| [Radiocommunication Assembly 2012 (RA-12) considered the possible revision to Recommendation ITU-R TF.460-6 "Standard-frequency and time-signal emissions", that has been the subject of special studies and outreach by the ITU-R Working Party 7A since 2000. Recommendation ITU-R TF.460-6 defines Coordinated Universal Time (UTC) on the basis of the time kept by atomic clocks and recommends the application of leap seconds to maintain it close to Universal Time 1 (UT1), a time proportional to the rotation angle of the Earth on its axis. UTC is the time scale maintained through the General Conference on Weights and Measures by the International Bureau of Weights and Measures (BIPM) in coordination with the International Earth Rotation and Reference Systems Service (IERS). The IERS determines when the UT1 - UTC threshold will reach 0.9 s and announces the need for a leap second. The proposed revision eliminates the insertion of leap seconds in the UTC time scale. After considerable discussion RA-12 concluded that additional studies related to the possible implementation of a continuous reference time-scale are required and postponed decision to the World Radiocommunication Conference 2015.] [This workshop will provide a unique opportunity to get all available information on currently used and discussed precise frequency and time standards, sources and their characteristics, time scales and dissemination systems and different views on the future of UTC.] [The seminar is intended primarily for the managerial and technical staff of State radiocommunication authorities involved in preparation for WRC-15 helping them to develop their national positions. It may also be enlightening for a wider audience, namely telecommunication companies, internet providers, space agencies, aviation, maritime and meteorological organizations, universities in providing them with an understanding of regulatory, technical and practical aspects of keeping and disseminating standard frequency and time signals.] |
