Countries across the Arab region, like those worldwide, need to enhance their knowledge of the Radio Regulations, the treaty maintained by the International Telecommunication Union (ITU) on radiocommunication services and the use of radio frequencies.
All governments need thorough, up-to-date information to fully exercise their rights and obligations on the use of radio frequency spectrum and associated satellite orbits, said experts at a regional ITU seminar late last month.
At the ITU Regional Radiocommunication Seminar 2022 for the Arab States (RRS-22 Arab States), held virtually from 13 to 24 March, radiocommunication experts noted the need to keep pace with the rapidly evolving digital world. This also means keeping up with revisions to the Radio Regulations to ensure each country's radiocommunication services continue to function smoothly.
The two-week seminar, held in collaboration with the Arab Spectrum Management Group (ASMG), examined the region's future radio-frequency spectrum requirements in light of the Radio Regulations updates at the last World Radiocommunication Conference, WRC-19.
"Active, informed implementation of the latest Radio Regulations will enable people and communities, governments and companies across the Arab region to take full advantage of the social and economic opportunities unleashed by digital technologies," said ITU Secretary-General Houlin Zhao. "ITU continues to facilitate the international framework that promotes equitable access to the radio frequency spectrum for terrestrial and space-based services, the regulation of which underpins many of the ways people communicate, work, travel, do business and receive public services, including education and health."
Regulatory updates for the good of all
The regional seminar, convened entirely online, covered the regulatory framework for both terrestrial and space services and the procedures for filing and recording frequency assignments in the Master International Frequency Register (MIFR).
Khalid Al Awadhi from ASMG welcomed the discussions as "an opportunity for regulators to widen and deepen their knowledge and insight in the field of spectrum management." He urged Arab States to familiarize themselves with the tools and publications made available by ITU's Radiocommunication Bureau so that people in the region can benefit from radiocommunication services that are free from harmful interference.
Participants discussed the current regulatory framework for international frequency management, ITU Radiocommunication (ITU-R) Recommendations, and the best practices for spectrum use by numerous radio services.
"The regular cycle of the Regional Radiocommunication Seminars equips our members with the tools, skills and knowledge to ensure fair and transparent application of the Radio Regulations," said Mario Maniewicz, Director of the ITU Radiocommunication Bureau. "This is vital to facilitate the efficient and effective operation of all radiocommunication services in a rapidly evolving digital world."
ITU support and guidance
RRS-22 for Arab States included training to prepare for technical examinations, as well as to gain familiarity with ITU tools to produce frequency notices.
Tutorials enabled participants to familiarise themselves with ITU notification procedures, as well as with key software tools and electronic publications available to ITU Member State Administrations and ITU-R Members.
During the concluding 'Radiocommunication trends and challenges for the Arab States' forum, seminar participants shared insights on modern spectrum management and monitoring in the region.
Panel sessions spanned the latest trends in broadcasting, the International Mobile Telecommunications (IMT-2020) standards, 5G licencing models and other topics, such as maritime and space services and non-geostationary orbit (non-GSO) satellite constellations.
A roundtable discussion explored the preparatory process for WRC-23 and items on the agenda of particular interest to the Arab States region.
The seminar drew more than 170 participants from 30 countries, including 21 Arab States, representatives of the telecommunication industry, operators, associations, and academia from the Arab States region, along with experts from regional and international organizations.
Build-up to WRC-23
Regional Radiocommunication Seminars aim to assist ITU Member States in spectrum management activities and the application of the ITU Radio Regulations, with special attention to developing countries. This regional engagement complements the larger, biennial, World Radiocommunication Seminars, so that all ITU countries and regions can adequately implement the results of the last and prepare for the next World Radiocommunication Conference.
The next World Radiocommunication Conference (WRC-23) will take place in the United Arab Emirates from 20 November to 15 December 2023.
