Please note: The algorithm descriptions in English have been automatically translated. Errors may have been introduced in this process. For the original descriptions, go to the Dutch version of the Algorithm Register.
ITU Database Analysis
- Publication category
- Impactful algorithms
- Impact assessment
- Field not filled in.
- Status
- In use
General information
Theme
Begin date
Contact information
Link to publication website
Responsible use
Goal and impact
The purpose of the algorithm is to automatically filter the BR IFIC Space databases published by the ITU and subsequently analyse them. The algorithm filters satellite networks that have the potential to interfere with terrestrial frequency use in the Netherlands and the Caribbean Netherlands. The analysis involves a worst-case calculation from the relevant position of a satellite network under the published operational technical parameters. This calculation is tested against the agreements set out in the ITU Radio Regulations. The impact of the algorithm is to be able to proactively and risk-driven coordinate with other countries to prematurely capture potential interference with terrestrial frequency use in the Netherlands and the Caribbean Netherlands.
Considerations
The algorithm allows for greater efficiency, consistency and accuracy. The BR IFIC Space databases published by the ITU contain large amounts of data. Manual analyses previously took from one to several days, while an initial filtering and analysis with the algorithm can now be done in minutes. This is a significant improvement given the fortnightly interval at which the datasets are published.
Human intervention
There is always human intervention in the algorithm. After the algorithm has been applied and generated outcomes, these are checked and assessed by satellite communication specialists. These specialists then decide whether or not to proceed to follow-up steps, such as coordination steps. If the results are found to be incorrect, the algorithm is adjusted accordingly. The algorithm is also under development and its functionality is being extended.
Risk management
There is a technical risk that the analyses provided by the algorithm will be assessed incorrectly, which could lead to the decision that no coordination is required when it is. As a result, Dutch frequency users may be disrupted in their frequency use. This risk also exists without the use of the algorithm. This risk is mitigated by maintaining flexibility in the process and being able to intervene with new measures when necessary.
Legal basis
The Telecommunications Act is a Dutch law that sets rules for (providers of) telecommunications networks and services. Among other things, it regulates user protection, providers' duty of care for safety and security and sets obligations for network operators.
Under the Telecommunications Act, the National Frequency Plan 2014 (NFP) has been drawn up. For each frequency band, the NFP specifies the type of use the band is intended for. For example, there are bands specifically intended for mobile telephony and the internet, radio and television broadcasting, air traffic control and so on.
The ITU Radio Regulations (the 1979 Radio Regulations) has a status of a treaty signed by the Kingdom of the Netherlands. The Netherlands and the Caribbean Netherlands must comply with the regulations within this treaty. These include global agreements regarding the destination and protection of telecommunication services. Every four years, the Radio Regulations are updated based on the results obtained during the World Radio Conferences (WRC).
Links to legal bases
- Telecommunications Act: https://wetten.overheid.nl/BWBR0009950
- Radio regulations 1979: https://zoek.officielebekendmakingen.nl/trb-2024-125.html#d17e9368
Elaboration on impact assessments
No specific impact tests were carried out, partly because no personal data is used and the algorithm does not directly result in an action or decision.
Operations
Data
The ITU BR-IFIC Space datases are used as input for the algorithm. These databases include the operational technical parameters of the satellite network under assessment. Also included in the algorithm is the information from the National Frequency Plan 2014 and the ITU Radio Regulations that are being assessed against. This information concerns national and international regulations. For example, certain telecommunication services in a frequency band or limits indicating up to which transmission level a telecommunication service can operate so as not to interfere with another service in the same frequency band.
Links to data sources
- ITU BR IFIC Space: https://www.itu.int/epublications/brific-space/en/home/index
- ITU Radio Regulations, International Telecommunications Union: https://www.itu.int/hub/publication/r-reg-rr-2024
- National Frequency Plan 2014, Ministry of Economy: https://wetten.overheid.nl/BWBR0035791
Technical design
The algorithm works in two steps. During the first step, all satellite networks that have the potential to interfere with terrestrial frequency use in the Netherlands and the Caribbean Netherlands are filtered from the ITU BR IFIC Space databases. This consideration is made per satellite network based on the orbital position of the satellite network and whether it is visible from the Netherlands. Additionally, the Netherlands and/or the Caribbean Netherlands may already be identified in the database in advance as a potential victim of interference. In this case, that satellite network is also filtered.
During the second step, the analysis is performed. This involves a worst-case calculation of the transmission power from the relevant satellite network position under the published operational technical parameters. This calculation consists of several successive deterministic formulas and does not take into account tolerances and additional losses. This is in favour of the frequency use to be protected in the Netherlands and the Caribbean Netherlands. The outcome of this analysis is tested against the agreements set out in the ITU Radio Regulations and the terrestrial frequency use in the Netherlands and the Caribbean Netherlands.
External provider
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