ISSUES TO HIGHLIGHT ON WRC-07 AGENDA ITEMS

Agenda item 1.1

Agenda item 1.2

Agenda item 1.3

Agenda item 1.4

Agenda item 1.5

Agenda item 1.6

Agenda item 1.7

Agenda item 1.10

Agenda item 1.12

Agenda item 1.13

Agenda item 1.14

Agenda item 1.16

Agenda item 1.17

Agenda item 1.18

Agenda item 1.19

Agenda item 1.20

Agenda item 1.21

Agenda item 2.0

Agenda item 7.1

Agenda item 7.2

Agenda item 1.1

Requests from administrations to delete their country footnotes or to have their country name deleted from footnotes, if no longer required, in accordance with Resolution 26 (Rev.WRC 97);

This is a standing agenda item intended to clear out unnecessary country footnotes from the Radio Regulations as directed by Resolution 26 (Rev.WRC-97). Resolution 26(Rev.WRC-97)was originally adopted by WRC-95 to implement recommendations of the Voluntary Group of Experts on the simplification of the Radio Regulations, including facilitating movement toward worldwide allocations. The agenda item does not pertain to proposals on country footnotes involving frequency bands that are being substantively treated under other conference agenda items. There was no inter-american proposal (IAP) for this Agenda item.

A total of 204 proposals were considered under this agenda item. Among them, 146 proposed deletion of country names from footnote, 22 proposed additions of country names to footnote, 28 proposed modifications of footnote, three proposed suppression of footnote, and the remaining six proposals involved consequential changes or changes in MemberState names.

While most of the proposals received no discussion, somewere controversial because of objections from neighboring countries.

The decisions taken by the conference resulted in the modification of 64 footnotes with country name deletions, 20 footnotes with country name deletions and additions, 10 footnotes to add country names, one suppressed footnote, one footnote due to the change of the name of the Member State, and the suppression of four footnotes due to the deletion of all country names in the footnote.

Agenda item 1.2

To consider allocations and regulatory issues related to the Earth exploration-satellite (passive) service, space research (passive) service and the meteorological satellite service in accordance with Resolutions746 (WRC03) and 742 (WRC03);

Issue A: Expansion of the meteorological satellite allocation by 100 MHz around 18 GHz.

As for Issue B (Use of the band 10.6-10.68 GHz) and Issue C (Use of the band 36-37 GHz) of agenda item 1.2, they were no IAPs going to WRC-07.

Outcome/Results at the WRC

WRC-07 decided to expand the meteorological satellite (MetSat) service allocation in the band 18.1-18.3 GHz on a regional basis. For countries in Region 2, the band 18.0-18.1 GHz is allocated to the MetSat service on a primary basis in addition to the existing allocation in the band 18.1-18.3 GHz. As for Regions 1 and 3, the band 18.3-18.4 GHz is allocated to the MetSat service on a primary basis in addition to the existing allocation in the band 18.1-18.3 GHz. WRC-07 decision is in accordance with the CITEL Inter-American Proposal for an expansion in the lower part of the existing MetSat allocation from 18.0 to 18.1 GHz. The additional 100 MHz allocation will allow the next generation of MetSat to meet its operational requirement while at the same time not constraining the development of high density fixed-satellite service (HDFSS) in the band above 18.3 GHz for Region 2.

Agenda item 1.3

In accordance with Resolution 747 (WRC03), consider upgrading the radiolocation service to primary allocation status in the bands 9000-9200 MHz and 9300-9500 MHz and extending by up to 200 MHz the existing primary allocations to the Earth exploration-satellite service (EESS) (active) and the space research service (SRS) (active) in the band 9500-9800MHz without placing undue constraint on the services to which the bands are allocated;

This agenda item addressed two issues.

Issue #1: The first issue was to,

“consider upgrading the radiolocation service to primary allocation status in the bands 9000-9200 MHz and 9300-9500 MHz…”

CITEL as well as the other regional organizations arrived at WRC-07 in general agreement to provide this allocation upgrade. However, initially there was non-agreement on the subject of if a footnote should or should not be applied to this allocation upgrade. The CITEL IAP as well as the proposals of APT, the Arab Group and the ATU advocated including a footnote to indicate that the primary allocation to the Aeronautical Radionavigation service in the 9000-9200 MHz band and to the Radionavigation service in the 9300-9500 MHz band would continue to receive protection from the Radiolocation service in the event of interference. However, the CEPT and RCC proposals contained no footnote.

Discussions between regional groups determined that those groups proposing a footnote were concerned that existing Radionavigation systems, which are considered a “safety service,” could loose their priority over Radiolocation systems developed in the future. CEPT and RCC agreed that a footnote would be acceptable if it were clear that the protection was only applicable to existing applications of the Aeronautical Radionavigation and Radionavigation services in the two bands. These footnotes were drafted and the Radiolocation allocations were upgraded to primary in both bands.

Issue #2: The second issue was to consider,

“…extending by up to 200 MHz the existing primary allocations to the Earth exploration-satellite service (EESS) (active) and the space research service (SRS) (active) in the band 9 500-9 800 MHz…”

CITEL as well as the other regional organizations arrived at WRC-07 in agreement to provide this allocation extension into the band 9300-9500 MHz but on the condition that use of the additional spectrum, “is limited to systems requiring necessary bandwidth greater than 300 MHz that cannot be fully accommodated within the 9 500-9 800 MHz band.” Passage of these provisions was relatively non-controversial.

However, in addition to the 9300-9500 MHz allocation extension, CEPT also proposed a further 100 MHz extension into the 9800-9900 MHz band.Some Regional Groups were both very opposed to considering a proposal which even it was admitted was outside the scope of the Agenda item. Other regional groups remained silent on the debate which was raised to the highest levels and included receiving legal advice from the BR.

In the end, as a compromise, a secondary allocation to the Earth exploration-satellite service (active) and space research service (active) was agreed in the 9800-9900 MHz band on the condition that it, “shall not cause harmful interference to, nor claim protection from stations of the fixed service to which this band is allocated on a secondary basis.”

Agenda item 1.4

Frequency-related matters for the future development of IMT2000 and systems beyond IMT2000

To consider frequency-related matters for the future development of IMT2000 and systems beyond IMT2000 taking into account the results of ITUR studies in accordance with Resolution228 (Rev.WRC03);

Globally harmonized spectrum identified for use by International Mobile Telecommunications (IMT) represents an important step in the worldwide development of IMT systems:

450-470MHz

Global identification for IMT with protections for Canada and the United States.
UHF

The band 698-806 MHz was identified for use by IMT systemsin Region 2, via modifications to footnote 5.317A, and in 10 countries of Region 3, through a new footnote. Most of the new proposed text for Resolution 224 from the IAP was included in the revised WRC-07 version.

Although the identification of 698-806 MHzis not global, this IAP was successful for Region 2. The rest of Region 3 identified the band 790-806 MHz while Region 1 identified the band 790-862 MHz for IMT. The identification in Region 1 however does not become effective until mobile is primary in the band in 2015 and is subject to several conditions including successful application of GE-06 procedures. Many countries in Region 1 put mobile primary now via footnotes 5.316 and new 5.316A.

2.3-2.4 GHz

Global identification for IMT with specific protective measures for existing U.S. services.
C-band

3.4−3.6 GHz band (no global allocation, but accepted by many countries)

Regions 1 and 3 - Opt-in country footnotes both allocation and identification for IMT between 3.4 and 3.6 GHz (many countries opted in). Includes protections for existing services and requires neighboring countries to coordinate prior to implementing mobile systems.
Region 2 - no identification for IMT. Some countries opted into a primary mobile allocation between 3.4 and 3.5 GHz. Protective measures require countries to coordinate with neighbors before they can use the mobile allocation.

3.6-4.2 GHz band

The IAP for thisband was NOC. As a result from the WRC-07,no Global, neither regional, identification for the IMT has been made in the frequency range of 3,6-4,2 GHz. This outstanding positive result for CITEL Administrations is consequence of the leadershipCITEL had during WRC-07 discussions.

Other bands (410-430 MHz, 2.7-2.9 GHz, 4400-4990 MHz)

No change to Radio Regulations.

Agenda item 1.5

To consider spectrum requirements and possible additional spectrum allocations for aeronautical telecommand and high bit-rate aeronautical telemetry, in accordance with Resolution230 (WRC03)

The WRC-07 successfully allocated on a global basis the 5 091- 5 150 MHz to Aeronautical Mobile services limited to aeronautical telemetry transmissions from aircraft stations as per the RR definition No.1.83 through a new footnote 5.444B and in accordance with the criteria set in a new Resolution 419.This resolution provides the technical and coordination requirements to protect the existing Microwave Landing System (MLS) in the Aeronautical Radio Navigation service (ARNS) and the Fixed Satellite Service (FSS).

The WRC-07 also allocated on a regional basis to Region 2 (except Brazil, Cuba, Guatemala, Paraguay, Uruguay and Venezuela) the band 4 400 – 4 900 MHz and the 5 925 – 6 700 MHz to Aeronautical Mobile services limited to aeronautical telemetry transmissions from aircraft stations through new footnotes 5.440A and 5.457C in accordance with the criteria set in a new Resolution 416 (WRC-07). In addition, footnote 5.442 was modified to permit aeronautical mobile telemetry for flight testing by aircraft stations in the band 4 825 – 4 835 MHz under the same conditions set for the bands 4 400 - 4 900 and 5 925 – 6 700 MHz.

Resolution 416 provides administrations who intend to authorize aeronautical mobile telemetry for flight test purposes as per footnotes Nos 5.440A, 5.442 and 5.457C a set of criteria to be utilized to ensure the protection of exiting systems.

Agenda item 1.6

To consider additional allocations for the aeronautical mobile (R) service in parts of the bands between 108 MHz and 6 GHz, in accordance with Resolution 414(WRC03) and, to study current satellite frequency allocations, that will support the modernization of civil aviation telecommunication systems, taking into account Resolution 415(WRC03);

Under WRC-07Agenda item 1.6, the following items were approved:

  • A new AM(R)S allocation in the band 112-117.975 MHz with protections to ensure that any new systems will not place additional burden on FM Broadcast stations. This allocation could be used to support air traffic control communications if the existing 117.975-137 MHz band becomes overcrowded or for new data link applications.
  • A new AM(R)S allocation covering the band 960-1164 MHz. This allocation will support the existing Universal Access Transceiver (UAT) for automatic dependant surveillance-broadcast (ADS-B). It will also be used as a resource in continuing studies on the future communications systems.
  • A new AM(R)S allocation was secured covering the band 5091-5150 MHz. This allocation will be used to support an airport local area network (LAN).
  • A resolution was adopted which gives ITU support to developing counties, particularly in Africa, to obtain the necessary spectrum, with priority privileges, and Administration funding for Very Small Aperture Terminals (VSAT) systems needed to provide ground to ground communications via satellite between aeronautical communications facilities where the ground infrastructure is not available.

The WRC-07 agenda item 1.6 proposal for an AM(R)S allocation in the band 5000-5030MHz was not approved. Even though this allocation was not approved, it was incorporated into a WRC-11 agenda item. If approved at WRC-11, this allocation will support additional channels for the envisioned airport LAN in the band 5091-5150 MHz.

New WRC-11 Agenda item

A new agenda item was introduced for WRC11 to seek additional spectrum allocations for Unmanned Aircraft System (UAS) operations. This will be WRC-11 agenda item 1.3.

Agenda item 1.7

Sharing between the mobile-satellite service (MSS) (Earth-to-space) and the space research service (SRS) (passive) in the band 1668 - 1668.4 MHz (Issue A) and between the mobile-satellite service (MSS) (Earth-to-space) and the mobile services in the band 1668.4 - 1675 MHz (Issue B), in response to Resolution 744;

With regard to sharing between the mobile-satellite service (Earth-to-space) and the space research service (passive) in the band 1668 - 1668.4 MHz, the conference adopted the coordination procedure to ensuring sharing between the mobile-satellite service (Earth-to-space) and the space research service (passive) based on frequency overlap and the MSS Mobile Earth Station (MES) power spectral density and e.i.r.p. spectral density as the coordination trigger. The coordination trigger values for the MES power spectral density and e.i.r.p. spectral density are -2.5 dBW/4kHz and -10 dBW/4kHz respectively.

With regard to the sharing between the mobile-satellite service (Earth-to-space) and the mobile services in the band 1668.4 - 1675 MHz, the conference has limit the mobile allocation in this band to transportable radio-relay systems with the exception of the territories of United States and Canada. In the United States and Canada the fixed and mobile services will be allowed to continue their operations without any constraints. This exception is reflected in the resolves of Resolution 744.

With respect to thetransportable radio-relay systems, these systems will be required to limit their e.i.r.p. spectral density in the GSO arc to -27 dBW/4kHz. This e.i.r.p. spectral density will to be implemented in two phases, before January 1, 2015, soft limit,after January 1, 2015 this soft limit will be converted to a hard limit.

Agenda item 1.10

To review the regulatory procedures and associated technical criteria of Appendix 30B without any action on the allotments, the existing systems or the assignments in the List of Appendix30B;

This relates to the review of Appendix 30B containing the fixed-satellite service Plan which guarantees access to spectrum by all countries to satisfy their fixed-satellite requirements. The procedures and technical specifications for the Plan were established in 1988 and needed to be updated to take into account procedural experience gained in the implementation of the Plan, new technological developments and the requirements of new ITU Member States that came into being since 1988.

Outcome/Results at the WRC-07

The regulatory procedures of Appendix 30B were redrafted in their entirety on the basis of the non-sequential approach that CITEL had adopted as Inter American Proposal (IAP). As such, it was submitted to the CPM2-07 and in conjunction with the CEPT proposal was included as Option 2 in the CPM Report to WRC-07 for consideration by the Conference. Ultimately, the non-sequential approach, or Option 2, was adopted by the Conference as the basis for the revision of appendix 30B. Article 2 on definitions was extensively revised and simplified.

As a result the revised Appendix 30B contains national allotments as specified in 1988, List of assignments of operational systems, and the newly specified additional systems resulting from the implementation of allotments with modifications, or systems designed to provide multinational services whose implementation did not involve the conversion of national allotment(s). Adoption of the class “additional system” is very significant in that it allows the implementation of a system either through the modification of an allotment, or through the utilization of capacity/resources outside that associated with the Plan. In simple terms it adds value to the allotments in the Plan. Article 6 is an entirely new article. It offers one efficient and unified procedure to be followed for the implementation of any fixed-satellite service system intended to operate in the frequency bands of Appendix 30B, it recognizes the sovereign right of a country to determine the inclusion of its own national territories in the service area of a system proposed by another country, it allows time for the proponent of the system (in years) to secure agreement from a country whose territories are included in the intended service of a proposed system. It contains safeguards, for countries that either through lack of knowledge or diligence fail to comply with the procedures in this article, by instructing the Radiocommunication Bureau to remind such countries of the requirement to comply along with the implications in the event of non compliance.

The procedure guaranties interference protection of allotments from intended operational systems and failure to submit to the Radiocommunication Bureau evidence of agreement addressing coordination requirements of a planned system causes frequency assignment notices for such a system to be returned to its proponent with unfavorable findings. This feature is new and it addresses very effectively the requirement for coordination agreements prior to notification/registration of frequency assignments with the ITU.

Article 7 contains the procedures available only by new ITU Member States in order to obtain a national allotment and its inclusion in the allotments Plan of Appendix 30B. The revised article is vastly expanded to include detailed instructions to new Member states and the Radiocomminication Bureau.

The technical annexes in Appendix 30B address issues such as allotment parameter specifications with reference to earth and space segments, revised interference criteria, power flux density limits in the space-to-Earth and earth-to-space directions, criteria determining if an allotment is considered to be affected, methodology for the determination of the overall single-entry and aggregate carrier-to-interference values. In addition resolution [COM5/8] (WRC-07) addresses the implementation of the decisions of WRC-07 relating to Appendix 30B including the treatment of submissions awaiting processing at the Radiocommunication Bureau as of the 17th November 2007. Further, Resolution 49 was revised to include the application of the cost recovery provisions to all the submissions received under Appendix 30B with the exclusion of requests filed by new Member States seeking to obtain their respective national allotment under Article 7 of Appendix 30B.

The results are entirely satisfactory for the reason that the revised Appendix 30B is identical with the CITEL proposals under Agenda item 1.10. The adoption of the non-sequential approach would greatly assist in the reduction of the backlog of Appendix 30B submissions at the Radicommunication Bureau while the adoption of relaxed interference criteria facilitated the difficult work of the Conference to produce a revised Plan and following the Conference it would facilitate the efficient use of the capacity available within the Plan, as well as, the capacity outside the Plan within the frequency bands allocated to Appendix 30B. The revised regulatory and technical environment in the frequency bands of Appendix 30B would greatly facilitate new ITU Member States to obtain their respective national allotment. The flexibility incorporated in the Plan, whereby from the orbit location of an allotment a country may select to implement either the 6/4 GHz band or the 13/10-11 GHz band or only an up-link or a down link frequency band of the Plan in association with a frequency band other than those of Appendix 30B, would satisfy a wide range of space services applications while preventing the devolution of the Appendix 30B Plan into two Plans one in the frequency bands 6/4 GHz bands and another one in the 13/10-11 GHz frequency bands.