Islamabad: The World Radio Communication Conference (WRC-2007) has commenced in Geneva under auspices of Radio Communication Bureau (BR) of International Telecommunication Union (ITU). The conference will address the use of radio frequencies and the global demand for spectrum fuelled by rapid technological developments and growth in the Information and Communication Technology (ICT) sector.

Chairman PTA, Maj. Gen. (Retd) Shahzada Alam Malik, who is an elected member of Radio Regulation Board (RRB), has proceeded to Geneva to attend the conference in the capacity of one of the twelve elected members of the Radio Regulation Board (RRB).

Held after every four years as a mega event, the WRC-07 is aimed at the frequency management and satellite issues being faced by 192 ITU member countries around the globe thus attaining special importance for the under-developed and developing countries.

On this occasion, Chairman PTA hoped that Pakistan will benefit a lot from the WRC-07 as it is the international forum for revising the radio regulations---the international treaty governing the use of the radio frequency spectrum and satellite orbits.

It is relevant to mention here that WRC-07 will last from October 22 to November 16, 2007. More than 300 participants from around the world are attending the conference.

WRC-07 will also deal with any radiocommunication questions with worldwide ramifications. The WRC-07 agenda focuses on some 30 items related to almost all terrestrial and space radio services and applications, including aeronautical telemetry and telecommand systems, satellite services, mobile communications including 3G services, maritime distress and safety signals, digital broadcasting, satellites for meterology, and the prediction and detection of natural disasters.

Khurram Ali Mehran

Deputy Director (PR)