Arab Spectrum Management Group (ASMG)

Permanent Arab Spectrum Management Group (ASMG)

1. Introduction

Telecommunications are increasingly recognized by all countries, including those in the Arab region, as a key factor for their economic development. Radiocommunication services play an important role in improving the quality of life. They can be used to disseminate information of immediate importance on a national level, as a channel for education, for strengthening the integration and social fabric of a country, for enriching the national culture and for connecting rural and urban areas, an essential element in the development of national infrastructure.

Recent advances in technology like digital radio systems, fixed and mobile satellite systems, broadband wireless systems and other 3rd Generation mobile technologies need a harmonious regional approach in the process of spectrum utilization, equipment standardization and system implementation. The Arab Group comprising of 22 countries possesses a market base, which can become a heavy weight in deciding World Telecommunication Policies. In order to revitalize this forum and enhance the coordination between Arab countries in Telecommunications, in particular in spectrum issues, the Arab council of Telecommunications and Information has created this group in 2001.

2. Structure

The permanent Arab Spectrum Management Group was tasked to manage and coordinate all issues related to Spectrum Management, preparations for World and regional Radiocommunications Conferences, and other matters concerning coordination's between Arab States in the spectrum management field.

The management team of the group consists of a Chairman and 5 Vice-Chairman from the Arab Region. 3. ASMG Meetings

The Arab Spectrum Management Group has met 5 times since its establishment according to the table below:

No. of the meeting Place Dates 1st Meeting Damascus - Syria 22-23/12/2001 2nd Meeting Abu Dhabi – UAE 11-13/2/2002 3rd Meeting Cairo – Egypt 28-31/5/2002 4th Meeting Damascus - Syria 27-30/8/2002 5th Meeting Dubai - UAE 9-14/3/2003

During the five meetings a number of decisions has been taken on issues related to the Arab Administrations spectrum management, WRC-2003 preparations, Radiocommunication Assembly, and Regional Radiocommunication Conference, etc.

4. Radio Assembly Preparations (2-6 June 2003)

The Radio Assembly will be held in Geneva on the 2nd June to 6th June 2003. This Assembly will discuss mainly the working procedures for the study groups in the Radio Sector of the ITU including elections of Chairman’s and Vice-Chairman of the study groups.

The Arab Administrations have finalized proposals on some working procedures as well as proposing candidates for the Chairman and Vice Chairman of the study groups.

5. WRC-2003 Preparations

The World Radiocommunication Conference will be held in Geneva on the 9th June to 4th July 2003. This conference will discuss varies issues related to:  Procedural matters;  Non-GSO issues;  Maritime, Amateur, Amateur Satellite and Broadcasting Services in MF and HF bands;  Radionavigation, Radionavigation Satellite and Radiolocation Services;  Mobile and Mobile Satellite Services;  Fixed and Fixed Satellite Services;  5 GHz and scientific issues;  Broadcasting Satellite Services  And finally future agendas and work programme

The Arab Administrations have finalized proposals on many agenda items of the conference namely 1.1, 1.2, 1.3, 1.4, 1.5, 1.6, 1.7, 1.8.1, 1.8.2, 1.9, 1.10.1, 1.10.2, 1.11, 1.15, 1.16, 1.17, 1.18, 1.19, 1.20, 1.21, 1.22, 1.23, 1.24, 1.25, 1.26, 1.27, 1.28, 1.29, 1.30, 1.31, 1.32, 1.33, 1.37, 1.38, 1.39, and 4. Furthermore, the Arab Administrations is working on their final proposal related to agenda item 7.2 of the conference where they will put their vision to the WRC-2006/2007 conference. 6. Regional Radiocommunication Conference 2004

The Regional Radiocommunication Conference on the planning of terrestrial broadcasting in the VHF/UHF bands, for the combined planning area covering the European Broadcasting Area, the African Broadcasting Area, and the countries outside the African Broadcasting Area, which are parties to the Regional Broadcasting Agreement Geneva-1989, will be conveyed on 2004. The ASMG has started the preparation to this important conference and will actively have future meetings to discuss the Arab Common Proposals.

7. ASMG Website

The Arab Spectrum Management Group has launched a website that contains all the inputs and outputs of the group.

www.aspg.org.ae