Consulting & Operator Services
International Frequency Coordination Services
The International Telecommunications Union (ITU) is the agency of the United Nations charged with coordinating the use of the scarce radio spectrum resources worldwide. Primarily an administrative body, the actual work of ensuring that a specific satellite system does not interfere with adjacent satellites and earth-based broadcast and radio systems is the responsibility of each satellite service company.
Any satellite operator that wishes to have its frequencies protected internationally must register with ITU. Frequencies for all types of communications, including satellite, are allocated to various services at the World Radiocommunication Conferences (WRCs). The results of these WRCs are incorporated into the ITU Radio Regulations. In order to access the geostationary satellite orbit (GSO), an administration that is a member of the ITU must follow the procedures of the Radio Regulations, not an insignificant task. The Radio Regulations are quite clear that the right to utilize an orbital position must be negotiated in accordance with the procedures in the Radio Regulations. This is the so-called frequency coordination process. It involves detailed technical analyses and an in-depth knowledge of the Radio Regulations.
By necessity, Telesat is thoroughly familiar with the ITU Radio Regulations in order to manage its current space assets and to plan future space services. Telesat is active in the frequency coordination with operators in the western hemisphere. Telesat also participates in all WRC conferences, including most recently WRC 03, and contributes to several ITU Radiocommunication Study Groups.
Telesat owns and/or operates an extensive ground segment network consisting of over ten thousand (10,000) earth stations in Canada and carried out the RFI analyses and frequency coordination of this sizable network. Telesat has worked closely with terrestrial operators in Canada and has developed the technical expertise to carry out this difficult type of coordination. In addition to coordinating and licensing its own earth stations, Telesat has performed frequency coordination of earth stations, including LEO networks, on a consulting basis, for several foreign satellite operators.
Due to its unique role as a satellite operator and leading international satellite consultant, Telesat has gained valuable experience in all aspects of the complex frequency coordination process and has helped numerous satellite operators successfully coordinate their satellite orbital positions. In addition, Telesat has also given numerous training courses in this subject as well as in systems design and link analysis.
Other space-related expertise available from Telesat includes:
- Satellite Procurement Monitoring
- Launch Vehicle Consulting Services
- Ground Systems Consulting Services
- Insurance Procurement & Risk Assessment Services
- International Frequency Coordination Services
- Satellite Applications Consulting
- Business Development Advisory Services
- Technical Training Services
