Little progress on UHF but 2.7-2.9 GHz is off the table as WRC-15 searches for more mobile spectrum

The Agenda Item that is widely acknowledged to be the most important at WRC-15, the identification of more spectrum to mobile broadband (IMT), is proving to be just as controversial as predicted.

The GSM Association, which is leading the mobile industry’s lobbying at WRC, released a statement yesterday that highlighted the 470 – 694/8 MHz band’s potential for rural mobile broadband deployments and lashed out at the “misinformation” spread by incumbent broadcasters.

Around 20 countries, led by the US, either support identifying the band, or wish to assign the band for IMT themselves, PolicyTracker understands. The question is, what combination of footnotes to the Radio Regulations can reconcile this position with the opposing positions held by the majority of regional groups and administrations.

WRC-15 is alive with speculation about the results of formal and informal discussions on this subject, but there seems to be little firm progress. A spokesperson for the US delegation told PolicyTracker that rather than being the subject of deals, the issue has not yet proceeded past the preliminary discussion stage.

As for the 2.7 – 2.9 GHz band, this is no longer on the agenda as WRC-15 searches for more mobile spectrum. However, the GSM Association emphasised to PolicyTracker that discussions have not yet formally made change in the band impossible. Civilian and military radar systems use the band, although the mobile industry argues they could do so more efficiently. 

The other target frequency areas (L-band and C-band) are subject to negotiations about how much spectrum can be identified in which region.

“We know there is a lot of interest in this agenda item around the world, so we would like to see it continue to be discussed in a constructive manner”, said the US delegation spokesperson.

 Negotiations have to be completed by next Thursday morning.

Toby Youell, PolicyTracker

19/11/2015