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WRC-27 dossier now complete

The research note that completes the dossier explores the evolving policy landscape, captures the most recent regional viewpoints and controversies, and assesses the implications for the future of scientific spectrum access at WRC-27.

| Jonathan Watson

Agenda Items 1.15 to 1.19 at WRC-27 address some of the most pressing issues for the scientific community:

  • Agenda Item 1.15: Frequency matters regarding possible new or modified allocations for the Space Research Service (space-to-space), relevant to deep space and lunar communications.
  • Agenda Item 1.16: Technical and regulatory provisions necessary to protect radio astronomy operating in specific Radio Quiet Zones and in frequency bands allocated to the radio astronomy service.
  • Agenda Item 1.17: Protection of space weather sensors in certain frequency bands.
  • Agenda Item 1.18: Possible regulatory measures to protect the Earth Exploration-Satellite Service (EESS, passive) and the Radio Astronomy Service (RAS) in frequency bands above 76 GHz from unwanted emissions by active services.
  • Agenda Item 1.19: Possible new primary allocations for the EESS (passive) in the frequency bands 4 200–4 400 MHz and 8 400–8 500 MHz in all regions, without protection from existing services.

International science bodies (WMO, ICSU, COSPAR), major space and meteorological agencies, and regional groups, including CEPT, CITEL, APT, ATU, and RCC, are actively shaping the debate. Their positions reflect a consensus for technical studies and enhanced protection, but there are also significant challenges regarding co-existence with incumbent users, particularly in aviation and commercial wireless communications.

The dossier already included a note on fixed, mobile and radiolocation services, an overview of the WRC-27 agenda items, and notes on regional positions for fixed-satellite and broadcasting services and mobile satellite services.

The dossier also includes a pair of “classic” PolicyTracker articles that examine the case for and against fundamentally changing the WRC process.

The WRC-27 dossier is now available to PolicyTracker Spectrum Research Service subscribers.

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