[November 27, 2015] |
|
World Radiocommunication Conference 2015 Decides Satellite Spectrum is Central to Future Vision for Global Connectivity
The world's governments resoundingly affirmed a clear vision
for the importance of many vital and irreplaceable services provided
today over satellite. They also agreed on a clear framework for
future access to satellite spectrum for innovative satellite
communications. This was accomplished by agreeing to preserve and create
new additional valuable spectrum for fixed and mobile solutions used to
support a multitude of video, television and data services, to expand
Internet access, and to bridge the "Digital Divide" for billions of
people around the world.
This Smart News Release features multimedia. View the full release here:
http://www.businesswire.com/news/home/20151127005269/en/
The inter-governmental decisions in support of satellite
spectrum were made during the conclusion of the International
Telecommunication Union's (ITU's) World Radiocommunication Conference
(WRC), where the agreements reached by national
administrations reflected a comprehensive strategy in which the unique
value proposition of satellite-based connectivity is an integral part
of a portfolio of synergistic technologies.
"WRC-15 has been a turning point in the global recognition of the value
of satellite services for the future. We commend the national
administrations - and the WRC Chairman, Mr. Festus Daudu - for their
commitment to connectivity for all," said a joint statement of a
coalition of associations representing the satellite industry. "These
decisions provide the stability necessary for the entire satellite
industry to fully leverage its strengths in support of the vision
expressed by the WRC delegates."
Among the key decisions made during WRC are the following:
L-band: WRC-15 avoided identification of the L-band spectrum,
which is used by mobile satellite service operators around the world,
for IMT. The Conference identified the band 1427-1518 MHz for IMT,
requesting the ITU-R to determine the technical measures to
ensure compatibility with the mobile-satellite service opertions in the
adjacent band (1518-1559 MHz).
C-band: WRC-15 reconfirmed the need to protect critical
fixed-satellite service (FSS) services throughout the world in this
unique band. The lower 200 MHz of the C-band downlink
frequencies (3400-3600 MHz) were identified for IMT in ITU Regions 1 and
2; In Region 3 a handful of countries will sign a footnote allowing
potential IMT use of these 200 MHz, while the vast majority of the
region will continue satellite use of this band with no change. A
position of "No Change" was adopted in the band 3600-4200 MHz, and
only in Region 2 was a footnote agreed which identified IMT for a few
countries in the 3600-3700 MHz band. A "No Change" decision means that
administrations have recognised the vital and widespread use of those
frequency bands by satellite services. Anywhere that IMT is deployed, it
will be subject to adherence to strict protection requirements with
neighbouring countries. In addition, the Conference declined to consider
a proposal for IMT systems in the C-band uplink frequencies (5925-6425
MHz).
Ku-band: In order to address a spectrum imbalance in Ku-band
spectrum, WRC-15 identified additional spectrum for FSS systems between
10-17 GHz. A downlink allocation in the 13.4-13.65 GHz band in Region 1
(EMEA) was approved by the Conference. In addition, an allocation in the
14.5-14.8 GHz was approved in several countries around the world.
Future bands for 5G: The Conference decided that no
globally harmonised bands for the fixed satellite service,
mobile-satellite service and broadcast-satellite service in C, Ku or Ka
band would be included in the scope of a new WRC-19 agenda item, which
aims to identify new frequency bands for future IMT/ 5G use. Throughout
the deliberations, multiple administrations in every world region
expressed strong opposition to studying the Ka band for IMT/5G, again
confirming the Conference's confidence in satellite being a key player
in the future digital eco-system.
ESIMs: The Conference adopted new regulations to facilitate the
operation of "Earth Stations in Motion" (ESIMs) in part of the Ka-band
satellite spectrum (19.7-20.2 GHz and 29.5-30 GHz). ESIMs operating in
this band provide satellite broadband connectivity to mobile terminals,
such as on ships and aircraft. The new regulations adopted by WRC-15
will facilitate the global roaming of such terminals, while protecting
other services and applications from interference.
Other: WRC-15 adopted several agenda items for future conferences
that will spur growth in the satellite industry. Studies were approved
for WRC-19 for additional FSS spectrum in 51.4-52.4 GHz. In addition,
the conference adopted a future agenda item for WRC-23 for additional
satellite spectrum in the 37.5-39.5 GHz. Also, in a hotly contested
debate, the Conference adopted a Resolution which sets the path towards
allowing the use of FSS links for Unmanned Aerial Systems (UAS).
Editor's Note:
This press release has been prepared by the Asia Pacific Satellite
Communications Council (APSCC), Cable and Satellite Broadcasting
Association of Asia (CASBAA), EMEA Satellite Operators' Association
(ESOA), Global VSAT Forum (GVF (News - Alert)), Interference Reduction Group (IRG),
Satellite Industry Association (SIA), Society of Satellite Professionals
International (SSPI), World Teleport Association (WTA), and other
international associations of the satellite industry.
For More Information Visit: www.satellite-spectrum-initiative.com
View source version on businesswire.com: http://www.businesswire.com/news/home/20151127005269/en/
[ Back To Mobile World Congress's Homepage ]
|