Preparatory meeting finalizes Report to 2015 World
Radiocommunication Conference
Access to spectrum and orbital resources high on the agenda
Geneva, 2 April 2015 – A variety of spectrum-related matters dealing with the future development of radiocommunications, enabling convergence and coordination of all radio services, were addressed by the Second Session of the Conference Preparatory Meeting (CPM15-2) for the World Radiocommunication Conference 2015 (WRC-15). CPM15-2, which met for almost two weeks, concluded today with the adoption of the Report to WRC-15, focusing on technical, operational and regulatory materials to be considered by ITU Member States in developing their proposals to the Conference.
More than 1250 participants from 105 ITU Member States attended the meeting.
World Radiocommunication Conferences are mandated to review and revise the Radio Regulations, the international treaty governing the use of radio-frequency spectrum and satellite orbit resources. WRC-15 decisions will ensure that these resources will be used in best possible way and in the best interest of all end users, with global implications for both policy-makers and the industry.
WRC-15 will be held in Geneva, 2-27 November 2015.
CPM15-2 reached consensus on the way to address many of the topics on the WRC-15 Agenda, for instance, with the implementation of wireless avionics intra-communications, the use of digital technologies for a more efficient usage of existing frequencies for on-board communications and critical functions of ships in restricted waters or the sustainable availability of the 5 GHz band for feeder-links to non-geostationary orbital (GSO) systems in the mobile-satellite service.
CPM15-2 also addressed many other complex and controversial issues related to terrestrial and space radiocommunication services – from narrowband systems for maritime and aeronautical mobile communications and navigation to broadband wireless access systems – as well as the future use of a wide range of frequency bands allocated by the Radio Regulations. For these issues, agreement was reached on the description of the various possible options to be considered by WRC-15.
Chairman of CPM-15 Aboubakar Zourmba said, “Thanks to the excellent spirit of cooperation and coordination of activities by all during the last two weeks, we have been able to approve by consensus the CPM Report to WRC-15.”
ITU Secretary-General Houlin Zhao expressed his satisfaction at the consensus reached in finalizing a consolidated Report to WRC-15. “The global management of the radio-frequency spectrum and satellite orbits is essential to extend the reach of information and communication technologies to all corners of the world,” Mr Zhao said. “The consensus reached on the Report to WRC-15 prepared by CPM15-2 over the last two weeks indicates the importance attached to the process by ITU’s membership.”
Mr François Rancy, Director of ITU’s Radiocommunication Bureau said, “The outcome of this meeting represents a major step in the preparations for WRC-15, the landmark event for the advancement of radiocommunications that will take place in November this year. Considerable progress has been made towards a successful outcome at the forthcoming WRC-15 concerning, in particular, broadband access, satellite systems and monitoring climate change.”
About ITU
ITU is the leading United Nations agency for information and communication technologies, driving innovation in ICTs together with 193 Member States and a membership of over 700 private sector entities and academic institutions. Established in 1865, ITU celebrates its 150th anniversary in 2015 as the intergovernmental body responsible for coordinating the shared global use of the radio spectrum, promoting international cooperation in assigning satellite orbits, improving communication infrastructure in the developing world, and establishing the worldwide standards that foster seamless interconnection of a vast range of communications systems. From broadband networks to cutting-edge wireless technologies, aeronautical and maritime navigation, radio astronomy, oceanographic and satellite-based earth monitoring as well as converging fixed-mobile phone, Internet and broadcasting technologies, ITU is committed to connecting the world.
