Universal and efficient implementation of the internationally-agreed Radio Regulations are key to ensuring interference-free operations of radiocommunication systems worldwide, according to participants at a meeting on Europe's spectrum management convened by the International Telecommunication Union (ITU).
The online ITU Regional Radiocommunication Seminar 2022 for Europe (RRS-22-Europe) met from 30 August to 8 September to examine the region's future spectrum requirements taking into account updates to the Radio Regulations at the most recent World Radiocommunication Conference, WRC-19.
The regular revision of the Radio Regulations, the international treaty governing the global use of radio-frequency spectrum and satellite orbits, is key to facilitating the development of new radiocommunication services and technologies.
"Radiocommunication services are profoundly transforming many aspects of our lives," said ITU Secretary-General Houlin Zhao. "The Regional Radiocommunication Seminars provide an excellent opportunity for our members to learn the practical applications of the Radio Regulations in order to leverage the economic opportunities brought by technology."
Regulatory updates for the good of all
During the two-week seminar, experts noted that while Europe is a leading home for innovation, countries in the region need to keep abreast of revisions to the Radio Regulations to ensure equitable access to spectrum and satellite orbital resources and the harmonization of radiocommunication services.
The regional seminar covered the regulatory framework for both terrestrial and space services, as well as the procedures for filing and recording frequency assignments in the Master International Frequency Register (MIFR).
Participants discussed the current regulatory framework for international frequency management, ITU Radiocommunication (ITU-R) Recommendations, and the best practices for spectrum use by various radiocommunication services.
"Technology is continuously changing, and so is the regulatory framework to which it abides," said Mario Maniewicz, Director of the ITU Radiocommunication Bureau. "While European countries remain at the forefront of the innovation landscape globally, the efficient and effective application of Radio Regulations and other enabling policies will be a key factor to respond to the growing demand for affordable and accessible technologies in the region."
ITU support and guidance
Participants at the RRS-22 for Europe reviewed the main concepts related to spectrum management at national, regional, and international levels, their links with ITU basic texts, the Radio Regulations, and the associated Rules of Procedure.
Various tutorials enabled participants to familiarize themselves with ITU notification procedures for terrestrial and satellite filings, as well as with key software, databases and electronic publications developed by the Radiocommunication Bureau to facilitate and support Member States in their application of the Radio Regulations.
The seminar concluded with the "Spectrum Management Forum," during which the Radiocommunication Bureau presented the "ITU Table of Frequency Allocations (TFA) Software." TFA enables users to query and analyse the Table of Frequency Allocations and its associated footnotes as they appear in the Article 5 of the Radio Regulations.
Panellists at the forum shared information on the evolution of 5G in Europe, as well as their views on modern spectrum management and monitoring techniques.
A roundtable discussion explored the preparatory process for the World Radiocommunication Conference in 2023, WRC-23, and items on the agenda of particular interest to the Europe region.
The seminar drew more than 340 participants from 59 countries, including 38 from the European region, representatives of the telecommunication industry, operators, associations, academia along with experts from regional and international organizations.
Build-up to WRC-23
Regional Radiocommunication Seminars aim to assist ITU Member States in spectrum management activities and the application of the ITU Radio Regulations, with special attention to developing countries.
Regional engagement complements the biennial World Radiocommunication Seminars to ensure that all ITU countries and regions can adequately implement the results of the last and prepare for the next World Radiocommunication Conference.
The next World Radiocommunication Conference (WRC-23) will take place in Dubai, United Arab Emirates from 20 November to 15 December 2023.
More information on Regional Radiocommunication Seminars is available here.
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