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IARU Calendar
WRC-03 Moved to Geneva; Preparations Continue
Worldwide preparations for the World Radiocommunication Conference scheduled for 9 June to 4 July 2003 (WRC-03) are continuing following a change in venue from Caracas to Geneva. Earlier this month the Venezuelan National Commission of Telecommunications (CONATEL) advised International Telecommunication Union (ITU) Secretary-General Yoshio Utsumi that it would be unable to host WRC-03. ITU staff quickly arranged for space at the International Conference Centre Geneva, adjacent to ITU Headquarters.
A milestone in WRC-03 preparations was reached in May with completion by the Working Parties of the ITU Radiocommunication Sector (ITU-R) of draft contributions to the Conference Preparatory Meeting (CPM) Report. The CPM, to be held in Geneva 18-29 November, is responsible for preparing a 500-page report that will provide the technical basis for the consideration of WRC-03 proposals.
For radio amateurs the most significant work on draft contributions to the CPM Report took place at meetings in Geneva of ITU-R Working Party 8A (WP 8A) in October 2001 and May 2002. The IARU was represented by President Larry E. Price, W4RA, Secretary David Sumner, K1ZZ, and Region 1 EC Member and External Relations Committee Chairman Wojciech Nietyksza, SP5FM. Additionally, other amateurs who were present as members of their national delegations were helpful in achieving a good outcome.
It is important to bear in mind that the CPM Report is simply a technical resource for the WRC. By far the most important inputs to the WRC will be the proposals of administrations, particularly those that reflect a degree of regional consensus. To that end, the IARU regional organizations are participating in the WRC preparatory work of the regional telecommunications organizations such as CEPT, CITEL, and APT.
Here is a brief review of the three WRC-03 agenda items that are of the greatest concern to the IARU. Several other agenda items also have significant potential to affect the amateur and amateur-satellite services and are also being monitored.
WRC-03 Agenda item 1.23 (7 MHz)
With regard to the realignment of the amateur and broadcasting allocations around 7 MHz, the WP 8A output consists of 11 pages setting out a summary of technical and operational studies, analysis of the results of studies, and three possible methods to satisfy the agenda item along with their advantages and disadvantages.
The method favored by the IARU is listed first. It calls for achieving a worldwide allocation of 7.000 to 7.300 MHz for the amateur service and a worldwide allocation of 7.300 to 7.550 MHz for the broadcasting service in two stages by the year 2010. By accomplishing the change in two stages, 100 kHz at a time, the impact on the broadcasting and fixed services would be reduced to manageable levels.
Listed second is a method that is gaining support within CEPT. It also calls for two stages in a similar time frame and culminates in similar allocations, except that in Regions 1 and 3 the band 7.200-7.300 MHz would be shared on a co-equal, primary basis by the amateur, fixed, and mobile (except aeronautical mobile) services. The band would remain exclusively amateur in Region 2, as it is now.
The third listed method is not nearly as desirable in that it results in only a 200-kHz allocation for amateurs in Regions 1 and 3 and continues the unsatisfactory situation at 7.200-7.300 MHz in which broadcasting in Regions 1 and 3 clashes with the amateur service in Region 2.
While these are the only methods of addressing the agenda item that are discussed in the draft CPM text generated by WP 8A, it is possible that at the CPM one or more administrations will propose additional methods that may also be less desirable than either of the first two methods. At this time, preparatory work within the Asia-Pacific Telecommunity (APT) has failed to develop support for any of the three methods; a further APT preparatory meeting is scheduled for late August 2002. It remains to be seen what proposals will actually surface from administrations, either individually or as regional common proposals. As occurred at both WARC-79 and WRC-92 when the 7-MHz issue was raised, supporters of the fixed service will be arguing for a result closer to the status quo. No doubt some administrations will advocate "no change" (NOC). Much work remains to be done if we are to be successful at WRC-03 on this extremely difficult issue.
The IARU booklet, Amateur Service Spectrum Requirements at 7 MHz, is now available in French and Spanish as well as in English. Copies are being sent as appropriate to member-societies where French and Spanish are the primary languages. Additional copies can be made available to member-societies and IARU regional officials as required.
WRC-03 Agenda item 1.7 (Articles 25, 19, and 1)
WP 8A adopted draft CPM text that is consistent with IARU objectives on Articles 25, 19, and 1 of the international Radio Regulations. Article 25 contains the rules that are specific to the amateur and amateur-satellite services. Article 19 contains rules concerning the identification of stations, including the formation and use of radio station call signs. Article 1 consists of terms and definitions and is on the agenda only "to the extent required as a consequence of changes" to Article 25.
WRC-03 Agenda item 1.38 (Earth-exploration satellite service at 420-470 MHz)
Preparation of draft CPM text on this agenda item was assigned to WP 7E. IARU Technical Representative Ken Pulfer, VE3PU, served as chairman of the drafting group. One method of satisfying the agenda item that is described in the draft text is an allocation between 432- and 438 MHz, with technical and operational constraints to protect other primary services. This is opposed by the IARU because of ongoing concerns about the adequacy of these constraints to protect sensitive receivers in the amateur and amateur-satellite services.
Two Associations Apply for IARU Membership
Applications for IARU membership have been received from organizations in Cameroun and Macau and are now ready for consideration by the member-societies.
Cameroun
The Executive Committee of IARU Region 1 has examined the application to join IARU of the Association des Radio Amateurs du Cameroun, and considers that it meets the Bylaws and Constitution of the IARU.
The Association was founded in 1998. Its abbreviated name is ARTJ and its official address is Ecole Nationale Superieuse des Postes et Telecom, B.P. 6132 Yaounde, Cameroun. FAX: +237 23 37 48. There are 14 members of ARTJ, 7 of whom are licensed out of a total of 50 licensed amateurs in the country. The officers include Francois Kamgam, TJ1KF, President (Ingenieur des Telecommunications, Ministere des PTT); David Acho, Secretary (Ingenieur des Telecommunications, Ministere des PTT); and Florence Ntsiyep, Treasurer (BP 7883, Yaounde). The president serves as IARU Liaison.
Therefore, in compliance with the Bylaws pertaining to applications for membership the following proposal is presented to member societies for consideration: Proposal No. 233
The Executive Committee of IARU Region 1 has forwarded to the Administrative Council an application for IARU membership submitted by the Association des Radio Amateurs du Cameroun. Region 1 reports that it has examined the application and has found it to be in order, and so it has made a favorable finding with regard to the application. Therefore, in accordance with Bylaw 3, it is proposed that the
Association
des Radio Amateurs du Cameroun
be elected to membership. Macau
The Assoçiãcao dos Radioamadores de Macau (ARM) has submitted an application for IARU membership. The Directors and the Secretary of IARU Region 3 have examined the application in the light of the relevant provisions of the IARU Constitution and Bylaws, as well as of the relevant provisions of the Constitution of IARU Region 3. They have found the application to be in order and have made a favorable finding with respect to the qualifications of the applicant society.
ARM was first formed on 15 June 1992 by seven founding members and now has 85 members. The officers are Leong Kam Po, XX9BB, President; Lao Kit Cheong, XX9KC, Vice President; U Son San, XX9AH, Executive Director; Keong Tak Lam, XX9BX, Vice Executive Director; Mui Seong Ngo, XX9BM, and Van Hon Hing, XX9AQ, Directors; Chang Heng Pan, XX9BH, Secretary; Gee Veng Io, XX9IO, Treasurer; Pedro Chung, XX9AC, Chief Supervisor; Fong Chan Va, XX9AT, Vice Supervisor; and Lei Chi Fung, XX9HX, Supervisor. Its official address is Box 6018, Macau SAR; Email arm@macau.ctm.net. The Chinese Radio Sports Association has written to express its firm support of the application. CRSA states that "according to the basic law of Macao Special Administrative Region of the People's Republic of China, CRSA will respect all the decisions by ARM and will never interfere in its internal affairs."
Therefore, in compliance with the Bylaws pertaining to applications for membership the following proposal is presented to member societies for consideration:
Proposal No. 234
The Secretary of IARU Region 3 has forwarded to the Administrative Council an application for IARU membership submitted by the Assoçiãcao dos Radioamadores de Macau (ARM). The Directors and Secretary of Region 3 have examined the application and have found it to be in order, and so have made a favorable finding with regard to the application. Therefore, in accordance with Bylaw 3, it is proposed that the
Assoçiãcao dos
Radioamadores de Macau
be elected to membership.
A vote sheet for Proposals 233 and 234 and a return envelope are enclosed. The closing date for receipt by the International Secretariat of ballots on these proposals is five months from the date of issuance of this Calendar, or 9 December 2002.
Pitcairn Island Amateur Radio Association Admitted to IARU
Votes have been tallied on Proposal 232, published in Issue No. 181 of The Calendar. The International Secretariat is pleased to announce the election to membership of Pitcairn Island Amateur Radio Association (PIARA) effective 15 November 2001.
59 votes were received. There were 58 affirmative votes and one opposed. The affirmative votes were:
Region 1 -- ARA (Algeria), URA (Andorra), OeVSV (Austria), BFRR (Belarus), ARABiH (Bosnia and Herzegovina), BFRA (Bulgaria), HRS (Croatia), CARS (Cyprus), CRK (Czech Republic), ERAU (Estonia), SRAL (Finland), GARS (Gibraltar), MRASZ (Hungary), IRA (Iceland), RSK (Kenya), KARS (Kuwait), AFVL (Liechtenstein), LRMD (Lithuania), RL (Luxembourg), RSM (FYR Macedonia), MARS (Mauritius), ARM (Monaco), VERON (Netherlands), NARS (Nigeria), NRRL (Norway), ROARS (Oman), FRR (Romania), SRR (Russia), ARRSM (San Marino), ARAS (Senegal), SARA (Slovakia), URE (Spain), SSA (Sweden), USKA (Switzerland), TIR (Syria), TARL (Tajikistan), TRAC (Turkey), UARL (Ukraine), and RSGB (United Kingdom).
Region 2 --RSB (Bermuda), RAC (Canada), LCRA (Colombia), CRAS (El Salvador), RCH (Honduras), LPRA (Panama), RCP (Paraguay), VRAS (Suriname), TACARS (Turks and Caicos Islands), RCU (Uruguay), and ARRL (USA).
Region 3 -- BARL (Bangladesh), CRSA (China), ARSI (India), JARL (Japan), NZART (New Zealand), PARA (Philippines), SIRS (Solomon Islands), and ARCOT (Tonga).
LRT (Turkmenistan) voted opposed.
The IARU Constitution provides: "Except for amendments to the Constitution and the termination of membership of a Member-Society, proposals shall be deemed adopted upon the casting of affirmative votes by a simple majority of the Member-Societies who have submitted, within the specified time, a vote or abstention, either on that proposal or in response to one of the three preceding issues of the Calendar which contained proposals for consideration by the Member-Societies." The number of affirmative votes required to adopt Proposal 232 was 57. Accordingly, the proposal was adopted.
A vote sheet voting in the affirmative was received from RAAG (Greece) on the day after the deadline.
Robert W. Denniston, W0DX/VP2VI, Silent Key
Past IARU and ARRL President Robert W. "Bob" Denniston, W0DX/VP2VI, of Tortola, British Virgin Islands, died in May at the age of 83. Bob served as ARRL president from 1966 until 1972 and as International Amateur Radio Union president from 1966 until 1974.
Bob Denniston was a founding director of the IARU Region 3 Association in 1968 and served as chairman of the Second IARU Region 3 Conference in Tokyo in 1971. In 1972, he went to Managua, Nicaragua, to deliver equipment and to assist personally in providing communications in the aftermath of a major earthquake.
Among those sending condolences to Bob's family was Japan Amateur Radio League President Shozo Hara, JA1AN, who knew him personally and called him "a great leader" of Amateur Radio in the US and abroad. "Mr. Denniston's attitude and influence with high spirits about amateur radio will be long remembered among all radio amateurs all over the world," Mr. Hara said.
Bob was first licensed some 70 years ago as W9NWX at the age of 13. He subsequently held W4NNN while attached to the Pentagon, and later became W0NWX--the call sign he held during much of his tenure as ARRL and IARU President. He served for four years in the US Army Signal Corps and was chief of the radio control section of radio station WAR at the Pentagon. It was at WAR that he met his wife, Nell, a Women's Army Corps CW operator.
Bob was ARRL Midwest Division Director from 1956 until 1966, when he was elected as the ARRL's sixth president. Under the IARU Constitution in effect at the time, he also became IARU president. Later he was president of the British Virgin Islands Radio League.
In his professional life Bob Denniston was president of Denniston and Partridge, a company that operated several lumberyards. When he retired to the British Virgin Islands, he ran Smugglers Cove Hotel in Tortola. His wife, Nell, died two years ago. A son, Matt, and daughter, Carol, are among his survivors.
Region 1 Prepares for San Marino Conference
IARU member-societies throughout Region 1 are preparing to attend the IARU Region 1 Conference 2002 in San Marino, 10 to 15 November. Judging by the numerous documents that have been distributed electronically by the Region 1 Office Manager, it promises to be an interesting week. The host society, Associazione Radioamatori della Repubblica di San Marino (ARRSM), is working hard to ensure that all attendees experience an enjoyable and problem-free event.
The IARU Administrative Council will meet in San Marino 7-8 November and again on 16 November. The IARU officers and other Administrative Council members look forward to meeting our Region 1 colleagues during the conference.
IARU World Telecommunication Day Message to ITU
Each year it is my privilege as IARU Secretary to send greetings and congratulations to the ITU Secretary-General on the occasion of World Telecommunication Day, 17 May. Here is the text of this year's letter to Mr. Yoshio Utsumi:
Dear Mr. Secretary-General:
The radio amateurs of the world join the ITU in celebrating World Telecommunication Day on May 17. This year the date happens to coincide with the opening of the largest gathering of radio amateurs in North America, in Dayton, Ohio. On that evening I will call attention to this during an address at a reception honoring one of the world's leading radio amateurs, Dr. Joseph H. Taylor, Jr. [K1JT], winner of the 1993 Nobel Prize in Physics. Dr. Taylor credits his early interest in Amateur Radio with having put him on the career path that led to important discoveries in radioastronomy.
In similar if somewhat less spectacular ways, the nurturing of scientific curiosity through their involvement in amateur radio has led many thousands of others to contribute to technological progress in other ways, particularly in the field of information and communication technology (ICT). There is no better way for an inquisitive young person to explore how telecommunications really works than through personal involvement in the amateur service.
The International Amateur Radio Union is proud to be a partner with the ITU in the global endeavor to extend the benefits of ICT to all.
Society Annual Reports Due It is time for member-societies to submit their annual reports. Please complete the enclosed form and return it to the International Secretariat as soon as possible. It is important that we have up-to-date information on amateur radio in each country so that we will have an accurate picture of progress in amateur radio worldwide. Thank you for your cooperation.
David Sumner, K1ZZ Secretary
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