The ITU Radiocommunication Assembly (RA-19) concluded on Friday, charting future directions in radiocommunication systems and information and communication technologies.
Chaired by Sergey Pastukh of the Russian Federation, RA-19 set future work programmes for the ITU radiocommunication sector (ITU-R) and approved a range of radiocommunication standards and resolutions that will have a global impact on future radiocommunication technologies.
Discussion highlights during RA-19 included enhancements to television, sound and multimedia broadcasting systems, while outlining a roadmap for developing countries and promoting accessibility for persons with disabilities and specific needs.
It also discussed advanced technologies for short-range devices in support of the Internet of things, with applications for radio-frequency identification devices and certain types of medical devices.
Railway radiocommunications systems between train and trackside, which are vital to provide improved railway traffic operations in a high-speed environment, were also discussed.
RA-19 also focused on ongoing enhancements to International Mobile Telecommunications (IMT), including IMT-2020 – also known as 5G – and the evolving convergence of a number of industries and services.
The assembly also dwelt on deployment of international public telecommunications via satellite in developing countries to foster affordable and universal access, particularly through global coverage and delivery of next-generation broadband technologies along with a focus on capacity-building.
“The Radiocommunication Assembly is an important reminder of the central role of radiocommunications in the overall technological progress of telecommunications and ICTs,” says ITU secretary-general Houlin Zhao.
“By approving recommendations, or standards, pertaining to radiocommunication services and by defining future activities of the ITU Radiocommunication Sector, RA-19’s outcomes will pave the way towards shaping the ever-evolving telecommunications environment in which we operate.”
"The Radiocommunication Assembly has done a stellar job in updating and adopting resolutions on innovative technologies as well as updating a number of standards that will shape the further development of radiocommunication systems,” says Mario Maniewicz, director of the ITU Radiocommunication Bureau.
“The outcomes of RA-19 have set the stage for the World Radiocommunication Conference, which will play a pivotal role in shaping tomorrow's digital communication ecosystem.”
The World Radiocommunication Conference is starting today in Egypt, taking place until 22 November. The event is held every four years, to review, and, where necessary, revise the radio regulations and the international treaty governing the use of the radio frequency spectrum and satellite technology.
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