Together with international radiocommunication experts, African countries have identified new frequencies between 87.5 megahertz (MHz) and 108 MHz to expand FM (frequency modulation) radio broadcasting services across the continent.
The newly coordinated frequencies are the outcome of the two-year GE84 Plan optimization project for Africa, jointly coordinated by the International Telecommunication Union (ITU) and the African Telecommunications Union (ATU), with collaborative support from 50 African countries.
"The successful completion of this project is a major milestone for radio broadcasting in Africa," said ITU Secretary-General Houlin Zhao. "Access to information through technologies such as radio broadcasting is vital to achieving the United Nations 2030 Agenda for Sustainable Development. ITU is proud of this fruitful partnership with the African Telecommunications Union which will reinforce broadcast radio's reach across Africa."
ATU Secretary General John Omo said: "We are delighted that the outcome of this project opens the possibility for new channels to help secure the long-term sustainability of radio broadcasting in Africa."
About the GE84 Plan optimization project
The GE84 Plan relates to the use of the band 87.5-108 MHz for FM sound broadcasting in Region 1 and part of Region 3 as established in the Regional Agreement, Geneva, 1984.
Launched in East London, South Africa, in July 2019, the GE84 Plan optimization project aimed to ensure compatibility among existing and new broadcasting frequency assignments in the 87.5-108 MHz band and facilitate the eventual introduction of digital sound broadcasting in Africa.
The project also carried out a regional FM compatibility analysis, using software tools developed by the ITU's Radiocommunication Bureau as the basis for further discussions and coordination between national and regional administrations.
The project brought together national broadcasters and regulators from across Africa and neighbouring regions to focus on various aspects of spectrum coordination, including steps countries can take to avoid harmful interference as FM services expand.
Coordination meetings held virtually
In a series of three frequency planning and coordination meetings, participants focused on the process needed to make sure national frequency plans are compatible for smooth FM broadcasting in the 87.5-108 MHz band.
Participants also agreed on general criteria for assignable channels, such as acceptable levels of interfering signals, how to share information, optimal numbers of channels in any given area, polarization discrimination, and proposed timelines for frequency assignment and planning.
The final session gathered more than 200 participants from 45 African countries, as well as 11 countries bordering Africa.
"Radio broadcasting is still the most affordable, reliable and accessible way to disseminate information in Africa," said Mario Maniewicz, Director of the ITU Radiocommunication Bureau.
"Countries must now make good on their commitment to assign more frequencies for FM broadcasting. People across the continent need access to this vital communication tool," he added, inviting African governments, regulators and service providers to make the most of the newly identified channels.
"Radio still reigns as king of the African media industry," added Omo. "The result of this project will contribute to creating immense social-economic value in Africa and beyond."
Resources and background information:
- GE84 Plan optimization for Africa website
- RR5 Table of Frequency Allocations Software
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