Satellite Interference:
an Operator’s
Perspective
10 June 2013
1
Why are we here?
z Addressing concerns of satellite industry, policymakers and citizens
z Satellite Operator Mission:
¾ provide customers access to working infrastructure
¾ Provide reliable access to ensure performance, availability, sustainability
z Interference of all natures threatens our missions and warrantees
z Targeted, or Intentional interference has grown significantly over the
past years
2
The causes of Interference – An overview
z There are a variety of causes of satellite interference…
¾ For the majority of cases, human error - and a
consequence of the increasing number of satellites and
users sharing a limited resource
¾ Poor quality or malfunctioning equipment, cabling faults,
etc. contribute as well.
Error Planning
Error Tech
Equipment
9%
z Operator response can vary
greatly depending on the
nature of the interference
ASI
8%
Shared Band
2%
Intentional
7%
z Generally operators know
what is needed, and are
working on effective tools
and procedures
11%
60%
z However certain types of
interference are more
‘challenging’…
Pirate
4%
When Interference happens – What do we do?
► Identifying the problem of interference
► Assessing the likely cause of the interference; the
nature and content of the interfering signals
► Look at content of the interfered signal as a target
► Origin of the interference
► Keeping the Services running
► Reduce sensitivity of the satellite
► Increasing power levels of the
transmission to overcome the
interference.
► Engage with the ITU process
Viewers
Interferer
Broadcaster
► if solution cannot be found amongst operators
and/or administrations
Satellite Operator
Addressing day to day interference
z Forums and associations to address issues:
z SIRG – Satellite Interference Reduction Group
¾ Promote improved practices and investigate new technologies
¾ Generalised implementation of Carrier ID – ETSI DVB standard
z SDA – Satellite Data Association
¾ Rapid sharing of information amongst satellite operators
z GVF – Global VSAT Forum
¾ Training programs to reduce human error
¾ Antenna type approvals & ESVA testing to address equipment problems
z Communication: Operator to Operator / Admin to Admin dialogue
z Response & Mitigation procedures at the Satellite Control Station.
¾ Resolve errors in pointing / frequency / polarisation / power settings
¾ Adjust / adapt transmission parameters
¾ Coordinate scheduling conflicts and accessing at incorrect times
5
Intentional interference:
Very different from accidental or unintentional
z Does not arise from station that are planned to operate with affected
satellite: transmissions are therefore unnecessary in nature
z Interfering transmissions specifically target the affected satellite, and
more precisely, specific transponders and their respective content.
z Usually presents as an unmodulated carrier, and therefore does carry
any identification or transmit any information
z Interferer transmit parameters modified in real time to counter
interference mitigation efforts employed by the Operator
z Deduced power / antenna characteristics, together with a typically
recurring site location, suggest that the interfering station is a fixed,
dedicated facility – i.e. not easily hidden.
6
Quantifying the Problem
z Cases between 2010 and 2012 rose dramatically in quantity & duration
¾ From 1,975 mins in 2010 to 142,913 mins in 2011 (75 times increase)
¾ and 329,826 mins in 2012 (more than 150 % increase from previous year)
Amount of deliberate interferences (in minutes/ month)
5
08
30
0
0
4
25
2011
80
20
1
5
7
2012
Sept.
Aug.
July
June
May
05
0 6
21
April
March
0
Jan.
14
14
47
Feb.
Aug.
Sept.
May
June
April
March
Feb.
Jan.
July
0 2
35 4 8
8
14
dec.
oct.
nov.
sep.
july
2010
aug.
june
may
april
feb.
march
1
34 84
0
1 36
15
79
20
64
0
4
84
16
16
95
0
Nov.
00
10
45 0
3 5 7 3 6 49
24
32
55
9
Dec.
74
18
Oct.
58
23
4
1
91
50
70
74
Dec.
97
41
Oct.
17
45
5
Nov.*
08
79
jan.
80000
75000
70000
65000
60000
55000
50000
45000
40000
35000
30000
25000
20000
15000
10000
5000
0
What are we doing?
z Raising awareness about the issue
¾ Whenever available, consistently provide precise geolocalisation and
interference data to the BR and concerned Administration
¾ Provision of a detailed dossier on the subject to the RRB (Nov ‘12, March ‘13)
z Engaging all stakeholders - Everyone has their part:
¾ Satellite operators, Regulators, Broadcasters
¾ UN/ITU, National governments, Institutions, and civil societies
z Regular meetings and discussion - such as today
¾ Essential to refine processes and follow through on progress
¾ Defining and executing actions and solutions to combat problem
z No single answer and no one solution
¾ Need to manage expectations
¾ However a common understanding of issues and possible paths to solutions
begin to emerge
8
Going forward and next steps…
z Continue raising awareness of problem and risks
z Refine mechanisms to address the problem
¾ Operational and technical and solutions to improve reactivity and resiliency
¾ Document what works, what doesn’t
z Develop an ITU process to certify the geographical origin of
intentional interference
z Establish historical records and statistics of interference events
z Consider means to enhance the Effectiveness of ITU and other
institutional mechanisms
And workshops such as today’s for next steps and further ideas!
9
Thanks
10