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At present the frequency band 495-505 kHz is still also allocated to the maritime mobile service for the use of “distress and calling”. Until recently the 500 kHz centre frequency of this small portion of the spectrum was used for these purposes using Morse telegraphy transmissions only. Through the implementation of the GMDSS the old manually operated distress system on 500 kHz has become redundant. Therefore 500 kHz nowadays is out of any regulated use and the danger of unauthorized usage increases.
It is therefore high time to officially reallocate this portion of the spectrum to other users as soon as possible – but WRC2007 can not do so. In fact, other spectrum users show interest for radio applications . At present discussions take place to create a second NAVTEX-frequency for international usage. Also radio amateurs have expressed their interest in this band. In addition, in many countries groups of interest in the maritime mobile radio service have expressed the desire to somehow use a frequency in this band as a “Museum Frequency”, “Memorial Frequency” or “Heritage Frequency”.
These different expressions contain more or less the same gist to preserve an important part of radio history. Unfortunately these interested parties did not approach their Telecommunication Administrations yet, knowing that WRC2007 has not an appropriate agenda point to revise the allocation in 495-505 kHz.
It is out of question, that an additional NAVTEX-frequency has highest priority over any other application like amateur or heritage. Since NAVTEX is a very narrow band teletype system, it does not even need the major part of the 10 kHz in question at all. Therefore it is technically feasible to satisfy demands for NAVTEX and other applications. In this light it seem advisable not only to put this problem on the agenda for the WRC 2010 according to WRC07 agenda item 7.2, but according to agenda item 6 also instruct the Director of the Radiocommunication Bureau to perform studies on the possible future usage in the frequency band 495-505 kHz.
Proposal
Reasons
In other areas such as nature, science and technology there are many historically important examples at national and international levels (UNESCO) which prove worthy of preservation. In many cases these can be judged as almost essential. Many countries like Italy, USA, Russia, Denmark, France, Germany and other countries have taken steps to preserve historical radio inventions and contributions.
The international usage of the historical frequency 500 kHz and all that goes with it is certainly something worthy to be preserved from future exploitation, much in the same way that historic sites are protected against development. The frequency 500 kHz and its historically unique and beneficial application within the whole spectrum of electromagnetic waves represents a cultural heritage for whole mankind.
This unprecedented worldwide allocation, being free of political, economical or military interests, being used by Administrations and radio stations in ideal conformity during almost one century, underlines the significant authority of ITU. Although it cannot be physically preserved in a museum, a frequency in the 500 kHz band certainly could continue to be used for demonstration purposes.
Over 100 years ago one of the first uses of Radio was for maritime purposes and particularly for the safety of life at sea. For 100 years, 500 kHz has been primarily employed as an aid to mankind in times of distress and not for commercial reasons. Not even wars such as World War II have prevented the use of 500 kHz for humanitarian purposes.
Tens of thousands of lives have been saved by the use of this frequency. Many radio officers have lost their own lives in assisting fellow passengers and crew during their time of duty using 500 kHz. The extensive and impressive history of the “SOS” frequency deserves suitable recognition and should be preserved as a memorial for future generations.
Just to designate this frequency as an unused one, would not serve this purpose sufficiently. It would therefore be appropriate to employ one frequency between 495 and 505 kHz for historical presentations and on-the-air events that have a particular connection to radio history, especially to maritime radio. This would include any kind of radio museum, historical vessel or coast station or any group that has an historical interest in its usage.
Further details as to which organisations or individuals would be entitled to use such a “Museum Frequency” and the administrative/technical conditions for such usage can be determined at a later date. In essence however one frequency within the 10 kHz in question should be established as a Radio Memorial operated as a Museum Frequency. Such a decision would create an appropriate historical memorial and be a meaningful utilisation in a part of this frequency band without undue administrative difficulties.
The final name of
such new radio application and the affiliation to an established radio service
is to be discussed. To count such radio station as fixed stations within the
maritime mobile service could perhaps solve the problem. If WRC 2007 decides to
put this topic on the agenda of WRC 2010 it is advisable to bring this decision
well in advance also to the attention of IMO, ICAO and UNESCO.