Member States of the International Telecommunication Union (ITU)
agreed on revisions to the global treaty governing the use of the radio
frequency spectrum, both on Earth and in space, at the close of the World
Radiocommunication Conference 2023 (WRC-23) today in Dubai, United Arab
Emirates.
The agreement on updates to the Radio Regulations identifies new
spectrum resources to support technological innovation, deepen global
connectivity, increase access to and equitable use of space-based radio
resources, and enhance safety at sea, in the air, and on land.
“WRC-23 puts the world
on a solid path towards a more connected, sustainable, equitable and inclusive
digital future for all," said Doreen Bogdan-Martin, ITU Secretary-General.
“Key regulatory achievements on spectrum for space, science and terrestrial
radio services build on the momentum of ITU's ongoing work to achieve universal
connectivity and sustainable digital transformation."
A total of 151 Member States signed the WRC-23 Final Acts. The
Final Acts constitute a record of the decisions taken at the conference
including both the new and revised provisions of the Radio Regulations,
all Appendices, and the new and revised Resolutions and ITU-R Recommendations
incorporated by reference into the treaty by the conference.
“The agreements
reached at WRC-23 are a testament to the unwavering spirit of cooperation and
compromise among all of our members," said Mario Maniewicz, Director of the ITU
Radiocommunication Bureau. “Navigating
the complexities of spectrum sharing to update the Radio Regulations has helped
us forge a path that provides a stable, predictable regulatory environment
essential for the development of innovative radiocommunication services for
all."
Revisions to ITU's Radio Regulations
Among the decisions, WRC-23 identified spectrum for
International Mobile Telecommunications (IMT), which will be crucial for
expanding broadband connectivity and developing IMT mobile services, also known
as 4G, 5G and, in the future, 6G. That new spectrum includes the 3 300-3 400
megahertz (MHz), 3 600-3 800 MHz, 4 800-4 990 MHz and 6 425-7 125 MHz frequency
bands in various countries and regions.
WRC-23 also identified the 2 GHz and 2.6 GHz bands for using
high-altitude platform stations as IMT base stations (HIBS) and established
regulations for their operations. This technology offers a new platform to
provide mobile broadband with minimal infrastructure using the same frequencies
and devices as IMT mobile networks. HIBS can contribute to bridging the digital
divide in remote and rural areas and maintain connectivity during disasters.
For non-geostationary fixed-satellite service Earth Stations in
Motion (ESIMs), the conference identified new frequencies to deliver high-speed
broadband onboard aircraft, vessels, trains, and vehicles. These satellite
services are also critical following disasters where local communication
infrastructure is damaged or destroyed.
Provisions were included to protect ship and aircraft mobile
service stations located in international airspace and waters from other
stations within national territories.
To support the modernization of the Global Maritime Distress and
Safety System (GMDSS), WRC-23 took regulatory actions including the
implementation of e-navigation systems to enhance distress and safety
communications at sea.
The conference provisionally recognized the BeiDou Satellite
Messaging Service System for GMDSS use, subject to successful completion of
coordination with the existing networks and elimination of interference.
The WRC-23 negotiations were led by conference Chair, H.E. Eng.
Mohammed Al Ramsi from the United Arab Emirates with assistance from six
committee chairs: Basebi Mosinyi (Botswana); Cindy Cook (Canada); Hiroyuki
Atarashi (Japan); Anna Marklund (Sweden); Abdouramane El Hadjar (Cameroon); and
Christian Rissone (France).
The conference, which took place in Dubai from 20 November to 15
December, was hosted by the Telecommunications and Digital Government
Regulatory Authority (TDRA) of the UAE.
“Across the globe, numerous countries, institutions, and
companies eagerly anticipate the outcomes of this conference," said Al
Ramsi, Chair of WRC-23 and Deputy Director-General for the Telecommunication
Sector of TDRA. “We have emerged from this conference with significant results
that contribute to the advancement of numerous radio services, serving the
interests of countries, societies, and humanity at large."
Overall, WRC-23 approved 43 new resolutions, revised 56 existing
ones, and suppressed 33 resolutions.