Radio Quiet Zones and the Square Kilometre Array

The goal of the Square Kilometre Array is to increase the sensitivity of radio telescopes a hundred-fold in the frequency range of ~70 MHz to 10 GHz. In order to exploit its tremendous scientific capabilities it should be made as robust as possible against unwanted man-made Radio Frequency Interference (RFI). An essential part in this RFI protection scheme is the establishment of Radio Quiet Zones around the instrument, in which regulatory and other legislative measures will ensure acceptable levels of unwanted emissions that could degrade the quality of the astronomical data. An overview will be given of the principles underlying the establishment of Radio Quiet Zones in general, and their application to the Square Kilometre Array case.