diff --git a/src/charm.py b/src/charm.py
index af11cae..c30ac8f 100755
--- a/src/charm.py
+++ b/src/charm.py
@@ -302,7 +302,9 @@ def _requested_receivers(self) -> Tuple[ReceiverProtocol, ...]:
         requested_protocols.update(self.enabled_receivers)
         # and publish only those we support
         requested_receivers = requested_protocols.intersection(set(self.tempo.receiver_ports))
-        return tuple(requested_receivers)
+        # sorting for stable output to prevent remote units from receiving
+        # spurious relation-changed events
+        return tuple(sorted(requested_receivers))
 
     @property
     def _trace_retention_period_hours(self) -> int:
diff --git a/tests/scenario/test_tracing_provider.py b/tests/scenario/test_tracing_provider.py
index 66866e7..6ab599a 100644
--- a/tests/scenario/test_tracing_provider.py
+++ b/tests/scenario/test_tracing_provider.py
@@ -32,7 +32,7 @@ def test_receivers_removed_on_relation_broken(
     with charm_tracing_disabled():
         with context(context.on.relation_broken(tracing_grpc), state) as mgr:
             charm = mgr.charm
-            assert set(charm._requested_receivers()) == {"otlp_http", "jaeger_thrift_http"}
+            assert charm._requested_receivers() == ("jaeger_thrift_http", "otlp_http")
             state_out = mgr.run()
 
     r_out = [r for r in state_out.relations if r.id == tracing_http.id][0]