ITU Radio Regulations

Last updated
Emblem of the United Nations.svg
Basic data
Short title:ITU Radio Regulations
Long title:Radio Regulations of the
International Telecommunication Union
Type: Treaty
Legal status: International law
Jurisdiction:international
Abbreviation:RR
Treaty countries:ca. 200
Announcement:December 22, 1992
Current version:"Edition of 2020" [1]

The ITU Radio Regulations (RR) is a basic document of the International Telecommunication Union (ITU) that regulates on law of nations scale radiocommunication services and the utilisation of radio frequencies. It is the supplementation to the ITU Constitution and Convention and in line with the ITU International Telecommunication Regulations (ITR). The ITU RR comprise and regulate the part of the allocated electromagnetic spectrum (also: radio frequency spectrum) from 9 kHz to 300 GHz.

Contents

Structure

The current approved version of the ITU Radio Regulations (addition 2012) is structured as follows:

Volume 1 – Articles

Volume 2 – Appendices
Volume 3 – Resolutions and Recommendations
Volume 4 – ITU-R Recommendations incorporated by reference
Maps to be used in relation to Appendix 27

Definitions

The Radio Regulations define:

Service types

A radio station of amateur service Hami.jpg
A radio station of amateur service

Radio communication services (or sradiocommunication services) [lower-alpha 1] are sub-divided into space-based radiocommunication, involving the use of one or more space stations or the use of one or more reflecting satellites or other objects in space; and terrestrial radiocommunication, which excludes space radiocommunication and radio astronomy.

The ITU Radio Regulations sets out the definitions of some 40 radio services including such services as the fixed service, the mobile service, the land mobile service, the broadcasting service, the standard frequency and time signal service, various satellite services. Further sub-sets of some of these internationally defined services are often created at the national level. For example, within the land mobile service, a country may choose to define such services as paging, dispatch two-way radio service, cellular mobile telephone service, trunked mobile radio service, etc. Many of these definitions are based upon the nature of the service being provided rather than the international concept of a radiocommunication service. In other words, the term "service" can be used in these two different ways. No matter what definitions are adopted in a given country, with some specific exceptions which are allowed for in the ITU RRs, the use of the spectrum must fit in with the international definitions of radio services.

ITU RR radiocommunication services
Description Short
1.19Radiocommunication service
1.20 Fixed service fixed
obsolete Aeronautical fixed service
1.21 Fixed-satellite service FSS
1.22 Inter-satellite service ISS
1.23 Space operation service SOS
1.24 Mobile service mobile
1.25 Mobile-satellite service MSS
1.26 Land mobile service LMS
1.27 Land mobile-satellite service LMSS
1.28 Maritime mobile service MMS
1.29 Maritime mobile-satellite service MMSS
1.30 Port operations service POS
1.31 Ship movement service SMS
1.32 Aeronautical mobile service AMS
1.33 Aeronautical mobile (R) service [3] AMS(R)
1.34 Aeronautical mobile (OR) service [4] AMS(OR)
1.35 Aeronautical mobile-satellite service AMSS
1.36 Aeronautical mobile-satellite (R) service AMS(R)S
1.37 Aeronautical mobile-satellite (OR) service AMS(OR)S
1.38 Broadcasting service BS
1.39 Broadcasting-satellite service BSS
1.40 Radiodetermination service RDS
1.41 Radiodetermination-satellite service DRSS
1.42 Radionavigation service RNS
1.43 Radionavigation-satellite service RNSS
1.44 Maritime radionavigation service MRNS
1.45 Maritime radionavigation-satellite service MRNSS
1.46 Aeronautical radionavigation service ARNS
1.47 Aeronautical radionavigation-satellite service ARNSS
1.48 Radiolocation service RLS
1.49 Radiolocation-satellite service RLSS
1.50 Meteorological aids service
1.51 Earth exploration-satellite service EESS
1.52 Meteorological-satellite service
1.53 Standard frequency and time signal service SFTS
1.54 Standard frequency and time signal-satellite service SFTSS
1.55 Space research service SRS
1.56 Amateur service Amateur
1.57 Amateur-satellite service Amateur-satellite
1.58 Radio astronomy service RAS
1.59 Safety service
1.60Special radio service

Update

The drafting, revision and adoption of the Radio Regulations is the responsibility of the World Radiocommunication Conferences (WRCs) of the ITU, [5] meetings of which are typically held every three or four years. [6]

Recent WRCs are:

The most recent published version [15] of the Radio Regulations, the "Edition of 2016" [16] contains the complete texts of the Radio Regulations as adopted and revised by WRC-15, including all articles, appendices, resolutions, and a subset of the recommendations issued by ITU-R (previously known as the CCIR) (those "recommendations" which have a mandatory nature, as a result of being cited in the Radio Regulations).

The "Edition of 2020", adopted and reviewed by the WRC-19, is scheduled for publication in October 2020. [1] [17]

Notes

  1. Definition according to Article 1, No. 1.19 of the International Telecommunication Union's Radio Regulations (ITU-RR),: [2] "a service ... involving the transmission, emission and/or reception of radio waves for specific telecommunication purposes".

Related Research Articles

<span class="mw-page-title-main">Frequency allocation</span> Allocation and regulation of the electromagnetic spectrum into radio frequency bands

Frequency allocation is the part of spectrum management dealing with the designation and regulation of the electromagnetic spectrum into frequency bands, normally done by governments in most countries. Because radio propagation does not stop at national boundaries, governments have sought to harmonise the allocation of RF bands and their standardization.

The radio spectrum is the part of the electromagnetic spectrum with frequencies from 3 Hz to 3,000 GHz (3 THz). Electromagnetic waves in this frequency range, called radio waves, are widely used in modern technology, particularly in telecommunication. To prevent interference between different users, the generation and transmission of radio waves is strictly regulated by national laws, coordinated by an international body, the International Telecommunication Union (ITU).

<span class="mw-page-title-main">Radiodetermination</span> Active and passive means of determining position via radio waves

As defined by FS-1037C and ITU Radio Regulations, radiodetermination is:

the determination of the position, velocity or other characteristics of an object, or the obtaining of information relating to these parameters, by means of the propagation properties of radio waves

Radiolocation, also known as radiolocating or radiopositioning, is the process of finding the location of something through the use of radio waves. It generally refers to passive uses, particularly radar—as well as detecting buried cables, water mains, and other public utilities. It is similar to radionavigation, but radiolocation usually refers to passively seeking a distant object rather than actively finding one's own position; both are types of radiodetermination. Radiolocation is also used in real-time locating systems (RTLS) for tracking valuable assets.

<span class="mw-page-title-main">Fixed-satellite service</span>

Fixed-satellite service is – according to article 1.21 of the International Telecommunication Union's (ITU) Radio Regulations (RR) – defined as A radiocommunication service between earth stations at given positions, when one or more satellites are used; the given position may be a specified fixed point or any fixed point within specified areas; in some cases this service includes satellite-to-satellite links, which may also be operated in the inter-satellite service; the fixed-satellite service may also include feeder links for other space radiocommunication services.

<span class="mw-page-title-main">Spectrum management</span>

Spectrum management is the process of regulating the use of radio frequencies to promote efficient use and gain a net social benefit. The term radio spectrum typically refers to the full frequency range from 1 Hz to 3000 GHz that may be used for wireless communication. Increasing demand for services such as mobile telephones and many others has required changes in the philosophy of spectrum management. Demand for wireless broadband has soared due to technological innovation, such as 3G and 4G mobile services, and the rapid expansion of wireless internet services.

<span class="mw-page-title-main">Mobile-satellite service</span>

Mobile-satellite service is – according to Article 1.25 of the International Telecommunication Union's Radio Regulations – "A radiocommunication service

<span class="mw-page-title-main">Fixed service</span>

In telecommunications, a fixed service is a radiocommunication service between specified fixed points.

<span class="mw-page-title-main">Space operation service</span>

Space operation service is – according to Article 1.23 of the International Telecommunication Union's (ITU) Radio Regulations (RR) – defined as A radiocommunication service concerned exclusively with the operation of spacecraft, in particular space tracking, space telemetry and space telecommand. These functions will normally be provided within the service in which the space station is operating.

<span class="mw-page-title-main">Standard frequency and time signal service</span> Radiocommunication service for scientific and other purposes

Standard frequency and time signal service is, according to Article 1.53 of the International Telecommunication Union's (ITU) Radio Regulations (RR), "A radiocommunication service for scientific, technical and other purposes, providing the transmission of specified frequencies, time signals, or both, of stated high precision, intended for general reception".

<span class="mw-page-title-main">Space research service</span>

Space research service is – according to Article 1.55 of the International Telecommunication Union's (ITU) Radio Regulations (RR) – defined as «A radiocommunication service in which spacecraft or other objects in space are used for scientific or technological research purposes

<span class="mw-page-title-main">Safety service</span>

Safety service is – according to Article 1.59 of the International Telecommunication Union's (ITU) Radio Regulations (RR) – defined as «A radiocommunication service used permanently or temporarily for the safeguarding of human life and property

<span class="mw-page-title-main">Land mobile-satellite service</span>

Land mobile-satellite service is – according to Article 1.27 of the International Telecommunication Union's (ITU) Radio Regulations (RR) – defined as «A mobile-satellite service in which mobile earth stations are located on land.»

A maritime mobile service is a mobile service between coast stations and ship stations, or between ship stations, or between associated on-board communication stations. The service may also be used by survival craft stations and emergency position-indicating radiobeacon stations.

<span class="mw-page-title-main">Maritime mobile-satellite service</span>

Maritime mobile-satellite service is – according to Article 1.29 of the International Telecommunication Union's Radio Regulations (RR) – "A mobile-satellite service in which mobile earth stations are located on board ships; survival craft stations and emergency position-indicating radiobeacon stations may also participate in this service", in addition to serving as navigation systems.

<span class="mw-page-title-main">Aeronautical mobile service</span>

Aeronautical mobile service is a form of aviation communication conducted through radio. The ITU Radio Regulations divide AMS into communication used for civil air route flights (R) and off-route flights (OR). Aeronautical mobile (R) service is a so-called safety-of-life service, must be protected for interferences, and is an essential part of air traffic control. Communication occurs between radio stations onboard aircraft, termed aircraft stations, and terrestrial stations that are sometimes termed "aeronautical stations". Communication can also occur between aircraft. AMS is commonly used in air traffic control.

<span class="mw-page-title-main">Port operations service</span>

Port operations service is – according to Article 1.30 of the International Telecommunication Union's (ITU) Radio Regulations (RR) – defined as «A maritime mobile service in or near a port, between coast stations and ship stations, or between ship stations, in which messages are restricted to those relating to the operational handling, the movement and the safety of ships and, in emergency, to the safety of persons. Messages which are of a public correspondence nature shall be excluded from this service

<span class="mw-page-title-main">Ship movement service</span>

Ship movement service is – according to Article 1.31 of the International Telecommunication Union's (ITU) Radio Regulations (RR) – defined as «A safety service in the maritime mobile service other than a port operations service, between coast stations and ship stations, or between ship stations, in which messages are restricted to those relating to the movement of ships. Messages which are of a public correspondence nature shall be excluded from this service

<span class="mw-page-title-main">Broadcasting-satellite service</span>

Broadcasting-satellite service is – according to Article 1.39 of the International Telecommunication Union's (ITU) Radio Regulations (RR) – defined as «A radiocommunication service in which signals transmitted or retransmitted by space stations are intended for direct reception by the general public. In the broadcasting-satellite service, the term “direct reception” shall encompass both individual reception and community reception

<span class="mw-page-title-main">Satellite emergency position-indicating radiobeacon station</span>

Satellite emergency position-indicating radiobeacon station is – according to article 1.94 of the International Telecommunication Union's (ITU) ITU Radio Regulations (RR) – defined as "An earth station in the mobile-satellite service the emissions of which are intended to facilitate search and rescue (SAR) operations."

References

  1. 1 2 Edition of 2020
  2. ITU Radio Regulations, Article 1, Section III – Radio services, No. 1.19, definition: Radiocommunication service
  3. (R) – abbreviation to route flights (route)
  4. (OR) – abbreviation to flights others than on routes (off-route)
  5. Final Acts of the WRCs
  6. World Radiocommunication Conferences
  7. WRC-95
  8. WRC-97
  9. WRC-00
  10. WRC-03
  11. WRC-07
  12. WRC-12
  13. WRC-15
  14. WRC-19
  15. The Radio Regulations on the ITU website
  16. Edition of 2016
  17. Edition of 2020 - Publication notice