Could WRC-23 surface divisions among vendors?

The most high-profile agenda item at WRC-19 was undoubtedly the identification of mmWave bands for IMTInternational Mobile Telecommunications (I.... While vendors had different emphases, there was in general broad support in the mobile industry for as many IMT identifications as possible, and preferably with few constraints.

WRC-23The World Radiocommunication Conference (W..., however, may be a little different. While vendors will likely all promote more IMT identifications and mobile allocations in the 3.3 – 3.8 GHz range, their positions on the 6425 – 7125 MHz are polarized. Some will support an IMT identification in the hope it encourages countries to auction the band for mobile, while others will oppose it for the same reason: they would prefer countries make it available for unlicensed spectrum access for Wi-Fi.

WRC-19 resolved a similar conflict for the 66 – 71 GHz band without major controversies by identifying it for IMT but with language emphasising technology neutrality. Time will tell if vendors come around to a similar solution.

Our profiles of vendors, and other spectrum actors, have been fully updated to take into account these and other issues arising out of WRC-19.

The full overview is available as part of our Spectrum Research Service.