ECTEL & NTRCs Amplify Expertise to Combat Radio Frequency Interference

Ten (10) technical personnel of the Eastern Caribbean Telecommunications Authority (ECTEL) and the five (5) National Telecommunications Regulatory Commissions (NTRCs) participated in the Anritsu Radio Frequency (RF) and Microwave Interference Analysis Certification Training course in Miami.

The Certification Training Course which was held from 26^th – 28^th September 2023 in Miami was facilitated by Anritsu Company and the training was conducted by Mr. Dennis Burt, a senior RF engineer.  The Course encompassed fundamentals of spectrum analysis with a focus on radio frequency interference hunting and finding. Trainees were taught how to make common RF measurements and use them to identify and locate interfering signals.

The lectures and labs were designed around the Anritsu Handheld Spectrum Master (model: MS2720T) which the NTRCs use in the field to conduct spectrum monitoring exercises. All attendees successfully completed the programme and were awarded certificates.

According to ECTEL’s Director of Technical Services, Mr. Lawrence Nervais, “The Course was important to ECTEL and the NTRCs because RF interference has become a serious issue that can impact licensed users of the frequency spectrum and it is often difficult to isolate and resolve. Furthermore, this opportunity provides the necessary training so that ECTEL and the NTRCs can resolve complaints of harmful interference.”

ECTEL has been the regional regulatory body advising the NTRCs on electronic communications matters in its five (5) Member States namely; the Commonwealth of Dominica, Grenada, St. Kitts and Nevis, Saint Lucia and St. Vincent and the Grenadines since 4^th May 2000. In simple terms, ECTEL works with the NTRCs to promote consumer rights and harmonised benefits in the electronic communications sector in its Member States.

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