Beyond WRC-23: Asia-Pacific prepares for next-generation mobile

By Kyu-Jin Wee, Chair APG-23, Asia-Pacific Telecommunity

The results of the latest World Radiocommunication Conference (WRC‑23) and the agenda for the next one (WRC‑27) have put the Asia-Pacific region in good stead for developing radio spectrum use for many services.

Member States of the International Telecommunication Union (ITU) agreed at WRC‑23 to further encourage the development of future mobile systems and services some of which were proposed by countries in the Asia Pacific.

Encouraging research and development for IMT

The conference identified various regional and global spectrum bands for International Mobile Telecommunications (IMT). Although IMT was not granted radio-spectrum identification in the Asia-Pacific region, regulatory specifications for the use of IMT systems in other regions will nevertheless assist in implementing IMT.

While some frequency bands were not identified for certain Asia-Pacific countries, many countries in the region are likely to implement IMT systems according to the technical conditions that were decided at WRC‑23. This will encourage continued technical research and development for IMT systems, bringing benefits to users and the community.

In addition, WRC‑23 decided usage specifications for Radio LAN – meaning local area networks (LAN) using radio instead of wires – in the Radio Regulations treaty, with the prime example of such networks being Wi-Fi. The decision aims to enable each Asia-Pacific country to select systems aligned with its own domestic needs and spectrum policy.

HIBS − HAPS as IMT base stations

Another hot topic at WRC-23 was HIBS – referring the use of high-altitude platform stations (HAPS) as base stations for IMT. Following advocacy by the Asia-Pacific Telecommunity (APT), this issue was put on the agenda for future discussions. Technical and regulatory conditions for HAPS base stations could make HIBS commercially available in some Asia-Pacific countries by 2025.

HIBS is expected to become a useful tool for the cost-effective expansion of IMT coverage, particularly in sparsely-populated areas such as the many islands and mountainous areas that are typical of the Asia-Pacific region.

Wireless broadband

The Radiocommunication Assembly that preceded WRC-23 strengthened the basis for studies on the use of IMT technology for fixed wireless broadband, not just at the level of the global ITU Radiocommunication Sector (ITU-R), but also by manufacturers and service operators in this region.

Global Maritime Distress and Safety System

The provisional decision to introduce new geostationary satellite networks into the Global Maritime Distress and Safety System (GMDSS) was also an important outcome of WRC-23. This will facilitate coordination with other satellite networks and give an opportunity for new geostationary networks to provide global maritime distress and safety services.

An existing Radio Regulations provision (No. 5.461) was revised, and a new provision developed, to protect mobile satellite service (MSS) based on geostationary satellite orbit (GSO) from non-GSO satellite systems in the frequency bands 7250‑7375 megahertz (MHz), 7900‑8025 MHz, 20.2‑21.2 gigahertz (GHz) and 30‑31 GHz. The updated provisions apply the concept of “no interference and no protection” (Radio Regulation No. 22.2) to GSO MSS networks against non-GSO satellite systems in these frequency bands. Many Asia-Pacific countries expect to continue operating GSO MSS networks and therefore desire a stable basis to do so.

Satellite communication for aircraft and ships

Satellite communication services for aircraft and ships that are not covered by terrestrial radio networks have seen a huge increase in demand around the world. Such satellite services have become very important in Asia-Pacific, not least because of the large oceans in the region.

Radio Regulations updates at WRC-23 have established a new regulatory framework for the operation of aeronautical and maritime earth stations in motion (ESIM) communicating with GSOs in the 12.75‑13.25 GHz frequency band, as well as for ESIM communicating with non-GSO FSS satellite systems in the frequency bands 17.7‑18.6 GHz, 18.8‑19.3 GHz and 19.7‑20.2 GHz (space-to-Earth), and 27.5‑29.1 GHz and 29.5‑30 GHz (Earth-to-space).

These resolutions (including Appendix 30B of the Radio Regulations) specify the operational conditions of ESIM to ensure the protection of other satellite systems and networks, along with terrestrial radio services. In addition, regulatory procedures have been developed in case ESIM are reported to be causing unacceptable interference to other technologies.

Aeronautical and maritime ESIM were granted additional spectrum at WRC-23 to provide broadband service in Ku and Ka bands. Countries of the APT expect that the market and industries related to satellite communications will expand rapidly to provide seamless services in the region.

Looking to the future

Satellite systems may soon provide direct connectivity between space stations and IMT user equipment to complement terrestrial IMT network coverage. Accordingly, WRC-27 will consider possible MSS allocations in the frequency range between 694/698 MHz and 2.7 GHz, taking into account the IMT frequency arrangements addressed in the most recent version of Recommendation ITU‑R M.1036.

Relevant studies are anticipated to contribute to the establishment of new satellite-terrestrial integrated networks and the enhancement of advanced wireless communication services in the Asia-Pacific region. This will be made possible through harmonized frequency utilization with terrestrial IMT systems.

One WRC-27 agenda item deals with sharing and compatibility studies and the development of technical conditions for the potential use of IMT in the frequency bands 4400‑4800 MHz and 7125-8400 MHz (or parts thereof). The band 14.8‑15.35 GHz will also be investigated for the terrestrial component.

Depending on WRC-27 outcomes, this could enable further development of IMT in those bands while ensuring the protection of incumbent systems and services. Importantly, it would also give Asia-Pacific countries the flexibility they desire when establishing their own spectrum plans.

I take this opportunity to thank and congratulate our host country the United Arab Emirates, along with all the participants in the recent Radiocommunication Assembly, the highly successful WRC-23 itself, and superbly organized Conference Preparatory Meeting for WRC-27. The Asia-Pacific group looks forward to the WRC-27 cycle.

Discover more about WRC-23’s outcomes in ITU News Magazine.

Header image credit: SoftBank (HAPS Sunglider test flight)