Page 12 - SAMENA Trends - December 2023

SAMENA TRENDS

WRC-23

World Radiocommunication Conference Revises the ITU Radio Regulations
to Support Spectrum Sharing and Technological Innovation

Member States of the International States signed the WRC-23 Final Acts. Telecommunications (IMT), which will
Telecommunication Union (ITU) agreed on The Final Acts constitute a record of the be crucial for expanding broadband
revisions to the global treaty governing the decisions taken at the conference including connectivity and developing IMT mobile
use of the radio frequency spectrum, both both the new and revised provisions of services, also known as 4G, 5G and, in the
on Earth and in space, at the close of the the Radio Regulations, all Appendices, future, 6G. That new spectrum includes the
World Radiocommunication Conference and the new and revised Resolutions and 3 300-3 400 megahertz (MHz), 3 600-3 800
2023 (WRC-23 in Dubai, United Arab ITU-R Recommendations incorporated by MHz, 4 800-4 990 MHz and 6 425-7 125
Emirates. The agreement on updates to the reference into the treaty by the conference. MHz frequency bands in various countries
Radio Regulations identifies new spectrum “The agreements reached at WRC-23 are and regions.
resources to support technological a testament to the unwavering spirit of
innovation, deepen global connectivity, cooperation and compromise among all WRC-23 also identified the 2 GHz and 2.6
increase access to and equitable use of of our members," said Mario Maniewicz, GHz bands for using high-altitude platform
space-based radio resources, and enhance Director of the ITU Radiocommunication stations as IMT base stations (HIBS) and
safety at sea, in the air, and on land. “WRC- Bureau. “Navigating the complexities of established regulations for their operations.
23 puts the world on a solid path towards spectrum sharing to update the Radio This technology offers a new platform to
a more connected, sustainable, equitable Regulations has helped us forge a path that provide mobile broadband with minimal
and inclusive digital future for all," said provides a stable, predictable regulatory infrastructure using the same frequencies
Doreen Bogdan-Martin, ITU Secretary- environment essential for the development and devices as IMT mobile networks. HIBS
General. “Key regulatory achievements on of innovative radiocommunication services can contribute to bridging the digital divide
spectrum for space, science and terrestrial for all." in remote and rural areas and maintain
radio services build on the momentum of connectivity during disasters. For non-
ITU's ongoing work to achieve universal Revisions to ITU's Radio Regulations geostationary fixed-satellite service Earth
connectivity and sustainable digital Among the decisions, WRC-23 identified Stations in Motion (ESIMs), the conference
transformation." A total of 151 Member spectrum for International Mobile identified new frequencies to deliver high-

12 DECEMBER 2023