The leading independent news source on rules for global radiocommunications
 

World Radiocommunication Report is the leading independent journal on rules for global radiocommunications.  The twice monthly report covers spectrum and satellite negotiations, technical barriers and trade issues, enforcement, treaty conferences, frequency allocations, and the convergence of existing rules with new technologies.


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World Radiocommunication Report averages eight to 16 pages and is published 22 times annually.

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News Articles





Feb. 16 2012


  1. •MOBILE ALLOCATIONS for ITU region 1 in 2015 preliminarily agreed at WRC-12 pending future decisions (p 1).

  2. •FINAL REGULATORY DECISION on LightSquared proposed terrestrial operations now rests with the U.S. FCC, the company said in a press release.  Review of GPS receiver performance likely (p 1).

  3. •SPECTRUM IDENTIFICATION “a clear signal for the industry” to develop new digital gear, WRC-12 sub-working group chairman told us (p 2). 

  4. •FLEXIBILITY IN THE SPECTRUM hunt for mobile broadband applications formed in discussions for a WRC-15 agenda item, U.S. ambassador said (p 4). 

  5. •AWG PLAN LIKELY is the best choice for harmonization in most sub-regions, regulator from that region suggested (p 4).

  6. •LIMITS TO TOOLS for bringing into use sought at WRC-12, according to proposal (p 5).

  7. •WRC-12 STALEMATE continued late over mobile allocations to spur broadband, officials said in the third week of the conference.  Talks continued (p 5).

  8. •SECOND DIGITAL DIVIDEND in Europe likely to be preceded by tough discussion over cost of “re-stacking” and effect on future services, EBU said (p 6).

  9. •BROADCASTERS in Asia-Pacific region may not have “engaged adequately” with regulators to stem pressure from mobile, ABU said.  “Queue jumping” for one filing emerging as compromise, it said (p 7).

  10. •COMPROMISE EMERGED to address Russian concerns over border coordination for cognitive radio systems, a high-ranking official told us at WRC-12.  Consensus for some change is emerging  for aeronautical access to L-band, he said (p 8).

  11. •SATELLITE OPERATORS are finding it more and more difficult to get support from administrations, satellite executive said (p 8).

  12. •WRC-12 PLENARY adopts first decisions (p 9).   

  13. •SATELLITE BRIEFS on cost recovery, possible scope for WRC-15 agenda item on advance publication, coordination, notification and recording procedures for frequency assignments for satellite networks, and sharing between MSS and RAS.

  14. •MORE SATELLITE BRIEFS on RAS characteristics and satellite steerable beams, advance publication, coordination, notification and recording procedures for frequency assignments for satellite networks, BSS, and high altitude platform stations.

  15. •BRIEFS on regulatory footnotes dealing with mobile allocations, the 2018 agenda, MetAids and MMS.

  16. •MORE BRIEFS on mobile broadband, African economic integration, interference from Italy, and short range devices.

  17. •MORE BRIEFS on European use of 3400 to 3600 and 3600 to 3800 MHz, electronic news gathering,  aeronautical, passive and fixed services at WRC-12.

  18. •MORE BRIEFS on U.S. TV band database testing, U.S. government international broadcasting plans, amateur service, Earth observation and the WRC-15 agenda. 

  19. •MORE BREIFS on cognitive systems, and deadline for UAS use of unsegregated airspace in the U.S.

  20. •TECHNICAL BARRIERS TO TRADE ...

  21. •ENFORCEMENT ..



Feb. 1 2012


  1. •NO LAST MINUTE GLITCHES for opening of WRC-12.

  2. •ARAB, AFRICAN countries ask WRC-12 for cooperation in meeting pressing need for mobile spectrum.

  3. •STRONG WIRED infrastructure in Europe shouldn’t limit Africa’s ambitions for mobile, Nigeria told WRC-12.

  4. •COEXISTENCE OF MOBILE in 1695 to 1710 MHz for broadband not too difficult a challenge to international harmonization, Lawrence Strickling, NTIA administrator said.

  5. •FIRST DRAFT TEXT given first approval by WRC-12 plenary.

  6. •“USE” OF SPECTRUM below 790 MHz for mobile will be examined at WRC-12, regional groups agree.

  7. •SATELLITE COST RECOVERY not a WRC issue, said Decker Anstrom, head of the U.S. delegation and ambassador to the conference in an exclusive Jan. 17 interview.

  8. •OPPOSITION TO WRC-12 SRS allocation for future space communications can’t be based solely on future agenda item, administrations said.

  9. •GAPS WIDENING, NARROWING on aeronautical access to L-band, officials at WRC-12 variously claim.

  10. •“EXTREME CARE” in considering sharing or new bands sought by ICAO for UAS.

  11. •WRC-12 PROGRESS CLAIMED on broadcasting issues.  “Rough weather” on proposed mobile allocation to 694 to 790, group claims.

  12. •WRC-12 TO ADDRESS deliberate international interference with possible new provision.

  13. •U.S. EXPORT SATELLITE licensing for “low/no risk” technologies should be moved back to the Department of Commerce, group said.

  14. •SATELLITE BRIEFS on satellite uplink jamming, Intersputnik’s notifying administration, disparity between MIFR entries for aeronautical frequencies and ICAO database, and  MSS allocations at WRC-12.

  15. •MORE SATELLITE BRIEFS on satellite due diligence, bilaterals between France and Iran, BSS allocations at WRC-12, and aeronautical access to L-band spectrum.




Jan. 16 2012


  1. •DEVELOPING COUNTRIES “heavily dependent” on use of C-band satellites, other FSS systems in L-band and Ku-band for disseminating meteorological information and disaster warnings to government agencies and users, WMO says in run-up to WRC-12. 

  2. •“HIGHLY FLAWED TESTING” claimed by LightSquared in criticism of testing process for general navigation and aviation devices.

  3. •NEW APPROACH in FCC report on satellite FSS and MSS competition aims to improve data for future, said FCC Commissioner Michael Copps.  Fourteen countries do not provide WTO MFN treatment, industry association said.

  4. •FCC-PROPOSED CHANGES could align U.S. policies with WTO commitments, GSMA and Satellite Industry Association said.

  5. •SATELLITE BRIEFS on spectrum trading for satellite Earth stations, satellite jamming from Syria, testing for aeronautical devices with LightSquared network, EU code of space conduct, satellite hacking, and Eumetsat. 

  6. •BRIEFS on abolishing the leap second, proposal for conditional academic membership in ITU-R, costs for running ITU-R study groups, and the ITU work program on conformance and interoperability. 

  7. •MORE BRIEFS on EU telecom revenue decline, Iranian satellite jamming and ITU’s future, lopsided mobile broadband user demands, and CITEL.

  8. •MORE BRIEFS on possible “pilot channel” for cognitive systems, HF oceanographic radar, and regulated wholesale telecom prices. 

  9. •MORE BRIEFS on U.S. incentive auctions, 121.5 MHz, foreign object debris radar at airports,costs of running ITU-R study groups, gender balance in ITU-R study group leadership.

  10. •TECHNICAL BARRIERS TO TRADE ...

  11. •TRADE ...

  12. •ENFORCEMENT ...



December 16, 2011


  1. •NEARLY 100 SATELLITE entities asked UNIDROIT to “reconsider” approving space assets protocol at 2012 conference.  “Unnecessary and costly bureaucratic burdens,” they said.

  2. •FCC DECLARATORY RULING sought confirming LightSquared’s spectrum rights and the absence of protection for commercial GPS receivers from operations in adjacent MSS bands, company said in filing.

  3. •INMARSAT, EUROPEAN SPACE AGENCY differ over need for regulatory changes to improve the priority spectrum access for AMS(R)S, ESOA said. 

  4. •“FIRST-COME-FIRST-SERVED” for BSS use of 21.4 to 22 GHz backed by European Satellite Operators Association.

  5. •REGISTRATION DATABASES allow technical standards for white space devices to be tightened or relaxed over time, Shaw Communications said.

  6. •“IMMEDIATE INVESTIGATION” into government leaks of testing data sought by LightSquared chief Sanjiv Ahuja. 

  7. •SATELLITE BRIEFS on call for Eutelsat, Intelsat and Arqiva to end services to Iranian regime, Indian and Russian Glonass cooperation, and proposals for WRC-12 changes to satellite advance publication, coordination, notification and recording procedures.

  8. •MORE SATELLITE BRIEFS on WRC-12 proposals on boosting efficient use of the orbit, spectrum resource, queue jumping for satellite filings, and satellite concerns with terrestrial convergence. 

  9. •MORE SATELLITE BRIEFS on proposals for new MSS allocations, advance publication and  coordination requirements, and new ITU regulatory and legal frameworks.

  10. •MORE SATELLITE BRIEFS on WRC-12 proposals for clarifying bringing into use and bringing back into use, due diligence, Ka-band access, LightSquared testing data and new rules for circulation of satellite terminals. 

  11. •BRIEFS on first U.S. approval of white spaces device and database system administrator, the effect of the economic crisis on trade, and customs duties on electronic transmissions.

  12. •MORE BRIEFS on mobile broadband allocations, EU rules for 3.6 to 3.8 GHz, high altitude platform stations, AeroMACS, and help sought for defining communications requirements for UAS. 

  13. •MORE BRIEFS on EU need to boost capacity of broadband networks, local radio, U.S. FCC CTO, EU electromagnetic compatibility rules and amateurs, and compatibility of the mobile service in the band 2500 to 2690 MHz with radiodetermination in 2700 to 2900 MHz. 

  14. •MORE BRIEFS on power line telecom, ultra wide band, 401 to 406 MHz, IMPACT, U.S. WRC-12 proposals, and Broadcasting Corporation of India WRC-12 positions. 

  15. •TECHNICAL BARRIERS TO TRADE ...

  16. •ENFORCEMENT in Mexico ...



December 1, 2011


  1. •WHITE SPACE RULES in Canada should follow U.K. model, the IEEE, Microsoft, Neul and Spectrum Bridge suggest.  Ericsson and Telus suggested a more cautious approach (P 1).

  2. •WHITE SPACE DATABASE provider rules on security, reliability, device compliance and the possible need for open access, should stay within domain of national government, IEEE said in consultation (P 3). 

  3. •GLOBAL DATABASE for electronic news gathering bands in U.S. WRC-12 proposal may prompt “lively discussion,” the European Broadcasting Union said (P 4).

  4. •CONVERGENCE OF SERVICES may draw much further discussion as WRC-12 prepares future work, said Aboubakar Zourmba, moderator of WRC-12 information session (P 5).

  5. •“CAUTIOUS APPROACH” on implementing rules for white space devices urged by Radio Advisory Board of Canada (P 6).

  6. •CO-CHANNEL INTERFERENCE between broadcasting and mobile services “will definitely occur” if additional broadcasting spectrum below 790 MHz is used for mobile services, the EBU said (P 7).

  7. •EARLY WRC-12 CONSENSUS has emerged for WRC-15 agenda items on spectrum for mobile broadband, wireless avionics intra-communications and new EESS allocations, according to speakers at a WRC-12 information meeting (P 8).

  8. •FIXED SERVICE definition changes would better account for the practice of point-to-area systems, said Lilian Jeanty on behalf of CEPT at a WRC-12 information meeting (P 9).

  9. •SATELLITE BRIEFS on GPS solutions for LightSquared compatibility, coordination arc changes for C-band and Ku-band, Eutelsat call for influence on Iran to stop jamming, and the Global Monitoring for Environment and Security system.

  10. •MORE SATELLITE BRIEFS on new ETRI satellite spectrum sharing method, European Space Agency Council, and U.S./Canada FSS coordination.

  11. •NEWS BRIEFS on mobile spectrum for broadband applications at WRC-15, enhancing international spectrum regulatory framework and ITU-R studies on cognitive radio systems.

  12. •MORE NEWS BRIEFS on voluntary incentive auctions, trial of a TV band database system, and proposed revisions to the International Telecommunication Regulations.

  13. •MORE NEWS BRIEFS on white space guidelines and interoperability specifications.

  14. •ENFORCEMENT: EU compliance with EU rules.




November 16, 2011


  1. •COST RECOVERY MECHANISM for satellite networks must be maintained unless “in-depth studies,” and “sound and valid arguments/justification” point to a recommended need to revise it, ITU Council conclusion said.

  2. •HIGH NUMBER of common regional proposals have been submitted to WRC-12, Francois Rancy, director of the Radiocommunication Bureau told a conference information meeting.

  3. •NATIONAL ACTION by meteorological services, research bodies and manufacturers should be organized to back up international bodies, said Philippe Tristant, frequency manager at Meteo France.

  4. •BANDS FLOATED FOR possible MSS allocations at WRC-15, Tariq Al-Awadhi, ASMG chairman told a WRC-12 information meeting on behalf of the group.

  5. •APT WAITING FOR ITU-R recommendation on value for reduction of the coordination arc for C- and Ku-bands, Kavouss Arasteh told a WRC-12 information meeting on behalf of the group.

  6. •SUBTLE DIFFERENCES exist in approaches for addressing provisional/definitive recording of satellite network frequency assignments, said Alexandre Vallet, moderator at WRC-12 information session on satellite issues.

  7. •WRC-12 DISCUSSION on extending RDSS allocations will likely focus on pfd thresholds, said Alexandre Vallet, moderator at WRC-12 information session on satellite issues.

  8. •INCREASING EVIDENCE governments are using legitimate policy as “pretext” to restrict digital trade, Google, Microsoft, IBM, Visa, and the Information Technology Industry Council said in policy paper.

  9. •CITEL is at a “very preliminary stage” in regional talks on implementation, suspension of use of assignments, due diligence, clarification of bringing into use and launch failure and delay, Chantal Beaumier told a conference information meeting on behalf of the group.

  10. •BR WAS ASKED TO further investigate facts to boost pressure for solution between Arabsat, Eutelsat, Francois Rancy, director of the Radiocommunication Bureau told us in an interview.

  11. •SATELLITE BRIEFS on effect of Council satellite cost recovery discussion on WRC-12, enhanced automatic identification system, suppression of Luxembourg and Zohreh-1 networks, and RRB decision on rules of procedure for a change of notifying administration for satellite organizations is headed to WRC-12.

  12. •MORE SATELLITE BRIEFS on ITU as ‘supervisory authority’ for UNIDROIT space protocol, online submission of advanced publication information, EC consultation on 2 GHz, and ICAO involvement in meeting AMS(R)S requirements. 

  13. •BRIEFS on proposed WRC-12 chairmen, EU radio spectrum policy program and inventory, taxes on mobile services, BSS use of 21.4 to 22 GHz, WRC-15 preparatory meeting, and U.S. inter-carrier compensation and universal service reform.



November 1, 2011


  1. •SMALLER CELLS, more spectrum, wireline backhaul, sharing and other tools will be needed to meet mobile capacity forecasts, said participants at ITU Telecom World.

  2. •PROTECTIONIST TRADE MEASURES hit mobile, Internet, GPS and the telecom industries, EC report on G20 and other countries finds.

  3. •SATELLITE SECTOR should “go on the attack” for more spectrum at WRC-15, executive says.

  4. •WRC-03 MOBILE ALLOCATION for 2.6 GHz not accounted for by regulatory departments of radar design authorities for frequencies above 2.7 GHz, document says.

  5. •ENTIRE C-BAND, Ku-band, X-band possibly up for grabs at WRC-15 for mobile broadband, satellite executives say.

  6. •KOREA FLOATS non-paper with compromise splitting difference on outstanding pfd values to protect geostationary satellite receivers from HAPS gateway links, HAPS proponent says.

  7. •“ABUSE OF THE RADIO REGULATIONS” leads to skirting required coordination, RRB member says.

  8. •BACK-TO-THE-FUTURE for MSS operators after WRC-12?

  9. •ICAO TO SEEK support and changes to hybrid approaches discussed for WRC-12 agenda item on AMS(R)S availability, documents said.

  10. •NEW COORDINATION MECHANISM “within aviation community” would be needed following WRC-12 AM(R)S allocation, draft document says.

  11. •SATELLITE MONITORING as a possible deterrent is being considered as a way to spur accuracy, a Radiocommunication Bureau official said.

  12. •CANCELLATION PROCEDURES started for satellite networks, BR says in announcement.

  13. •SATELLITE BRIEFS on interference, market access and landing rights, CEPT WRC-12 proposal on satellite notification and WRC-12 agenda item 1.7.

  14. •MORE SATELLITE BRIEFS on BSS use of 21.4 to 22 GHz, U.S. DoD FSS costs, and U.S. export controls for satellite.

  15. •BRIEFS on WRC-15 mobile agenda item, new GPS device filters for LightSquared network, mobile and M2M spectrum forecasts, ITU-R work on smart grid, and RIM outages.

  16. •MORE BRIEFS on U.S. 10 year spectrum plan, WRC-15 agenda item proposal on Earth stations on board vessels, EU radio spectrum policy program, and U.K. moves on unlicensed devices.

  17. •MORE BRIEFS on a second Digital Dividend, EMI interference and plane crashes, commercial access to 2.7 to 3.1 GHz band, new data links may be needed for unmanned aerial systems (UAS) and UAS command and control systems.

  18. •MORE BRIEFS on possible spectrum shortage for airport surface communications, and interference from IMT to VSAT.

  19. •MORE BRIEFS on the 2012 World Conference on International Telecommunications, ITU World, Russia’s ITU payments, and incentive pricing for aeronautical VHF.

  20. •MORE BRIEFS on Switzerland denies presidential visa requests to Telecom World, and Fijian “dictator” speaking at Telecom World raises complaint. 

  21. •TRADE BRIEFS on Russian WTO accession and technology tariffs, implementation of WTO Information Technology Agreement dispute decision, and a possible U.S. WTO dispute against China over Internet blocking.

  22. •MORE TRADE BRIEFS on navigation gear patent disputes, Boeing/Airbus WTO dispute, and technical barriers to trade. 

  23. •ENFORCEMENT: MSS, Haiti, Syria, and Cuba.



October 16, 2011


  1. •2011 ITU COUNCIL not expected to move on cost recovery to address spectrum, orbit issues.

  2. •“MARKET FAILURE” in mobile roaming is prompting rising international momentum to reduce pricing.

  3. •SATELLITE PROCEDURES sought to register tiny satellites with very short time-scales.

  4. •U.S. AVIATION, TRANSPORT, SPACE agencies spell out billions of dollars in losses and costs if LightSquared system significantly degrades GPS signals, according to released reports.

  5. •RADIOCOMMUNICATION ASSEMBLY may be asked to approve the start of new studies on cognitive systems.

  6. •ISM GEAR standard on interference may need “continuous review,” draft APT WRC-12 proposal says.

  7. •RADIOCOMMUNICATION ASSEMBLY may be asked to approve the start of revised studies on short range devices.

  8. •SATELLITE BREIFS on Council consideration of ITU as "supervisory authority" for a future space protocol to the UNIDROIT Convention on International Interests in Mobile Equipment, LightSquared, and the advanced spectrum management workshop in RSS countries. 

  9. •BRIEFS ON GSMA'S spectrum priority campaign, no U.S. spectrum shortage claimed by research group, and GSMA update on the WRC-12 agenda item on sharing studies between the mobile service and other services in the band 790-862 MHz in Regions 1 and 3.

  10. •MORE BRIEFS on IMT-Advanced approval, developing country push for more IMT spectrum at WRC-15, UHF interference from Italy to France, timing for WRC-15, timing for 2012 world conference preparations, and universal service in Switzerland.

  11. •MORE BRIEFS on country code numbering dispute between Comoros and France. 

  12. •MORE BRIEFS on technical barriers to trade and enforcement.




October 1, 2011


  1. •NEW REGULATIONS will be needed if ITU becomes ‘supervisory authority’ for international registry to spur commercial space financing.

  2. •JAPAN APPEARS TO PARTIALLY back APT approach for calculating and validating AMS(R)S spectrum needs to prepare for MSS multi-operators frequency coordination meetings.

  3. •SPECTRUM for IMT sought by APT at WRC-15.

  4. •CAR RADAR, AERO, SCIENCE spectrum sought by APT region at WRC-15.

  5. •APT REGIONAL WRC-12 PROPOSALS sent to administrations for consideration.

  6. •SATELLITE BRIEFS on India’s call for ITU regulation to stem possible misuse of satellite communications, and a newly proposed satellite regulatory mechanism for coordination.

  7. •MORE SATELLITE BRIEFS on Swedish proposal to remove RR footnote on use of band 21.4-22 GHz by the BSS under WRC-12 agenda item 1.13, and Vietnam will likely press for extension for regulatory deadline.

  8. •BRIEFS on terrestrial mobile broadband applications and the WRC-15, spectrum valuation, proposed dates for WRC-15, new proposed WRC-15 agenda items, mobile maritime identities.

  9. •MORE BRIEFS on wireless avionics, U.S. Coast Guard call to spur AIS for search and rescue, and proposed update for onboard communications channels. 

  10. •PLUS technical barriers to trade and enforcement.



September 16, 2011


  1. •EFFECTS OF LIGHTSQUARED on GPS “likely” will be shared by GNSS partners the European Union, Russia, Japan and China, the commander of the U.S. Space Command says in Congressional testimony.

  2. •FURTHER LIGHTSQUARED testing expected following release of prototype precision device.

  3. •TAIWAN POISED to introduce new import requirements for certain telecom gear and terminals.

  4. •HYBRID MSS NETWORK coordination procedures for the 1.5 and 1.6 GHz bands interest European administrations for WRC-12.

  5. •OBAMA JOBS PLAN preps globally coordinated meteorological spectrum for broadband to boost economy.

  6. •ITALIAN INTERFERING BROADCASTERS use “enormous” power on “non-coordinated” frequencies, Slovenia says.

  7. •BRIEFS ON European Commission meetings on the Digital Agenda, mobile statistics for developing countries, U.S. incentive auctions between 54 and 698 MHz, aeronautical views on coordination of certain MSS networks, LightSquared and amateur.

  8. •MORE BRIEFS ON aeronautical frequencies, ICAO's LightSquared concerns, aeronautical concern with WRC-15 agenda item on mobile, NATO WRC-12 views, MSS allocations at WRC-12, and bilateral agreements for mobile near Russia.

  9. •MORE BRIEFS ON possible Radiocommunication Assembly action on cognitive, request for ITU-R approval of five RNSS recommendations, telecom and personal debt, TV band database, technical barriers to trade and enforcement.



September 1, 2011


  1. •IMPLEMENTATION OF FILTER specs and following advice in an ITU-R recommendation would have meant “no issue” between GPS and LightSquared in the lower portion of the downlink band, LightSquared said. 

  2. •U.S. EXPORT REFORM needs to avoid extending satellite mistakes to unmanned aerial systems, Northrop Grumman CEO says. 

  3. •FM RADIO STATIONS IN MALTA are being interfered with by stations in Italy, report shows. 

  4. •TIME NEEDED BY BR to treat various satellite submissions has been both reduced and extended depending on the information, reports show.

  5. •SATELLITE ORGANIZATIONS win greater control over change of notifying administration after RRB decision. 

  6. •OPTICAL TECHNOLOGY for space communications aims to boost data rates up to 100-times, NASA says. 

  7. •ITU-R GROUPS asked to help populate CISPR database for the protection of radiocommunication services.

  8. •BRIEFS on BR director's assessment of regional WRC-12 preparations; outstanding satellite cost recovery invoices; draft ITU-R recommendations possibly headed to the Radiocommunication Assembly for approval; frequency harmonization for short range devices, and; Radiocommunication Advisory Group meeting results.

  9. •MORE BRIEFS on Finland and Russia mobile coordination; "poor engineering" of GPS devices; safety risks resulting from rise in aircraft automation; U.K. digital radio switchover; Romanian WRC-12 preps; Hong Kong WRC-12 positions on unmanned, introduction of AM(R)S systems, long term availability spectrum availability for AMS(R)S, short range devices and HAPS.  

  10. •MORE BRIEFS on European ban on some Samsung smart phones; "great amount of  harmful interference" from mains line wiring for LED; possible consultations to address space junk; LightSquared deployment plan, and; AT&T, CTIA and Verizon opposition to using MSS spectrum for wireless.

  11. •MORE BRIEFS on Dish asks FCC to consolidate MSS holdings for broadband,  LightSquared opposition citing European concerns, GPS receiver susceptibility for proposed LightSquared system, proposed changes in rules for operations in 3650 to 3700 MHz near Canadian and Russian territory, harmful interference between Israel and Palestine, Zohreh-2 difficulties, and Optos satellite network filing reinstatement.

  12. •MORE BRIEFS on RRB cancellation of a Luxembourg network; VSAT uses in proposed ITU-R report; U.S. request to limit HAPS; HIBLEO-4FL; Cospas-Sarsa MEOLUTS and SAR/GLONASS; compatibility of RAS operations for WRC-12 agenda item on MSS allocations (AI1.25).



August 1, 2011


  1. •SATELLITE INTERESTS would accept fixed deployments based on U.S. rules for 3.65 GHz, ISPs say.

  2. •ADDRESSING INCUMBENTS expected to blunt positive effect of further auctions in U.S., CBO report says.

  3. •AIRCRAFT ATTENUATION is expected by proponents to spur sharing for wireless avionics intra-communications, a draft WRC resolution says.

  4. •EUROPE MUSTN’T LAG “major spectrum initiatives” in other parts of the world, Kroes says.

  5. •CEPT WRC-12 POSITIONS ...

  6. •BRIEFS ON WRC-12 “enormous consequences,” WRC-12 broadband proposals, AMS(R)S coordination, Russian/U.S. bilateral talks, and cognitive.

  7. •MORE BRIEFS ON post-shuttle era communications, AM(R)S, WRC-12 satellite issues, earth stations onboard vessels, surveillance, and sharing “stakes” between Measat, EutelSat and AsiaSat.

  8. •MORE BRIEFS ON AsiaSat, APT WRC-12 preparations, EchoStar satellite cancellation, IMSO and Jaxa WRC-12 participation, HAPS, LightSquared/Sprint deal, point-to-point/multipoint in Canada.

  9. •MORE BRIEFS ON ICAO proposal to delete footnotes, Space Frequency Coordination Group, and Côte d’Ivoire WRC-12 positions. 

  10. •MORE BRIEFS ON foreign bribery and corruption, truth in caller identification, and EC queries to EU countries about implementing telecoms rules.



July 16, 2011


  1. •SATELLITE MOBILE and broadband services are “essential in remote areas,” a CITEL WRC-15 proposal says.

  2. •NEW AERONAUTICAL SERVICE allocations possibly sought above 15.7 GHz, CITEL proposal says.

  3. •SATELLITE, HAPS DIFFERENCES solidify on sharing conditions for associated WRC-12 agenda item.

  4. •“SOME TIME” NEEDED even if EU neighbors move toward similar mobile system, EC spokesman says.

  5. •EC ASKS FCC to consider Galileo, EGNOS receivers in LightSquared decision making process.

  6. •LIGHTSQUARED CONSULTATION on proposed terrestrial network prompts 1,153 comments to FCC so far this month.

  7. •GPS COMMUNITY can’t extrapolate that a Verizon report of no problems with alternate antenna setup would be “general fix” for LightSquared issue, precision device company says.

  8. •CITEL WRC-12 Preparations ...

  9. •BRIEFS on ITU MoU to spur international recognition of regional standards, LightSquared rural initiative, South Sudan country code, and space weather.

  10. •MORE BRIEFS on Malaysia’s WRC-12 positions, ABU’s WRC-12 positions, EU standing in ITU, IMT market predictions for ITU-R work, Italian TV and FM broadcasting interference into Croatia.

  11. •MORE BRIEFS on LightSquared opposition, 3G deployment between Russia and Finland, first WRC-12 proposals submitted, and a request to amend OOBE for mobile digital stations in the 2.5 GHz band.

  12. •MORE BRIEFS on request for flexibility to reuse MSS for broadband, ITU approvals, WRC-12 information meeting, Taiwan explains new market surveillance system, U.S. enforcement action, U.S. tries to clamp down on tech sold to Iran to disrupt communications.


July 1, 2011


  1. •SMALL ANNUAL FEES for maintaining satellite networks in MIFR may lay groundwork to improve situation, BR director says.

  2. •OPERATOR PAYMENTS until 2010 were “far from recovery of complete costs,” BR director says.

  3. •LIGHTSQUARED PROPOSES compromise no longer supported by GPS device industry.

  4. •MOBILE, ARNS SHARING on Europe’s eastern border remains difficult issue, RCC says. 

  5. •DATABASE OF RADIO services characteristics for electronic devices should be maintained in ITU-R not CISPR, land mobile group says.

  6. •THALES ALENIA ITAR-free satellites may boost pressure to reform U.S. export controls.

  7. •CANCELLATION PROCEDURES started for satellite networks, BR says in announcements.

  8. •RCC FIRMS UP positions for 2012 conference. 

  9. •BRIEFS on upcoming pluryilateral meeting between France, Iran, Saudi Arabia, Eutelsat and ArabSat; Italy and Slovenia interference, and; U.S. State Department reaction to BR proposal for annual satellite fees. 

  10. •MORE BRIEFS on modification of rules for changing satellite notifying administrations; Swiss telecom company money laundering; broadcasting; and AM/FM radio consumption in Europe.

  11. •MORE BRIEFS on the Radio Regulations Board report to WRC-12; IMO WRC-12 positions and leadership; Global Maritime Distress Safety System work plan, and; DVB-T2 in the Philippines.

  12. •MORE BRIEFS on satellite jamming in the Middle East; new U.S. enforcement teeth for Id spoofing; regional WRC-12 preparations, and; the WRC-12 purview for AMS(R)S/MSS coordination agenda item.

  13. •MORE BRIEFS on U.S. study of EU space policy proposal; meteorology community Oks identification of certain frequencies for SRD; ICAO, and; GE75 regional agreement modifications. 

  14. •MORE BRIEFS on proposed ITU-T narrowband OFDM power line spec; new Chinese trade rules for power grid devices, and; Canada revises radio spec on mobile and fixed gear in 27.41 to 960 MHz.



June 16, 2011


  1. •PROPOSED ITU FEE STRUCTURE would first need to be known to understand effect on satellite companies - RAG participant.

  2. •SATELLITE USERS AND OPERATORS must “work hard” to convince ITU Council to leave filing fees alone - a satellite executive.

  3. •“ALTERNATIVE FREQUENCY PLANS” are being examined in LightSquared testing for terrestrial network, company says. 

  4. •ELIMINATING INTERFERENCE cost “rests squarely” on LightSquared, Trimble says.

  5. •LIGHTSQUARED SUPPORT continues to trickle in from automakers, U.S. state and municipal governments.

  6. •“WE CANNOT MASSAGE AWAY 40 dB” between proponents of PLT and radiocommunication services, a BBC representative says.

  7. •BAND IN U.S. proposal points to trouble for amateurs, broadcasting, radio astronomy - ARRL

  8. •MORE SPECTRUM likely needed to spur broadband use, U.N. Broadband Commission report says.

  9. •BRIEFS on switching WRC-12 purview for agenda item on MSS coordination, PLT interference, ZTE refund for low quality gear, WTO case against China online censoring, and Russia accession.

  10. •MORE BRIEFS on Czech passive sensing in 1525 to 1559 MHz, WRC-15 prep group, Radiocommunication Assembly, and the Radiocommunication Advisory Group.

  11. •MORE BRIEFS on unmanned aircraft systems, interference from broadband cable and TV gear, 3D visual fatigue, wireless narrowband for home networking, and CISPR.

  12. •MORE BRIEFS on revised ITU-R recommendations in the satellite services, taxation of telecom networks, fixed service evolution, and AIS-SART identities.



June 1, 2011


  1. •“NEW APPROACHES” needed to stem a “new issue” from paper satellites, BR director says.

  2. •BROADCASTING ALLOCATIONS sought at WRC-15.

  3. •SATELLITE COMMUNITY “extremely concerned” with recent instances of international interference,  BR director tells forum.

  4. •ACTIVE, PASSIVE ALLOCATIONS between 275 and 1000 GHz possibly on the table for WRC-15, proposals suggest.

  5. •AERONAUTICAL INTERESTS possibly “a little naive” in trusting regulators to set up mechanisms to protect services, official says. 

  6. •INDUSTRY MOVES to spur rollout of PLT gear, not standards, appear to threaten certain radio services below about 470 MHz, regulator says.

  7. •ITU-R SMART GRID studies of systems below 500 kHz are expected to assess the effect of the power line technologies on radiocommunication services, officials say.

  8. •“LIMITED EVIDENCE of carcinogenicity” was found among users of wireless telephones, WHO research working group finds.

  9. •BRIEFS ON LightSquare support, LightSquared opposition, a possible LightSquared deal with AT&T or Sprint for access to a terrestrial network, and U.S. secondary licensing of MSS bands for ancillary terrestrial networks.

  10. •MORE BRIEFS ON EU Telecoms Council, Citel, Russian proposal to extend ITU-R submission deadlines, use of radiocommunications to combat climate change, and the ITU Radiocommunication Advisory Group. 

  11. •MORE BRIEFS ON cognitive radio studies following WRC-12, short range devices at WRC-12 and WRC-15, ITU-R working parties press for the right to discuss regulatory matters, and IMT.

  12. •MORE BRIEFS ON possible WRC-12 MSS allocations, spectrum monitoring, the EU’s international space strategy, the spectrum crisis, Italian interference to Slovenia, coordination of certain MSS networks, and collaboration between ITU-T and ITU-R.

  13. •MORE BRIEFS ON coast and special service stations, the threat of new rules for short range devices, protecting mobile services allocations at 37 to 38 GHz, and the effect of mobile phone radiation on bees.

  14. •MORE BRIEFS ON broadband coordination at Europe’s eastern border, and rules to spur the importance of Earth observations in the minds of spectrum planners and users.



May 16, 2011


  1. •PROPOSALS TO USE FSS for certain UAS command and control remain on the table as major regional blocs firm up WRC-12 positions.

  2. •EXCLUSION ZONES for broadband use of 1675 to 1710 MHz may reduce industry interest, U.S. GAO report said.

  3. •ITU-R PROPOSAL for wireless smart grid communications expected this month.

  4. •FIXED, MOBILE convergence remains on the table for European WRC-12 proposal.

  5. •NEW API COULD BE REQUIRED under U.S. proposal to address certain changes in space station characteristics.

  6. •MILITARY USE of unmanned aircraft systems navigate tricky satellite obstacles for international flights.

  7. •TRANSPARENCY, JUSTIFICATION and follow-up lacking in U.S. approach to spectrum management by government agencies. 

  8. •BRIEFS on the May 16th LightSquared report on GPS interference testing, enhancing international spectrum regulatory framework, GOES-R redesign needed to accommodate broadband in 1695 to 1710 MHz, meteorological reaction to U.S. WRC-12 broadband proposal, unmanned aircraft systems, and regulatory measures to spur new aeronautical mobile (route) service systems.

  9. •MORE BRIEFS on this week’s CITEL meeting, North Korea GPS jamming, Australian 2020 broadband spectrum forecast, Air France flight 447 and live streaming of flight data, confusion in procedure for determining administrations for certain satellite coordination, GMDSS, and radiolocation allocations.

  10. •MORE BRIEFS on mobile and telecom operator reaction to EU Parliament vote on WRC-15 preparations, possible formation of special ITU-R group on WRC-15 action to spur broadband, “universal architectures” for pico-cells and femto-cells may be developed, U.K. seeks comments on future UHF use, and a possible new data element for certain satellite notifications, coordination and recording. 

  11. •MORE BRIEFS on changes to satellite cancellation procedures, possible MSS allocations at WRC-12, U.S. Government Accountability Office study on certain U.S. spectrum management practices, regulatory changes for meteorological aids, effect of mobile phone radiation on bees, and printable RF components.

  12. •MORE BRIEFS on U.S. Export-Import band financing for sale of Boeing satellites to Inmarsat, ICAO to seek footnote removal, background information on WRC-12 agenda items, ITU may press for link to patent databases in Korea, China, U.S. and Japan, and barriers to trade.



May 1, 2011


  1. •BRINGING INTO USE changes aim to clarify rules for satellite networks at WRC-12.

  2. •TESTING TAKES SHAPE for LightSquared interference.

  3. •SATELLITE AND AERONAUTICAL interests push back on mobile interest in proposed bands.

  4. •UPDATES TO ICAO WRC-12 positions reflect a mix of offensive, defensive interests.

  5. •VESTED ITU INTERESTS are the best able to maintain status quo in the intergovernmental organization. (p 4)

  6. •EU PROPOSAL UNLIKELY to bridge gaps in Doha industrial market access talks for electronics - official.

  7. •LEAKED U.S. CABLES provide insight into Iranian satellite jamming.

  8. •Briefs on Zohreh-2, LightSquared, Ericsson views on spectrum crunch, U.S. draft WRC-12 proposals on satellite and the future conference agenda, possible changes to rules on satellite advance publication of information and coordination requests, head of U.S. WRC-12 preps, and interference between Slovenia and Italy.

  9. •More briefs on maintenance of master register and world plans, possible MSS allocations, U.S. WRC-12 preparations, 4200 to 440 MHz and 1675 to 1710 MHz for broadband, EESS, WikiLeaks, Serbian attempts to marginalize Kosovo in ITU, Iranian jamming, ICAO requests for regulatory footnote deletions, numbering misuse and fraud, and the first high-level ITU meeting on illicit use of ICTs.   



April 16, 2011


  1. •NEW SATELLITE FEES possible to stem warehousing - official.

  2. •1690 MHz LESS VALUABLE when paired for U.S. broadband auction.

  3. •ITU-R PROCEDURES still sought to address international regulatory matters for integrated MSS systems. 

  4. •REVENUE, NUMBERING, MISUSE drive developing country concerns in treaty update preparations.

  5. •EC OUTLINES COMMON WRC-12 policy approach.

  6. •LESS THAN 500 MHz of spectrum under U.S. government management available to consumer devices, company says in favor of dynamic spectrum use.

  7. •U.S. WRC-15 BROADBAND proposals suggest studies on wide, wider and widest range of frequencies.

  8. •SATELLITE CANCELLATION procedures started for 177 networks.

  9. •SPECTRUM PRINCIPLES in future trade U.S.-EU agreements aim to spur spectrum use.

  10. •SATELLITE CONCERNS hit U.S. review of telecom agreements.

  11. •POLITICAL PRESSURE RISING in U.S. to authorize voluntary incentive auctions.

  12. •BRIEFS on ITU-R recommendation returned to study groups, new rules of procedure for satellite networks, emergency frequencies database, smart grid, and powerline telecoms.

  13. •MORE BRIEFS on mobile roaming order, LightSquared, GPS, maritime, IMO, aeronautical, Zohreh-2, amateur, radiolocation, next generation Wi-Fi, and broadcast spectrum auction.

  14. •MORE BRIEFS on ORBIT Act, ancillary terrestrial component notification to WTO TBT committee, and conformance declarations.  



April 1, 2011


  1. •Worries Pile Up for Planned LightSquared Terrestrial Network Deployment

  2. •Aeronautical Support for WAICs Said Needed at WRC-12

  3. •IMO Launches Preliminary Scoping Exercise for GMDSS Modernization

  4. •LightSquared in Talks to Stem Aeronautical Concerns with Terrestrial Network

  5. •Unanswered Questions Remain as ITU-T Approves Smart Grid Specs

  6. •Aeronautical Concerns Mount for National Broadband Plans

  7. •U.K. Eyeballs 2587.30 MHz for Possible Release to Private Sector

  8. •Briefs on ICAO WRC-12 positions, intelligent transport, spectrum management for developing countries, and a requested modification to BSS list

  9. •More briefs on Intersputnik Belarus flap, satellite deadline, satellite jamming, Inmarsat AMS(R)S L-Band offer, and maritime

  10. •More briefs on RCC, CEPT WRC-12 positions, and Thuraya and GMDSS



March 16, 2011


  1. •Framework Agreement Emerges for Mobile/ARNS Sharing at Europe’s Border

  2. •GPS Jamming, Interference, Spoofing Raise Engineering Concerns

  3. •U.S. WRC-12 Preparations Result in Three Proposals to Spur Broadband

  4. •Efforts to Clean Up ITU Master Register to Continue, Says Director

  5. •Satellite Industry Pushes Back on Dynamic Spectrum Access Radios Testing

  6. •WRC-12 Preparatory Text on Broadcast and Mobile Sharing Moves Ahead

  7. •Briefs on DVB receiver immunity for cognitive systems, international IMT band plan for 3400 to 3600 MHz, UMTS Forum data forecast, and satellite coordination. 

  8. •More briefs on U.S. spectrum reform, global numbering, radio quiet zones, EU/China telecom subsidies, TV bands database, U.S. broadband spectrum plans, and India’s UHF plans.

  9. •More briefs on new satellite DVB interactive specs, aeronautical mobile telemetry and medical body devices, e-CALLISTO, N. Korean GPS jamming, and China’s GNSS plans.

  10. •More briefs on aeronautical spectrum management and surveillance anomalies, inconsistencies in maritime digital selective calling system, and harmonized channel proposal for seafarer safety.

  11. •More briefs on WRC-12 preparatory meeting, maritime safety, maritime interest in digital dividend, e-navigation, Global Maritime Distress Safety System, and Inmarsat evaluation. 

  12. •More briefs on long range identification and tracking, Thuraya and GMDSS, radiolocation, CISPR and ISM gear, high altitude platform stations, and electronic news gathering.

  13. •More briefs on enhancing the international regulatory framework, distributed astronomy systems,  and wireless inter-aircraft communications.

  14. •More briefs on U.S. public WRC-12 public consultation, GPS and Lightsquared, pico-satellites, spectrum for Earth observation applications, and satellite cancellation procedures.

  15. •More briefs on possible compromise between radiolocation and MSS WRC-12 agenda items, U.S. momentum for MSS allocations at WRC-12, HF band for maritime mobile and technical barriers to trade.



March 1, 2011


  1. •LightSquared, GPS Proponents Gear Up For Interference Studies

  2. •ITU Has “Very Difficult” Priorities With Broadband and Climate Change

  3. •WMO To Seek New Chairman of Steering Group on Spectrum Coordination

  4. •Satellite and Aeronautical Interests Remain Divided Over Coordination

  5. •MSS Allocations To Spur Broadband Face Tough Road to WRC-12

  6. •BR to Begin Cancellation Procedures for Filings Lacking Information

  7. •Satellite Network Submissions Sought Before Deadline to Avoid Cancellations

  8. •ITU-T Spec on “Network Externalities” Continues to Raise Eyebrows

  9. •Briefs on the first tranche of U.S. WRC-12 proposals, IMO interest in 790 to 862 MHz, and a possible new EESS allocation

  10. •More briefs on Thuraya and Nilesat jamming over Libya, lightning detection, and EC steps up pressure to roll out MSS for broadband in Europe.

  11. •More briefs on requests for exemptions from satellite coordination, lost satellite revenues, U.S. WRC-12 preparatory meetings and technical barriers to trade.



February 16, 2011


  1. •Spectrum Usage Studies for Wireless Broadband Expected Before WRC-15

  2. •Canada Presses Forward in ITU Bid to Enhance Regulatory Framework

  3. •Little Consolidation of Approaches Seen to Stem Effect of Virtual Satellites

  4. •New Regulatory Provisions Opposed for Integrated MSS Systems

  5. •GPS Interests Claim “Jamming” From Proposed LightSquared System

  6. •Wide Range of Work Under Consideration for Possible Action at WRC-15

  7. •Some Support for High Altitude Platform Stations Trickles Into WRC-12 Preps

  8. •Countries Aim to Firm Up Options on Possible New MSS Allocations

  9. •Briefs on U.S. National Wireless Initiative, 1695 to 1710 MHz for broadband, ITU sec.-gen. remarks in Cuba, U.S. ITU Association, e-Navigation and IMO, ITU approvals and declarations.



February 1, 2011


  1. •U.S. Expected to Make Major Push for Mobile Frequencies at WRC-15

  2. •Mobile Interests Back European Focus on Spectrum Action in 2015

  3. •Broadcasting Interests Push Back on Possible “Striking Neglect” in EU Focus

  4. •Mobile, Broadcast Interests Divided Over EU Goals for 790 to 862 MHz Sharing

  5. •Broadcast Concerns Simmer Over Introduction of Cognitive Systems

  6. •Mobile, Broadcast Interests Dominate Comments on EU WRC-12 Objectives

  7. •Independent Regulatory Experts Suggest Improved Satellite Procedures

  8. •Countries Begin to Pick Away at WRC-12 Options for MSS

  9. •Global Navigation Systems May Need Multilateral Coordination, U.N. Says

  10. •RCC Countries Propose Tweaks for Clarifying Regulatory Status of AIS

  11. •WMO Updates Preliminary WRC-12 Positions

  12. •Meteorological briefs on enhancing the regulatory framework, electronic news gathering, passive service between 275 and 3000 GHz and the fixed service between 71 and 238 GHz.

  13. •More meteorological briefs on oceanographic radars in the frequency range 3 to 50 MHz, lightning detection below 20 kHz, and software defined and cognitive radio systems.

  14. •More meteorological briefs on high altitude platform stations, the effect of emissions from short-range devices, and the extension of the 7750 to 7850 MHz MetSat allocation to 7850 to 7900 MHz.

  15. •More meteorological briefs on mobile satellite service allocations, radiocommunication sector activities since WRC-07, and the WRC-15 agenda.

  16. •Briefs on the passing of Syrian representative Nabil Kisrawi, three week WRC, electronic news gathering, sharing 790 to 862 MHz in the Eur-Asian regions, and short range devices.

  17. •More briefs on e-Navigation, TV bands device administrators, ships and ports safety, smart grid, CITEL, RRB recommendations to WRC-12, and SRS separation distances.

  18. •More briefs on Earth stations on vessels, ICAO proposal for unmanned aerial systems, radiolocation service, ESOA on proposed MSS bands, Lightsquared, WAIC and early warning.



January 16, 2011


  1. •Satellite Interests Press for New Ways to Spur FSS Use on Mobile Platforms

  2. •NASA, NOAA, 13 Foreign Agencies Worried About U.S. L-band Plans

  3. •More Support Said Needed to Spur WMO’s Frequency Management Process

  4. •ITU Regulations Board OKs BR Satellite Cancellations and Delays

  5. •Opinions Differ Over Brazil Joining WTO Information Technology Agreement

  6. •Preliminary WRC-12 Positions Updated during December Regional Prep Meeting

  7. •APT briefs on deleting country footnotes, enhancing the regulatory framework, UAS spectrum requirements, AM(R)S, electronic news gathering and terrestrial free space optical links.

  8. •More APT briefs on meeting AMS(R)S requirements, fixed service between 71 and 238 GHz, digital maritime mobile service, and safety of ships and ports.

  9. •More APT briefs on space research, aeronautical mobile, BSS in 21.4 to 22 GHZ, radiolocation allocations, lightning detection, and sharing in old TV bands.

  10. •More APT briefs on cognitive systems, HAPS, short range devices, amateur, advance publication, mobile satellite and WRC-15 agenda.

  11. •Briefs on satellite jamming, military use of active sensors in space, U.S. changes to delegations, and U.S. praises plenipot decisions.

  12. •More briefs on Russian operator request for ITU-T international numbering resources, telecom security and technical barriers to trade.