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Edinburgh, 24 August 2022. – The International Telecommunication Union (ITU) issued a warning to its 193 Member States on the harmful interference such as blocking, jamming or serious degradation of radio-wave-based services.
ITU defines harmful interference as a radio system receiving unwanted energy to an extent that inhibits the functioning of a radio-navigation service. In addition, such interference can seriously degrade, obstruct, or repeatedly interruptsany radiocommunication service operating in accordance with the Radio Regulations. This poses a threat to critical infrastructure like commercial aviation, energy distribution and satellite navigation systems, ITU says.
ITU claims it received 329 reports of harmful interference or infringements of the Radio Regulations between 1st February 2021 and 31st January 2022. Following these incidences, the Union urged its Member States to take preventative measures.
ITU suggests that the 193 Member States to reinforce the resilience of navigation systems and develop mitigation techniques for loss of services. Furthermore, they are to increase collaboration between radio regulatory, military, aviation, and law enforcement authorities. In addition, they are asked to reinforce civil-military coordination and retain essential conventional navigation infrastructure for contingency support.
