Frequently Asked Questions

The satellite frequency coordination is a mechanism in which two or more parties (responsible for their respective satellites) engage in technical / regulatory negotiations for the smooth and interference operation of satellite networks. This process also involves exchange of technical data related to satellites and other radio systems operating on equal rights in the frequency bands under consideration.

The ITU (International Telecommunication Union) is the United Nations specialized agency for information and communication technologies. ITU was founded in Paris in 1865 as the International Telegraph Union. It took its present name in 1934, and in 1947 became a specialized agency of the United Nations. ITU is responsible to allocate global radio spectrum and satellite orbits, develop the technical standards that ensure networks and technologies seamlessly interconnect, and strive to improve access to ICTs to underserved communities worldwide. For more information please visit: www.itu.int

The ITU provides a unique, neutral and global platform to come together for the purpose of sharing ideas, knowledge and exchange best practice. It also provides an opportunity to its members to agree on new standards through consensus and a most transparent and fair environment. At ITU the members have an equal and ample chance to safeguard their interests in respective fields of ICTs.

The RRs and related mechanisms are essentially required for the efficient assignment/ coordination of radio frequencies and associated orbital positions in the geostationary orbit.

The current BIU time period for the satellite network as per RRs is seven years, starting from the date of submission of API. Previously, this limit of BIU for a satellite network was nine years from the date of submission of API.

The RRs and related mechanisms are essentially required for the efficient assignment

Yes, frequency coordination would be required in planned bands if the administration responsible intends to modify their original planned assignments.

The life time of most of the GSO satellite ranges from 15 to 20 years.

The main purpose of satellite frequency coordination is to ensure that the new satellite entering into the market of existing so many other operational radio systems, operates without causing or receiving harmful interference. As per the CS 37 of the Constitution of the ITU, the “Member States are bound to abide by the provisions of this Constitution, the Convention and the Administrative Regulations in all telecommunication offices and stations established or operated by them which engage in international services or which are capable of causing harmful interference to radio services of other countries”.

All the Member States of ITU are sovereign in their decisions when it comes to rule making in their own boundaries, however, for the purpose of harmonization and interference free operation of wireless systems across the globe, the Member States have moral responsibility to abide by the rules and regulations of ITU (to the extent possible) as the Member States are signatory to the Convention and Constitution of ITU having a treaty status.

The Agreement of Frequency Coordination or shortly referred as Agreement is the outcome of the process of frequency coordination between the two administrations listing all the operational conditions/ parameters to applied to the satellite networks of both sides.

The three major steps in satellite filing procedures at ITU are the submission of API, Coordination Data and Notification Data as per Article-9 and Article-11 of the ITU-R Radio Regulations.

The BIU means placing a satellite at the specified orbital position in geostationary earth orbit and to start provision of service.

Filing is the term used to submit data (technical and frequency coordination information) to ITU at different stages. In simple words we can say that filing refers to a paper satellite.

The quantity of fuel on board is the limiting factor in determining the life of a satellite.

The distance of satellite in geostationary earth orbit from earth is approximately 35,786 Km.