Experts meet in Viet Nam to focus on Asia and the Pacific

Geneva, 2 October 2015 – The ITU International Satellite Symposium 2015 and Workshop on the “Efficient Use of the Spectrum/Orbit Resource” took place in Da Nang City, Viet Nam from 29 September to 1 October 2015.

The symposium aimed at strengthening cooperation and building partnerships among policy makers, regulators, and the industry dealing with satellite services, manufacturing, and regulations in the Asia-Pacific region. Discussions centred on:

• International regulations update and preparation for the World Radiocommunication Conference (WRC-15), 2-27 November 2015
• Satellite policy and regulatory framework, including country practices on satellite communications and broadcasting services
• Satellite market and technology trends, as well as industry opportunities

The forum targeted senior government officials, academia, national satellite service providers and satellite operators in the Asia-Pacific region.

“Access to spectrum and orbit resources is becoming more and more challenging,” said ITU Secretary-General Houlin Zhao. “As this represents a crucial asset for Member States and for satellite companies, the ITU International Satellite Symposium in Da Nang City played a key role in promoting its efficient use, especially in the context of the Asia-Pacific region and in view of the forthcoming World Radiocommunication Conference (WRC-15).”

“Despite the popularity of terrestrial communications, satellite communication plays a vital role in providing radiocommunication services for many purposes and many areas, including service to remote areas and small islands, where terrestrial networks are unable to reach,” said Mr Doan Quang Hoan, Director General of ARFM, who is also a Member of the ITU Radio Regulations Board (RRB). “Satellite communication is irreplaceable especially for many services, such as aeronautical and maritime navigation, real-time broadcasting and emergency communications.”

Hosted by the Authority of Radiofrequency Management of Viet Nam (ARFM), the symposium and workshop was attended by 137 participants from 27 countries.

Further information is available online:

Symposium: http://satellitesymposium2015.org/

Workshop: http://www.itu.int/en/ITU-R/space/workshops/danang-2015/