Results of the 2007 World Radiocommunication Conference — Canadian Delegation Report

Agenda Item 2

Agenda Item 2 – to examine the revised ITU-R Recommendations incorporated by reference in the Radio Regulations communicated by the Radiocommunication Assembly, in accordance with Resolution 28 (Rev. WRC-03), and to decide whether or not to update the corresponding references in the Radio Regulations, in accordance with principles contained in the Annex to Resolution 27 (Rev.WRC-03);

Outcome/Results at the WRC
Canada played an integral role in revising Resolution 27, which dictates the principles and application of incorporation by reference.  Of note, Resolution 27 now includes a new principle stating that where a mandatory reference to an ITU-R Recommendation is included in the resolves of a WRCResolution, which is itself cited in a provision or footnote using mandatory language (i.e. shall), that ITU-R Recommendation shall also be considered as incorporated by reference.  The revised Resolution also instructs the Director to identify these types of provisions and footnotes and make suggestions on any further action to the CPM, as well as for inclusion in the Director's Report to the corresponding WRC. 

Concerning the revision to ITU-R Recommendations incorporated by reference in the Radio Regulations, the Conference decided to update all the corresponding provisions in the Radio Regulations.  Also, as a consequence of the above-noted modification to Resolution 27, the Conference also amended references in Resolution 609 (and Recommendation 608) to reflect Recommendation ITU-R M.1642–2.  Document 389 provides a final revised listing of ITU-R Recommendations incorporated by reference in the Radio Regulations.  This listing is to be used to update Volume 4 and prepare the next edition of the Radio Regulations.

Also, in application of Resolution 27, a number of provisions, namely those references of a non-mandatory character, were modified so as to remove any ambiguity and clarify their status of reference.

Satisfactory Outcome/Result
Many Canadian proposals and Inter-American Proposals were successfully adopted by the Conference.

List of Private Sector and/or OGDs with an Interest in the Item
Generally, this issue is of interest to all parties.

Agenda Item 4

Agenda Item 4 – in accordance with Resolution 95 (Rev.WRC-03), to review the Resolutions and Recommendations of previous conferences with a view to their possible revision, replacement or abrogation.

Outcome/Results at the WRC
As instructed by Resolution 95, the Conference established a listing naming which committee had primary responsibility to review each of the Resolutions and Recommendations referred to in resolves 1 and 2.  Document 390 provides the results of this review, noting that Resolution 97 [COM6/6] (WRC-07) specifically identifies which Resolutions and Recommendations are abrogated as of 17 November 2007. It should be noted that Resolution 51 is to be abrogated only as of 1 January 2010.

Also of note, Resolution 95 was modified inviting the CPMto specifically base its Report on the results of the general review of Resolutions and Recommendations on the contributions by administrations to the CPM.  This modification was adopted with the intention of facilitating the follow-up work by future WRCs.

Satisfactory Outcome/Result
When considering the vast number of proposals regarding the possible disposition of each resolution/recommendation, the Department finds the results of the Conference to have met its objectives/positions.

List of Private Sector and/or OGDs with an Interest in the Item
Generally, this issue is of interest to all parties.

Agenda Item 5

Agenda Item 5 – to review, and take appropriate action on, the Report from the Radiocommunication Assembly submitted in accordance with Nos. 135 and 136 of the Convention;

Emergency Communications
A joint proposal, in the form of a draft Resolution, was submitted to the Conference by Canada and New Zealand entitled "Spectrum management guidelines for emergency and disaster relief radiocommunications" ^{Footnote 3}. Prompted by the need to optimize interoperability in the spectrum domain in times of emergency, the Resolution highlighted in particular the importance of immediately available pre-identified and pre-coordinated frequencies, and/or spectrum-flexible technologies, to allow near instantaneous decisions to make use of available spectrum in the very early stages of humanitarian assistance intervention. The tsunami disaster of December 2004 had graphically illustrated deficiencies in this regard.

In responding to the requirement for improved procedures and associated tools for radio frequency management in support of disaster relief operations, the Resolution was further progressed with the involvement of officials from Industry Canada, the Department of National Defence and the Department of Foreign Affairs, as well as the New Zealand Ministry of Economic Development and the New Zealand Defence Force. In its operative paragraphs, the Resolution encourages administrations to consider global and/or regional frequency bands/ranges for emergency and disaster relief when undertaking their national planning and to communicate this information to the ITURadiocommunication Bureau (BR). Administrations are also encouraged to maintain available frequencies for use in a "first response" situation. The Director of the BRis instructed to assist Member States with their emergency communication preparedness activities by establishing a database of currently available frequencies for use in emergency situations, which are not limited to those listed in Resolution 646 (WRC-03), and by issuing an appropriate listing. Attempts to amend Resolution 646, which includes a list of frequencies for public protection and disaster relief applications, were successfully resisted, to the satisfaction of a number of countries, including the US, which were very concerned about including sensitive information in such a listing.

The adoption of this Resolution, numbered as 647 [COM6/2] (WRC-07), and the eventual establishment of the database, which was strongly supported by many Member States attending the Conference, as well as the BRitself, should be very beneficial to countries, particularly in the initial response phase of an emergency or natural disaster. A companion Resolution (ITU-R 53 – "The use of radiocommunications in disaster response and relief") presented to the 2007 Radiocommunication Assembly by Canada and New Zealand, was adopted and provided an important framework and impetus for the WRC discussions. 

Agenda Item 7.1

Agenda Item 7.1 – to consider and approve the Report of the Director of the Radiocommunication Bureau on the activities of the Radiocommunication Sector since WRC-2003, on any difficulties or inconsistencies encountered in the application of the Radio Regulations, and on action in response to Resolution 80 (Rev. WRC-2000);

Outcome/Results at the WRC
Canada achieved results that address concerns of Canadian operators and the Director of the Radiocommunication Bureau.  Many of the issues of the Director's Report have also been addressed under other agenda items where complementary work was completed.  Of particular note was the decision to modify Resolution 80 (Rev. WRC-2000) dealing with due diligence in applying the principles of the Constitution of economical, rational, efficient use of and equitable access to the spectrum and orbit resources.  Developing countries, many of which having experienced difficulties in accessing certain frequency bands and orbit positions, insisted that on-going studies be carried out to link regulatory procedures with these principles.

Issue A

Issue A: Resolution 951(WRC-03) – Improvements to the international regulatory framework

WRC-07 amended Resolution 951 which now includes 2 annexes.  Annex 1 provides details on the options for enhancing the international regulatory framework while Annex 2 lists some guidelines for implementing the Resolution.  Additionally, WRC-07 adopted a WRC-11 Agenda Item (1.2) "taking into account the ITU-R studies carried out in accordance with Resolution 951 (Rev. WRC-07), to take appropriate action with a view to enhancing the international regulatory framework".

Issue B

Issue B: Recommendation 723 (WRC-03) – Electronic news gathering (ENG) systems

WRC-07 fine-tuned Resolution 954 [COM6/5] (WRC-07) and adopted a WRC-11 Agenda Item (1.5) "to consider worldwide/regional harmonization of spectrum for electronic news gathering (ENG), taking into account the results of ITU-R studies, in accordance with Resolution 954 [COM6/5] (WRC-07)".

Issue C

Issue C: Resolution 74 (Rev. WRC-03) – Process to keep the technical bases of Appendix 7 current

No change to Appendix 7 was deemed necessary pursuant to Resolution 74.  However, Appendix 7 was amended under other agenda items.

Issue D

Issue D: Resolution 547 (WRC-03) – Updating the "Remarks" columns in the Tables of Article 9A of RRAppendix 30A and Article 11 of RRAppendix 30

The remarks columns in the relevant tables of Appendices 30/30A were amended in line with the report provided by the Director of the BRprovided and Resolution 547 was updated.

Issue E

Issue E: Resolution 525 (Rev. WRC-03) – Consideration of the technical parameters for the possible planning of the broadcasting-satellite service in the band 21.4–22 GHzin Regions 1 and 3

WRC-07 amended Resolution 525 which provides interim procedures for the introduction of broadcasting-satellite service (HDTV) systems in the band 21–4-22.0 GHzin Region 1 and 3.  Additionally, WRC-07 adopted a WRC-11 Agenda Item (1.13) "to consider the results of ITU-R studies in accordance with Resolution 551 [COM6/13] (WRC-07) and decide on the spectrum usage of the 21.4–22 GHzband for broadcasting satellite service and the associated feeder-link bands in Region 1 and 3".

Issue F

Issue F: Technical aspects of use of terrestrial optical free-space telecommunications
Resolution 118 (Marrakesh, 2002) – Use of spectrum at frequencies above 3 000 GHz

Consequential to Resolution 118, WRC-07 took note of the current status of the studies detailed in the BRDirector's Report to WRC-07 with regards to the use of frequencies above 3 000 GHzand developed Resolution 955 [COM6/9] (WRC-07) which addresses consideration of procedures for free-space optical links.  Furthermore, Agenda Item 1.6 of WRC-11 refers to both Resolution 950 (Rev. WRC-07), as well as Resolution 955 [COM6/9] (WRC-07) which resolves "to consider possible procedures for free-space optical links, taking into account the results of ITU-R studies covering at least sharing aspects with other services, a clear definition of the band limits and measures to be considered if allocations to various services in the Radio Regulations above 3 000 GHzare considered feasible".

Issue G

Issue G: Definition of High Density Fixed Satellite Service (HDFSS)

WRC-07 decided that there is no need for a definition of HDFSSin RRArticle 1.

Issue H

Issue H: Definition of Highly Elliptical Orbit (HEO).

WRC-07 decided that it is not necessary or appropriate to include a definition for HEOin RRArticle 1 or in Rec. ITU-R S.673.

Issue I

Issue I: RRNo. 23.3

In response to the Cuban proposal to adopt a new resolution to quantify No. 23.3 in technical terms, WRC-07 decided that it would be extremely difficult to implement in practice.  However, the Conference expressed the view that a broadcasting station operating on board an aircraft and transmitting solely to the territory of another administration without its agreement cannot be considered in conformity with the Radio Regulations.

Addendum 2

Addendum 2: Report on the experiences in the application of the RR.

The Conference considered the BRDirector report on the experiences in the application of the radio regulatory procedures, including on difficulties or inconsistencies in the application of the Radio Regulations and made the following decisions.  This section only deals with issues in the Report not considered under a separate Agenda Item.

Article 5 issues:

1. The definition for "European Broadcasting Area" in No. 5.14 was modified.
2. No change to Nos. 5.219, 5.220, 5.286C, 5.392, and 5.532 with WRC-07 confirming that these provisions contain language of an operational nature with no impact on the regulatory status nor no regulatory action required. 
3. No change to No. 5.510 and its use in Region 2.
4. With respect to Nos. 5.317, 5.319, 5.320, 5.403, 5.415A, 5.420 and 5.420A, no clarification of the notion of service area limited to national boundaries.
5. No need to harmonize the wording of footnotes referencing No. 9.11A.

Article 9 issues:

WRC-07 decided that no change to Article 9 was necessary at this time in relation to modifications to Advanced Publication of Information (API)of a satellite network or system not subject to coordination procedure under section II of this article.  However, administrations are invited to study the suggestions in the Director's Report in time for the next WRC.

Article 11 issues:

1. The Conference modified No. 11.15 and Resolution 55 to render mandatory the submission of all notices in electronic format, except for graphical data.
2. WRC-07 decided that no change to Nos. 11.41 and 11.42 was required and confirmed the current practice of the BRas outlined in the Director's report.

Article 21 issues:

WRC-07 modified Table 21–2 of Article 21 to correct an inconsistency regarding the bands 1 427–1 429 MHzand 8 400–8 500 MHz. 

Issues related to Annex 2 of Appendix 4:

1. Item B. 3 b) was modified to request the submission of an equivalent antenna gain contour diagram of the steerable beam around the proposed service area.
2. Concerning the relationship between antenna gain contours and service area contours, WRC-07 decided that no change was necessary.
3. For the examination of frequency assignments to an inter-satellite link of a geostationary space station communicating with a non-geostationary space station, WRC-07 confirmed the Rule of Procedure adopted by the RRB for the issue described in section 3.2.2.3 of the Director's Report.

Appendices 30/30A issues :

The following modifications were made:

1. Article 2A: improving the logic of the text and clarifying the time-limits for bringing into use the space operation assignments; these changes are in line with the IAP;
2. §4.1.3/§4.2.6: clarifying the period given to bring into use an assignment in the List or to include an assignment in the List;
3. §4.1.5/§4.2.8, §4.1.6/§4.2.9: explaining how results of calculation made by the Bureau is communicated to administrations;
4. §4.2.10: clarifying the process to be included in the list of affected administrations and alignment of text with §4.1.7 (change specific to Region 2 Plan provisions);
5. §4.1.11: preventing potential incompatibilities between the assignments in the List and in the MIFR.  As CITELadministrations preferred the status quo, no change was made to the corresponding §4.2.15 provision.
6. §5.2.2, §5.2.2.1, §5.2.2.2, §5.2.3, §5.2.9: update of the text in order to keep it in line with the structure of the MIFR;
7. §5.3.1: giving more details on the period to bring into use a notified assignment and on the procedure to be applied if the assignment is not brought into use.

Resolution issue

Resolution 80 (Rev. WRC-2000) was modified to request the ITU-R to carry out studies on procedures to measure and analyze the principles of Article 44 of the Constitution, the RRB to continue studies to link the procedures to these principles and to instruct the Director of the BRto report to each WRCon progress made.

Addendum 3

Addendum 3: Rules of Procedures (RoP) that may be converted to RRprovisions

The Conference decided to incorporate the Rules of Procedure on Nos 2.1, 5.128, 5.129, 5.409, 5.410 and 5.411.  However, the Conference did not agree with the suggestions of the BRand RRB for the incorporation of the RoPs on Nos. 5.357, 5.376, 5.366, 5.399, 5.446A and 11.48.

Satisfactory Outcome/Result
Canada is satisfied with the results of the Conference under this Agenda Item as they either address the concerns of Canadian operators or do not adversely affect their rights.  Canadian objectives were fully met with regards to Resolution 951, since Canada was aiming at a WRC-11 Agenda Item to continue the work on this issue.  The revised procedures of Article 2A of Appendices 30/30A will benefit Canadian operators implementing BSSnetworks.  The WRC-11 agenda item on ENGand its accompanying resolution are focusing on spectrum harmonization for ENGsystems and are not calling for additional allocation which was Canada's main concern since in Canada, current spectrum allocations for ENGsystems are sufficient to meet our actual need.  Finally, on issue F, the WRC-07 outcome is in agreement with Canada's position since Canada believed it was premature to include a WRC-11 Agenda Item for specific spectrum allocations above 3 000 GHz, but also considered that studies could be performed in advance of WRC-11 to determine if a need exists for a WRC-15 Agenda Item to address such specific spectrum allocations above 3 000 GHz.

List of Private Sector and/or OGDs with an Interest in the Item
Bombardier, Canadian Space Agency, MSV, Nortel, Radio-Canada, RIM, Telesat, Telus.

Agenda Item 7.2

Agenda Item 7.2 – To recommend to the Council items for inclusion in the agenda for the next WRC, and to give its views on the preliminary agenda for the subsequent conference and on possible agenda items for future conferences taking into account Resolution 803 (WRC-03);

Outcome/Results at the WRC
Canada had proposed 5 agenda items for WRC-11:

• Enhancing the international regulatory framework (Resolution 951 (WRC-03));
• Reviewing spectrum usage in the band 275–3 000 GHz;
• Considering changes necessary for the operation of safety systems for ships and ports;
• Considering possible changes to coordination and notification procedures for satellite networks (Resolution 86 (WRC-03));
• Reviewing the use of the band 5 091–5 150 MHz by the fixed-satellite service (FSS).

Four of the five proposed Agenda Items were included on the WRC-11 agenda. Although the proposed Agenda Item on the use of the 5 091–5 150 MHzband was not included, it was added to the preliminary WRC-15 agenda. In addition, Canada was able to make a consequential change to No. 5.444A, modifying the date by which no new FSSassignments are allowed from 2012 to 2016, thereby providing sufficient time to review the conditions applicable to the FSSand allowing it to continue operations until WRC-15.

In addition to the proposals for the WRC-11 agenda, Canada and the USAproposed to delay an item to the WRC-15 agenda, dealing with ensuring the long-term availability and access to spectrum for the aeronautical mobile-satellite (R) service while retaining unchanged the generic allocation for the mobile-satellite service and the current use of the bands 1 525–1 559 MHzand 1 626.5–1 660.5 MHz. Unfortunately, there was a strong push from all other regional groups to have this item on the WRC-11 agenda, and it was eventually included after many modifications were made to the related Resolution 222 (WRC-2000).

The Conference approved an agenda of 25 items for WRC-11 and a preliminary agenda with 2 items for WRC-15.

In addition to setting these agendas, the Conference upgraded Recommendation 800 (WRC-03), setting out principles for establishing agendas for World Radiocommunication Conferences, to a Resolution, based on a proposal from the APT.

Satisfactory Outcome/Result
Canada's proposals for Agenda Items for the future conferences were either successfully incorporated into the WRC-11 and WRC-15 agendas, or were well reflected through modifications to corresponding Resolutions or footnote.

List of Private Sector and/or OGDs With an Interest in the Item
Most of industry was interested in this item, as it sets the stage for the work required in preparation for the next two WRCs.

Footnotes

Footnote 3

The draft resolution was also supported as a Commonwealth Common Objective, as agreed at a preparatory meeting of the Commonwealth ITU Group in September.

Return to footnote 3 referrer