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Newsroom
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International Forum on Satellite Interference Mitigation Planned in New York City for SATCON 2010 |
Industry to Strengthen Collaborative Efforts on Training, Carrier ID, Data Sharing, and Other Methods to Combat Satellite Interference
June 1, 2010 / Washington, DC, Punta Gorda, FL, Toronto, Canada – In their continuing fight against the global problem of satellite signal theft and interference, leading satellite industry organizations will host a Satellite Interference-Mitigation Forum on October 12, the day preceding SATCON 2010 in New York City.
CNN and the World Broadcasting Unions - International Satellite Operations Group (WBU-ISOG) will host the Forum as initiative supporters. The Forum will be organized jointly by GVF, the Global VSAT Forum and SUIRG, the Satellite Users Interference Reduction Group. The complimentary event will be held from 9:00 am – 5:00 pm at the CNN New York Bureau in the Time Warner Center and will provide an opportunity to learn about the latest of several industry solutions underway to improve quality of service
and reduce operational costs. “WBU-ISOG and CNN are very pleased to host and encourage this important gathering to further efforts to diminish the problems associated with satellite interference, for both broadcasters and others who depend upon satellite communications. Meeting just in advance of SATCON is most timely as a way to attract industry experts to help advance this vital program”, said Dick Tauber, VP of Transmission Systems and New Technology for the CNN News Group and Chairman of
WBU-ISOG.
"Signal theft and interference have been escalating globally, which is adversely impacting satellite broadcast and telecommunication services," said the Forum organizers in a joint statement made by GVF, SUIRG and WBU-ISOG. "The problem is attributable to numerous sources of interference, each of which calls for a different solution. We are pleased to work together with all Satellite Operators and the End User community to identify effective measures to address the issue."
The Forum will feature executives from major satellite operators, broadcasters, MSS and VSAT service providers, equipment manufacturers and other organizations with vested interests in helping combat the growing problem of satellite radio interference. Participants will delve into the latest developments of each facet of this crucial industry-changing initiative, evaluate their relative merits, and encourage broader industry dialogue and participation.
The Forum will feature topics such as:
- Characterizing the Interference Challenge
- Improving Deployments: VSAT and SNG Installation & Operations Training
- Tracking Remote Interference Sources
- Enabling Product Quality: Earth-Station Type Approvals
- Interference-Fighting Tools
- Addressing Terrestrial Wireless Interference
Reinforcing this hallmark industry collaboration, in the past year 18 leading satellite operators formed an alliance to launch a global initiative to mitigate interference through various means, including:
- Endorsement and support for expanded delivery of GVF’s VSAT Installation Certification Program,
- Advancement of the SUIRG effort to employ Carrier-ID solutions as a means of identifying sources and location of interference generated by satellite earth terminals, and
- Creation of a global data-sharing centre, registered on the Isle of Man.
“In parallel with this operator-backed initiative, the satellite industry has also implemented complementary solutions to address other interference sources,” said David Hartshorn, GVF Secretary General. “For example, to ensure production of high-performance satellite Earth stations, the industry has established an outsourced-type approvals mechanism called the Mutual Recognition Arrangement.” The industry has also mounted an international coordination effort to address mounting levels of interference generated by terrestrial wireless services. “These and other RFI-fighting remedies will be covered in detail at the October 12 Forum,” Hartshorn added.
Attendance at the Forum is free, but registration is required as seating will be limited. To reserve a place for your organization pre-register at http://suirg.org/SATCON-FORUM-register.shtml. More information and a complete Forum agenda will be posted shortly at the following sites: www.gvf.org, www.suirg.org and www.worldbroadcastingunions.org.
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About WBU-ISOG: (www.worldbroadcastingunions.org)
Founded in 1985, the International Satellite Operations Group (ISOG) is a committee of the World Broadcasting Unions (WBU). ISOG provides a global forum for members of the WBU to exchange information, outline requirements and resolve common operational problems. WBU-ISOG's mission is to identify, evaluate, and implement solutions for all operational matters associated with transmission (by satellite or any other means) of video, audio, and broadcast-related data material from sites of news, sports, special events and entertainment, and to work with all international groups, institutions, organizations, and appropriate bodies to achieve these solutions. In this endeavour WBU-ISOG reflects one of the aims of the WBU by including and supporting the needs and requirements of broadcasters around the world. WBU-ISOG meetings are held twice a year and permit open dialogue from an international perspective on key satellite communications issues. WBU-ISOG is a tri-partite organization whose participants include members from the WBU including broadcasters, satellite and fibre optic carriers, transmission service providers and invited participants associated with the industry.
About GVF (www.gvf.org)
Formed in 1998, GVF is the non-profit international association of the satellite communications industry. The GVF consists of more than 180 members from 80 countries in every major region of the world, including satellite operators, manufacturers, network service providers, system integrators, carriers and other related organizations. The Forum’s primary objective is to promote the industry, serve as a focal point for all sectors of the communications community, and facilitate improved market-access and
regulatory conditions.
About SUIRG (www.suirg.org)
SUIRG is an international not-for-profit assembly of parties with representation from both the private and public sector organized to combat the increasing and costly problem of satellite RF interference. SUIRG actively pursues programs to reduce radio frequency interference incidents such as a) Carrier ID encoding; b) improved operational training, procedures and certification programs; c) improved detection and identification tools, and e) sharing of information and solutions among members. SUIRG’s objective is to stop interference before it starts.
For Additional Information Contact:
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WBU-ISOG and SUIRG Share SSPI Industry Innovators Award for Radio Frequency Interference Mitigation Work |
Toronto, CANADA (March 17 2010) - Toronto, Canada (March 17, 2010) The World Broadcasting Unions International SatelliteOperations Group (WBU-ISOG) was jointly honoured last night with an Industry Innovators Award from the Society of Satellite Professionals International (SSPl). The Satellite Users Interference Reduction Group (SUIRG) was the co-recipient of this award. Both Dick Tauber, Chair of the WBU-ISOG and Bob Ames, President of SUIRG accepted the award at the SSPI 23rd Black Tie Reception and Gala Dinner event on March 16th at the Gaylord Hotel at National Harbor, Maryland.
The honour was given for Radio Frequency Interference (RFI) mitigation work undertaken by both groups to combat interference with transmissions to and from satellites. Specifically, a Carrier Identification Descriptor is now included in the Network Information Table of new models of video encoders and decoders. In cases of legacy equipment, software downloads will be available. The intent of this Carrier ID is to help identify as quickly as possible RF signals for video transmissions over satellite if and when a case of signal interference occurs.
In accepting the award, Mr. Tauber said “on behalf of the WBU-ISOG, I am very grateful to share the recognition for our RFI mitigation work over the years. It has been (and continues to be) a long, hard road since this was brought to light in 2002 via the ISOG RCWG (Rogue Carrier Working Group) and we are pleased to have attained this success to date. We especially want to thank and congratulate Intelsat, SES World Skies and the Global VSAT Forum for their participation and support in this work. Certainly our WBUISOG members, including equipment and service providers, satellite operators and broadcasters from across the globe fully encourage and support the work being done by SUIRG and all others for this important effort.”
ABOUT WBU
The World Broadcasting Unions (WBU) is the coordinating body for broadcasting unions who represent broadcaster networks across the globe. It was established in 1992 as a coordinating body at the international broadcasting level. Since then, the WBU has provided global solutions on key issues for its member unions. The North American Broadcasters Association (NABA) acts as secretariat for the WBU.
The WBU currently has four working committees: the International Satellite Operations Group (WBU-ISOG), the Technical Committee (WBU-TC) and the WBU-WIPO Broadcaster Treaty Group (WBU-WIPO).
For more information, please contact Anh Ngo at +1-416-598-9877 ext. 225 / anh@nabanet.com.
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John Harding Appointed NABA Secretary General |
 Toronto, CANADA (March 2010) - At the recent North American Broadcasters Association’s (NABA) Annual General Meeting, John Harding was appointed the new Secretary General of the organization. Mr. Harding has been serving as NABA’s Executive Director since August 2008 where he has applied a unique set of skills, depth of knowledge and organizational leadership that has served the Association well during a time of great industry change.
Speaking on the new appointment, Leonardo Ramos, Director of High Technology Televisa and President of NABA said "the NABA Board of Directors is very pleased with this appointment of Mr. Harding as Secretary General. It recognizes the many contributions he has made over the past 18 months to the Association, and our confidence that he will continue to make an impact in his new and important position.” Mr. Ramos continued "Mr. Harding is a respected thoughtful leader recognized for driving consensus, building relationships and managing change in rapidly shifting environments."
Prior to his involvement with NABA, Mr. Harding served in the broadcast industry as President of the Radio Marketing Bureau and before that as Executive Vice President of the Institute of Communications & Advertising.
Mr. Harding will continue to work out of NABA’s headquarters in Toronto.
ABOUT NABA
NABA is a non-profit association of the most influential broadcasting organizations throughout North America committed to advancing the interests of broadcasters at home and internationally. Network broadcasters, both public and private, in the United States, Mexico and Canada, work together to provide a common voice for the North American broadcast community. As a member of the World Broadcasting Unions (WBU), NABA creates the opportunity for North American broadcasters to share information, identify common interests and reach consensus on issues of an international nature. NABA provides representation for North American broadcasters in global forums on topics including journalism issues, protection of content, spectrum related concerns, the territorial integrity of broadcasters’ signals, and digital transmission issues.
For more information, contact Jason Paris (+1-416-598-9877 / jparis@nabanet.com)
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Satellite Interference Still a Problem for Broadcasters |
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EBU headquarters in Geneva…the meeting venue. Photo by Alan Williams (Asiavision, ABU). |
Geneva, SWITZERLAND (December 2009) - Interference to satellite signals continues to be a serious problem for many broadcasters, an international meeting in Geneva has heard.
Speakers at a forum of the World Broadcasting Unions International Satellite Operations Group (WBU-ISOG) said most interference was unintentional, but some was deliberately done for political reasons or caused by military activity.
Stewart Sanders of SES, one of the world’s leading satellite operators, said interference was often caused by operator error or poor maintenance. One way to tackle the problem was through training and certification of uplink operators, he said.
The meeting also heard calls for the installation of ‘identifiers’ in encoders that would help trace the source of rogue transmissions.
The WBU-ISOG Chairman, Dick Tauber of CNN, said it was reassuring to see that many satellite operators had got together to fight the problem and share data.
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A session in progress at WBU-ISOG. Photo by Alan Williams (Asiavision, ABU). |
“They should all be involved in this, and I think they will all be within the next six months,” he said. “WBU-ISOG has the same concerns that you have.”
On another issue, the meeting was told that high definition television equipment manufacturers had made good progress in enabling HD satellite feeds to be transmitted globally using encoders and decoders from different manufacturers.
A programme of MPEG-4 interoperability tests sponsored by WBU-ISOG involved 12 major equipment manufacturers and a range of HD video and audio formats.
Of the 1,024 video tests conducted, 848 were successful – an unconditional pass rate of 83 percent. Manufacturers want another round of tests, possibly in 2010.
The meeting also heard that the demand from broadcasters for satellite space during the 2010 soccer World Cup in South Africa is higher than at any previous World Cup.
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ABU members at the Geneva forum. Photo by Alan Williams (Asiavision, ABU). |
Rhys Morgan of Intelsat said the demand was being driven partly by plans by European broadcasters to cover the tournament in HD.
Sabrina Cubbon of Intelsat also noted an increase in HD feeds of sports events to Asian broadcasters.
The two-day meeting at European Broadcasting Union headquarters on 30 November-1 December attracted about 80 participants.
Organised by the world’s regional broadcasting unions including the ABU, it brought together broadcasters, satellite operators and other broadcasting service providers.
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High Definition Video/Audio Tests Lead to Global Connectivity for News and Sports |
Toronto, CANADA, 15 October 2009 - Toronto, Canada (October 15, 2009) The World Broadcasting Unions International Satellite Operations Group (WBU-ISOG) released the results of an 18-month interoperability testing program, with participation by 12 leading HD encoder/decoder vendors to ensure that HD video feeds are transmitted seamlessly. The test results were announced by Tom Gibbon, WBU-ISOG Chair of the project, at the SATCON satellite conference in New York City. The 12 vendors participating in the tests were: ADTEC, ATEME S.E., Cisco, Comtech TV, Evertz Microsystems Inc., Fujitsu, Harmonic, Inc., International Datacasting, NTT Electronics Corporation, Sencore, Inc., Tandberg Television, and Thomson Grass Valley.
According to Mr. Gibbon, the tests showed that HD equipment vendors have made great strides in permitting HD feeds to be transmitted globally using encoders and decoders of different vendors. “The WBU-ISOG test program”, he said, “has undoubtedly made it easier to transmit live HD video news and sports around the world, especially from remote locations.” Mr. Gibbon works for NHK Japan Broadcasting Corporation, the national broadcaster of Japan.
The test results showed that most MPEG-4 HD encoders could be used with most MPEG-4 HD decoders. MPEG-4 is a new compression standard that permits HD video transmissions to be more efficient and use less bandwidth. Although the results were generally positive, Mr. Gibbon said that the tests showed that there was still much work to do.
The MPEG-4 Interoperability Program is sponsored by WBU-ISOG, an organization of international broadcasters whose goal is to examine and resolve technical issues concerning international video transmissions. The tests were hosted in Ottawa by Telesat, the fourth largest fixed satellite services operator. The Communications Research Centre (CRC), the Canadian government’s primary laboratory for R&D in advanced telecommunications, provided support to Telesat and the manufacturers throughout the testing.
Dick Tauber, VP, Transmission Systems and New Technology, CNN News Group and Chairman of WBU-ISOG said, “This demonstrates the strong desire of these leading industry companies to ensure that their equipment is interoperable, thus allowing users to benefit from higher quality and efficiency in their contribution video transmissions. This program is expected to provide similar benefits to the successful MPEG-2 interoperability testing that WBU-ISOG performed two years ago which simplified the transmission of television signals worldwide.”
The detailed results of the tests may be viewed at http://www.nabanet.com/wbuarea/library/documents.asp#sub_interoperability.
About WBU-ISOG
Founded in 1985, the International Satellite Operations Group is a committee of the World Broadcasting Unions. ISOG provides a global forum for members of the WBU to exchange information, outline requirements and resolve common operational problems.
WBU-ISOG's mission is to identify, evaluate, and implement solutions for all operational matters associated with transmission (by satellite or any other means) of video, audio, and broadcast-related data material from sites of news, sports, special events and entertainment, and to work with all international groups, institutions, organizations, and appropriate bodies to achieve these solutions.
For further information, please contact: Tom Gibbon at tgibbon@thomasgibbonlaw.com
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EBU Appoints New Director General |
EBU Appoints New Director General:
Ingrid Deltenre from Swiss Broadcaster SRG SSR Idée Suisse
Geneva, 5 June 2009 - Following an international search, the European Broadcasting Union (EBU)* today announced the appointment of Ingrid Deltenre** to succeed Jean Réveillon as its Director General.
Ms Deltenre is expected to take up the post at the beginning of 2010.
“Ms. Deltenre is a high-calibre professional who will be a great asset to the EBU. Her strengths and open approach will serve all EBU’s Members, and public service media in today’s competitive environment,” said the EBU President, Jean-Paul Philippot (RTBF/Belgium).
“Under Ingrid Deltenre’s leadership the EBU will help Members to overcome the technical, editorial and financial challenges of the digital age and the current economic climate. She will pursue the EBU internal reforms launched under Jean Réveillon’s leadership”, added the President.
Jean Réveillon became chief executive of the EBU on 1 February 2004. He decided not to seek an extension to his six-year mandate, which ends on 31 January 2010.
Note to Editors:
*European Broadcasting Union (EBU)
The European Broadcasting Union (EBU) is the largest association of national broadcasters in the world (75 active Members, 43 associate Members). The EBU helps public service broadcasters to deliver unique high quality programming to their audiences. It offers Members technical, operational and legal services, and coordinates a growing supply of quality content for radio, television and new platforms. It provides Members with information and analysis on media trends, and training designed to meet their needs. The EBU works to secure recognition of the crucial role of public service broadcasters in the digital audiovisual environment.
For more information: http://www.ebu.ch/
** Ingrid Deltenre’s Biography
Director of Schweizer Fernsehen since 2004, born 1960, Dutch nationality. Ingrid Deltenre studied teaching and journalism before working as Secretary general of the Verband Schweizer Presse press association, project manager in the Business Development department of Ringier AG, publishing director of the Cash business newspaper and as chief marketing officer at Swisscard AECS AG. Before taking office at SF, she was Director of Publisuisse SA.
Directorships: Publisuisse SA, Swiss TXT (chairwoman), Telepool GmbH (chairwoman), TPC AG (chairwoman).
For more information
Avril Mahon Roberts
Head of Communications, EBU
Tel: +41 22 717 2014
Email: mahon@ebu.ch
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Super Hi-vision on Show at WBU-ISOG |
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The ABU President, Yoshinori Imai, addresses WBU-ISOG participants at an NHK reception. Photo by Alan Williams (Asiavision, ABU). |
Tokyo, JAPAN (May 15, 2009) – The latest high-definition technologies were on show when broadcasters, satellite operators and service providers from around the world met in Tokyo in May.
Japan’s public broadcaster, NHK, hosted the meeting of the World Broadcasting Unions International Satellite Operations Group (WBU-ISOG) on 13-15 May. It brought together nearly 100 people.
The meeting focused on the latest in newsgathering technologies. It included a visit to NHK’s Science and Technical Research Laboratories for a look at Super Hi-vision, an experimental digital video format under development by NHK.
With 4,000 scanning lines, the format offers large, wide-screen images that make viewers feel as if they were at the broadcast site.
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Participants visit NHK’s Science and Technical Research Laboratories. Photo by Alan Williams (Asiavision, ABU). |
The meeting also looked at the challenges facing broadcasters in the digital age, including the problem of interference to their satellite signals. WBU-ISOG’s Chairman, Dick Tauber of CNN, said the problem was continuing to get worse.
“In a digital world, it doesn’t take much to mess up your signal,” he said. “Broadcasters need to act in unison on this. We need to keep doing what we can.”
Participants heard that causes of satellite inference included Broadband Wireless Access (BWA) systems, poor equipment standards, improper installation and a lack of incident coordination.
Representatives of major satellite companies Intelsat and SES said they were working together to fight the problem. Patty Constantino of Intelsat said it was important for the industry as a whole – satellite operators, their customers and broadcasters – to join the fight.
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NHK staff with the broadcaster’s latest satellite newsgathering vehicle. Photo by Alan Williams (Asiavision, ABU). |
Among the steps needed to combat satellite interference were better training and certification for uplink operators and more effective ways of tracing the source of interference, the meeting heard.
On the cost of leasing satellite space, representatives of three satellite operators predicted that C-band capacity would cost more over the next few years because of high demand.
Other topics covered at the meeting included mobile video applications, portable satellite broadband, digital broadcast systems and new developments in fibre optic services. The BBC and CNN were among the presenters.
To the envy of many, NHK presented its latest satellite newsgathering (SNG) vehicle for high-definition television. A smart four wheel drive topped with a mini antenna and packed with equipment, it weighs only half a traditional SNG truck and is much easier to manoeuvre.
[Article and photos by Alan Williams (Asiavision, ABU)]
ABOUT WBU
The World Broadcasting Unions (WBU) is the coordinating body for broadcasting unions who represent broadcaster networks across the globe. It was established in 1992 as a coordinating body at the international broadcasting level. Since then, the WBU has provided global solutions on key issues for its member unions. The North American Broadcasters Association (NABA) acts as secretariat for the WBU.
The broadcasting unions who belong to the WBU are the Asia-Pacific Broadcasting Union (ABU), the Arab States Broadcasting Union (ASBU), the International Association of Broadcasting (IAB/AIR), the Caribbean Broadcasting Union (CBU), the European Broadcasting Union (EBU), the North American Broadcasters Association (NABA), the Organización de la Televisión Iberoamericana (OTI), and the Union des radiodiffusions et télévisions nationales d'Afrique (URTNA).
For further information contact:
WBU Secretariat
+1 (416) 598-9877
info@worldbroadcastingunions.org
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John Harding Appointed NABA's New Executive Director |
August 18, 2008 / TORONTO, Canada - The North American Broadcasters Association (NABA) is pleased to announce the appointment of John A. Harding as Executive Director effective August 26th, 2008. NABA’s Board of Directors is confident that Mr. Harding’s unique set of skills, depth of knowledge and organizational leadership will serve the Association well at this time of great change in the industry.
In the new appointment, David Baylor, NABA’s Secretary General, to whom Mr. Harding will report, said: “John brings extensive experience in serving the needs of broadcasters. He’s a creative leader who will assist NABA in addressing the changing broadcast environment.”
Recently, Mr. Harding served as the President of the Strategic Marketing Group. Prior to that he was President with the Radio Marketing Bureau where he was recognized for driving revenue and membership growth during a period of tremendous industry consolidation. Mr. Harding has over 20 years experience in highly visible leadership roles with a consistent record of dramatically exceeding goals. Mr. Harding takes over the role from Carol Darling who served as NABA’s Executive Director since 2004.
Mr. Harding lives in Toronto with his family and attended Ryerson University for Business & Commerce. Mr. Harding is also a former Committee Member of the Bureau of Broadcast Measurements and a former Director for both the Canadian Association of Broadcasters and the Canadian Association of Broadcast Representatives.
ABOUT NABA
NABA is a non-profit union of the most influential broadcasting organizations throughout North America committed to advancing the interests of broadcasters at home and internationally. Network broadcasters, both public and private, in the United States, Mexico and Canada, work together to provide a common voice for the North American broadcast community. As a member of the World Broadcasting Unions (WBU), NABA creates the opportunity for North American broadcasters to share information, identify common interests and reach consensus on issues of an international nature. NABA provides representation for North American broadcasters in global forums on topics including journalism issues, protection of content, spectrum related concerns, the territorial integrity of broadcasters’ signals, and digital transmission issues.
For further information contact:
Jason Paris, NABA
+1 (416) 598-9877, jparis@nabanet.com
www.nabanet.com
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Telesat Appointed to Serve as Test Contractor for MPEG-4 AVC (H.264) Contribution 1080i/720p Codec Interoperability Program |
Toronto, Ontario, Canada (July 9, 2008) - The World Broadcasting Unions’ International Satellite Operations Group (WBU-ISOG) is pleased to announce the appointment of Telesat as the Test Contractor for the MPEG-4 AVC (H. 264) Contribution 1080i/720p Codec Interoperability Program. WBU-ISOG believes that codec vendors, video carriers and broadcasters will all benefit if these new codecs are interoperable. If they are not, the adoption of this new technology and its promising efficiency and improved quality will be unnecessarily curtailed.
The interoperability tests will be conducted for high definition formats using bit rates from high quality contribution to SNG content. Test parameters will include video and audio formats, lip sync and high to SNG levels of latency.
International codec manufacturers have been invited to participate. Tom Gibbon, acting for NHK Japan Broadcasting Corporation, will be the Project Chair for this round of testing. Further details will be available as the test program progresses over the next few months. Telesat has agreed to be the test contractor once again
following the three successful rounds of tests conducted for MPEG-2 interoperability between 2005 and 2007 at their labs in Ottawa, Ontario, Canada.
About WBU-ISOG
Founded in 1985, the International Satellite Operations Group is a committee of the World Broadcasting Unions. ISOG provides a global forum for members of the WBU to exchange information, outline requirements and resolve common operational problems.
WBU-ISOG's mission is to identify, evaluate, and implement solutions for all operational matters associated with transmission (by satellite or any other means) of video, audio, and broadcast-related data material from sites of news, sports, special events and entertainment, and to work with all international groups, institutions,
organizations, and appropriate bodies to achieve these solutions.
About Telesat
Headquartered in Ottawa, Canada, with offices and facilities around the world, Telesat is the fourth largest fixed satellite services operator. The company provides reliable and secure satellite-delivered communications solutions to broadcast, telecom, corporate and government customers. Telesat is privately held. Its principal shareholders are Canada’s Public Sector Pension Investment Board and Loral Space & Communications Inc. (NASDAQ: LORL).
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The SUIRG Releases Findings of Field Test Report on C-band Sharing - Satellite and WiMax Spectrum Sharing Not Compatible Report Finds |
Punta Gorda, FL, March 3, 2008 - The Satellite Users Interference Reduction Group (SUIRG) announced today the formal findings of a field test on the compatibility of Fixed Satellite Services (FSS) and WiMAX services sharing the C-band spectrum. The test, conducted in the latter quarter of 2007, conclusively demonstrated that WiMax communications pose a significant interference threat to satellite signals transmitted in the C-band frequency.
SUIRG, a non-profit association comprised of both private and public sector satellite organizations, is dedicated to combating the increasing and costly problem of satellite radiofrequency interference (RFI). The field test was performed with support from several key industry organizations. Its purpose was to validate previous tests and to provide conclusive results on the incompatibility of C-band spectrum sharing between fixed frequency service (FSS) satellite transmissions and WiMAX services.
The primary objective of the plan was to measure interference levels generated by fixed WiMAX transmissions into an FSS satellite receiving station. The method employed taking measurements of C/N (carrier/noise), I/N (interference/noise), BER (bit error rate), and spectrum plots of a satellite down link video channel. Testing was performed in 2 phases:
- Phase 1: The FSS antenna remained in a fixed location while a WiMAX base unit was moved to several locations operating at various angles and distances from the FSS antenna to simulate subscriber waveforms. This test modeled WiMAX subscribers in a nomadic deployment affecting FSS. Tests conducted within the immediate area (up to 1 km away) showed that the digital signal was rendered unacceptable for use.
- Phase 2: The WiMAX base antenna was fixed at a height of approximately 50 meters on top of a water tower. The FSS antenna was positioned at several different locations and at various angles and significantly greater distances from the WiMAX antenna (up to 12 km) than during Phase 1 testing. This was to model WiMAX base units being deployed on cellular towers.
The results of the testing showed that the WiMAX transmit signal could cause significant problems to a satellite digital signal well in excess of 12 km distance. At the extreme measurement distance, the video program was fully operational with the WiMAX carrier centered on the video carrier. However, the data BER was degraded from a nominal 10-8 to a BER of 10-4. This is an unacceptable quality of service in the digital telecommunications industry.
Subsequent calculations based on the initial measured data, and scaling with ITU criteria for WiMAX output power along with additional path loss, resulted in a required separation distance of 278 km to reduce the level of interference to meet the -10 dB specification. Combining the two analyses, from a flat non-blocking terrain to a wooded hilly terrain, results show that the criteria whereby FSS antennas cannot co-exist with WiMAX systems ranges from 50 to over 200 km dependent upon the local terrain and the WiMAX output levels.
“The C-band is in many ways the lifeline of the satellite industry and protecting that spectrum from the threat of interference posed by sharing it with Broadband Wireless Access services is of paramount importance,” said Robert Ames, SUIRG President. “The tremendous support of the SUIRG member companies and the industry as a whole in making this test a viable platform to aid decision makers at WRC-07 was extremely gratifying. The results of the test are a firm testament to the need for clearly defined spectrum allocation.”
The full text of the WiMax frequency sharing with FSS earth stations Field Test Report and detailed Test Plan & Procedures are available on the SUIRG website at www.suirg.org.
ABOUT SUIRG
SUIRG is an international assembly of parties with representation from both the private and public sector organized to combat the increasing and costly problem of satellite RF interference. Members disseminate information and actively pursue programs to reduce radio frequency interference incidents.
Formed over ten years ago as an informal group working to reduce radio interference, SUIRG incorporated as a 501(c) (6) trade association in September 2003. The Group’s membership is comprised of satellite operators, users, uplinkers, service providers, equipment vendors, and other organizations with a stake in combating radio frequency interference. SUIRG also collects interference incident data from satellite operators on its web site to clearly define the specific areas that need focus to reduce the number of incidents.
SUIRG’s objective is to stop interference before it starts, pursuing a number of remedies, among them: signal Identification, which involves working with uplink equipment vendors to modify their equipment to provide a unique ID for cross-reference in a database when interference occurs; uplink training, procedures and certification; improved detection and identification tools, and continuous sharing of information and solutions among the SUIRG membership.
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FOR ADDITIONAL INFORMATION, CONTACT:
Longbottom Communications:
Phone +1 (301) 926-3523 or email orly@longbottomcommunications.com.
Or visit: www.suirg.org
Click here to download the press release.
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