International telecommunication union radiocommunication Bureau

Subject: Implementation of Resolution 535 (WRC-97): Testing of software modules developed for the application of Article S12 - Seasonal Planning of the HF Bands Allocated to the Broadcasting Service Between 5 900 kHz and 26 100 kHz

2 The preliminary versions of two modules are now available for testing and the Bureau invites your administration's support in the testing of these software modules, in accordance with "urges administrations 1" of Resolution 535 (WRC-97). The modules available for testing are:

2.1 Data capture/Data query module: this module permits the capture of all necessary data elements, contains validation routines that prevent inconsistent data being captured and prepares files of requirements in suitable electronic formats for transmitting to the Bureau. The module is developed using MS Access 7.0, running under Windows NT or Windows 95 environment.

2.2 Propagation calculation/Select suitable frequency bands: this module calculates field strengths, power received and circuit and service reliability for a requirement at its relevant test points. Administrations can use the module to select the optimum frequency bands for their requirements. The module is developed using Visual Basic 5, running under Windows NT or Windows 95 environment.

3 The two modules are available for downloading from the ITU's website - http://web.itu.ch/brsoft/terrestrial/hf-propagation/index.html. Run time versions are available so that it is not necessary to have an installation of MS Access 7.0 and Visual Basic 5 on users' computers for the module to run. Installation information is also available at the same website. If access to Internet is not available, copies of the software can be provided on diskettes or CD-ROM upon request to the Bureau.

4 The Bureau has considered carefully the option of developing the software for both 16‑bit and 32‑bit environments. However, the Bureau believes that the development of the software under Windows NT/Windows 95 is the only practicable option because the Bureau is constrained by limited resources and by the tight deadlines for the completion of the modules. Furthermore, the compatibility analysis of HF requirements is complex, hence requiring computers running at a fast speed so that the result can be obtained in an acceptable time-frame. The provision of a computer system, running under Windows NT/Windows 95 operating systems, to the administrations of the least developed countries, is foreseen and these administrations should contact Mr. J. Fonteyne at the Bureau in this respect.

5 The Bureau would appreciate it if your administration could start testing these modules as early as possible, and inform the Bureau on the results of its tests with respect to these two modules by 30 September 1998 so as to enable the Bureau to implement any necessary modifications in a timely manner, bearing in mind the time-scale for submission of the future schedules in a common electronic format (according to Description 2 of Resolution 535 (WRC-97), the closing date for submission of the schedules is four months before the commencement of the schedule, which means that the closing date for Schedule A-1999 is 29 November 1998). This course of action would also enable the Bureau to develop, if required, appropriate Rules of Procedure for technical analysis, as stipulated in No. S12.9 of the Radio Regulations, and to submit them to the Radio Regulations Board, for possible approval at the Board's meeting in November/December 1998.

The Bureau remains at the disposal of your administration for any further clarifications you may need in respect of this subject.

Robert W. Jones

Distribution:

- Members of the Radio Regulations Board