World Radiocommunication Seminar dives deep into global spectrum management

By ITU News

Increasing demand for radio-frequency spectrum globally has made its effective management critical to all aspects of human endeavours worldwide and throughout the universe.

This limited natural resource is regulated at the global level by the International Telecommunication Union (ITU), the United Nations agency for information and communication technologies (ICTs). 

Spectrum needs to be coordinated internationally to prevent harmful interference, which endangers the functioning of radio-based safety services or seriously degrades, obstructs, or repeatedly interrupts other types of radiocommunication services.

Harmonizing spectrum supports more efficient overall use of the radio spectrum, particularly by space-based systems and other globally deployed services, as well as reducing the complexity of  connected devices that can roam internationally.

While spectrum harmonization can also increase economies of scale, make connectivity more affordable, and even support emergency communications, coordinating spectrum is both technically and geopolitically complex.

Luckily, as part of its membership capacity building efforts, ITU hosts the biennial World Radiocommunication Seminar (WRS) to ensure spectrum experts and newcomers alike are up to speed on the latest radiocommunication regulatory requirements and procedures, as well as technical advances and trends.

Plenary open to all

On 24 October, hundreds of telecommunication experts from around the world flocked to ITU’s Geneva headquarters to attend WRS-22: a week-long deep dive into the work of the Radiocommunication Sector (ITU-R) and Radiocommunication Bureau (BR), the entities responsible for regulating spectrum and satellite orbits globally.

For the second time, the seminar plenary was opened to non-members of ITU while participation in the workshops was an exclusive benefit of ITU-R membership.

The last physical WRS took place four years ago, with WRS-20 held fully online due to the pandemic. “It’s nice to see a full room, we’re at capacity,” remarked ITU Radiocommunication Bureau Deputy Director Joanne Wilson, who opened the plenary session by introducing ITU’s 157-year history and unique governance structure.

Wilson went on to overview ITU’s legal framework, placing special emphasis on the Radio Regulations – the binding international treaty used to ensure radio frequency spectrum is used rationally, efficiently, and equitably across the world.

She explained the relationship between ITU-R and its constituent parts, underpinned by its executive arm, the Radiocommunication Bureau, led by recently re-elected Director Mario Maniewicz.

See more ITU elections results from the recent Plenipotentiary Conference (PP-22) in Bucharest.

Calling the private sector

Unlike most UN organizations, ITU allows entities from the private sector to become affiliated as Sector Members or Associates.

Sector Members can participate in study groups, which perform vital functions such as preparing technical studies that underpin decisions made by World Radiocommunication Conferences, which update the Radio Regulations every four years.

Study groups also develop recommendations, reports and handbooks that assist the world at large in radiocommunication matters, which is why the private sector needs to be involved, explained Wilson, adding:

“As developers of technology and services, it is very important for you [the private sector] to participate by becoming a Sector Member of the ITU-R as a whole or an Associate of an ITU-R Study Group dealing with a specific type of radiocommunication service or topic of interest.”

Learn more about becoming a member of ITU.

Coordinators connect

For Claire Dubuc from Thales Alenia Space, WRS-22 is an opportunity to learn and network as a newcomer to the profession.

“My objective is to learn more about the world of radiocommunication, especially topics related to space services,” she explained. “I’m interested in how to ask for frequency assignments, how to deal with requests for [frequency] coordination, and what the specific procedures are.” 

WRS also offers plenty of valuable networking opportunities, said Dubuc. “It’s my first time visiting ITU and I’ve already had the chance to meet my [frequency] coordination counterparts,” she added.

This special ITU News blog series features content from the 30th World Radiocommunication Seminar, including a closer look at the latest trends in broadcasting, international mobile technologies, maritime communications, space and terrestrial services, and more.

The series will conclude a preview of the World Radiocommunication Conference (WRC-23), set to take place in Dubai from 20 November to 15 December 2023.

Image credit: ITU/ M. Jacobson-Gonzalez