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Satnews Daily
December 2nd, 2014

GVF + Broadcasters Agree...Train Operators to Eliminate Interference


[SatNews] "WBU-ISOG recognizes a significant portion of harmful satellite interference is caused by human error."

Broadcasters in every major region of the world have agreed to support certification by GVF, the satellite communications industry’s international not-for-profit association, through delivery of training for satellite uplink and terminal operators in order to encourage industry best practices and prevent harmful interference.

The World Broadcasting Unions—International Satellite Operations Group (WBU-ISOG), a global organization of broadcasters, has announced the formal adoption of a Resolution that supports industry initiatives for training, in particular the GVF Satcom Professional certification program for fixed terminals  and the certification criteria defined by the End User Initiative (EUI) for broadcast, mobile, and Satellite News Gathering (SNG) uplink terminal operators.

According to the Resolution, “WBU-ISOG recognizes a significant portion of harmful satellite interference is caused by human error. The WBU-ISOG recognizes the positive steps taken by the industry to train uplink terminal operators and installers in best practices to avoid interference.”

GVF’s Satcom Professional certification program, which was developed with technical support from SatProf, an inter-active online training specialist, has begun to be provided to SNG operators worldwide. A combination of online and classroom-based training has been launched in the Middle East, Europe and North America, and plans are underway to begin delivery in every other region of the world.

“The satellite industry is privileged to work with broadcasters in support of this important Resolution,” said David Hartshorn, Secretary General of GVF. “Billions of people depend upon access to the effective delivery of satellite-based broadcasts, and we are committed to support the implementation of this important WBU-ISOG Resolution.” 

In particular, the Resolution supports the following:

1. The requirement that installers and operators of satellite uplink terminals should be trained and certified in the relevant skills and knowledge important for the prevention of interference.

2. Such skills and knowledge include, depending on the particular terminal, (i) accurate pointing, in particular for small aperture antennas; (ii) accurate cross-pol alignment, following proscribed protocols; (iii) operating within authorized limits for transmit power, bandwidth, and frequency; (iv) transmitting only at authorized times and ceasing transmission when scheduled; (v) proper assembly and maintenance of equipment, particularly to prevent re-broadcast interference; (vi) general technical understanding of the satellite spectrum, arc, and satcom principles; (vii) other skills and knowledge relevant to the terminal and operating environment.

3. The WBU-ISOG supports the adoption by uplink terminal operators of ITU-R S.2049, Access Procedures for Occasional Use Transmissions to Satellites.

4. The WBU-ISOG supports the industry initiatives for training, in particular the GVF Satcom Professional certification program for fixed terminals and the EUI certification criteria for broadcast, mobile, and SNG uplink terminal operators, as implemented through the GVF training program, and which comply with the principles above as indicated in ITU-R S.2049.