South Africa's proposal for the protection of radio quiet zones was adopted and approved at the World Radiocommunication Conference

The Department of Science and Innovation is pleased on the outcome of the successful adoption and approval of South Africa’s proposal on studies relating to the potential impact of Low Earth Orbit (LEO) satellites on radio astronomy observations in designated Radio Quiet Zones (RQZs) at the World Radiocommunication Conference 2023 (WRC-23). The conference, organised by the International Telecommunication Union (ITU), convened global stakeholders from 20 November to 15 December 2023, in Dubai.

The International Telecommunication Union (ITU), as the UN agency for information and communication technologies (ICTs), plays a pivotal role in facilitating international connectivity, allocating global radio spectrum and satellite orbits, and developing technical standards to ensure seamless interconnectivity of networks and technologies

WRC takes place every four to five years and serves as a platform to review and, if necessary, amend international radio regulations, forming a crucial part of the global treaty. WRC-23 brought together over 4000 delegates representing 193 ITU member states, research institutions, academia, and telecommunication sector members to debate key issues that have a global impact on radio, radiocommunications, satellites and other services that utilise the frequency spectrum. 

The RQZs, referred to as “radio protected zones” in South Africa, are geographic areas created by governments through legislation, to protect sensitive radio astronomy telescopes from ground-based radio transmissions, such as those emitted by broadcasting transmitters. Next generation radio telescopes, such as the SKA radio telescope, which will be hosted in South Africa and Australia, will not be able to meet their design objectives without an adequately controlled radio interference environment. 

The proposal was initiated by the South African Radio Astronomy Observatory (SARAO) due to the evolving satellite industry, presenting challenges for radio telescopes worldwide.

Busang Sethole, a spectrum analyst at SARAO, emphasised: "The allocation of satellite spectrum and orbits are the mandates of the ITU and our RQZ is ineffective against satellites. Inaction by the ITU on this matter could limit humanity's ability to explore the cosmic unknown. It is imperative to adapt to recent developments in the satellite industry to preserve the integrity of radio astronomy."

Mere Kgampe, Director of the Department of Science and Innovation's Astronomy Management Authority, acknowledged the collaborative effort that led to the success of the RQZ proposal. This effort involved global radio astronomy communities such as CRAF and the Square Kilometre Array Observatory, along with participating administrations from Australia, Chile, France, Germany, Japan, South Africa, and the USA.

Kgampe highlighted the unwavering support from the Department of Communications and Digital Technologies (DCDT), the Independent Communications Authority of South Africa (ICASA), Southern African Development Countries (SADC), and the African Telecommunications Union (ATU). He expressed gratitude for ATU's crucial role in defending science service during the ITU-R WRC-23.

The adoption of the RQZs proposal paves the way for collaborative efforts between telecommunication agencies, the radio astronomy community, and the satellite industry. Over the next four years, stakeholders will work to understand the impact of LEO satellites on radio astronomy infrastructure, laying the groundwork for regulatory protection measures and international standards for RQZs.

The ITU study groups would focus on safeguarding prominent radio astronomy installations, such as the SKA telescope in South Africa, the Atacama Large Millimetre/submillimetre Array (ALMA) in Chile, and Radio Astronomy Services (RAS) bands globally, from potential interference by LEO satellites.

The Department of Science and Innovation extends appreciation to the Department of Communications and Digital Technologies and all stakeholders for their invaluable input and support in this critical endeavour.

ENDS

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NOTES TO THE EDITOR

RQZs are geographic areas created by governments through legislation to protect sensitive radio telescopes from ground-based interference, such as that emitted by telecommunications transmitters.

One such area is the Astronomy Advantage Area in South Africa. The Square Kilometre Array (SKA) relies on such a protected area to protect its sensitive radio telescopes from human-made interference so that they can receive the much fainter signals emitted by natural phenomena in the universe.  While such areas can prevent harmful emissions near the telescopes, they are not currently recognised internationally and therefore have no influence over satellite operations, which are regulated by international forums such as the ITU and the UN Committee on the Peaceful Uses of Outer Space.  Once completed, the SKA will be the world's largest radio telescope of its type, and will be located in South Africa and Australia.