MF Beacon Service Trends and Technology Outlook

Abstract

The medium frequency (MF) beacon service is a representative augmentation service for global navigation satellite system (GNSS) in marine field. The international association of marine aids to navigation and lighthouse authorities (IALA) recommends member countries to build and serve MF beacon systems, and the Republic of Korea (ROK) also provides the MF beacon service for both sea and land, starting with the west coast service in 1999. The United States (US) was one of the countries that provided a similar nationwide MF beacon service to the ROK, but announced a gradual suspension of the MF beacon service a few years ago. In addition, as more countries agree with the US decision to suspend their operation, the risk of maritime navigation, which is absolutely dependent on GNSS, is increasing. In this paper, we look into the operation and planning of the MF beacon services in major countries of the world, and draw up what is essential in advance to make the decision to maintain or discontinue the MF beacon service. Finally, this paper analyzes the MF beacon service operated by our country on the basis of the considerations drawn up, presents the future service direction, and proposes what technologies need to be secured to evolve in the direction presented.