International Telecommunication Union (ITU) Member States
have approved a major report on the technical, operational, and regulatory
materials for the preparation of the World Radiocommunication Conference 2023 (WRC-23).
The report summarizes and analyses the results of extensive
technical studies conducted by members of the ITU Radiocommunication Sector, as
well as possible solutions to satisfy WRC-23 agenda items. The report was
approved at the conclusion of the 2nd session of the Conference Preparatory
Meeting (CPM23-2) held
from 27 March to 6 April 2023 in Geneva Switzerland.
The ITU Secretary-General, Doreen Bogdan-Martin in her open
speech noted that the global management of radio frequency spectrum and
associated satellite orbits is at the heart of ITU's strategic goals to achieve
universal connectivity and sustainable digital transformation.
“With the uptake of innovative digital services accelerating
worldwide, it is critical that we ensure they are secure, reliable, affordable, and accessible, especially to the 2.7 billion people around the world who
remain offline,” she said.
The CPM Report
represents a major step in the preparations for WRC-23 which will be held in
Dubai, United Arab Emirates from 20 November to 15 December 2023.
Among the key
issues highlighted during the two-week meeting include: identification of additional
frequency bands for the continued development of International Mobile
Telecommunications (IMT), including the use of high-altitude platform stations
as IMT base stations for the universal deployment of wireless networks, improvements
to the international regulatory framework for geostationary orbit (GSO) and
non-geostationary (NGSO) satellites while promoting equitable access for all
countries, use of satellite technologies for broadband services to improve
connectivity, particularly in remote areas, new spectrum to enhance
radiocommunications in the aeronautical mobile service, including by satellite,
and to facilitate the use of the Space Research and Earth exploration-satellite
services for climate monitoring, weather prediction and other scientific
missions, the modernization of the Global Maritime Distress and Safety System
(GMDSS), regulatory framework for the use of earth stations in motion on board
aircraft and ships for communication with geostationary orbit (GSO) and non-geostationary
(NGSO) satellites, and the future of the ultra-high frequency (UHF)
broadcasting band which has implications for television broadcast,
programme-making and special events, as well as public protection and disaster
relief.
Over
1,900 participants from 125 ITU Member States attended CPM23-2. Also in
attendance were representatives from ITU Radiocommunication Sector Members as
well as delegates from various United Nations agencies and international
organizations.
“The
discussions and consensus achieved during CPM23-2 will pave the way to a
successful world radiocommunication conference," said Mario Maniewicz,
Director of the ITU Radiocommunication Bureau. “The outcomes of WRC-23 will
have a tremendous impact on the development of innovative, futuristic
radiocommunication services that enable secure, faster, and seamless global
communications for all."
“I
am delighted that we have finalized this significant milestone in the
preparations for WRC-23 despite the challenges posed by the COVID-19 pandemic
from the start of the preparatory process," said Cindy-Lee Cook,
Chairperson of the Conference Preparatory Meeting for WRC-23.
“During
the four-year study period, we experienced first-hand how essential digital
connectivity is. This highlights the importance of the work we do to find new
and innovative ways to provide broadband connectivity using terrestrial and
space-based communication technologies."
World radiocommunication conferences, held every three to
four years, review and revise the ITU Radio Regulations,
the international treaty governing the use of the radio-frequency spectrum,
including satellite orbits.
WRC-23 will be preceded by the Radiocommunication Assembly (RA-23) from 13 -17 November 2023. The RA is responsible for
the structure, programme, and approval of radiocommunication studies.
