Interference on satellite communications. A regional issue

Is well known that communications systems are sensitive to different types of interference. In the case of systems utilizing spectrum as a transmission medium, the sources of interference range from those of natural origin, such as cosmic noise, solar interference, etc. to those caused by caused by manmade systems, radar systems, or communications systems that share the same frequency band.

We discuss here in particular harmful interference affecting satellite communications systems. There are two types: intentional and unintentional. Both cause degradation of the services they transmit and in some cases gravely affect the information transmitted by the satellite system user.

Unlike interference on terrestrial communications, interference on satellite communications is very difficult to GEOlocate as, to implement techniques commonly known as triangulations, different stations and calibrated standards are required, not only on Earth but also in the geostationary orbit (approximately 35,800 km above the Earth’s surface), utilizing techniques involving adjacent satellites, these being very complicated and expensive tasks.

In view of the complexity and cost of GEOlocation of interference on satellite systems, satellite operators virtually everywhere in the world have established cooperation schemes to address this problem. Therefore, operators share different types of information regarding the precise location of satellite positions and other satellite flight data, which are useful to minimize the uncertainty of GEOlocation. One concrete satellite operator effort has been to establish the Satellite Users Interference Reduction Group (SUIRG).

PCC.II: Radiocommunications include Broadcasting is addressing this topic of vital importance to the Administrations of the Americas region, as it affects not only satellite operators but also users themselves. A regional approach much be taken to address this type of interference:

Harmful interference may originate in country “A,” harming the traffic of a user in another country, “B,” while the satellite operator may be based in country “C.”

In the Working Group Relative to Satellite Systems to Provide Fixed and Mobile Services and in the Electronic Forum’s REGSAT discussion group, the member Administrations of CITEL are analyzing the regulatory provisions that might be adopted regionally to protect the region’s telecommunications. A first consultation at the regional level regarding the legal and regulatory framework has been launched. In the said Working Group and in the REGSAT discussion group, different techniques are being studied designed to prevent and resolve interference. At the meeting of PCC.II held in Argentina in December 2004, a seminar was held on interference on satellite communications systems. It was given by the Associate Member Satélites Mexicanos S.A. de C. V.

Alonso Arturo Picazo Díaz
ViceChair Working Group
Relative to Satellite Systems to
Provide Fixed and Mobile Services
e.mail: [email protected]