In
early 2020 the latest edition of the ITU
Radio Regulations was published.
When
it comes to allocating radio frequencies, the Radio Regulations are the
ultimate tool. They ensure that the use of the radio‑frequency
spectrum is rational, equitable, efficient, and economical — all while aiming
to prevent harmful interference between different radio services.
But
did you know just how many technologies rely on spectrum, and by extension, the
Radio Regulations — some of which we use every day? Read on to discover some of
the most important tools and activities that rely on a well‑regulated
radio‑frequency
spectrum.
Whether
terrestrial (analogue or digital) or satellite‑based, broad‑
cast 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 radio‑frequency spectrum.
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.”
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.
Most wireless Internet access happens through WiFi, which
nowadays can be found in every computer and in all smartphones for setting up
private access points. Radio local area networks (RLANs) including WiFi have
been widely used for Internet connectivity, data delivery and for off‑loading 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 the back haul of terrestrial
networks.
There is no space exploration without
radiocommunications. Spacecraft couldn’t make it to the Moon, let alone the
Sun, Saturn or beyond without the means of communicating with mission controls
millions of miles away. And that communication happens through — you
guessed it — radio waves!
Radiocommunications
play 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.
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 at times 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 modelled after the long‑standing
GMDSS which has been supporting safety at sea for decades.
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 radio‑frequency spectrum.
Did
you use the navigation system in your car on your last road trip? Then you have
used a GNSS system (see video), 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.
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.