International policy frameworks

The implementation of the national frequency policy is closely linked with the international frequency designation scheme as laid down by the International Telecommunications Union (ITU).

ITU: International beacon for frequency coordination & policy

The ITU is the organization of the United Nations (UN) which among other things is charged with the international coordination of the frequency use, the harmonization of the various radio services and the standardization of systems. Being part of the Kingdom of the Netherlands, Curaçao is a member of the UN and the ITU and as such bound by the arrangements made by the ITU in that field. The ITU makes arrangements concerning the division of the frequency spectrum in frequency bands and the designations that are given to the frequency bands.

After a frequency band has received a certain designation, the countries connected to the ITU will make technical arrangements about the manner in which available frequency bands may be used in practice. In particular for systems of which the frequencies stretch out far beyond the national borders, making these arrangements is of vital importance.

In its frequency policy on a national level for the classification of frequency bands and the allocation of designations therein present, Curaçao follows the internationally adopted frameworks of the ITU.

International designation arrangements

All international designation arrangements for frequencies are laid down in the ITU Radio Regulations in the form of frequency tables. These are updated once every 2 to 3 years during periodically organized radio conferences and they also contain the procedures that apply for the coordination of the frequency use by the member states affiliated with the ITU.

International designation standardization

The coordinating procedures of the frequency use assign users rights to each country through a subdivision in 3 regions, each with its own frequency classification and designation. Curaçao will be categorized in region 2, which further represents the entire American continent.

This classification into regions facilitates the process between the countries affiliated with the ITU to reach an agreement about the designation of frequency bands with a view to worldwide standardization of telecommunications systems. This means that services in various countries will work with the same frequencies, with similar equipment.

Due to the globalization of the market, the emphasis of the international frequency policy will increasingly focus on specific telecommunications systems and how these are used. This means that a frequency band is not only classified for a certain designation, but is also used for a specific telecommunications system. In case of arrangements regarding the frequency use for specific systems, in the scope of standardization, arrangements will also be made about the technical characteristics the system must comply with. These will be applied on a regional as well as on a global level.

For more information on the international framework for the frequency policy in Curaçao, download the Annex to the Frequency table Curaçao 2017, as approved by Ministerial Decree of March 13th, 2017 and applied with retroactive effect as of January 23rd, 2017.