Satellite Interference: The Counter-Offensive
by Martin Jarrold
London, UK, October 7, 2011--As reported in my previous column, for the satellite industry the recent IBC show in Amsterdam kicked-off with a September 8th pre-event Summit of critical importance to the industry and to the wider satellite communications end-user community – the International Satellite Industry Forum on “Interference - The Counter Offensive”. Much has happened since this Summit, and key aspects of the RFI mitigation agenda set-out in this meeting continue to be explored, explained, and actioned around the world.
As revealed at the Summit, and as detailed in a press release issued during IBC within the days following the pre-show meeting, EUTELSAT announced their plan to implement a new quality assurance initiative for DVB satellite transmissions, a development spearheaded in collaboration with broadcasters and satellite industry groups, and which may also have a near-future impact on satellite data and Internet traffic, in addition to video.
This breakthrough on the quality assurance of DVB over satellite, announced by Eutelsat to employ Carrier ID technology, and to be implemented in time for the 2012 Olympic Games, is part of a broader umbrella of global initiatives directed at safeguarding satellite signals and services, and which is supported by global and regional associations in the satellite sector.
In addition to GVF, these initiatives are being led by sIRG (satellite Interference Reduction Group), WBU-ISOG (World Broadcasting Unions-International Satellite Operations Group), RFI-EUI (Radio Frequency Interference-End User Initiative), and other key organizations.
From June 30th2012 Carrier Identification will be integrated into transmission parameters for all SNG transmissions and new DVB broadcasts using simple firmware enhancements to existing operational uplink equipment. Such enhancements have already been developed by key satellite ground equipment manufacturers, enabling Eutelsat to more efficiently identify transmissions to its satellites and accelerate coordination with earth station operators.
A few days prior to preparing this column, the Asia-Pacific region saw its own collaboration between various national, regional, and global satellite industry groups with the announcement of various quality-assurance plans during an Interference-Prevention Summitat the APSCC (Asia Pacific Satellite Communications Council) 2011 conference in Bali.
GVF and sIRG, in collaboration with the Indonesian Satellite Industry Association (ASSI), outlined a four-point plan – already in the process of being implemented in several Asian nations – to include the following initiatives: (i) training, (ii) product quality assurance, (iii) spectrum management, and (iv) carrier ID. The first three of these facets are designed to help prevent interference, while the fourth aims to help industry more effectively respond when interference incidents occur.
Reflecting on the present exponential growth in Asian regional demand for satellite communications services a joint statement from ASSI, GVF, and sIRG noted that “it is time for the industry to provide even higher assurances of quality of service.” The statement continued, “Strengthening skills, product performance, spectrum management, and satellite operator's ability to react to interference incidents will enable the industry to continue to provide the high level of service that users have come to expect.”
Initial successes in the quality of service arena are already being realized:
(i) Training & Certification:Training Centers have been established in Indonesia, India, Thailand, and Australia, and VSAT Installation Certification of personnel is underway.
(ii) Product Quality Assurance:Testing of earth station equipment is being conducted by satellite operators and through co-ordination of industry.
(iii) Spectrum Management:Advocacy for protection of satellite frequencies – including C, Ku, L and Ka-band – is being coordinated, and the Indonesian and other governments have begun to respond favorably.
(iv) Carrier ID:Several manufacturers have now incorporated a carrier ID capability in their earth station equipment and discussion is underway regarding potential launch dates.
The next in this series of meetings is scheduled to be held this month in New York City. GVF, sIRG, WBU-ISOG and RFI-EUI will hold the Satellite Interference-Mitigation Forumon October 11th, the day preceding SATCON 2011. HBO will host the Forum, which will be held from 9 a.m. to 5 p.m., providing an opportunity to learn about the latest solutions being applied to improve quality of service and reduce operational costs. Thus, global action in the industry challenge to RFI continues as we collectively strive towards the foundation of a global consensus.
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Martin Jarrold is Director of International Programs of the GVF. He can be reached at: martin.jarrold@gvf.org
