Contact us
Drop us your message!
Call us
800-345-678.
The art of applying to satellite frequency allocation
The World Radiocommunication Seminar took place over 5 days late October 2022 in Geneva and gathered participants from more than 30 countries. The whole week was focused on ITU rules and regulations, the latest advancements on the matters, the #RadioFrequency spectrum and satellite orbits. There were also thorough demonstrations of the several software specific to the organization. These discussions enabled Astreos team to strengthen the understanding of these tools so that we can continue to bring the best support to our clients when dealing with these topics.
So, what do you need to know to acquire frequency allocation for your satellite or constellations?
Application process is a marathon, apply ASAP
Frequency allocation could take up to 7 years depending on the #Band a satellite owner wishes to operate in. Frequency allocation and coordination is generally done on a first come first serve basis. Thus, to avoid delays and complex processes, plan the frequency related process well in advance and do proper research on what bands are available for the specific needs of your satellite(s).
How to make the best of your application, technically wise
Each application has its own specifics, however the main steps would have to be:
- Step 1 is to download the right software directly from ITU: https://bit.ly/2TjIGWf
- Step 2 is to check the databases of ITU for the category of the #FrequencyBands you wish to use. This will allow you to know what other satellite operators are using the same frequencies to avoid harmful interferences.
- Step 3 is to go through Appendix 4 of the #RadioRegulations provided by ITU and list all the information required to file your frequency allocation request using ITU BR (Bureau of Radiocommunication) software.
When applying make sure to classify your application in the right category. For example #GSO (Geosynchronous Orbit) or #NGSO (Non Geosynchronous Orbit) ; #Constellation or not ; long-term or short-term use ; etc.
It is also important to check the level of interference your #GroundStation might have with others. Keep in mind you need to strategically locate the station(s) your signal goes through to avoid harmful interferences.
It’s a moving context, be advised
Given the rapid increase in users there may be new rules in the near future. Make sure you are up to date with the latest rules and laws whenever you start the application process.
There are several software to be adopted to move forward with the ITU application process such as SpaceQry, SpaceCap and key databases like the IFIC (International Frequency Information Circular). ITU is constantly updating the different software to make it easy to access their extensive databases and Astreos teams will stay updated and trained on the latest evolutions.
Strengthened connections with ITU for better advising
Overall, the team at Astreos felt very welcomed as the whole ITU staff was made available to us and we would like to thank them for such a compelling event. This week in Geneva was the perfect opportunity for Astreos to tighten connections with ITU and Agence nationale des fréquences (ANFR), which also took part in the seminar. Our connections will definitely prove helpful when supporting satellites project promoters with their frequency allocation activities.
With the increasing number of #satellites operated in space, concerns with #FrequencyAllocation are on the rise. As these matters are becoming critical, it is crucial for all project promoters to take an interest in them. For this reason, Astreos team couldn't miss the #WorldRadiocommunicationSeminar (WRS) organized late October by International Telecommunication Union. Ritesh Jain (Business Developer) and Hugo Poquin (Legal Officer) from our team attended workshops and conferences that dealt with plentiful legal and technical matters. They came back with updated and handy knowledge on satellite frequency application processes, which we'd like to share.
The World Radiocommunication Seminar took place over 5 days late October 2022 in Geneva and gathered participants from more than 30 countries. The whole week was focused on ITU rules and regulations, the latest advancements on the matters, the #RadioFrequency spectrum and satellite orbits. There were also thorough demonstrations of the several software specific to the organization. These discussions enabled Astreos team to strengthen the understanding of these tools so that we can continue to bring the best support to our clients when dealing with these topics.
So, what do you need to know to acquire frequency allocation for your satellite or constellations?
Application process is a marathon, apply ASAP
Frequency allocation could take up to 7 years depending on the #Band a satellite owner wishes to operate in. Frequency allocation and coordination is generally done on a first come first serve basis. Thus, to avoid delays and complex processes, plan the frequency related process well in advance and do proper research on what bands are available for the specific needs of your satellite(s).
How to make the best of your application, technically wise
Each application has its own specifics, however the main steps would have to be:
- Step 1 is to download the right software directly from ITU: https://bit.ly/2TjIGWf
- Step 2 is to check the databases of ITU for the category of the #FrequencyBands you wish to use. This will allow you to know what other satellite operators are using the same frequencies to avoid harmful interferences.
- Step 3 is to go through Appendix 4 of the #RadioRegulations provided by ITU and list all the information required to file your frequency allocation request using ITU BR (Bureau of Radiocommunication) software.
When applying make sure to classify your application in the right category. For example #GSO (Geosynchronous Orbit) or #NGSO (Non Geosynchronous Orbit) ; #Constellation or not ; long-term or short-term use ; etc.
It is also important to check the level of interference your #GroundStation might have with others. Keep in mind you need to strategically locate the station(s) your signal goes through to avoid harmful interferences.
It’s a moving context, be advised
Given the rapid increase in users there may be new rules in the near future. Make sure you are up to date with the latest rules and laws whenever you start the application process.
There are several software to be adopted to move forward with the ITU application process such as SpaceQry, SpaceCap and key databases like the IFIC (International Frequency Information Circular). ITU is constantly updating the different software to make it easy to access their extensive databases and Astreos teams will stay updated and trained on the latest evolutions.
Strengthened connections with ITU for better advising
Overall, the team at Astreos felt very welcomed as the whole ITU staff was made available to us and we would like to thank them for such a compelling event. This week in Geneva was the perfect opportunity for Astreos to tighten connections with ITU and Agence nationale des fréquences (ANFR), which also took part in the seminar. Our connections will definitely prove helpful when supporting satellites project promoters with their frequency allocation activities.
