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Countdown to WRC-19: satellite services

Mar 15, 2018 | Spectrum Research Service Blog

This Research Note focusses on satellite agenda items in WRC-19, principally the removal of a restriction on broadcasting-satellite services and improving spectrum access for movable earth stations and non-geostationary satellites. The USA, Canada and the Asian and European regional groupings support the removal of some of broadcasting-satellite service limitations but African and Arab groups are concerned about interference. The agenda item relating to Satellite Earth Stations in Motion would allow their use in Ka-bands currently used by the fixed-satellite service allocations. Here the uplink band (27.5 – 29.5 GHz) is controversial because some countries like the US want to use this for 5G while European Administrations want access for ESIMs. Regarding non-geostationary satellites, the Agenda item concerns three ranges in V-Band used by fixed-satellite services. Read the full Research Note here.

Research Notes

Countdown to WRC-19: Part 1 – agenda, processes and timelines

November 2017 marked the half-way point between WRC-15 and WRC-19, the regular inter-governmental meeting tasked with amending the Radio Regulations. In a series of Research Notes, we take stock of global preparations for the meeting.

Countdown to WRC-19: Part 2 – HAPS and non-5G mobile

This Research Note looks at agenda items contained in Chapters 1 and 2 of the Conference Preparatory Meeting (CPM) Report, principally new spectrum for High Altitude Platforms (HAPS); the identification of frequencies for some transport applications; extending the 5GHz Wi-Fi band; and terrestrial and satellite coexistence around 2 GHz.

Countdown to WRC-19 Report: Part 3 – satellite services

This research note looks at the satellite agenda items in Chapter 3 of the CPM Report, focussing on the removal of a restriction on broadcasting-satellite services and improving spectrum access for movable earth stations and non-geostationary satellites.

Countdown to WRC-19 Report: Part 4 – scientific and other issues

This note looks at agenda items contained under Chapters 4, 5, and 6 of the Conference Preparatory Meeting (CPM) report, focussing on additional spectrum for the control and tracking of satellites; protecting data uplinks from ocean buoys and weather stations; accommodating the new Global Maritime Distress Safety Systems; and making an amateur service allocation

Countdown to WRC-19: Part 5 – mmWave spectrum for 5G

The outcome of Agenda Item 1.13 will be the most important factor for most national regulators in deciding which frequencies to make available for mmWave 5G services. Unsurprisingly, it is the most hotly discussed agenda item and is the topic for this Research Note.

Auction Tracker updates

UK 2.3 GHz, and 3.4 GHz bands

France 3.5 GHz

France 2.6 GHz

Spain 3.4 to 3.8 GHz

Japan 1.7 GHz and 3.4 Ghz

News articles

ITU-R may move to milestone approach for satellite filing for NGSOs

Non-geostationary orbit satellite constellations are creating challenges for traditional regulatory processes. A consensus is emerging during preparations for WRC-19 that a milestone process should be established for the bringing into use (BIU) of some of the larger non-geostationary orbit (NGSO) satellite constellations.

Will South African spectrum policy change under a new administration?

Newly elected South African President Cyril Ramaphosa has said his government intends to move forward on spectrum assignment. It’s not clear yet whether that includes finalising the controversial wireless open access network.

High spectrum prices make mobile services more expensive in Latin America, GSMA claims

The relatively high price of mobile services in Latin America is at least partly due to the region’s regulators’ tendency to squeeze the sector for revenues, according to a new report published by mobile industry association the GSMA.

Europe leads in 3.5 GHz assignments with patchy progress in other regions

Regulators are taking different approaches to the current occupiers of the band but demand for existing 3.5 GHz services is continuing in many countries. 3.5 GHz is expected to be one of the first frequencies where 5G is deployed and has already been identified as a “pioneer band” for the technology in Europe.

US legislators agree to allow the FCC to make spectrum available again

The passage of RAY BAUM’s Act (H.R. 4986) follows bipartisan bicameral agreement on spectrum-related legislation. Leaders from both US political parties in both chambers of Congress have agreed on wide-ranging legislation on spectrum.