ITU Radiocommunication Assembly Sets Stage for Further Evolution of Innovative Digital Technologies

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Sharm El-Sheikh, Egypt, October 25, 2019--The ITU Radiocommunication Assembly (RA-19) concluded today charting future directions in radiocommunication systems and information and communication technologies. Chaired by Mr Sergey Pastukh of the Russian Federation, RA-19 set future work programmes for the ITU Radiocommunication Sector (ITU-R) and approved a range of radiocommunication standards (ITU-R Recommendations) and Resolutions that will have a global impact on future radiocommunication technologies.​

Discussion highlights during Radiocommunication Assembly (RA-19):

• Enhancements to television, sound and multimedia broadcasting systems while outlining a roadmap for developing countries and promoting accessibility for persons with disabilities and specific needs.
• Advanced technologies for short-range devices (SRD) in support of the Internet of Things, with applications for radio-frequency identification devices (RFID) and certain types of medical devices.
• Railway radiocommunications systems between train and trackside (RSTT), which are vital to provide improved railway traffic operations in a high-speed environment.
• Ongoing enhancements to International Mobile Telecommunications (IMT), including IMT-2020 – also known as 5G – and the evolving convergence of a number of industries and services.
• Deployment of international public telecommunications via satellite in developing countries to foster affordable and universal access, particularly through global coverage and delivery of next-generation broadband technologies along with a focus on capacity-building.

​​​​​​​​​​​​"​The Radiocommunication Assembly is an important reminder of the central role of radiocommunications in the overall technological progress of telecommunications and ICTs," said ITU Secretary-General Houlin Zhao. "By approving Recommendations – or standards – pertaining to radiocommunication services and by defining future activities of the ITU Radiocommunication Sector, RA-19's outcomes will pave the way towards shaping the ever-evolving telecommunications environment in which we operate."​​​​

​"The Radiocommunication Assembly has done a stellar job in updating and adopting Resolutions on innovative technologies as well as updating a number of standards that will shape the further development of radiocommunication systems," said Mr Mario Maniewicz, Director of the ITU Radiocommunication Bureau. "​The outcomes of RA-19 have set the stage for the World Radiocommunication Conference, which will play a pivotal role in shaping tomorrow's digital communication ecosystem."​