10 things you didn’t know rely on the ITU Radio Regulations
1. Television
Whether terrestrial (analogue or digital) or satellite-based, broadcast television is among the most popular means of informing and entertaining the public. Even if the end user’s TV is connected via terrestrial broadcast TV or cable, a substantial amount of TV content has been distributed by satellite, which relies on the use of the radiofrequency spectrum.2. Broadcast (FM or AM) radio
Despite the rise of digital radio, broadcast radio remains one of the most vital means of distributing information and entertainment. This is especially true across the African continent, where it has been argued that ‘FM radio reigns king of the media industry.’3. Mobile and smartphones
Cellular communications have been transformative since the mid-1980s to the present, and are expected to continue connecting people, things, data, applications, transport systems and cities in smart networked communication environments. Advances in cellular technology are expected to transport huge amounts of data much faster, reliably connect an extremely large number of devices and process very high volumes of data with minimal delay.
4. WiFi
Most wireless Internet access happens through WiFi, which nowadays can be found in every computer and in all smart phones for setting up private access points. Radio local area networks (RLANs) including WiFI have been widely used for internet connectivity, data delivery and offloading mobile traffic to reduce the amount of data carried on cellular networks. In addition, satellite services aim at increasing WiFi connectivity, whether by providing access to broadband communications to unserved rural communities, or to passengers on aircrafts, on ships and on land, or by expanding backhaul of terrestrial networks.
5. Space exploration
There is no space exploration without radio communications. Spacecraft couldn’t make it to the Moon, let alone the Sun, Saturn or beyond without the means of communicating with mission control millions of miles away. And that communication happens through – you guessed it – radio waves!
6. Communications and safety at sea
Radiocommunication plays a key role in the safety of maritime traffic. The Global Maritime Distress and Safety System (GMDSS) developed by the International Maritime Organization (IMO) and ITU operates using both terrestrial and satellite radio technologies on board ships and on shore. The system alerts shore-based rescue and communication personnel via the coast radio station in cases of distress and emergency and notifies vessels in the vicinity of survivors to provide the necessary assistance.
7. Safe air travel
It would be virtually impossible to travel safely by air without protecting the radio channels used by aircraft for both navigation and air traffic control. The Global Aeronautical Distress and Safety System (GADSS) addresses all phases of flight under all circumstances, including time of distress. It maintains an up‐to‐date record of each aircraft’s position and, in case of a crash, forced landing or ditching, the locations of survivors, the aircraft and recoverable flight data recorders. The GADSS was modeled after the long-standing GMDSS which has been supporting safety at sea for decades.
8. Weather forecasting and Earth observation
Checked the weather before you went out today? That information came to you thanks to Earth observation satellites, which enable the forecast that will affect your day. Earth observation is also essential in measuring the impact of climate change, the impacts of which we are experiencing more often in our daily lives. Measuring its impact is key to the future of humankind. Those measurements also depend on Earth observation satellite systems, powered by the radiofrequency spectrum.
9. Global Navigation Satellite Service (GNSS)
Did you use the navigation system in your car on your last road trip? Then you have used a GNSS system, which makes it possible to determine your car’s position, and to track it as it moves from one location to another. GNSS also enables the creation of world maps, as well as the possibility to take precise time measurements.
10. Emergency communications and response
Radio goes where newer technologies often cannot. This makes it extremely effective in delivering information to rural and remote areas, which can even save lives in emergency situations such as earthquakes, or the current COVID-19 pandemic. Radio has also played a key role in the Australian bushfire response, helping responders to keep local populations up-to-date and coordinate and execute evacuation plans. Though invisible, perhaps now you can see how radiocommunications are really everywhere. In fact, as radio-based technologies evolve and become more sophisticated, the world’s airwaves are becoming increasingly crowded. Over 40 radio communication services are now governed by the Radio Regulations, the indispensable treaty ITU has been maintaining for 114 years. Through the Radio Regulations, ITU will continue to ensure the above and many other services and networks remain compatible, interoperable, and free from harmful interference to or from adjacent services. The 2020 Radio Regulations are available in all six of ITU’s official languages. Electronic versions of the Regulations can be downloaded free of charge. To download or pre-order the ITU Radio Regulations (2020 edition) in your preferred language, click here. Learn more about the application of the Radio Regulations at the upcoming World Radiocommunication Seminar (WRS-20) Plenary Sessions, to be held virtually from 30 November to 4 December. Register here.
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