National Frequency Allocations Abbreviations
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ARTMehr Eng. GroupNational Frequency Allocations Abbreviations
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ARTMehr Eng. GroupOFCOM Federal office of communications
OFCOM Office fédéral de la communication
BAKOM Bundesamt für Kommunikation
UFCOM Ufficio federale delle comunicazioni
UFCOM Uffizi federal da communicaziuns
National Frequency Allocations Plan
Appendix 1 - Abbreviations
ADS Automatic Dependant Surveillance (Aeronautical)
Aer Com Aeronautical Radiocommunication
Aer Mob (OR) Aeronautical Mobile (off route)
Aer Mob (R) Aeronautical Mobile (route)
Aer Nav Aeronautical Radionavigation
AF Air Forces
AGA Air-Ground-Air
AIP Aeronautical Information Publication (CH)
AIS Automatic Identification and Surveillance System
or Universal Shipborne Automatic Identification System
AM Amplitude Modulation
AMS(R)S Aeronautical Mobile-Satellite (Route) Service
ASDE Airport Surface Detection Equipment
AVI Automatic Vehicle Identification
BC Broadcasting
Bern radio Maritime Mobile Service
Berna radio Aeronautical Mobile Service
BSS Broadcasting Satellite Service
CB Citizen’s Band
CEPT European Conference of Postal and Telecommunications Administrations
CH Switzerland
CICR Comité International de la Croix Rouge
COM Communication
CT Cordless Telephone
DAB Digital Audio Broadcasting
DCS 1800 Digital Cellular System 1800 MHz
DECT Digital Enhanced Cordless Telecommunications
D-GPS Differential Global Positioning System
DME Distance Measuring Equipment
DMO Direct Mode Operation (PMR)
DRM Digital Radio Mondiale
DRS Digital Radio System
DSC Digital Selective Calling
DSI Detailed Spectrum Investigation
DSRR Digital Short- Range Radio
DVB-T Digital Video Broadcasting - Terrestrial
ECC Electronic Communications Committee
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ECC/DEC Decision from the ECC
ECC/REC Recommendation from the ECC
ECO European Communications Office
EESS Earth Exploration-Satellite Service
EFIS ERO Frequency Information System
EMC Electromagnetic Compatibility
ENG/OB Electronic News Gathering / Outside Broadcasting
EPIRBs Emergency Position Indicating Radio Beacons
ERC European Radiocommunications Committee
ERC/DEC Decision from the ERC
ERC/REC Recommendation from the ERC
ERMES Enhanced Radio Messaging System
ERO European Radiocommunications Office
ESV Earth Stations on-board Vessels
FB Base station (in a mobile radio system)
FM Frequency Modulation
FOCA Federal Office for Civil Aviation
FSS Fixed Satellite Service
FWA Fixed Wireless Access
GALILEO European satellite- based navigation and positioning system
GAZ Gemeinschaft- Antennen- Zubringer
GLONASS Global Orbiting Navigation Satellite System
GMDSS Global Maritime Distress and Safety System
GNSS Global Navigation Satellite System
GPS Global Positioning System
GSM Global System for Mobile Communications
GSM-R Global System for Mobile Communications on Railways
HAPS High Altitude Platform Station
HDFS High- density applications in the fixed service
HIPERLANs High Performance Radio Local Area Networks
ICAO International Civil Aviation Organisation
IFF Identification Friend or Foe
ILS Instrument Landing Systems
IMT-2000 International Mobile Telecommunications-2000
ISM Industrial, Scientific and Medical Applications
ITU International Telecommunication Union
JTIDS Joint Tactical Information and Distribution System
LANs Local Area Networks
Links Radio Connections
LPD Low Power Devices
Mar Mob Maritime Mobile
MIDS Multifunctional Information Distribution System
Misc. applic. Miscellaneous applications
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ML Mobile station (in a mobile radio system)
MLS Microwave Landing System
MSI Maritime Safety Information
MSS Mobile Satellite Service
MVDS Multipoint Video Distribution Systems
MWS Multimedia Wireless Systems
NAVTEX Narrow-band direct-printing telegraphy system for transmission of navigational and
meteorological warnings and urgent information to ships
NDB Non-directional Radio Beacon
NFR Note on Frequencies
NGSO Non-geostationary Satellite Orbit
NIB On a non-interference basis
NMT Nordic Mobile Telephone
NPB On a non-protected basis
OB Outside Broadcasting
OFCOM Federal Office for Communications
PAMR Public Access Mobile Radio
PLC Powerline Communications
PMR Professional Mobile Radio, Private Mobile Radio
Primary Where a band is indicated as allocated to more than one service and the name of the service is
printed in “Capitals“ (e.g. FIXED) these are called “primary“ services. Within a band, Primary
services shall have prior choice of frequencies. Where a band is indicated in a footnote of the
Table as allocated to a service “on a primary basis“ in an area smaller than a region or in a
particular country, this is a primary service in that country.
R Tags Radio Tags
RA Radio Astronomy
RFID Radio Frequency Identification
RLAN Radio Local Area Networks
RR Radio Regulations
RR xxx Radio Regulations, Note xxx (see Annex 1)
RTTT Road Transport and Traffic Telematics
RX Receiving Frequency
SAB Service Ancillary to Broadcasting
SAP Service Ancillary to Programme making
SAR Search and Rescue
S-DAB Satellite Digital Audio Broadcasting
Secondary Where a band is indicated as allocated to more than one service and the name of the service is
printed in normal characters (e.g. Fixed) these are called secondary services.
Stations of a secondary service:
- shall not cause harmful interference to stations of primary services to which the
frequencies are already assigned or to which stations may be assigned at a later date.
- cannot claim protection from harmful interference from stations of a primary service to
which frequencies are already assigned or may be assigned at a later date.
- can claim protection, however from harmful interference from stations of the same or other
secondary services to which frequencies may be assigned at a later date.
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Where a band is indicated in a footnote of the Table as allocated to a service “on a secondary
basis“ in an area smaller than a region or in a particular country, this is a secondary service.
SIT/SUT Satellite Interactive Terminal / Satellite User Terminal
SNG Satellite News Gathering
S-PCS Satellite Personal Communication System
SRD Short Range Device
SRI Swiss Radio International
SSR Secondary Surveillance Radar
STM Synchronous Transfer Mode
TACAN Tactical Air Navigation
TACS Total Access Communications System
T-DAB Terrestrial Digital Audio Broadcasting
TETRA Trans European Trunked Radio System, Terrestrial Trunked Radio
TETRAPOL Digital PMR technology
TFTS Terrestrial Flight Telecommunications System
TV Television
TX Transmitting Frequency
UMTS Universal Mobile Telecommunication System
UNO United Nations Organisation
VLBI Very Long Baseline Interferometry
VOR VHF Omnidirectional Radio Range
VSAT Very Small Aperture Terminal
VTS Vessel Traffic System (radar)
WLL Wireless Local Loop
WRC World Radiocommunication Conference
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Common questions
Powered by AIDigital Audio Broadcasting (DAB) provides higher audio quality and spectral efficiency compared to traditional AM and FM broadcasting. It allows multiple audio channels on a single frequency band and features less interference and improved reception in various environments. DAB's digital signal processing capabilities enable enhanced data services integrated into broadcasts .
The Microwave Landing System (MLS) plays a crucial role in modern aviation by offering precise lateral and vertical guidance to aircraft during approach and landing, particularly under complex environmental conditions. It enhances air traffic capacity by allowing for more flexible and closely spaced flight paths than the older Instrument Landing System (ILS), thereby improving airport efficiency and safety .
Digital Enhanced Cordless Telecommunications (DECT) improves communication within buildings by providing high-quality voice and data transmission with low power consumption and high security. It operates over short ranges, ensuring reliable coverage and seamless mobility for users in offices and homes, and supports advanced features like call handover and conferencing .
Enhanced Radio Messaging System (ERMES) was designed as a European digital paging standard to allow seamless paging services across borders. It enhances mobile communications by enabling efficient and reliable text-based messages delivery, providing a standardized framework that supports wider area coverage compared to older systems .
The International Civil Aviation Organisation (ICAO) establishes global standards and regulations to ensure safe and efficient use of aeronautical communication systems. It coordinates international planning and ensures interoperability of communication systems among member states, facilitating global aviation safety and efficiency .
The European satellite-based navigation system GALILEO aims to offer improvements over GPS by providing more accurate positioning services with its dual-frequency system, increased availability through additional satellites, and enhanced integrity capabilities. It is designed to ensure autonomy in critical infrastructure and provide backup to existing systems, reinforcing Europe's self-sufficiency in geopositioning .
Primary services in frequency allocation have priority in frequency choice, meaning when a band is allocated to more than one service, these services are named in capital letters and are considered primary. Stations of a secondary service cannot claim protection from harmful interference from stations of a primary service but can claim protection from stations of the same or other secondary services .
Automatic Dependant Surveillance (ADS) enhances monitoring in aeronautical systems by using aircraft-derived data to provide real-time position information to air traffic control. This system allows for improved situational awareness, efficient resource use, and increased airspace capacity, while ensuring safety standards by continuously broadcasting aircraft positions and other relevant data .
Very Small Aperture Terminals (VSAT) contribute to global telecommunications by providing satellite-based communication services that enable remote and rural areas to connect to central telecommunication networks. They support a wide range of applications including internet service provision, telephony, and military operations, ensuring robust communication capabilities in locations lacking traditional infrastructure .
The Global Maritime Distress and Safety System (GMDSS) is a global communications service designed to ensure effective distress signaling and communications for maritime operations. It integrates satellite and terrestrial radio systems to provide almost continuous coverage worldwide, allowing for quick response to emergencies by automatically alerting authorities and nearby vessels .