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World Radiocommunication Conference opens in Geneva
Focus on spectrum and satellite orbital resources
will have global implications for a wireless future
Geneva, 23 January 2012 – The World Radiocommunication
Conference opened in Geneva today to review and revise the Radio Regulations,
the international treaty governing the use of radio-frequency spectrum and
satellite orbits.
The work of this international treaty-making Conference will be conducted
over four weeks until 17 February to address the changes required to the
regulation of orbit/spectrum resources in the interest of the users of these
scarce resources, with global implications for policy-makers, regulators, the
industry as well as end-users.
Mr Tarek Al Awadhi of the United Arab Emirates was appointed Chairman of the
World Radiocommunication Conference along with six Vice Chairmen: Mr D. Anstrom
(United States), Mr E. Fournier (France), Mr A. Nalbandian (Armenia), Mr M.
Ouhadj (Algeria), Mr H. Al-Shankiti (Saudi Arabia) and Mr A.R. Jamieson (New
Zealand).
Over 3000 participants, representing more than 150 out of the ITU’s 193
Member States are expected to attend the four-week conference, making it one of
the most significant ITU events. About 100 Observers from among ITU’s 700
private sector members along with international organizations will also attend
the 2012 World Radiocommunication Conference (WRC-12).
“The World Radiocommunication Conference will review and modify global
spectrum regulations to ensure that this most precious resource is used
effectively to benefit all players,” ITU Secretary-General Hamadoun Touré said.
“The aim is to ensure reliable radio services are available everywhere and at
any time enabling people to live and travel safely while enjoying high
performance radiocommunications.”
François Rancy, Director of ITU’s Radiocommunication Bureau, said, “The
decisions taken by the ITU Membership during WRC-12 will play a vital role in
contributing towards improved access and development of ICT wireless
infrastructure, in particular in meeting the challenges of mobile broadband and
ensuring that ICTs work for the benefit of all the world’s people. The objective
is to enable the introduction of the latest technological developments, while
protecting investments and favouring economies of scale.”
Fuelled by rapid technological developments in information and communication
technologies (ICT) along with increasing convergence of radiocommunication
services in today’s communication devices, there is an urgent need to ensure the
best efficiencies in the use of spectrum, a finite resource. WRC-12 will examine
the technical, regulatory and operational aspects to address frequency
allocation and frequency sharing to ensure high quality of radiocommunication
services for maritime and aeronautical transport as well as for scientific
purposes related to the environment, meteorology and climatology, disaster
prediction, mitigation and relief.
The management of satellite orbital slots and associated spectrum resources
will be a key area of focus for WRC-12.The Conference goal will be to ensure
that the modifications made to the international procedures for the coordination
and registration of satellite systems provide for equitable and efficient use of
these resources.
WRC-12 will also advance the introduction of mobile broadband and other
advanced technologies such as the development of Ultra High Definition
Television (UHDTV), promote the use of the digital dividend resulting from the
switch over to digital TV, as well as consider the potential for
radiocommunications to act as a catalyst to reduce the impact of human activity
on the environment.
For more information, please see
www.itu.int/net/newsroom/wrc/2012/index.aspx or contact:
Sanjay
Acharya
Chief, Media Relations and Public Information
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Grace Petrin
Promotion Officer,
ITU Radiocommunication
Bureau
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Media Accreditation enquiries for World Radiocommunication
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