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Editorial ITU News MAGAZINE No. 01, 2021 1
World Radio Day:
New world, new radio
By Houlin Zhao, ITU Secretary‑General
J On 13 February 2021, the international treaty governing
International Telecommunication the use of the radio-frequency
Union (ITU) joins the global spectrum and satellite orbits.
community to celebrate
radiocommunications — currently The Radio Regulations, now
the world’s most widely in their 115th year, ensure that
consumed medium. the use of the radio-frequency
spectrum is rational, equitable,
Radio and TV broadcasts as well efficient, and economical – while
as wireless access to the Internet aiming to prevent harmful
provide a 24‑hour a day real-time interference between different
valuable source of information. radio services.
Radio and TV
They reach far and wide across broadcasts as well
borders, allowing for increased This edition of the ITU News as wireless access
diversity, where all voices can
be heard.
Magazine dedicated to World
Radio Day looks at the history and
to the Internet
resilience of radio. It also features provide a 24‑hour
On the occasion of World Radio articles about why radio matters, a day real-time
Day 2021, the United Nations radio’s crucial role in emergency valuable source
Educational, Scientific and
Cultural Organisation (UNESCO)
communications, and the various
tools and activities in our daily
of information.
calls on us to celebrate this lives that rely on a well-regulated
event’s 10th anniversary and the radio-frequency spectrum.
Houlin Zhao
more than 110 years of radio.
Read on to see how this tradi‑
Throughout our 156‑year history, tional form of communication has
ITU has played a crucial role in evolved over the years to be still
advancing radiocommunications standing very strong, and even
by establishing and updating the more so in these times of crisis.
Contents ITU News MAGAZINE No. 01, 2021 2
New world, new radio
Evolution, innovation, connection
Editorial
1 World Radio Day: New world, new radio
By Houlin Zhao, ITU Secretary‑General Cover photo: Shutterstock
Celebrating the resilience of radio
4 Celebrating the resilience of radio
By Mario Maniewicz, Director of the ITU Radiocommunication Bureau
Evolution: Radio’s resilience through the ages
7 10 things you didn’t know rely on the ITU Radio Regulations ISSN 1020–4148
itunews.itu.int
Six issues per year
11 115 years of ITU radiocommunications
Copyright: © ITU 2021
13 Why World Amateur Radio Day is key to highlight crucial Editorial Coordinator & Copywriter: Nicole Harper
services Art Editor: Christine Vanoli
Editorial Assistant: Angela Smith
Connection: Broadcast radio helps save lives Editorial office:
Tel.: +41 22 730 5723/5683
E‑mail: itunews@itu.int
17 Radio’s key role in crisis and emergency situations
By Paolo Lazzarini, Vice Chair of the ITU Radiocommunicaton Mailing address:
Sector (ITU–R) Study Group 6; David Hemingway, Vice International Telecommunication Union
Place des Nations
Chair of ITU–R Working Party 6A; and Ben Poor, Project
CH–1211 Geneva 20 (Switzerland)
Manager at the European Broadcasting Union (EBU)
Disclaimer:
21 The value of broadcast radio in an emergency Opinions expressed in this publication are those
of the authors and do not engage ITU. The des‑
ignations employed and presentation of mate‑
Connection: Radiocommunications across regions rial in this publication, including maps, do not
imply the expression of any opinion whatsoever
on the part of ITU concerning the legal status of
25 Amid rising sound broadcasting demand, Africa paves the road any country, territory, city or area, or concerning
to more FM stations the delimitations of its frontiers or boundaries.
By John Omo, Secretary-General of the African The mention of specific companies or of certain
products does not imply that they are endorsed
Telecommunications Union (ATU)
or recommended by ITU in preference to others
of a similar nature that are not mentioned.
All photos are by ITU unless specified otherwise.
Contents ITU News MAGAZINE No. 01, 2021 3
28 Ham radio and emergency comms: Filling the United States
Geological Survey ’donut hole’
By Adam Davidson, W9AS
34 How the UAE’s robust ICT infrastructure brought over 1 million
students online amid COVID‑19
By Hamad Al Mansoori, Director-General of the Telecommunications
Regulatory Authority (TRA), United Arab Emirates
38 Developing spectrum management capacity across the Asia-
Pacific Region
By Aamir Riaz, Programme Officer, ITU Regional
Office for Asia and the Pacific
41 ITU Regional Forum addresses opportunities and challenges of
5G implementation in Europe
By Jaroslaw Ponder, Head of ITU Regional Office for Europe
Inclusion: A more diverse world of radiocommunications
45 Why the 2020 World Radiocommunication Seminar plenary
was open to everyone
By Mario Maniewicz, Director of the ITU Radiocommunication Bureau
48 NOW4WRC23: Inspiring a new generation of women in
radiocommunications
52 Girls can love math, but teachers need to help them believe.
Here’s why.
By Joanne Wilson, Deputy Director of the
ITU Radiocommunication Bureau
Innovation: Radiocommunications for a resilient future
58 Long history, bright future: Geostationary satellite innovation
on the rise
63 115 years and counting: ITU Radio Regulations updated
66 AI and machine learning for a 5G world: Meet the champions
of the ITU AI/ML in 5G Challenge
71 Finally, 5G (IMT‑2020) is a global standard
Celebrating the resilience of radio ITU News MAGAZINE No. 01, 2021 4
Celebrating the resilience of radio
By Mario Maniewicz, Director of the
ITU Radiocommunication Bureau
J World Radio Day celebrates the unique power of radio to touch
lives and bring people together — even amid crises, disasters, and
emergencies.
Observed every year on 13 February, it is also a day to raise awareness
among the public and the media of broadcast radio’s importance;
to encourage decision makers to enhance access to information
through broadcast radio; as well as to improve networking and interna‑ This year’s
tional cooperation among broadcasters. This year marks over 110 years World Radio Day
of radio.
is particularly
This year’s World Radio Day is particularly significant, given the role that significant, given
radio broadcasters continue to play in the battle against COVID‑19. the role that radio
As the fight against the pandemic continues, radio has been a close
broadcasters
companion for many, with broadcasters curating trustworthy informa‑
tion, fighting misinformation, and providing much-needed entertain‑
continue to play
ment during lockdowns. Perhaps most important of all: broadcast radio in the battle
has enabled children and adults alike to access distance education for against COVID‑19.
uninterrupted learning.
Improving communications and access to information and communica‑ Mario Maniewicz
tion technologies (ICTs) — including broadcast radio — by harmoniously
developing telecommunication and radiocommunication tools and
processes lies at the heart of ITU’s work.
Throughout our 156-year history, ITU has played a crucial role in advanc‑
ing radio by establishing and updating international regulations on the
use of the radio-frequency spectrum and satellite orbits.
Celebrating the resilience of radio ITU News MAGAZINE No. 01, 2021 5
ITU is the custodian of the global EVOLUTION: Some of these recommendations
treaty on spectrum manage‑ Experiments with include transmission standards for
ment known as the ITU Radio radio transmission FM sound broadcasting, systems
Regulations. This treaty facilitates began over for terrestrial digital sound broad‑
equitable access to and rational 175 years ago. In 1895, the casting to vehicular, portable, and
use of spectrum, ensures the Russian professor Alexander fixed receivers, and use of inter‑
availability of frequencies pro‑ Popov sent and received a national radio for disaster relief
vided for distress and safety wireless signal across 600 metres. (IRDR) frequencies for emergency
purposes, and promotes interfer‑ In 1901, Guglielmo Marconi sent broadcasts.
ence-free operations of radio‑ the first transatlantic radio signal
communication systems. from southwestern England to INNOVATION:
Newfoundland, Canada. It was A variety of
The Radio Regulations cover not until 1906 that Aubrey innovative satellite
fixed and mobile radio services, Fessenden made the world’s first technologies
satellite systems, radio and TV broadcast of voice and music. present the new frontier to
broadcasting, radionavigation, expand the reach of radio.
meteorological monitoring, space Since its inception, radio broad‑ Satellite communications already
research and Earth exploration, casting has developed into one of provide affordable connectivity to
as well as amateur radio services. the most popular media, with the people in rural and remote areas.
They also prescribe how radio important social role of dissemi‑
equipment and systems must nating information, entertainment, Every four years, delegates from
operate to ensure efficient and and educational material to vast ITU Member States gather for
effective coexistence and uti‑ audiences. For over a century, the World Radiocommunication
lization of today’s increasingly broadcast radio has been a Conference to deliberate and
crowded airwaves. trusted source of information in agree on ways to expand access
times of crisis. to the radio spectrum. Decisions
As we celebrate the 10th World taken at the conference are key
Radio Day, let’s take a closer look Radio broadcasting has also in enabling countries to harness
at ITU’s contribution to radio with adapted to the rapidly evolving the wide area coverage, reliability
the theme “New World, New technological landscape and and resilience offered by emerg‑
Radio” in mind. remains one of the most dynamic, ing technologies. The portability
reactive, and engaging media. of radio receivers gives it an
advantage over other types of
ITU provides a platform from media that require an individual’s
which radiocommunication full attention, such as television
experts develop recommenda‑ or print.
tions which enable countries to
efficiently operate their radio
broadcast systems.
Celebrating the resilience of radio ITU News MAGAZINE No. 01, 2021 6
Satellite technology promises to Broadcasting is particularly
Satellite technology make radio an enduring, inno‑ useful in situations where phys‑
promises to make radio vative form of media accessible ical access is difficult and aid
an enduring, innovative everywhere and to everyone. responders may take several
form of media days or weeks to reach affected
accessible everywhere CONNECTION: communities. Appropriate infor‑
and to everyone. One of ITU’s mation and advice, delivered
primary mandates in a user-friendly way, can help
is to ensure people cope with the crisis and
Mario Maniewicz interference-free operations of mitigate immediate threats to
radiocommunication systems their well-being.
worldwide. We also strive to
ensure protection from harmful Direct communication via radio
interference to frequencies can also help to reduce the sense
reserved for distress and safety of isolation and helplessness that
purposes. In times of emergency crisis-affected communities and
Recent years have seen new and disasters, radio broadcasting individuals often experience.
technologies expanding radio’s is one of the most powerful and
reach. Whereas yesterday’s radio effective ways of delivering early As the world and radio change
was simply a transistor on our warnings and alerting the public together, ITU will continue to
kitchen tables, nowadays the to save lives. Timely, relevant, and serve as the steward of global air‑
radio is a standard accessory in practical information to people waves, ensuring we can connect
our cars and embedded in our impacted by a disaster or emer‑ to one another safely, sustainably,
smartphones. gency is a vital form of humanitar‑ and innovatively for centuries
ian assistance. to come.
Shutterstock
Evolution: Radio’s resilience through the ages ITU News MAGAZINE No. 01, 2021 7
Shutterstock
10 things you didn’t know rely on
the ITU Radio Regulations
By ITU News
J In early 2020 the latest edition of the ITU Radio Regulations was
published. When it comes to
allocating radio
When it comes to allocating radio frequencies, the Radio Regulations
frequencies,
are the ultimate tool. They ensure that the use of the radio-frequency
spectrum is rational, equitable, efficient, and economical — all while aim‑
the Radio
ing to prevent harmful interference between different radio services. Regulations are
the ultimate tool.
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.
Evolution: Radio’s resilience through the ages ITU News MAGAZINE No. 01, 2021 8
Despite the rise
Broadcast (FM or AM) radio WiFi
of digital radio,
broadcast radio Despite the rise of digital radio, Most wireless Internet access
remains one of the broadcast radio remains one of happens through WiFi, which
most vital means the most vital means of distrib‑ nowadays can be found in every
of distributing uting information and entertain‑ computer and in all smartphones
information and ment. This is especially true across for setting up private access
entertainment. the African continent, where it points. Radio local area networks
has been argued that “FM radio (RLANs) including WiFi have been
reigns king of the media industry.” widely used for Internet connec‑
tivity, 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
Mobile and smartphones providing access to broadband
communications to unserved rural
Cellular communications have communities, or to passengers
Television been transformative since the on aircrafts, on ships and on land,
mid-1980s to the present, and or by expanding the backhaul of
Whether terrestrial (analogue or are expected to continue con‑ terrestrial networks.
digital) or satellite-based, broad‑ necting people, things, data,
cast television is among the most applications, transport systems
popular means of informing and and cities in smart networked
entertaining the public. Even if communication environments.
the end user’s TV is connected via Advances in cellular technology
terrestrial broadcast TV or cable, a are expected to transport huge
substantial amount of TV content amounts of data much faster, reli‑ Space exploration
has been distributed by satellite, ably connect an extremely large
which relies on the use of the number of devices and process There is no space exploration
radio-frequency spectrum. very high volumes of data with without radiocommunications.
minimal delay. Spacecraft couldn’t make it to the
Moon, let alone the Sun, Saturn
or beyond without the means of
communicating with mission con‑
trols millions of miles away.Evolution: Radio’s resilience through the ages ITU News MAGAZINE No. 01, 2021 9
High level overview of
And that communication hap‑ and air traffic control. The Global the Global Aeronautical
pens through — you guessed it — Aeronautical Distress and Safety Distress and Safety System
radio waves! System (GADSS) addresses all — identifying the main
phases of flight under all circum‑ functions
stances, including at times of
distress. It maintains an up‑to‑date
record of each aircraft’s position AT
and, in case of a crash, forced Aircraft tracking
landing or ditching, the loca‑
Communications and safety tions of survivors, the aircraft and ADT
at sea recoverable flight data recorders. Autonomous distress tracking
The GADSS was modelled after
Radiocommunications play a key the long-standing GMDSS which
PFLR
role in the safety of maritime traf‑ has been supporting safety at sea
fic. The Global Maritime Distress for decades.
Post flight localization and recovery
and Safety System (GMDSS)
developed by the International GADSS information
Maritime Organization (IMO) and management and procedures
ITU operates using both terrestrial
and satellite radio technologies Airline
on board ships and on shore.
The system alerts shore-based Weather forecasting and
rescue and communication per‑ Earth observation ATS
Aircraft tracking system
sonnel via the coast radio station
in cases of distress and emer‑ Checked the weather before
gency and notifies vessels in the you went out today? That infor‑ RCC
vicinity of survivors to provide the mation came to you thanks to Rescue coordination centre
necessary assistance. Earth-observation satellites, which
enable the forecast that will affect GADSS information management
your day. Earth observation is
also essential in measuring the
impact of climate change — the ALERT
impacts of which we are expe‑
riencing more often in our daily
SAR
Safe air travel lives. Measuring its impact is key
Search and rescue
to the future of humankind. Those
It would be virtually impossible measurements also depend on
to travel safely by air without pro‑ Earth-observation satellite sys‑
Accident investigation authority
tecting the radio channels used tems, powered by the radio-fre‑ Source: Global Aeronautical Distress and Safety System
by aircraft for both navigation quency spectrum. (GADSS) Concept of Operations (Version 6.0)Evolution: Radio’s resilience through the ages ITU News MAGAZINE No. 01, 2021 10
Though invisible,
perhaps now
you can see how
Global Navigation Satellite Emergency radiocommuni‑
Service (GNSS) communications cations are really
and response everywhere.
Did you use the navigation
system in your car on your last Radio goes where newer technol‑
road trip? Then you have used a ogies often cannot. This makes it
GNSS system (see video), which extremely effective in delivering
makes it possible to determine information to rural and remote
your car’s position, and to track it areas, which can even save lives
as it moves from one location to in emergency situations such
another. GNSS also enables the as earthquakes, or the current Through the Radio Regulations,
creation of world maps, as well as COVID‑19 pandemic. Radio ITU will continue to ensure the
the possibility to take precise time has also played a key role in the aforementioned and many other
measurements. Australian bushfire response, services and networks remain
helping responders to keep compatible, interoperable, and
local populations up-to-date and free from harmful interference to
coordinate and execute evacua‑ or from adjacent services.
GNSS system video tion plans.
An indispensable treaty
spanning 115 years
The 2020 Radio
Though invisible, perhaps now Regulations
you can see how radiocommuni‑
The 2020 Radio
cations are really everywhere. In
Regulations are available
fact, as radio-based technologies in all six of ITU’s official
evolve and become more sophis‑ languages. Electronic
ticated, the world’s airwaves are versions of the Regulations
can be downloaded free
becoming increasingly crowded.
of charge. To download
or order the ITU Radio
Over 40 radiocommunication Regulations (2020 edition)
services are now governed by the in your preferred
language, click here.
Radio Regulations, the indispen‑
sable treaty ITU has maintained
for 115 years.115 years of ITU
radiocommunications
1906 The 1906 International Radiotelegraph Conference is held in Berlin,
establishing the first regulations governing radio (today called the Radio
First international radio conference Regulations) — what becomes a cornerstone of ITU’s mission to facilitate
communication worldwide.
1912 In response to the Titanic tragedy, the 1912 International Radiotelegraph
Conference agrees on a common wavelength for ships’ radio distress
Titanic tragedy prompts common signals, and establishes SOS Morse Code.
wavelength for radio distress signals
1932 A merge of the International Telegraph Convention and the
International Radiotelegraph Convention into a single International
New name for ITU Telecommunication Convention reflects ITU’s mission to include all
communication technologies.
1933 The detection of radio waves from space in 1933, heralds the field of
radio astronomy, which later becomes part of ITU’s responsibilities
Radio signals from space in supervising the use of radio spectrum. See the ITU Space Services
Department (SSD).
1947 Joining the UN, and the creation of the International Frequency
Registration Board (IFRB) by the International Radio Conference in Atlanta
ITU joins the United Nations’ family City, marks the beginning of ITU’s vital role in the overall management of
the radio-frequency spectrum.
1957 A small satellite called Sputnik is launched in 1957. Six years later, in
1963, ITU holds an extraordinary administrative conference for space
Dawn of the space age communications. In 2016 ITU hosts the Global Conference on Space and
the Information Society (GLIS).
1979 Due to congestion in the lower radio frequency bands the World
Administrative Radio Conference of 1979 (WARC‑79), a diplomatic
The need for upper frequency bands marathon lasting over three months, stimulates the development of the
upper frequency bands, especially above 20 GHz.
1992 The Consultative Committee on International Radio (CCIR), established
in 1927, is renamed as ITU’s Radiocommunication Sector (ITU–R).
The ITU Radiocommunication ITU–R ensures rational, equitable, efficient and economical use of the
Sector is born radio-frequency spectrum by all radiocommunication services.
1993 ITU first agrees radio-frequency spectrum allocations for 2G mobile
telephony at the World Radiocommunication Conference held in
ITU responds to a wireless world 1993 (WRC‑93).1994 Research into Digital Audio Broadcasting (DAB) for radio began in 1981 —
and the first standard for the technology is approved by ITU in 1994. See
ITU approves first standard for the ITU’s Broadcasting Services Division.
digital audio broadcasting
2006 ITU sets a deadline of June 2015 for the switchover from analogue to
digital terrestrial television in Africa, the Middle East and Europe as well as
From analogue to digital television the Islamic Republic of Iran. See video.
2012 ITU agrees specifications for IMT‑Advanced — a global platform on which
to build the next generation of interactive mobile services (commonly
Towards IMT‑Advanced mobile (5G) known as 5G). See ITU’s Focus Group on IMT‑2020.
2015 Following missing Malaysia airlines flight MH370, the World
Radiocommunication Conference 2015 allocates the frequency
Radio spectrum allocated for global band 1087.7–1092.3 MHz in the Earth-to-space direction to enable
flight tracking transmissions from aircraft to satellites, to increase future air safety.
2016 See the entire digital collection of the Radio Regulations since 1906, and
read more about the ITU Radiocommunication Sector (ITU–R).
ITU celebrates 110 years of the
Radio Regulations
2017 The 90th Anniversary of the CCIR/Study Groups coincides with the
anniversary of the signing on 25 November 1927 of the Final Acts of the
90th Anniversary of the ITU–R CCIR/ International Radiotelegraph Conference in Washington, 1927, which
Study Groups created CCIR.
2019 The decisions reached at the World Radiocommunication
Conference 2019 (WRC‑19) enable the introduction of new advanced
Advanced radiocommunication technologies and the protection of existing services.
radiocommunication technologies Here are the WRC‑19 outcomes.
2020 ITU announces its completed evaluation of an important ITU
Radiocommunication Sector (ITU–R) Recommendation: “Detailed
The fifth generation of mobile specifications of the radio interfaces of IMT 2020.” IMT 2020 specifications
communications (5G) for the fifth generation of mobile communications (5G) will be the
backbone of tomorrow’s digital economy.
2021 The updated Radio Regulations comes into force on 1 January 2021.
The Radio Regulations is the world’s only international treaty governing
Updated Radio Regulations the global use of radio-frequency spectrum and satellite orbits.
Experiments with
radio transmissions
started over
175 years ago.
Watch the video.Evolution: Radio’s resilience through the ages ITU News MAGAZINE No. 01, 2021 13
Shutterstock
Why World Amateur Radio Day is key
to highlight crucial services
World Amateur Radio Day is observed on 18 April. Timothy Ellam, President of the
International Amateur Radio Union (IARU) shares his views on why the day is important
and how amateur radio plays an important role in improving lives worldwide.
What is the significance of Amateur radio experimenters Since its founding, the IARU has
this day to your association were the first to discover that worked tirelessly to defend and
and members? the short-wave spectrum — far expand the frequency allocations
from being a wasteland — could for amateur radio. Thanks to the
^ Every April 18, radio amateurs support worldwide propaga‑ support of enlightened adminis‑
worldwide take to the airwaves tion. Amateur radio pioneers trations in every part of the globe,
in celebration of World Amateur met in Paris in 1925 and created radio amateurs are now able to
Radio Day. It was on this day the IARU to support amateur experiment and communicate
in 1925 that the International radio worldwide. in frequency bands strategi‑
Amateur Radio Union (IARU) was cally located throughout the
formed in Paris. radio spectrum.
More about the amateur radio through the decades here.Evolution: Radio’s resilience through the ages ITU News MAGAZINE No. 01, 2021 14
we can help teach, the community in developing countries as it is in
Today, amateur radio service we can provide and the developed nations.
is more popular than fun we have.
ever, with more than Radio amateurs come from all
3 000 000 licensed Today, digital dominates walks of life and I know many are
operators. every aspect of global participating in the community to
communication. Where does serve us during this time of crisis
amateur radio fit in today’s whether that is in the medical
Timothy Ellam communication ecosystem? services or helping keep supply
chains open. In these days of
^ Amateur radio still makes social isolation, radio amateurs
use of the oldest form of digital have also been contacting those
communications: Morse Code, or who are shut in to check on their
continuous wave (CW). In addi‑ welfare and just to pass the time
tion, the amateur service utilizes a of day. Amateur radio offers a
From the 25 countries that number of digital modes for weak unique way for us to maintain
formed the IARU in 1925, the signal HF and VHF/UHF propaga‑ our social contacts while remain‑
IARU has grown to include over tion including many which have ing physically separate from
160 member-societies in three been developed by radio ama‑ each other.
regions. IARU Region 1 includes teurs, such as Nobel Prize winner,
Europe, Africa, the Middle East, Joe Taylor, K1JT. Many radio clubs and national
and Northern Asia. Region 2 cov‑ societies are activating local
ers the Americas, and Region 3 Over the years, the amateur repeater and other emergency
is comprised of Australia, New service has been at the forefront communication networks to be
Zealand, the Pacific island nations, of developing new modes of prepared should the need for
and most of Asia. communication and will continue their services arise. Now is a good
to do so in the future. time to get on the air to exercise
The International our equipment, our skills, learn
Telecommunication Union (ITU) In what ways are you seeing something new by trying a new
has recognized the IARU as rep‑ amateur radio operators band or mode, and expand our
resenting the interests of ama‑ contributing to the fight circle of friends. In fact, since the
teur radio. against COVID‑19? start of the current pandemic,
there has been an unprecedented
Today, amateur radio is more ^ Radio amateurs have a long interest in the amateur service
popular than ever, with more than history of community service. You by the public and many of our
3 000 000 licensed operators. will find radio amateurs involved member–societies are offering
in emergency communications on-line courses to help them
April 18 is the day for all of and working with emergency get licensed.
amateur radio to celebrate and services to provide communica‑
tell the world about the science tion when required. This is as trueEvolution: Radio’s resilience through the ages ITU News MAGAZINE No. 01, 2021 15
During a disaster, amateur And all of this comes at no cost to
radio operators can be vital first the served agency, whether that is Amateurs have the
responders. What support do an arm of government or a disas‑ equipment, the skills,
they provide to the affected ter relief and mitigation organiza‑ and the frequencies
communities and what role tion. We have developed a guide necessary to create
do they play in disaster risk for our member-societies to assist expedient and
reduction efforts? them in helping provide support. efficient emergency
communication
^ Radio amateurs have a long How is your Union’s collaboration networks under
and proud history of providing with ITU important to improving poor conditions.
communications to alleviate lives worldwide?
suffering in the wake of natural
disasters. With only a low-power ^ IARU was admitted to the work Timothy Ellam
HF transceiver, an automobile of the CCIR, the forerunner to
battery, and a piece of wire for an today’s ITU Radiocommunication
antenna, a skilled operator can Sector (ITU–R), in 1932 and has
establish communication from been contributing to the work of
almost any location. Amateurs ITU ever since.
use their VHF and UHF allocations
for many applications includ‑ As a Sector Member, IARU the smart sustainable develop‑
ing local networks that operate participates fully in the relevant ment model and joint IARU/ITU
independently of the commercial ITU–R Study Groups and Working training sessions for regulators, to
telecommunication infrastructure Parties. This makes us one of the name a few.
and continue to function when longest-serving Sector Members
regular communication links are in ITU. We are pleased that ITU recog‑
disrupted or overloaded. nizes the value of the amateur
IARU is also a Sector Member services in times of crisis and
Amateurs have the equipment, of the ITU Development Sector we are equally proud to assist
the skills, and the frequencies (ITU–D) and participates actively ITU with the goal of improv‑
necessary to create expedient in Study Group 2 on issues related ing lives.
and efficient emergency com‑ to disaster communications and
munication networks under poor human resource development. Our association is looking to
conditions. They are licensed and We have also worked with many remake amateur radio for the
pre-authorized for national and ITU initiatives including emer‑ 21st Century.
international communication. gency communication workshops,Evolution: Radio’s resilience through the ages ITU News MAGAZINE No. 01, 2021 16
We find now that the world
We recognize very moves at a much faster pace and
well that what the demands on radio spectrum
amateur radio means require us to move quickly and to
to one generation adapt and work with other com‑
does not mean the munication services. We recog‑
same thing to a nize very well that what amateur
younger generation. radio means to one generation
does not mean the same thing to
a younger generation.
Timothy Ellam
IARU is actively engaging through
programmes such as Youngsters
on The Air (YOTA) to ensure that
there is a next generation of ama‑
Interview with
Timothy Ellam,
teur radio enthusiasts. President, IARU
What are some of the plans that We are looking forward to
you have? embracing new communication
techniques and utilizing our spec‑
^ The amateur service has trum above 144 MHz for network‑
changed and will continue to ing and linking amateurs during
change. We have always adapted communication emergencies.
to new communication chal‑
lenges and been among the first One thing that will not change
to embrace new technology. is our interest in advancing the
We will continue to do so. art and science of radiocommu‑
nications as we move into the
next century.Connection: Broadcast radio helps save lives ITU News MAGAZINE No. 01, 2021 17
Shutterstock
Radio’s key role in crisis and emergency situations
By Paolo Lazzarini, Vice Chair of the ITU Radiocommunicaton Sector (ITU–R)
Study Group 6; David Hemingway, Vice Chair of ITU–R Working Party 6A; and
Ben Poor, Project Manager at the European Broadcasting Union (EBU)
J Many people compare the pandemic we are still experiencing to
a world war; millions affected, global involvement, and new kinds of
crises and emergencies. Across the world we are having to reconsider
our priorities and needs. What was once considered essential in many To meet these new
places has become unavailable. challenges, radio
broadcasters have
Lockdowns are still in place in many countries, intensifying our human had to reinvent the
need for proximity and social contact. Long-distance travel is practically way they produce
forbidden, and a large part of industrial activity has stalled. their content.
In the COVID‑19 context, all forms of media and communication are
Paolo Lazzarini,
playing a major role in helping people feel less alone and closer to each
David Hemingway
other. Amid a global pandemic, radio is showing its flexible ease of use and Ben Poor
for everyone.Connection: Broadcast radio helps save lives ITU News MAGAZINE No. 01, 2021 18
Fortunately, the shift to remote The major challenge for radio
Fortunately, the shift production and contribution has during the current global crisis
to remote production long been anticipated by many that began in 2020 was that a
and contribution has broadcasters. Recent years have three-to-five-year strategy needed
long been anticipated seen many projects devoted to to be implemented within a
by many broadcasters. creating tools to liberate journal‑ matter of weeks. Creating a
ists and other content producers consistent environment for large
from their offices and studios. numbers of producers, working
Paolo Lazzarini, from their own homes, brought
David Hemingway The ability to be where the story both technological and logisti‑
and Ben Poor is more rapidly, or to reach out to cal challenges.
isolated communities more easily,
has been of vital importance Working through the European
to public service broadcasters Broadcasting Union (EBU), in
and others. exchanging best practice, collab‑
orating on projects, and lending
Meeting new challenges For example, low-cost and expertise and resources, public
lightweight backpacks that service broadcasters in Europe
To meet these new challenges, allow journalists to immediately were able to easily identify what
radio broadcasters have had to connect to the studio wherever worked, and what wasn’t working
reinvent the way they produce there is viable mobile connectivity quite so well — rapidly iterating
their content. The limits imposed have ensured radio’s resilience for through the challenges to find
by the virus, such as physical dis‑ trusted news gathering despite solutions that could be more
tance and the need for personal the emergence of social-me‑ widely applied. In this sense, the
protective equipment (PPE), have dia platforms. real value of broadcasters work‑
added a layer of complexity to ing together for the benefit of
the production chain and to the their audiences and wider society
management of broadcast stu‑ Broadcasters is clear.
dios, productions, and facilities. banding together
The flexibility of broadcast
In many cases, radio programmes Radio studios themselves have radio has played a significant
produced in different places have become increasingly decen‑ role in filling the lack of face-
needed reassembling before tralized, with the possibility of to-face contact and keeping
broadcast. This has also been the coordinating and producing pro‑ people company in the most
case during live events where grammes equally well wherever difficult moments such as dur‑
field journalists have often had to the contributors are — potentially ing lockdown. One example
do their job from home. not even in the same location. is what Vatican News did to
improve domestic and interna‑
tional services.Connection: Broadcast radio helps save lives ITU News MAGAZINE No. 01, 2021 19
Coronavirus Global
All events involving the Pope BBC World Service has a short Update
have been live broadcast in six news bulletin format, BBC Minute,
languages using all possible run by many partners with young
distribution channels: from the and music-oriented audiences.
most advanced digital technology The BBC Minute team started
to the more traditional analogue. a bulletin specifically on the
The culmination of this is rep‑ COVID‑19 outbreak in mid-Feb‑
resented by the live broadcast ruary 2020. It was offered to part‑
of “Statio Orbis” in March 2020 ners and then extended to two
during which the Pope prayed for bulletins a day. As the outbreak BBC Minute
the entire world. escalated into a pandemic, more
radio stations started to air the
bulletin, today aired by 39 radio
Dispelling disinformation partners across 25 countries.
on digital radio There are also versions in Spanish
with services in other languages
The British Broadcasting being planned.
Corporation (BBC) has worked
to become a trusted source of
accurate information about the Radio as a lifeline
coronavirus by serving audiences At the outset of the pan‑
with basic information, as well as Traditional radio represents demic, the United Nations
challenging some of the danger‑ another effective medium of Educational, Scientific and
ous COVID‑19 misinformation communication — communication Cultural Organization (UNESCO)
that continues to circulate. in an emergency. As reported by produced visuals, graphics and
one of the missionaries released social media messages to counter
BBC World Services launched two in Africa in May 2020 following a disinformation, fight discrimi‑
different programme segments: two-year kidnapping, thanks to nation, and promote best prac‑
a small short-wave radio he was tices. UNESCO contacted the
Coronavirus Global Update has able to listen to BBC and Vatican High Frequency Co-ordination
two editions of five minutes a Radio programmes. Conference (HFCC) and asked
day for direct transmission, for it to advise HFCC, Arab State
partner stations and as a podcast. This allowed him to hear news Broadcasting Union (ASBU), and
The segment is now carried by from the world and “remain in Asia-Pacific Broadcasting Union
14 radio partners across ten coun‑ touch” with home despite his (ABU) members that a series of
ties and 12 digital players includ‑ difficult situation. short audio spots in different
ing Apple, Spotify, and TuneIn. languages about the coronavirus
pandemic was available to be
broadcast on shortwave.Connection: Broadcast radio helps save lives ITU News MAGAZINE No. 01, 2021 20
Amid COVID‑19, local radio has It was the biggest response the
provided a lifeline service to Amid COVID‑19, local BBC has ever had to a local radio
people experiencing pandem‑ radio has provided a campaign (read more).
ic-related difficulties. The eco‑ lifeline service to people
nomics of radio mean that it can experiencing pandemic-
be more closely targeted to local related difficulties. 100 years on — still
populations than other media. providing a vital service
Moreover, audiences turn to local
voices when they need reliable Paolo Lazzarini, 2 November 2020 marked the
information about their immedi‑ David Hemingway 100th anniversary of the world’s
ate surroundings — especially with and Ben Poor first commercial radio broadcast,
lockdown measures differing in from KDKA in Pittsburgh in the
various areas of a given country United States of America, relay‑
or region. ing the results of the presiden‑
tial election.
In response to the COVID‑19
pandemic, the BBC made tem‑ In March 2020, more than 100 years later, radio still provides
porary changes to its local radio 100 000 people had contacted a vital and irreplaceable service
network in England, introducing BBC local radio’s coronavirus to many around the world. And
several more localized services helpline in the two weeks after particularly in emergency situa‑
that give the opportunity to offer it was set up for the Make a tions such as pandemics, radio
extra news and information to Difference campaign that was continues to reach people in ways
local audiences when and where launched to link up those in that no other media can.
needed. This was accomplished need of help with those who can
by re-purposing existing AM (MF), provide it.
and DAB transmitting networks to
address the new services to their
target audiences.
The BBC’s local radio campaignConnection: Broadcast radio helps save lives ITU News MAGAZINE No. 01, 2021 21
Shutterstock
The value of broadcast radio in an emergency
By ITU News
J “It was a kind of silence that is deafening — the radio broke
through it, somehow. To hear the music and another voice, in In times of emergency and
the middle of the night … made me able to hang in there for disasters, radio broadcasting
one more night …” a resident of Tacloban, Philippines, said after is one of the most powerful
Typhoon Haiyan, one of the most powerful tropical cyclones and effective ways of
ever recorded. delivering early warnings
and alerting the general
In the aftermath of the disaster, which killed over 7000 people, public by broadcasting
left millions of people without homes and destroyed major areas before the disaster occurs so
of agriculture, the impact of radio could not be understated. people can evacuate to safe
places and save their lives.
First invented in 1895, radio — one of the first forms of mass
communications — continues to play an important role in today’s
Mijke Hertoghs
increasingly digital society.
Head, Environment and Emergency
Telecommunications Division, ITUConnection: Broadcast radio helps save lives ITU News MAGAZINE No. 01, 2021 22
“In times of emergency and disas‑ broadcasting regularly informa‑
ters, radio broadcasting is one of tion about where bushfires are,
the most powerful and effective where the affected areas are.
ways of delivering early warnings
and alerting the general public by They’ve been passing on informa‑
broadcasting before the disaster tion from the State’s fire agen‑
occurs so people can evacuate to cies, advising people as to when
safe places and save their lives,” they should leave or whether it’s
said Mijke Hertoghs, Head of ITU’s too late to leave, those kinds of
Environment and Emergency things,” Paul Fletcher, Australia’s
Telecommunications Division. Minister for Communications,
Urban Infrastructure, Cities and
In the initial hours in the aftermath the Arts told ITU in an interview
of a disaster, people need to be (listen to the podcast featuring
informed so that they understand a range of voices on emergency
Technology for
Good #2: Emergency
what is happening and assess telecommunications). telecommunications
how they, their families and
friends can receive support. Broadcasting appropriate infor‑
mation and advice through ser‑
At the beginning of 2020, radio vices such as radio is particularly
played a key role in the Australian useful when physical access to an
Bushfire response, helping area is difficult. But these kinds
responders to keep local popula‑ of services can also help people
tions up-to-date and coordinate cope with the disaster until help
and execute evacuation plans. arrives on-site.
The organization trains local
“Our standard advice is that in One such service is First Response teams — both professional and
an emergency, people should Radio (FRR), whose mission is amateur — to use simple broad‑
make sure they’ve got a transistor to put emergency radio broad‑ casting equipment over a five-day
radio with fresh batteries because casts on the air within 72 hours training programme. The equip‑
the Australian Broadcasting of a disaster. Teams are located ment is designed to fit into a
Corporation, our national broad‑ in four major hubs throughout suitcase and weighs just 23 kg so
caster, also has an emergency South-East Asia — the Philippines, it can easily fit into the hold lug‑
broadcasting role. Throughout Indonesia, India and Pakistan — gage of an international flight.
the bushfires, they’ve been to ensure rapid response.Connection: Broadcast radio helps save lives ITU News MAGAZINE No. 01, 2021 23
FRR teams have responded to During the response to Typhoon
And that’s what makes 32 disasters in the last 15 years, Haiyan in the Philippines, the FRR
it possible for them to including major flooding in India radio teams provided a blend of
get into the field and in 2008, Typhoon Haiyan in 2013, information and comfort to those
on the air in 72 hours: and the 2015 Nepal earthquake. affected by the disaster.
because they’re local.
“We were the first voice and it
Diversity of content built a really solid relationship
Mike Adams with the community and provided
International Coordinator, Working with government and not just information about the
First Response Radio non-government organization response, but just provided a
(NGO) responders on the ground, friend like a voice that was always
the teams disseminate disas‑ there… Research showed later,
ter-relief information to the local the fact that people tuned into the
populations — water and food radio station helped them heal
distribution points, sanitation and from the trauma and the stress
hygiene tips, housing informa‑ and all the mental health chal‑
“There is no international team tion — but blend it with a mix lenges of that disaster.”
coming from London. The local of entertainment.
team has the equipment; they’ve
been trained how to use it, they “In times of emergency and disas‑ ITU’s role
decide when they need to deploy. ters, radio broadcasting is one of
And that’s what makes it possible the most powerful and effective ITU supports Member States in
for them to get into the field and ways of delivering early warnings preparing them to become more
on the air in 72 hours: because and alerting the general public by resilient to disaster by ensuring
they’re local. broadcasting before the disaster the rational, equitable, efficient
occurs so people can evacuate to and economical use of the
Locally empowered to speak the safe places and save their lives,” radio-frequency spectrum for all
local language, ready to deploy said Mijke Hertoghs, Head of ITU’s phases of a disaster, from prepar‑
according to local conditions and Environment and Emergency edness to recovery, and by assist‑
the local disasters,” Mike Adams, Telecommunications Division. ing them with the development
FRR International Coordinator, and implementation of national
told ITU. “We’re serving the community emergency telecommunication
that is affected by the disaster, plans, including spectrum man‑
“We take people with no radio and that changes the focus of the agement for land and space.
background and within a couple content,” Adams said.
of days, they’re making radio
shows and doing live interviews.”Connection: Broadcast radio helps save lives ITU News MAGAZINE No. 01, 2021 24
“Every country has a system of The ITU Telecommunication
licensing radio stations and we Development Sector (ITU–D) has
cannot ignore that. We have to issued guidelines for national
work within this ITU established emergency telecommunications
structure globally,” said Adams. plans (see the guide) to help
national authorities and policy‑
ITU’s Radiocommunication makers to develop a clear and
Study Groups carry out studies flexible framework to ensure vital
related to the continuing devel‑ telecommunication networks and ITU Guidelines for
opment of radiocommunication services remain online during national emergency
systems used in disaster mitiga‑ emergencies or in the aftermath telecommunication
tion/relief operations. The ITU of disasters. plans 2020
Radiocommunication Sector
This guide is an
(ITU–R) is also invited to pursue As part of ITU’s work on emer‑
invaluable aid to
studies on the further identifica‑ gency telecommunications, ITU increase preparedness
tion of suitable frequency bands produces a series of recommen‑ of the emergency
that could be used on a global/ dations, manuals, reports, among communication sector
for when disasters strike.
regional basis for public protec‑ other products, which highlight
It outlines the key steps
tion and disaster relief (PPDR), as the need to enhance prepared‑ and phases of planning,
well as on facilitating cross-border ness measures to enable the use designing, conducting
circulation of equipment intended of reliable and resilient informa‑ and following up of an
emergency simulation
for use in emergency and disaster tion and communication technol‑
exercise, with templates,
relief situations — the second of ogy (ICT) networks, platforms and checklists and guidance
these tasks being reinforced by services, such as radio broadcast‑ to assist in running a
the Tampere Convention on the ing for disaster management. simulation, and other
provision of telecommunication resource materials.
resources for disaster mitigation
and relief operations.
Download here.
More about ITU’s work in emergency telecommunications here.Connection: Radiocommunications across regions ITU News MAGAZINE No. 01, 2021 25
Shutterstock
Amid rising sound broadcasting demand,
Africa paves the road to more FM stations
By John Omo, Secretary-General of the African Telecommunications Union (ATU)
J Radio is of paramount importance to the whole world, and even
more so to developing countries. This has been true since the first
transmissions of public radio broadcasting were emitted in 1920.
As the use of radio
services in Africa
Radio goes where newer technologies cannot. It is an extremely effec‑
grows, an increasing
tive way of delivering information in rural and remote areas where infor‑
demand for additional
mation can educate, and even save lives in emergency situations such as
frequencies follows.
during the current pandemic.
Listeners are tuning into radio stations to receive the latest news and John Omo
recommendations on how to prevent the spread of COVID‑19.
Note: This article was adapted from opening remarks given at the Optimization of the GE84 (FM Plan)
Workshop for Africa for the Second Coordination Group (CG2).Connection: Radiocommunications across regions ITU News MAGAZINE No. 01, 2021 26
As the use of radio services This approach is borrowed
Many would agree that in Africa grows, an increasing from the successful optimiza‑
FM radio still reigns demand for additional frequen‑ tion of the GE06 (DTT) Plan
as king of the African cies follows. which was executed on a coor‑
media industry. dinated continental approach
In response, the ITU and resulted in the “Second
Radiocommunication Bureau (BR), Digital Dividend” spectrum (the
John Omo in collaboration with the African 700 MHz band International
Telecommunication Union (ATU), Mobile Telecommunications
launched a project for the optimi‑ (IMT) spectrum)).
zation of the GE84 Plan for African
countries in South Africa in July
2019. The project aims to achieve GE84 work plan: First
an efficient and equitable use of milestone achieved
As radio is more affordable than the 87.5–108 MHz (FM) band for
other forms of technologies, analogue sound broadcasting According to the original work
together with the growth of and to identify new frequencies plan, the GE84 optimization
community radio, information and to FM broadcasting in 54 African should have been accomplished
culture becomes more accessible countries. via a series of physical multilateral
to all. frequency coordination meetings.
Such meetings include training
the designated experts on the
Where FM radio reigns compatibility software developed
by the ITU Radiocommunication
Many would agree that FM radio Bureau and adopting the opti‑
still reigns as king of the African mization approach with com‑
media industry. It remains a key mon criteria.
information and communication
Read more about the
technology (ICT) service deliv‑ However, this original work plan
project here.
ering immense socio-economic has been changed. Indeed, in
value across the continent. Yet, in view of the global concern about
many countries, the expansion of While some countries have com‑ the COVID‑19 pandemic and the
FM radio is hampered by the lack menced national programmes current restrictions imposed by
of FM frequencies. and initiatives to optimize their many countries on meetings and
FM plans, the project aims to take travel, it was decided to start with
a coordinated continent-wide 3-day online workshops for the
approach to ensure the plan gen‑ four African Coordination Groups.
erates optimal outcomes.Connection: Radiocommunications across regions ITU News MAGAZINE No. 01, 2021 27
Recognizing the role of ITU
Through this project, These tools, available
the hope for FM My sincere thanks to the ITU for all countries, can
radio in Africa Radiocommunication Bureau be utilized for more
remains alive. for developing software tools to accurate interference
assist in the compatibility analy‑ analyses in order to
sis exercise, in searching for the facilitate discussions
John Omo most suitable frequency channels between countries and
and in the application of different successfully coordinate
propagation models in the calcu‑ their frequencies.
lations, including maps, visualiza‑
tions, and graphic illustrations.
John Omo
ITU has also provided soft‑
From analogue to digital ware tools with two ITU
Radiocommunication Sector
Optimizing the GE84 Plan intends (ITU–R) propagation models,
not only to respond to the one of which contains terrain
increasing demand in analogue data. These tools, available for all
sound broadcasting, but also to countries, can be utilized for more
enable and facilitate the introduc‑ accurate interference analyses
tion of digital radio in Band II. to facilitate discussions between
countries and successfully coordi‑
In 2021, three frequency coor‑ nate their frequencies.
dination meetings have been
planned to get all African admin‑ Together with ITU, the ATU is
istrations to adopt common firmly committed to support all
technical criteria and conditions African countries in this project
for mutual agreements, submit and beyond, regardless of their
their frequency requirements, run size, state of economy and varied
compatibility analyses and mutu‑ needs, paying particular attention
ally coordinate their stations. to the requirements of the least
developed, landlocked and the
Through this project, the hope for small island States. Together, we
FM radio in Africa remains alive. are on the same frequency and
share the right energy for Africa’s
We are excited at the possibility ICT development journey.
of having new usable channels
that will allow for its expansion
and sustainability.Connection: Radiocommunications across regions ITU News MAGAZINE No. 01, 2021 28
Shutterstock
Ham radio and emergency comms: Filling the
United States Geological Survey ’donut hole’
By Adam Davidson, W9AS
J On July 2nd 2020, shortly The Hawaii hams felt an earth‑
before midnight local time quake and sent detailed reports
In the best ham
in Hawaii, a dozen amateur that were immediately used by
tradition, it all came
radio operators did something the United States Geological
about through
nobody had ever done before Survey (USGS) to assess the
volunteer operators
— something that shows the magnitude and damage done by
solving problems for
best in amateur radio and could this latest tremor. Their reports
an agency in need.
herald a transformation in the used a special e-mail programme,
role “hams” (another name for Winlink Express, that operates
amateur radio operators) can play through high-frequency radio Adam Davidson
in emergencies. even when normal communica‑
tion channels are down.
Note: This article is republished with permission of the author and the Amateur Radio Safety
Foundation, Inc.You can also read
