Satellite Spectrum Allocations and New Radio Regulations from WRC-15: Defending the Present and Provisioning the Future

Abstract

Abstract The International Telecommunication Union (ITU) convenes World Radiocommunication Conferences (WRC) for the purpose of concluding a treaty on emergent issues related to the operation of radio-based systems. This effort includes allocation of radiofrequency spectrum and procedures for accessing the orbit for satellites and results in amendments to the international Radio Regulations. The 2015 World Radiocommunication Conference (WRC-15) took place on November 2鈥27 in Geneva, Switzerland, with an agenda that included some forty topics. One of the key themes of WRC-15 was competition to access scarce radio spectrum resources, while also finding a way to enable introduction of innovative new services and technologies. WRC-15 featured the latest campaign in the ongoing confrontation between the mobile telephony/broadband industry and the satellite industry over spectrum resources. The objective was to grant access to premium regional and global spectrum allocations to enable extension of desired terrestrial services without harming established satellite services providing lifeline connectivity and other important connections. However, this spectrum duel did not end up being the defining issue of WRC-15 as there were so many fractious issues that deeply divided the proceedings. But, in the end, the conference found a way forward on every issue and approved plans for its next proceedings in 2019 and 2023. As described in this chapter, the satellite industry, led by major industry players and fueled by aspiring newcomers, not only defended its essential spectrum resources but accomplished key regulatory improvements to pave the way for future innovation 鈥 including new spectrum access, lifting constraints on mobile applications by satellite, and preparing the way for newly announced non-geostationary satellite systems. WRC-15 was thus a banner conference for the satellite industry.