The South African delegation to the conference comprises industry experts, spectrum scientists, engineers, the Independent Communications Authority of SA, the Civil Aviation Authority, Air Traffic Navigation Systems, the South African Maritime Authority, Sentech, Telkom, Vodacom, Cell-C, the Departments of Science and Technology and Defence and Space Agencies.

The conference started on 23 January and will end on Friday.

A total of 1 700 proposals covering almost all radio services and applications are expected to have been considered by the international delegates by Friday.

At this year’s conference, discussions about frequency spectrum, which refers to the signals that allow for radio and television broadcasts, took centre stage.

Proposals about the need to improve access and the development of Information and Communications Technologies (ICT), especially wireless services, were considered.

“Improving mobile communications access in developing countries, particularly in Africa, will help to bridge the digital divide and improve the living standards of the people,� said Pule.

The conference will result in an international treaty that will ensure continued efficient use of radio spectrum, particularly for Region 1, which South Africa is part of.

This will pave the way for long term investments in key uses of frequency spectrum over the next 20 years.

“Spectrum is a precious resource because it is scarce. South Africa needs to join global efforts to ensure that spectrum is used efficiently to benefit the citizens of the world, governments and businesses,� said Pule.

One of the key considerations at the conference is how to license spectrum for new mobile services, such as mobile television.