1
ACP-WGW01/IP-xx/
International Civil Aviation Organization
WORKING PAPER / ACP-WGF20/WP-12
11/03/09
AERONAUTICAL COMMUNICATIONS PANEL (ACP)
20TH MEETING OF WORKING GROUP F
Montreal, Canada 24 March – 3 April 2009
Agenda Item 3: / Review and update of ICAO spectrum Policy StatementsHandbook on Radio Spectrum Requirements for Civil Aviation
Proposed Changes to Policy Statements
(Presented by John Mettrop)
SUMMARYThis paper presents proposed amendments to the ICAO Policy Statements contained in the Handbook on Radio Spectrum Requirements for Civil Aviation.
ACTION
To take into account these proposed amendments when updating the ICAO policy statements.
1.INTRODUCTION
1.1The Handbook on Radio Frequency Spectrum Requirements for Civil Aviation was developed to provide a consolidated statement of agreed requirements, ICAO Policies in frequency bands used by international civil aviation and the related ITU regulations, resolutions and recommendations.
1.2In order to maintain the value of the document it is essential that the content is regularly reviewed. The WRC cycle provides a suitable timeframe for such reviews and where necessary updates. Given that the ICAO position to the 2011 World Radiocommunications Conference is reaching maturity and forms part of the Handbook, ICAO have sought a review of the policy statements.
2.discussion
2.1In line with the ICAO desire to review the policy statements contained in the Handbook on Radio Frequency Spectrum Requirements for Civil Aviation I have reviewed it’s content and suggests that the policy statements be updated in accordance with the following proposals. It should be noted that an associated paper provides comment on the overall structure and content of the Handbook.
90-110 kHz
Proposed Action
Delete
ICAO POLICY•Retain the allocation to the radionavigation service and Footnote 5.62.
•Support deletion of the fixed service and Footnote 5.64 as envisaged in Resolution 706.
Rationale
To my knowledge the Loran C systems is no longer used by aircraft for navigational purposes. If the system is no longer used by aircraft then there is no need for ICAO to continue supporting a system that is not used.
130-535 kHz
Proposed Action
Modify the policy as shown.
ICAO POLICY•Until at least 2020, the current allocations to the aeronautical radionavigation service for use by non-directional radio beacons (NDBs) need to be safeguarded.
•National requirements may need to extend this period.
•No change to 5.70, 5.80 and 5.86.
•AsIn regionsimplement where the global navigation satellite system (GNSS) the use of is implemented and NDBs should be phased out and the spectrum released. assignments are withdrawn from international and national usage, aviation requirements for spectrum in these bands may be reduced
- Until NDBs have been phased out the current allocations to the aeronautical radionavigation service should be safeguarded
Rationale
As GNSS systems are approved for use in the navigation of aircraft through controlled airspace as well as for use in uncontrolled airspace the number of NDBs has been steadily reduced. This shift in reliance on NDB’s should be encouraged as it will eventually allow aircraft operators to remove ADF equipment from their aircraft thus reducing weight, running costs and fuel burn. However until NDB’s have been removed the relevant allocations need to be protected.
2850 – 22000 kHz
Proposed Change
Modify the policy as shown.
ICAO POLICY•Retain the current allocations in the HF bands to the aeronautical mobile (route) service (AM(R)S) bands for the foreseeable future for HF voice and data.
•Investigate possibilities for expansion into aeronautical mobile (off-route) service (AM(OR)S) bands or other bands.
•Support measures facilitating the introduction of HF data links in conformity with ICAO SARPs. Provisional estimates of a further expansion of 30 kHz in the bands above 5 MHz for this use have been stated.
•Protect the use of the aeronautical HF bands in accordance with the provisions of Appendix 27. The introduction of non-aeronautical services in these bands cannot be accepted.
•No change to Footnotes 5.111 and 5.115.
•Support the measures and participate in the technical studies addressed in Resolution 207 (Rev. WRC-2000) concerning the unauthorized use of and interference to frequencies in the bands allocated to the AM(R)S.
•Consider technical solutions which can be implemented efficiently without changes to aircraft equipment or disruption of aeronautical services.
Rationale
No proposals have been made to seek a WRC agenda item to investigate the possibility of expanding the use of AM(R)S into bands currently allocated to AM(OR)S. The use of HF voice services have been reducing as the use of satellite communications has expanded. Therefore there is no justification for maintaining the bullet with respect to investigating the expansion into the AM(OR)S bands.
With respect to the text with respect to provisional estimates, this text should either be deleted as proposed or if those estimates have been finalised then the correct figure should be quoted.
In the 4th bullet the text with respect to the introduction of non-aeronautical services is redundant. The issue is to ensure that the aeronautical services are protected, if another service could share without compromising the protection of the HF services then this should be acceptable.
The final bullet makes no sense and therefore should be redrafted or as proposed deleted.
74.8-75.2 MHz
Proposed Action
No change to this policy statement although with the gradual phasing out of marker beacons consideration should be given to whether this allocation can be released in the future or whether a new system consistent with a global aeronautical CNS strategy should be implemented in the band.
ICAO POLICY•No change to the current allocations.
•No change to Footnote 5.180.
•Deletion of Footnote 5.181.
Rationale
Marker beacons are gradually being phased out. Consideration should be given to whether there is a continuing need for marker beacons and if not whether the allocation can be released or whether it will be required for a future navigation system that is consistent with a global strategy for future CNS requirements.
108-117.975 MHz
Proposed Action
Modify the policy as shown.
ICAO POLICY•No change to the current allocations to the ARNS and AM(R)S aeronautical radionavigation service.
•Deletion of Footnote 5.197.
•Ensure conformity with ITU-R Recommendation SM.1009 regarding compatibility with FM broadcast services in the band 87.5–108 MHz.
- To actively participate in studies associate with Resolution 413 in order to facilitate the use of the frequency band by AM(R)S systems that are in accordance with recognized international standards.
Rationale
The frequency band is now allocated to both ARNS and AM(R)S and hence the change to the first bullet point is a consequential change.
In the changes made at WRC-07 to the AM(R)S allocation, it was noted that a number of additional studies would be required and these are called out in Resolution 413. Since the AM(R)S allocation cannot be used until the studies have been completed the additional bullet is added.
117.975 – 137 MHz
Proposed Action
Modify the policy as shown.
ICAO POLICY•No change to the allocations to the aeronautical mobile (route) service in this band.
•No changes to Footnotes 5.199 and 5.200.
•No changes to the provisions relating to the use of the emergency channels 121.5 and 123.1 MHz.
•Delete Footnote 5.198.
•Delete Footnotes 5.203, 5.203A and 5.203B.
•Promote measures for the deletion of Footnotes 5.201 and 5.202.
Rationale
The deletions reflect the changes in the Radio Regulations made at the last WRC where footnotes 5.198, 5.199, 5.203, 5.203A and 5.203B.
121.5 MHz, 123.1 MHz and 243 MHz
Proposed Action
No change
ICAO POLICYNo change to the provisions in Chapter VII and Appendix 13 relating to the use of 121.5 MHz, 123.1 MHz and 243 MHz.
Rationale
Chapter VII and Appendix 13 continue to provide suitable provisions to support and protect the operational use of these frequency
328.6 – 335.4 MHz
Proposed Action
No change
ICAO POLICY•No change to current allocation to the aeronautical radionavigation service.
•No change to Footnote 5.258.
•Deletion of Footnote 5.259.
Rationale
There has been no change to the Radio Regulations with respect to this band, nor to the systems operating in this band and hence there is no need for a change in the policy.
406-406.1 MHz
Proposed Action
No change
ICAO POLICY- No change to the allocation to the band 406–406.1 MHz and Footnotes Nos. 5.266 and 5.267.
- No change to the provisions of RR Appendix 13 relating to the use of the band 406–406.1 MHz.
- Secure protection of emergency locator transmitters (ELT) which are used in aviation in this frequency band.
Rationale
There has been no change to the Radio Regulations with respect to this band, nor to the systems operating in this band and hence there is no need for a change in the policy.
960 - 1215 MHz
Proposed Action
Modify the policy as shown. Although I would question the continued need for footnote 5.328 given the introduction of an AM(R)S allocation
ICAO POLICY•No change to the current allocation to the aeronautical radionavigation service in the band 960–1215 MHz.
•No change to Footnotes 5.327A, 5.328 and 5.328A.
•Support agreement on any additional regulatory measures in ITU Resolutions and ITU-R Recommendations, which promote the protection of DME.
•To actively participate in studies associate with Resolution 417 in order to facilitate the use of the frequency band by AM(R)S systems that are in accordance with recognized international aeronautical standards
Rationale
At WRC-07 an allocation to the AM(R)S was introduced subject to the provisions of Resolution 417 which require that studies are completed between AM(R)S and relevant ARNS/RNSS systems before operational AM(R)S systems are deployed. Therefore aviation needs to actively support these studies and resolve the issue.
Footnote 5.327A added at WRC-07 provides provisions that ensure any AM(R)S systems introduced has to be in accordance with international aeronautical standards which should ensure that only ICAO standardised systems are used.
The environment that required the final bullet have changed and hence this bullet can be deleted or else it should be added to all policy statements related to the various aeronautical Radio Regulation allocations.
1215 – 1400 MHz
Proposed Action
Modify the policy as shown.
ICAO POLICY•No change to the allocation to the radionavigation service in Footnotes 5.331 and 5.334.
•No change to Footnote 5.332.
•No change to the provisions of Footnotes 5.329 and 5.337A for protection of radar stations from the radio- navigation-satellite service
•Support further ITU-R studies related to the protection of radiodetermination service systems operating in the 1215–1300 MHz band.
Rationale
Similar statements could be made about every bands in which aeronautical systems operate and should be taken as a given and does not need to be explicitly stated.
1525–1559 MHz and 1626.5–1660.5 MHz
Proposed Action
Modify the policy as shown
ICAO POLICY•Support the establishment of adequate technical and regulatory procedures to:
1.guarantee the availability of spectrum in these bands for aeronautical communications as required; and
2.ensure that aeronautical communications in categories 1 to 6 of Article 44 are given priority and immediate access at all times.
•If acceptable procedures cannot be established, recover the exclusive allocation of the bands 1545–1555 MHz and 1646.5–1656.5 MHz to the AMS(R)S.
•Retain Footnotes 5.357, 5.357A, 5.362A and 5.376.
•No change to Footnote 5.357A and Resolution 222 (WRC-2000) pending the result of studies under Resolution 222 on the feasibility and practicality of prioritization and real-time pre-emptive access between different networks.
•Monitor and review experimental and trial applications of generic-type operations with the objective of assessing their suitability for aeronautical safety services.
•Support the studies in ITU-R Study Group 8 on the sharing between fixed services and AMS(R)S in the bands 1545–1555 MHz and 1646.5–1656.5 MHz (Footnotes 5.355 and 5.359 refer) with a view to deleting the use of the bands by the fixed service
•Deletion of footnotes 5.355 and 5.359.
•Support the studies in ITU-R Study Group 48with respect to Resolution 222on the provision of distress and safety satellite services in the 1.5 MHz and 1.6 MHz mobile-satellite bands.
Rationale
Studies with respect to the use of the 1.5 &1.6 GHz bands by AMS(R)S are defined in Resolution 222 which was modified at WRC-07 and therefore there is no need to explicitly call out the action but merely refer to the Resolution.
With respect to the use of the bands by the fixed service under footnotes 5.355 and 5.359 I am unaware of any on-going studies and hence the proposed deletion of the relevant bullet however it would be preferable if their was no allocation to the fixed service in these bands and hence the addition of the bullet recommending the deletion of footnotes 5.355 and 5.359
1559 – 1626.5 MHz
Proposed Action
Modify the policy as shown.
ICAO POLICY•No change to the allocation to the radionavigation-satellite service in the band 1559–1610 MHz.
•1559–1610 MHz: No change to the use of this band for future GNSS elements, including GLONASS and GPS which must be protected.
•No new allocations to be made in the band 1559–1610 MHz.
•No change to Footnotes 5.364, 5.365, 5.366, 5.367 and 5.368.
•Delete Footnotes 5.362B and 5.362C from these bands on the grounds that the allocation to the fixed service is not compatible with the safe operation of ICAO GNSS services.
•Delete Footnotes 5.363 and 5.371.
•Support studies in ITU-R which ensure continued operation and protection of ICAO GNSS.
Rationale
Footnote 5.363 was suppressed at WRC-07 and hence can be removed from the policy statement.
Similar to previous proposals for removal of bullets that refer to support generic studies this does not need to be explicitly stated for each band but consideration could be given to a generic statement.
2700 – 3300 MHz
Proposed Action
Modify the policy as shown.
ICAO POLICY•No change to the frequency allocations to the aeronautical radionavigation service in these bands.
•No change to Footnotes 5.423, 5.424A, 5.426 and 5.427.
•Oppose any allocation that would endanger the operation of radar services.
•Insist that any sharing studies carried out encompass the total technical and operational aspects of radar use, including possible derogation of the safety case for this usage.
•Oppose any proposal that places undue or unreasonable economic penalty on radar systems presently in use.
•Support an upgrading of the radiolocation service to a primary status on a non-interference basis.
Rationale
Deletion of the final bullet reflects the results of WRC-03 where an allocation to the Radiolocation service was added as well as footnote 5.424A to give priority to Radionavigation
Similar to previous proposals for removal of bullets that refer to support generic studies and protection this does not need to be explicitly stated for each band but consideration could be given to a generic statement.
4200 – 4400 MHz
Proposed Action
No change.
ICAO POLICY•No change to the allocation to the radionavigation service in the light of the continuing requirement for radio altimeters to operate in this band and of the results of ITU-R studies indicating that 200 MHz is required to meet the stringent operational requirements for accuracy and integrity for radio altimeters.
•No change to 5.438 which could constrain the operation of radio altimeters.
•Delete 5.439.
Rationale
The situation within the band has not changed and hence there is no need to change the position
5000 – 5250 MHz
Proposed Action
Modify the policy as shown.
ICAO POLICY•No change to footnotes 5.367, 5.444, and 5.444A and 5.444B.
•Apply the methodology contained in ITU-R Recommendation S.1342 on the coordination of MLS with FSS earth stations in the band 5091–5150 MHz.
•Monitor development of future aeronautical systems that could be deployed in the band 5 000–5 250 MHz, with a view to supporting appropriate proposals to WRC-07.
•Delete the allocation to the aeronautical mobile-satellite (R) service in Footnote 5.367 from the band 5000–5150 MHz.
To support the studies called for by Resolution 420 in order that they can be completed by WRC-11
Rationale
An allocation to the AM(R)S was introduced in the frequency band 5091-5150 MHz at WRC-07 and the proposed change to bullet 1 & 3.
Footnote 5.367 allocates the band 5000-5150 MHz to the AMS(R)S which may be required to meet the needs of UAS and hence the proposal to delete the bullet point calling for the deletion of this footnote.
Resolution 420 calls for studies with respect to the need for an AM(R)S allocation in the frequency bands between 5000-5030 MHz.
5350 – 5470 MHz
Proposed Action
No change
ICAO POLICY•No change to footnotes 5.448B, 5.448C and 5.448D.
•These bands are used extensively, particularly for airborne weather radar, and are needed for the foreseeable future. No changes should be made which would restrict this aeronautical use.
Rationale
The situation within the band has not changed and hence there is no need to change the position.
8750 – 8850 MHz
Proposed Action
No change.
ICAO POLICY•No change since the requirement is a continuing one.
•No change to Footnote 5.470.
Rationale
The situation within the band has not changed and hence there is no need to change the position.
9000 – 9500 MHz
Proposed Action
Modify the policy as shown.
ICAO POLICY•No changes to the allocations that can adversely affect aviation use.
•No change to Footnotes 5.337, 5.427, 5.473A, 5.474, 5.475, 5.475A, 5.475B and .5.476A
Rationale
At WRC-07 the radiolocation service was upgraded to primary status in the frequency bands 9000-9200 MHz and 9300-9500 MHz with footnotes 5.473A and 5.475B added to protect the primacy of the radionavigation services and hence these footnotes need to be retained.
WRC-07 also introduced an allocation to the earth exploration satellite in the frequency band 9300-9500 MHz and footnotes 5.475A and 5.476A were introduced to protect the primacy of the radionavigation service and hence these footnotes need to be retained.
13.25 – 13.4 GHz
Proposed Action
No change
ICAO POLICY•No change to the allocations as there is a continuing aeronautical requirement for this band.
•No change to 5.497.
Rationale
The situation within the band has not changed and hence there is no need to change the position.
15.4 – 15.7 GHz
Proposed Action
Modify the policy as shown.
ICAO POLICY•No change to the allocation to the aeronautical radionavigation service. This band is the preferred band for ASDE radar, and extensive use is expected as airport congestion increases and saturation occurs at many major airports at high-density locations in the future. This band must be protected for present and future use by ASDE radar.
•Systems using radar measurement of height and distance also use this band and are expected to be installed on smaller aircraft and helicopters for safe landing at secondary landing areas. These systems also require protection and the capability for ongoing use.
•The addition of the fixed-satellite service as a primary allocation must not prejudice these important aviation applications (ITU-R Recommendations S.1340 and S.1341 refer). Account also needs to be taken of other expected developments in technological aeronautical applications to which this band is particularly suited.
•No change to Footnotes 5.511A, 5.511C and 5.511D which would introduce further restrictions to aeronautical use of this band.
Rationale