTRID's remit and financing arrangements, while also providing an operational framework for ASTRID, the state regulatory authorities and end users.

The royal decree establishing ASTRID's fourth management contract was published in 2023. It sets out the obligations and investments for the period 2023-2027 between the federal government and ASTRID.

Financing

The management service agreement details the mechanisms for financing, which are twofold:

  • Annual financing of operating charges (system maintenance and operating costs) is by way of a subsidy taken from the budget allocation for Home Affairs FPS (SPF Intérieur/FOD Binnenlandse Zaken) in the general expenditure budget. The Belgian government has earmarked an annual allocation of €46.5 million for 2023 and each of the following four years.
  • Investment projects are secured through pre-financing arrangements using ASTRID's own resources, with the total amount recouped from annual user subscriptions.  The value of ASTRID's investment activity covered by revenue from subscriptions amounts to €117 million.  

Statutes

The statutes are based on the relevant bills