World Radiocommunication Conference 2011

Among the 25 items on the agenda of the next World Radiocommunication Conference in 2011 is consideration of possible allocations for oceanographic radar.

Early indications are that a few of those proposing such allocations between 3MHz and 50MHz are mindful of the problems that could result, from sharing spectrum with the Amateur Service.

Spectrum-hungry oceanographic radar bounces HF radio signals of sea waves to map currents.

Also on the agenda is the 600 metre band. A number of countries have already permitted their radio amateurs access to that part of the spectrum on a limited experimental basis for propagation studies.

This spectrum at the bottom end of the AM broadcast band was traditionally for the Maritime Service.

Since 1906 the frequency 500kHz has been designated as an international distress frequency and is as old as the distress signal S0S adopted in the same year.

That frequency had been monitored every hour for distress signals is credited with saving 10,000 lives, including more than 700 from on the Titanic.

It is considered by many to be a maritime heritage frequency of major significance, the Amateur Service is ideally placed to help keep it alive through the use of Morse code.

Before the development of modern radar, other frequencies in that band were used for direction finding and it continues to have a navigation role.

While 500 kHz may be considered to be a maritime heritage frequency of major significance, the Amateur Service is ideally placed to help keep its radiotelegraphy history alive.

Among other items on the agenda are regulatory measures to enable software-defined and cognitive radio systems and examination of the effect of emissions from short-range devices also known as low interference potential devices.

WRC-11 is expected to be held the 24th of October to 18th of November in Geneva.

Jim Linton, VK3PC