Technical Forum: "Radio Spectrum Management in the Americas"
The Technical Forum, titled 'Radio spectrum management in the Americas', took place on 13 May as part of the IAB Board of Directors meeting in Costa Rica.
This activity took place at the Real Intercontinental Hotel and was moderated by Maryleana Méndez, a Systems Engineer and expert in telecommunications and information technology, as well as the former president of Costa Rica's Superintendency of Telecommunications (SUTEL). The panellists at this prestigious forum were:
- Daniel Martins D'Albuquerque, Commissioner-in-Office on the Board of Directors of ANATEL in Brazil.
- Osvaldo Martínez Méndez, lawyer and expert in radio spectrum management, and former quality manager at the Superintendence of Telecommunications (SUTEL).
- Andrés Quintana Cavallini: Costa Rican broadcaster and former president of the National Chamber of Broadcasting of Costa Rica (CANARA).
The purpose of the forum was to share experiences on spectrum management in different countries of the region, and to evaluate management models and regulations in the area of the radio spectrum, in a context in which spectrum management is essential for democracy and technological development.
Topics discussed included frequency allocation and renewal systems, concession models and the renewal of permits and authorisations for radio and television in Latin America. Experiences and evaluations of digital and analogue signal transmission technologies were also discussed, as well as the advantages and disadvantages of each system, the evolution of the market and international experiences, success stories and important lessons learned in spectrum management.
The need to promote a transparent and efficient radio spectrum management model in the region, based on the continent's practical experiences, was among the proposals put forward. It was also proposed that regulatory frameworks should be strengthened to protect acquired rights and guarantee fair processes for the renewal of concessions and licences. The importance of establishing a more rigorous legal framework to confront illegal broadcasting and ensure the legitimate use of the spectrum was emphasised. In this context, it was suggested that IAB member states create a mechanism for technical and legal cooperation to exchange experiences and coordinate actions against illegal broadcasting.
The Forum concluded by reaffirming the relevance of the radio spectrum as a strategic resource for access to information and the strengthening of democracy in Latin America. Costa Rica was highlighted as an example of sustainable and transparent spectrum management, promoting an environment of plurality and diversity in broadcasting. The progress made in the implementation of the IBOC (In-Band On-Channel) system in Latin America was also recognized as an effective technological solution to improve the quality and coverage of transmissions. However, challenges and problems were also identified in the allocation of frequencies in different countries of the region, where regulatory frameworks and concession renewal processes need to be strengthened. Concern was expressed about interference and illegal broadcasts, underscoring the need for coordinated actions against unauthorized broadcasting.
Finally, the Executive Branch of Costa Rica was urged to fully respect the acquired renewal rights of current radio and television operators, in accordance with national and international standards and principles in force.
Supporting Member XPERI presents its advances and innovations in Broadcasting technology
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During this technical forum, our Supporting Member XPERI gave a comprehensive presentation on its latest advances and innovations in broadcasting technology. We are pleased to share this presentation with you below.