The ever-expanding development of new radiocommunication applications for space and terrestrial services is driving higher demand for the limited radio frequency spectrum.
To satisfy this demand and ensure that affordable digital connectivity reaches even the remotest of places and populations requires more innovative radio systems and networks as well as improved spectrum management processes.
The ITU World Radiocommunication Seminar (WRS-24) was held in Geneva, Switzerland, from 2 to 6 December.
The biennial seminar equips national telecom regulators, spectrum managers, and engineers with the latest knowledge and tools for effective spectrum management.
Participants at this latest session received hands-on training on the application of ITU Radio Regulations, the key legal instrument allowing all administrations to establish and use radio services free from harmful interference.
“In today’s interconnected world, effective management of radio frequencies is more critical than ever,” said Mario Maniewicz, Director of the ITU Radiocommunication Bureau. “Conformity with the provisions of the ITU Radio Regulations ensures that radio frequencies and any associated orbits are used rationally, efficiently and economically and that countries worldwide have equitable access to these limited natural resources.”
Growing interest in spectrum issues
The week-long seminar covered topics related to radio spectrum management at the global level and the implications for subsequent regional coordination, and national regulation.
WRS-24 plenary sessions were open to everyone, including entities that are not members of the ITU Radiocommunication Sector (ITU-R).
Concurrently, a second edition of the Future Radio Exhibition showcased innovations in radiocommunication services and equipment for the general public in Geneva.
Overall, over 1,562 individuals (both in-person and online) registered for WRS-24, reflecting the growing interest in the work of ITU-R.
Regulatory updates and capacity building
Seminar participants received an overview of the ITU Radio Regulations (2024 version), the newly updated regulatory framework for terrestrial and space radiocommunication services including frequency allocations, the filing process for obtaining new frequency assignments, along with related software and tools.
The seminar also provided updates on current activities and hot topics for ITU Radiocommunication study groups.
Capacity building remains a key component of ITU’s engagement with its membership, aimed at helping governments, regulators, companies and other organizations leverage the benefits of information and communication technologies and advance digital transformation for everyone worldwide.
Three days of WRS-24 space and terrestrial workshops gave participants hands-on experience with ITU notification procedures, as well as with the software, databases and electronic publications made available by the Radiocommunication Bureau to ITU’s global membership.
Tailored sessions were also available for both beginners and advanced users of ITU software tools.
Four-year conference cycle
Along with the World Radiocommunication Seminar, ITU provides six Regional Radiocommunication Seminars for deeper insight into the Radio Regulations.
Together, the world and regional seminars highlight the regulatory framework as revised by the last World Radiocommunication Conference (WRC-23) late last year.
“As regulations and standards evolve, ITU’s role is to disseminate information about the international framework that governs radiocommunication systems, and the rights and obligations that derive from these norms,” added Maniewicz.
The seminars also aim to equip ITU members worldwide (including national governments and sector members such as companies, organizations and research institutes) with the essential technical and regulatory background to prepare for the next WRC in 2027.
Trends and milestones
Other discussions outlined real-world applications of the Radio Regulations, trends in various radiocommunication services, and milestones in ITU’s 159-year history.
Participants also learned about the workings of ITU-R study groups, the 12-member Radio Regulations Board, and the Radiocommunication Assembly that sets the overall direction of the sector ahead of each WRC.
Another session introduced the Network of Women, dedicated to promoting gender equality in this area of ITU’s work and empowering more women to take up ITU-R leadership roles.
First formed in 2016, the women’s network is now focused on its “NOW4WRC27” (or Network of Women for WRC-27) campaign, aimed at boosting women’s representation at the next global ITU radiocommunications gathering.
Latest Radio Regulations updates
Key WRC-23 decisions noted at the seminar include:
Identifying new spectrum for International Mobile Telecommunications (IMT).
Spectrum allocations and regulations for high-altitude platform stations as IMT base stations (HIBS).
New frequencies for non-geostationary fixed-satellite service Earth Stations in Motion (ESIMs).
Protection for ship and aircraft transmissions in international waters or airspace.
Modernization of the Global Maritime Distress and Safety System (GMDSS) with new e-navigation systems, plus provisional recognition of the BeiDou Satellite Messaging Service System for GMDSS use.
Additional frequencies for passive Earth exploration satellite services for better weather forecasting and climate monitoring.
Aeronautical mobile satellite frequencies providing global coverage for pilots and air traffic controllers, as well as specific regional bands for aircraft, helicopters, and drones to transfer data from surveillance, monitoring, mapping, and filming.
Provision of inter-satellite links.
Recognition of the need to observe space weather phenomena including solar flares, solar radiation and geomagnetic storms.
Approval of a recommendation allowing 41 countries to acquire new and usable orbital resources for satellite broadcasting.