The ITU Regional Radiocommunication Seminar 2018 for Asia and the Pacific (RRS-18-Asia&Pacific) convened experts and stakeholders from across the region this month to discuss future spectrum requirements that will be needed as radiocommunication systems continue to evolve. Key topics covered included challenges and opportunities for spectrum monitoring, national plans, and the regulatory and market aspects of spectrum management.

Participants convened to discuss these issues in the context of the upcoming ITU World Radiocommunication Conference (WRC) – a conference held every three to four years to review, and if necessary revise, the Radio Regulations – the international treaty governing the use of the radio-frequency spectrum and the geostationary-satellite and non-geostationary-satellite orbits. Participants also discussed the status of preparations for WRC, which will next be held in Sharm el-Sheikh, Eygpt, from 28 October to 22 November 2019.

"ITU Regional Radiocommunication Seminars, such as this one organized in Thimphu, Bhutan, are an important step in preparing national and international spectrum management decisions of the region for the efficient use of spectrum/orbit resources. Through effective management and use, these play a key role in advancing regional development and attainment of the United Nations Sustainable Development Goals," said ITU Secretary-General Houlin Zhao.

In his opening statement, Bhutan's Minister of Information and Communication, Hon'ble Lyonpo said, "Satellite technologies and applications have a huge potential for accelerating the socio-economic development of a nation by supporting communications to both urban and remote parts of the country and as a redundant infrastructure in case of disasters. It is therefore important for Bhutan to develop capacity and expertise and to harness the opportunities that satellite technology has to offer in improving the quality of life of its people."

"ITU's 2018 Regional Radiocommunication Seminar for Asia and the Pacific has significantly contributed to the dissemination of information and capacity-building in the region and to the regional preparation for the upcoming World Radiocommunication Conference 2019," said François Rancy, Director of the ITU Radiocommunication Bureau.

The seminar ended with a renewed commitment among all participating stakeholders to collaboration and capacity-building programmes in the region.

The seminar drew over 70 industry experts and stakeholders, including ITU member states and sector members, regulators, as well as representatives of the telecommunication industry, operators, international organizations, associations and academia from 15 countries in the Asia-Pacific region.

It was held in Thimphu, Bhutan from 23 to 28 July at the invitation of Bhutan's Ministry of Information and Communications.

More info about this seminar and the presentations are available at:
https://www.itu.int/en/ITU-R/seminars/rrs/2018-Asia-Pacific/Pages/default.aspx