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Radio Regulations and Global Spectrum management
By Sonny Aragba-Akpore.
From January 1, 2025, a new radio regulation management takes root among the 193-member nations of the International Telecommunications Union (ITU)
This is a fall out of the 2024 resolutions of the ITU Radio Regulations,a result of a four-year process after four weeks of negotiations during the World Radiocommunication Conference (WRC-23), hosted 2023 in Dubai, United Arab Emirates.
The International Telecommunication Union (ITU) released on August 28,2024 an updated version of the Radio Regulations, the international treaty governing the global use of radio-frequency spectrum and satellite orbits.
The ITU Radio Regulations govern the global use of radio-frequency spectrum and satellite orbits for all radio services, systems and applications, including fixed and mobile broadband, satellite systems, sound and TV broadcasting, radionavigation, meteorological monitoring and prediction, space research and Earth exploration, amateur radio services and other topics.
“The 2024 edition of the Radio Regulations marks a significant milestone in the world of technology,” according to ITU Secretary-General Doreen Bogdan-Martin. “As technological progress advances and the demand for spectrum grows, the international treaty continues to evolve to accommodate new radiocommunication services and applications, minimize interference between services, and ensure equitable access to this essential resource.”
The treaty serves as the cornerstone of international radio frequency management, ensuring that spectrum allocations keep pace with the rapidly evolving technological landscape and meet the needs of modern communication systems.
The Radio Regulations are a four-volume treaty of more than 2,000 pages. The treaty establishes the rights and obligations of ITU’s 193 member states and now covers more than 40 different radiocommunication services, spanning frequencies from 8.3 kilohertz (kHz) to 3000 gigahertz (GHz).
The ITU Radio Regulations facilitate equitable access to and rational use of the radio-frequency spectrum and geostationary satellite orbits, both globally shared and limited natural resources; support the efficient and effective operation of all radiocommunication services; and, as necessary, facilitate the introduction and regulation of new radiocommunication services and technologies.
The international coordination mechanisms enshrined in the ITU-managed treaty promote its objective to ensure the availability of the frequencies provided for distress and safety communications and help prevent or resolve cases of harmful interference between the radio services of different administrations.
The 2024 Radio Regulations are available in all six UN official languages These are Arabic, Chinese, English, French, Russian and Spanish.
The correct interpretation and translation of these six languages, in both spoken and written form, is very important to the work of the Organization, because this enables clear and concise communication on issues of global importance.
The ITU said the Radio Regulations documents also available on electronic versions that can be downloaded free of charge while Print and DVD versions will be available for purchase in the coming weeks.
Treaty provisions also direct how radio equipment and systems must operate to ensure efficient and effective coexistence among various services worldwide and anywhere in space, optimizing the usage of today’s increasingly crowded airwaves.
The 2024 Radio Regulations identify new spectrum resources to support technological innovation, deepen global connectivity, increase access to and equitable use of space-based radio resources, and enhance safety at sea, in the air, and on land.
“The updated Radio Regulations is the result of hard-won agreements reached at WRC-23 and a testament to the unwavering spirit of cooperation and compromise among all of our members to negotiate timely changes to the international treaty,” said Mario Maniewicz, Director of the ITU Radiocommunication Bureau. “The updated treaty provides a framework for national spectrum management that aligns with international standards and guarantees the stable, predictable regulatory environment that is essential for the development of innovative radiocommunication services for all.”
Global regulation of the radio spectrum began with the signing of the first International Radio Telegraph Convention in Berlin on November 3,1906 after 30 states came together and agreed on key maritime communications and safety provisions and established “SOS” as a globally recognized distress signal.
The Radio Regulations, Edition of 2024, contains the complete texts of the Radio Regulations adopted by the World Radiocommunication Conference of 1995 (WRC-95) and reviewed by the subsequent World Radiocommunication Conferences: WRC-97 (Geneva, 1997), WRC-2000 (Istanbul, 2000), WRC-03 (Geneva, 2003), WRC-07 (Geneva, 2007), WRC-12 (Geneva, 2012), WRC-15 (Geneva, 2015), WRC-19 (Sharm el-Sheik, 2019) and WRC-23 (Dubai, 2023).
World radiocommunication conferences (WRC) are held every three to four years.
It is the job of WRC to review, and, if necessary, revise the Radio Regulations, the international treaty governing the use of the radio-frequency spectrum and the geostationary-satellite and non-geostationary-satellite orbits. Revisions are made on the basis of an agenda determined by the ITU Council, which takes into account recommendations made by previous world radiocommunication conferences.
The general scope of the agenda of world radiocommunication conferences is established four to six years in advance, with the final agenda set by the ITU Council two years before the conference, with the concurrence of a majority of Member States.
Under the terms of the ITU Constitution, a WRC can:revise the Radio Regulations and any associated Frequency assignment and allotment Plans; address any radiocommunication matter of worldwide character; instruct the Radio Regulations Board and the Radiocommunication Bureau, and review their activities; determine Questions for study by the Radiocommunication Assembly and its Study Groups in preparation for future Radiocommunication Conferences.
On the basis of contributions from administrations, the Radiocommunication Study Groups, and other sources is captured in Article 19 of the Convention (Geneva, 1992)) concerning the regulatory, technical, operational and procedural matters to be considered by World and Regional Radiocommunication Conferences, the Conference Preparatory Meeting (CPM) shall prepare a consolidated report to be used in support of the work of such conferences.
News
FEC approves ₦47.9tn 2025 budget
By Kayode Sanni-Arewa
The Federal Executive Council, FEC, has approved a proposed national budget of ₦47.9 trillion for the 2025 fiscal year.
Minister of Budget and Economic Planning, Atiku Bagudu, disclosed this on Thursday while briefing State House correspondents after the FEC meeting presided over by President Bola Tinubu.
This was part of the Medium-Term Expenditures Framework, MTEF, for 2025 to 2027 and in line with the Fiscal Responsibility Act of 2007.
“And equally, the fiscal objectives were conservative, because we want to ensure that we study the course much as we believe the projections will be exceeded.
“The budget size that was approved for presentation to the National Assembly in the MTEP is ₦47.9 trillion, with new borrowings of ₦9.2 trillion to finance the budget deficit in 2025,” Bagudu said.
“We need to sustain the market deregulation, commendable market deregulation of petroleum prices and exchange rate, and to compel the Nigerian National Petroleum Corporation Limited to lower its oil and gas production cost significantly, and even to consider the need to amend the relevant sections of the petroleum industry act 2021 to address the significant risk to Federation.
“The Federal Executive Council approved the Medium Term Expenditure Framework and the physical strategy paper, and it will be submitted to the National Assembly.
“This is in addition to bills that are already at the National Assembly, the economic stabilization bills and tax reform bills, which we believe we will have a very, very strong growth in 2025.”
During the meeting, the FEC approved its submission to the National Assembly as required by the 2007 Fiscal Responsibility Act.
The framework projected a gross domestic product (GDP) growth rate of 4.6 percent, an exchange rate of $75 to the naira, and oil production of 2.06 million barrels per day. [Channels TV]
News
Nigeria to get 6,000 power generation by December-Power Minister vows
By Kayode Sanni-Arewa
The Minister of Power, Adebayo Adelabu, has expressed his unwavering optimism that the government will successfully meet its ambitious target of generating 6,000 megawatts of electricity by December 2024, despite the numerous challenges currently affecting the power sector.
The Special Adviser on Strategic Communication and Media Relations, Bolaji Tunji, conveyed this assurance at the fourth edition of the Power Correspondents Association of Nigeria’s annual workshop, themed “Ending the Talk, Moving the Action,” held on Thursday in Abuja.
Nigeria’s power generation currently ranges between 3,500 and 4,000 MW for a population of approximately 200 million people. For instance, on Thursday, the country’s power generation was 3,556.38 MW as of 8 am.
Earlier this year, Adelabu pledged that power generation in Nigeria would reach 6,000 MW by the end of the year, citing improvements in the sector over the past year.
However, the frequent collapse of the nation’s electricity grid and the vandalisation of towers have raised concerns about the stability of the Nigerian Electricity Supply Industry and its ability to achieve the target.
In his goodwill address, the Special Adviser emphasised that the minister’s primary focus remains on achieving the goal of increasing generation and ensuring its efficient distribution to consumers.
Tunji said, “The minister aims to achieve what seems to be an intractable goal—improving generation and ensuring that what is generated reaches the final consumers. There are challenges, but they are surmountable.
“The minister has promised that by December this year, we will reach 6,000 megawatts; yes, we still hope to get there.
“We are confident that we will get there, but we are aware of the current issues with grid collapse. Efforts are being made to resolve these problems. Day and night, teams are being dispatched to address the various issues, and we remain hopeful that we will achieve the 6,000 MW target by December.”
The Director of Renewable Energy, Sunday Owolabi, also reiterated that the government is committed to ensuring 24-hour power supply for Nigerians.
Owolabi, another representative of the minister, stressed that the government’s policies are focused on resolving the challenges facing the country’s electricity transmission, distribution, and generation sub-sectors.
“We are fully committed to transforming the country’s power sector. We are focused on ensuring that our policies are practical and sustainable. We are resolute in ensuring power supply for every Nigerian.
“The government remains fully committed to transforming Nigeria’s power sector through meaningful and actionable reforms.
“We are focused on ensuring that our policies are not only visionary but also practical, impactful, and sustainable. From the ongoing efforts to address infrastructure gaps, enhance power generation, and improve transmission networks, to vital reforms in distribution and the full implementation of the electricity market, we are resolute in our mission to improve power supply for every Nigerian.”
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Just in: Wike sends FCDA Executive Director on indefinite suspension
By Kayode Sanni-Arewa
Minister of the Federal Capital Territory, Nyesom Wike has suspended the Executive Secretary, Federal Capital Development Authority (FCDA), Engr. Shehu Hadi Ahmad indefinitely.
According to a statement on Thursday, by Lere Olayinka, Senior Special Assistant on Public Communications and New Media to the Minister of Federal Capital Territory (FCT), the suspension of Engr Hadi Ahmad is with immediate effect.
The suspended Executive Secretary has consequently been directed to hand over to the Director of Engineering Services, in the FCDA.
Meanwhile, Nyesom Wike has revealed that President Bola Tinubu ordered the construction of houses for judges in Abuja.
The former Rivers State governor said the project is part of the government’s plan to provide secure housing for judges and strengthen the judiciary’s independence.
Speaking during a media chat on Wednesday, the former Rivers Governor clarified that the housing project is not his personal initiative.
Wike explained that the housing scheme was included in the 2024 budget, approved by the National Assembly, and is not his personal decision.
He added that judges currently live in rented homes, which could make them vulnerable.
He compared this to similar projects he carried out as Rivers State governor and expressed surprise at the criticism, especially from legal professionals.
Wike insisted the project is lawful and should be welcomed as a step in the right direction.
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