WRC-23 preparations: Finding common ground on spectrum allocation and regulation
By ITU News
The International Telecommunication Union (ITU) has completed its final review of key topics for the upcoming World Radiocommunication Conference (WRC-23).
Radiocommunication experts from national administrations,regional and international organizations, and other United Nations agencies, as well as service operators and equipment manufacturers, met in Geneva, Switzerland, to complete the four-year preparatory cycle.
This third and final inter-regional workshop on WRC-23 preparations provided updates on topics to be addressed at WRC-23, as well as at the preceding Radiocommunication Assembly (RA-23), both taking place in Dubai, United Arab Emirates, in November and December.
Experts from regional groups presented views, positions, and proposed solutions based on the WRC-23 agenda, reflecting the latest results of preparatory studies conducted through the ITU Radiocommunication Sector (ITU-R).
“In today’s interconnected world, finding common ground on radio spectrum allocation and regulation is at the heart of global efforts to accelerate universal connectivity and sustainable digital transformation for sustainable development,” said ITU Secretary-General Doreen Bogdan-Martin. “As we enter the final stretch towards WRC-23, collaboration and coordination among different regions and countries is more crucial than ever to reach consensus on vital aspects of spectrum management.”
Insights to shape spectrum management
The inter-regional workshop allowed participants to exchange views, clarify their respective positions and proposals, and initiate preliminary negotiations to facilitate decision-making at WRC-23. Representatives from different world regions each brought unique insights and priorities.
“This diversity of perspectives is essential for finding common ground and addressing the specific needs of different regions and countries,” said Mario Maniewicz, Director of the ITU Radiocommunication Bureau.
“I am delighted that despite the meeting restrictions related to the COVID-19 pandemic, we have been able to make significant progress in preparations for WRC-23 and pave the way towards effective spectrum management,” he added. “The resulting insights and collaborations will shape our discussions and decisions at WRC-23, ensuring the world remains connected and people can communicate seamlessly, anywhere and at any time, in the years to come.”
The review of selected WRC-23 agenda items spanned technology and associated regulatory challenges and questions – from International Mobile Telecommunications (IMT) and mobile broadband to crucial frequency allocations for broadcasting, aeronautical, maritime, satellite, science, and amateur radio services.
Global representation and engagement
More than 800 participants attended the workshop, either in person or remotely.
The discussions included leaders and experts from the main regional telecommunication organizations reflecting six ITU regions that span the globe:
- Asia-Pacific Telecommunity (APT)
- Arab Spectrum Management Group (ASMG)
- African Telecommunications Union (ATU)
- European Conference of Postal and Telecommunications Administrations (CEPT)
- Inter-American Telecommunication Commission (CITEL)
- Regional Commonwealth in the Field of Communications (RCC)
World Radiocommunication Conferences, held every three to four years, review and revise the ITU Radio Regulations, the international treaty governing the use of the radio-frequency spectrum and satellite orbits.
WRC-23 takes place between 20 November and 15 December. It is preceded by RA-23 from 13-17 November, responsible for establishing the structure, leadership, and programme for ITU radiocommunication studies over the next four years.
For more information.
- Visit the inter-regional workshop website
- View the workshop Archive Webcast.
- WRC-23 webpage
Header image credit: Shutterstock
