ICT Archives - EMFSA

ICASA COMPLETES THE REVIEW OF THE ICT COVID-19 NATIONAL DISASTER REGULATIONS

Editor — Fri, 28 May 2021 10:11:09 +0000

27 May 2021

Pretoria – The Independent Communications Authority of South Africa (ICASA/the Authority) has completed the review of the Information and Communications Technology (ICT) COVID-19 National Disaster Regulations (The Regulations) and, having considered all the written submissions received within the stipulated deadline, resolved to, among others: extend the temporary radio frequency spectrum assignments issued to licensees for a further three months (from 1 June 2021 to 31 August 2021).

The Authority hopes that all key stakeholders will use this period to find a resolution to the spectrum litigation impasse. The Chairperson of ICASA, Dr Keabetswe Modimoeng urges active litigants to participate in the ongoing settlement negotiations in order to resolve the matter.

“The three-month extension affords an opportunity for all stakeholders to find a resolution to the spectrum litigation impasse. Unfortunately, at some stage we will not be able to continually extend these temporary spectrum assignments when a more permanent licensing route is struck through litigation. We need to come to the negotiations with well-meaning intentions, as soon as possible to resolve this ongoing legal stand-off. We cannot perpetuate a pandemic-specific temporary arrangement to a point where it amounts to a backdoor spectrum licensing regime. High-demand Spectrum ought to be licensed in a transparent and competitive manner; hence any other way is unjustifiable in the long run.” says Dr Modimoeng.

https://www.icasa.org.za/news/2021/icasa-completes-the-review-of-the-ict-covid-19-national-disaster-regulations

The post ICASA COMPLETES THE REVIEW OF THE ICT COVID-19 NATIONAL DISASTER REGULATIONS appeared first on EMFSA.

Devon: Council starts investigation into 5G technology, asks for public views

Editor — Fri, 22 Nov 2019 13:33:47 +0000

Source: https://www.sidmouthherald.co.uk/news/investigation-into-5g-in-devon-1-6388594?fbclid=IwAR2QcyvUe1crGVvmcX3TJ4iv2lkx7MybcBseFLCel7fZdXdeskXRhkmnu7Q

PUBLISHED: 07:21 22 November 2019 | UPDATED: 07:21 22 November 2019

Matt Smart

People in Devon are being asked for their views on 5G as part of a council-led ‘call for evidence’ on the technology.

Devon County Council (DCC) said local concern has led to it running an investigation into the emerging high-speed mobile internet.

It said it has no plans to make use of 5G in its ICT and is not involved with planning applications for mobile infrastructure.

An online questionnaire is now available inviting members of the public to give their views, it also asks what evidence and information the council should consider in reviewing the technology.

Camilla de Bernhardt Lane, DCC’s head of scrutiny, said: “We want to hear from as many people as possible across Devon regarding 5G technology.

“The information shared will be used in our Councillor-led spotlight review. While scrutiny can only make recommendations, this work is planned to help to inform council policy on 5G technology.

The post Devon: Council starts investigation into 5G technology, asks for public views appeared first on EMFSA.

ITU World Radiocommunication Conference to forge pathways for future digital communications

Editor — Wed, 30 Oct 2019 00:13:30 +0000

WRC-19 to manage scarce radio-frequency spectrum for rapidly evolving terrestrial and space-based communication technologies

Sharm El-Sheikh, 28 October 2019

The World Radiocommunication Conference, the international treaty-making Conference governing the global management of scarce radio-frequency spectrum as well as geostationary-satellite and non-geostationary-satellite orbits, opened today in Sharm El-Sheikh, Egypt.

The conference was opened by President Abdel Fattah Al-Sisi of Egypt. Egypt has been a Member State of ITU since 1876.

UN Secretary-General António Guterres addressed WRC-19 by video.

WRC-19, held every three to four years, is mandated to review and revise the Radio Regulations, the international treaty governing the use of radio-frequency spectrum and satellite orbits. Dr Amr Badawi of Egypt was appointed Chairman of the conference.

“The World Radiocommunication Conference, which opened today, will address some of the leading edge technological innovations set to play a pivotal role in tomorrow’s digital economy and the future development of services, systems and technologies,” said ITU Secretary-General Houlin Zhao, noting that digital inclusion provides the chance to improve the lives of millions across the world. “A transformative revolution in connectivity is in the making with immense implications for the trillion-dollar telecommunication and ICT industry and in advancing many of the United Nations Sustainable Development Goals.” The Secretary-General thanked the Government of Egypt for hosting one of ITU’s landmark conferences in Sharm-el-Sheikh.

“Today, even as billions of people and devices are connected to the Internet, increasing the efficiency of industries and companies, half the world remains unconnected,” said Mr Mario Maniewicz, Director of the ITU Radiocommunication Bureau. “As we move into an era of both digital and environmental transformation, we must ensure that the decisions taken at WRC-19 will not only allow for new technologies and services to be deployed without interfering with existing ones, but also extend the benefits of technological advancement to all the world’s citizens, bringing potential benefits to our society, the global economy and the environment.”

Unlocking human potential with technology of the future

The conference will unlock great potential for human progress advancing many of the United Nations Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs). It will provide the tools for effective climate action, forge pathways for better access to health care, foster sustainable agricultural practices and reduce poverty and hunger, improve energy efficiency, facilitate Intelligent Transport Systems and machine-to-machine communications, make cities smart and communities more sustainable, foster safer travel on land, on air and at sea, and allow countries to participate in the digital economy by providing access to faster and more affordable broadband connectivity, especially in currently underserved communities.

WRC-19 decisions: Implications for future digital environment

WRC-19 will address requirements for some of the leading edge technological innovations set to play a pivotal role in tomorrow’s digital economy with far-reaching implications for the trillion-dollar telecommunication and ICT industry.

Among a host of items on the agenda, the conference will:

Facilitate new innovations in mobile technology, identifying additional frequency bands for the future development of International Mobile Telecommunications (IMT) and further enabling the rollout of IMT-2020 networks, also known as 5G.

Update and modernize the Global Maritime Distress and Safety System (GMDSS) and expand geographical coverage, including in Polar regions.

Ensure that Earth exploration and meteorological-satellite systems continue to provide environmental monitoring, prediction and mitigation of the negative effects caused by climate change as well as monitor the earth’s resources.

Consider additional frequencies for Earth Stations in Motion (ESIM) communicating from aircraft, maritime vessels and land vehicles with satellites on the geostationary orbit (GSO).

Enhance the international regulatory framework to improve satellite broadband connectivity from new non-geostationary satellite systems composed of multiple, multi-satellite constellations.

Allocate frequency bands for High-Altitude Platform Stations (HAPS) – aircraft positioned in the stratosphere for very-long-duration flights used for telecommunications, emergency/public safety communications, intelligent transportation systems, maritime surveillance, and environmental monitoring.

Facilitate radiocommunication systems between train and trackside systems to meet the demands of a high-speed railway environment.

Provide effective communication for portable and mobile computer-based equipment over Wireless access systems, including radio local area networks (WiFi).

Over 3500 participants from ITU’s 193 Member States are expected to attend the 2019 World Radiocommunication Conference (WRC-19) along with 267 observers from among ITU’s 900 private sector members as well as members of international organizations.

https://www.itu.int/en/mediacentre/Pages/2019-PR18.aspx

The post ITU World Radiocommunication Conference to forge pathways for future digital communications appeared first on EMFSA.