On September 18th, 2024, The International Telecommunication Union (ITU), together with the OPENSENSE Action, held a “Round Table on Global Microwave Link Data Collection Initiative (GMDI)” event, which took place at the ITU Headquarters in Geneva, Switzerland.
Attenuation data from microwave backhaul links (also termed commercial microwave links, CMLs) can be used to derive rainfall information. Because of that, CML networks have a high potential to complement standard rainfall observations and fill the observational gaps in data-scarce regions like low- and middle-income countries. Although mobile network operators (MNOs) around the world collect this data to operate and maintain their networks, it has so far only been used in meteorology and hydrology in a few research projects, as data sharing remains a major challenge.
The event’s objective was to establish fundamental principles of a global initiative for the collection and curation of attenuation data from CMLs and their utilization in meteorology and telecommunication and to provide solutions to relevant pitfalls such as privacy and security concerns. Representatives from the industry (CML vendors, MNOs), the GSMA, national meteorological weather services, the WMO, ITU, and members from the academic sector met together to discuss the initial steps of this initiative.
All stakeholders recognise the potential of CMLs as tools for rainfall estimation in meteorology and hydrology and agree that a coordinated effort is necessary to ensure the technology can be scaled up. The meeting resulted in three main areas of focus for GMDI activities, which will be pursued by the participants:
- Development of an ITU recommendation on CML data collection and sharing, with WMO involvement.
- Identify use cases demonstrating potential cost savings in network optimization and business opportunities while seeking funding to cover direct costs associated with CML data sharing (incentives for MNOs joining GMDI).
- MNOs and vendors that participated in the round table will assess the viability of enhanced CML data collection and transfer via network management systems to reduce barriers related to appropriate configuration and network security.
Overall, the event was a big success. It was the first in-depth discussion between researchers, meteorological services, and mobile industry stakeholders. We will pursue the three focus activities and acquire the necessary funding for this operation. The status will be reported during online meetings later this year and a face-to-face meeting in spring 2025.