Oman plans facility to detect interferences in satellite frequencies

(MENAFN- Muscat Daily) Oman is planning to develop a one-of-its-kind satellite monitoring station in the region with an aim to monitor the frequency spectrum allocated to various users of radio communication services and to detect interference in satellite frequencies.

Tasked with guaranteeing reliable satellite services and interference-free operation the Telecom Regulatory Authority represented by Spectrum Management Unit (SMU) is in the preparatory stage to set up a satellite monitoring station in the sultanate.

To gain working knowledge in the field to ensure efficient frequency management a team from SMU recently visited the Leeheim Satellite Monitoring Station in Germany that provides monitoring services to entire Europe.

According to the International Telecommunication Union's (ITU) Radio Regulations the rise in number of radio communication networks is congesting the spectrum.  Hosting more radio signals in same bands will raise the probability of harmful interference if no action is taken.

In a continuously growing satellite telecom environment transmissions and networks are increasingly subject to interference from a variety of ground-based transmitters. This has become the major cause of service impairment and degradation.

 According to ITU careless transmission of radio signals in same frequency bands time and geographical locations by independent networks will produce interference. Spectrum management in case of long-range communications in air and international waters such as aeronautical and maritime communications is a much more sensitive and complicated task compared to short-range national applications. Coordination of spectrum utilisation around the national border-line is another issue which needs special care.

A statement from SMU said that the visit was part of preparations to begin work on the Satellite Monitoring Station Project in the sultanate and to examine the operational equipment and systems before TRA selects a bidder to implement the project. The delegation was headed by Eng Yousuf Abdullah al Balushi vice president Spectrum Management Affairs SMU. During the visit the delegation observed the key technical measurements carried out by the station as well monitoring systems and antennas used where one was noted to have a 12m diameter.

The delegation also discussed components of station buildings number of staff operating the station besides routine maintenance of antenna and systems.  Furthermore a live demo of monitoring and geo-location systems was presented to the delegation to identify the system's quality and effectiveness.

Eng Balushi thanked the German administration and Kratos Integral System Europe for the arrangement of the visit. He also disclosed the intent of TRA to sign the contract to implement the Satellite Monitoring Station project very soon.