• Aircrafts rely on GNSS/PNT for navigation, approach, and landing. The International Civil Aviation Organization (ICAO) ensures these systems meet safety-critical thresholds. For a GNSS signal to be certified for Performance-Based Navigation (PBN), it must meet ICAO’s integrity, availability, accuracy, and continuity standards. Downstream role: Ensures PNT systems are usable in commercial and civil aviation operations globally. https://www.icao.int/Meetings/PBN-Symposium/Documents/9849_cons_en[1].pdf

• Ships use GNSS for navigation, collision avoidance, and search-and-rescue operations. The International Maritime Organisation (IMO) sets standards for e-Navigation, where PNT systems feed into integrated bridge systems and automatic identification systems (AIS). Downstream role: Enables safe and efficient sea travel and port operations. https://insidegnss.com/imo-and-the-gnss/ https://www.unoosa.org/documents/pdf/icg/2023/ICG-17/icg17.02.21.pdf

• The International Telecommunication Union (ITU) manages the spectrum and orbital slots needed for PNT signal transmission and ensures signals don’t interfere with others (e.g., telecom, broadcasting, weather). https://www.itu.int/en/ITU-R/Documents/FAQs%20on%20GNSS%20Interference.pdf

Prerequisites:

• Institutional & political interest and support for utilising PNT technologies for services 

• Understand national 

policies and identify national policies that utilise PNT data

• Identify and build relationships with stakeholders involved in policy implementation

• Access to PNT data, data processing and analysis capabilities

• Spectrum policy & coordination with telecom regulator; ITU procedures where applicable

• Inter-ministerial working group

• Contacts with ICAO, IMO, ITU or regional counterparts

Cost:

• Ballpark: USD 100k–400k

• Includes: technical gap assessment against ICAO/IMO/ITU standards, inter-ministerial coordination and regulatory review, participation in international working groups and expert committees, legal and compliance audits, workshops and training for regulators and operators, documentation and reporting

Timeframe:

• Overall: 12–24 mo

• Phase: scoping & stakeholder mapping (2–3 mo), technical/legal gap analysis (4–6 mo), consultations & standards drafting (4–6 mo), international engagement & alignment (6–9 mo), final validation & adoption (2–3 mo)

Pros:

• Global interoperability - Ensures national PNT services can be used in international aviation, maritime, and telecom operations without restrictions.

• Safety and trust - Signal certification and compliance with ICAO/IMO/ITU increases reliability and confidence for regulated sectors.

• Market access - Compliance opens access to international aviation and shipping markets that require certified navigation systems.

• Regulatory credibility - Positions the nation as a responsible actor aligned with global norms, reducing political and operational risk.

• Downstream growth - Enables domestic industries (aviation, maritime, telecom) to integrate PNT seamlessly, stimulating economic benefits.

Considerations:

• High compliance burden - Requires continuous engagement with ICAO/IMO/ITU processes, technical reporting, and auditing.

• Cost of certification - Achieving and maintaining compliance can require specialised expertise and recurring certification costs.

• Reduced autonomy - Adapting to international standards may limit flexibility to define purely national technical specifications.

• Capacity requirements - Needs skilled regulatory, legal, and technical staff to engage effectively in international standardisation processes.

• Long timelines - Standardisation and certification processes with ICAO/IMO/ITU can take years, slowing deployment.