World Radiocommunication Conferences (WRC) come around every three or four years, and provide the satellite industry an opportunity to seek spectrum and rationalize international regulations. Like other WRCs, November’s conference has a variety of opportunities and threats for the satellite industry.
Agenda Item 1.1 – Mobile Broadband (IMT) Spectrum
Although the satellite industry was able to protect the satellite C band (3400-4200 MHz) from the mobile industry at WRC-07, the mobile industry is having another crack at opening up the band for International Mobile Telecommunications (IMT) services. Under debate at WRC-15 is whether that spectrum band should be harmonized for mobile services on a global basis, and whether additional spectrum is required for IMT services above 3600 MHz.
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Agenda Item 1.5 – Spectrum for Unmanned Aircraft
The WRC will examine whether existing Fixed Satellite Service (FSS) networks can be used to support the operation of civil unmanned aircraft. Existing FSS networks can potentially provide global communications coverage, with extensive back-up capability, but the International Civil Aviation Organization (ICAO) has not yet concluded their safety requirements for such communications links.
Agenda Item 1.6 – Ku-band Spectrum for FSS
The Ku-band is extensively used for broadband connectivity, VSAT services, video distribution, and satellite newsgathering, and is becoming highly congested. Additional spectrum is needed in this band to meet the increasing demand for connectivity.
Agenda Item 1.8 – Regulation of Earth Stations on Vessels (ESVs)
The conference will review the provisions relating to use of ESVs, based on ITU studies. Resolution 902 currently limits the use of ESVs to distances of at least 125 km from the low water mark as recognized by the coastal state for Ku-band and 300 km for C-band. Operators hoping for some regulatory relief on this topic may need to start lobbying hard now.
Come November, when the world’s telecom regulators will be examining the studies and deciding on changes to the allocations and regulations, many satellite operators and equipment manufacturers will be lobbying hard to reduce regulatory constraints and improve capacity. VS
Nina Beebe is director for emerging markets at Access Partnership in London. She assists satellite service integrators, operators and others in securing market access and licenses on a global basis.
