Agenda Item: 1.14
To consider the feasibility of
achieving a continuous reference
time-scale
Relevant
Resolution/s
Resolution 653 [COM6/20] (WRC-12)
Issues
International Atomic Time (TAI) is much
more accurate than the oscillation of the
earth
To satisfy requirements to keep
Coordinated Universal Time (UTC) in
synch with Mean Solar Time, leap seconds
was introduced
These leap seconds are creating problems
in the modern electronic networks
A proposal to remove leap seconds are
under discussion
Frequency Bands
under consideration
N/A
Summary of Relevant
ITU SG/WP Progress
WP 7A
Various options were investigated
There are advantages and disadvantages to all
options
A decision can not be made based purely on
technical reasoning
Method(s) to satisfy
the agenda Item
Keep leap seconds
Redefine UTC without leap
seconds
Define another continuous
time scale and disseminate
one of the two time scales
Preliminary SA
Position
SA should support a
continuous time scale by
removing leap seconds from
UTC
Many have been “lucky” not
to have been affected by a
leap second event
Preliminary SA
Position
This will reduce the
complexity in systems
designed to correctly handle
leap seconds
There will not be an effect on
humankind for several
thousand years, should the
time deviate from solar time.
Preliminary SA
Position
There will be legal
implications if UTC is no
longer the official time scale.
This will require in a review
of South African legislation
Conclusion
South Africa should support
the re-definition of UTC to
be a continuous time scale
by removing the
requirements for leap
seconds