Results of the 2007 World Radiocommunication Conference — Canadian Delegation Report

Agenda Item 1.13

Agenda Item 1.13 – taking into account Resolutions 729 (WRC-97), 351 (WRC-03) and 544 (WRC-03), to review the allocations to all services in the HFbands between 4 MHzand 10 MHz, excluding those allocations to services in the frequency range 7 000–7 200 kHzand those bands whose allotment plans are in Appendices 25, 26 and 27 and whose channelling arrangements are in Appendix 17, taking account of the impact of new modulation techniques, adaptive control techniques and spectrum requirements for HF broadcasting;

Outcome/Results at the WRC
WRC-07 decided not to allocate additional spectrum for international radio broadcasting (ie: shortwave radio) thereby protecting the existing allocations for all services in the 4–10 MHzfrequency range. WRC-07 also resolved to continue encouraging the development of advanced digital radiocommunication systems in this frequency band to support a wide range of uses including maritime and military communications. 

Satisfactory Outcome/Result
All Canadian objectives were achieved under this Agenda Item. The allocations to radio services in the band 4–10 MHzwill remain unchanged thus no additional spectrum will be allocated for international radio broadcasting purposes. Some European countries were strong proponents for broadcasting while Canada and many other countries insisted that all users in this frequency range have increasing spectrum requirements, not only the broadcasting service. With this decision, incumbent users in Canada can continue to operate their systems and have adequate spectrum to plan for the implementation of new digital applications in the future. 

List of Private Sector and/or OGDs with an Interest in the Item
Department of National Defence; Canadian Broadcasting Corporation (Radio Canada International); Communications Research Center; Transport Canada; Canadian Coast Guard; Stratos Canada Inc.; Radio Amateurs of Canada.

Agenda Item 1.14

Agenda Item 1.14 – to review the operational procedures and requirements of Global Maritime Distress and Safety Systems (GMDSS) and other related provisions of the Radio Regulations, taking into account Resolutions 331 (Rev. WRC-03) and 342 (Rev. WRC-2000) and continued transition to the GMDSS, the experience since its introduction, and the needs of all classes of ship;

Outcome/Results at the WRC
Interests and major issues of importance to Canada were satisfactorily addressed.  These issues include providing a secondary allocation to permit satellite detection of automatic identification transmissions from ships and non-shipborne installations, providing protection for maritime safety frequencies while minimizing impact to existing services, and changes to procedures and requirements which will benefit our maritime community.

For issue A, transition to GMDSS, Appendix 13 was suppressed resulting in consequential revisions to Articles 4, 5, 15, 19, 30, 31, 41, 47, 51, 52, 57, Appendices 14, 15, 17 and 18, and Resolutions 18 and 331. Article 5 was modified to protect DSC channel 70 with an exclusive maritime mobile allocation, introduce a secondary MSS(Earth-to-space) allocation for satellite detection of AIS, and re-designate the 500 kHzMorse Code distress frequency for radiotelegraphy use (e.g. Navtex).   In addition, Article 19 is modified to remove a ship station call sign assignment restriction; Chapter VII is revised to incorporate needed elements of Appendix 13; Articles 34, 51 and 52 are amended and Appendix 19 is suppressed to remove obsolete provisions (i.e. satellite and 2 182 kHzEPIRBs, Morse Code); Appendix 15 is updated with the inclusion of the AIS frequencies; and, Appendix 16 is modified to simplify, shorten, and remove obsolete provisions in relation to document carriage requirements on board ships.  Finally, provisions relating to Distress and Safety communication on 2 182 kHzare transferred from Appendix 13 into a new Resolution 354 [COM4/3] (WRC-07).  In relation to the Appendix 16 revisions, the maritime service publications in Article 20 were modified, resulting in consequential revisions to Articles 19, 28, 31, 33, 50, 52, 56, and Resolution 339.  Further to this, Resolution 355 [COM4/6] (WRC-07) dealing with content, formats and periodicity of the maritime related service publications was adopted.  Also, Resolution 340 (WRC-97) was suppressed and superseded with Resolution 356 [COM 4/10] (WRC-07) requesting the BRto maintain online information to facilitate the work of rescue coordination centres.

For issue B (New technologies in the VHFmaritime mobile service), Appendix 18 was modified to alleviate spectrum congestion and address increasing spectrum demand by further facilitating and recognizing the use of 12.5 kHzchannel spacing and the splitting of duplex channels for simplex operation.  WRC-07 also permitted the introduction of data communications while protecting existing operations; introduced provisions relating to satellite detection of AIS; provide for Search And Rescue (SAR)aircraft use of frequencies (consequential to Agenda Item 1.16); and corrected some anomalies.

Other consequential actions under this agenda item included corrections to Articles 54, 55, 56 and other sections of the RRpreviously listed, mostly involving provisions where ITU-R Recommendations are incorporated by reference.

Satisfactory Outcome/Result
The outcome fully satisfies Canadian interests.

List of Private Sector and/or OGDs with an Interest in the Item
Transport Canada, Canadian Coast Guard, DND, CSA, ComDev

Agenda Item 1.15

Agenda Item 1.15 – to consider a secondary allocation to the amateur service in the frequency band 135.7–137.8 kHz;

Outcome/Results at the WRC
The group dealing with this item at WRC-07 was chaired by Canada and the Conference approved a new worldwide secondary allocation to the Amateur Service in the band 135.7–137.8 kHzwhich includes provisions to ensure other users of this spectrum are protected.

Satisfactory Outcome/Result
All Canadian objectives were achieved under this Agenda Item. Canada was a strong proponent of this allocation during the WRCas Canada put forward the original proposal to consider this item at the WRC. For more than two decades radio amateurs around the world increasingly have been interested in experimenting with communications at low frequencies and this international allocation will allow amateur radio operators around the world to realize these opportunities.

List of Private Sector and/or OGDs with an Interest in the Item
Radio Amateurs of Canada (RAC); Department of National Defence (DND).

Agenda Item 1.16

Agenda Item 1.16- to consider the regulatory and operational provisions for Maritime Mobile Service Identities (MMSIs) for equipment other than shipborne mobile equipment, taking into account Resolutions 344 (Rev. WRC-03) and 353 (WRC-03)

Outcome/Results at the WRC
In dealing with Resolution 344 (Rev.WRC-03), WRC-07 concluded that there was no urgent need for improving the management of the MID and MMSIresources identified.

In response to Resolution 353 (WRC-03), WRC-07 modified Article 19 to remove existing procedural provisions relating to MMSIformats, and to incorporate by reference Annexes 1 to 5 of Recommendation ITU-R M.585–4, which would then be the only reference for MMSIformats for existing and new applications (SARaircraft, aids to navigation, and craft associated with a parent ship). Resolution 353 (WRC-03) was also suppressed.

Satisfactory Outcome/Result
All Canadian interests were addressed in satisfying this Agenda Item and the necessary provisions will be included in the Radio Regulations for Maritime Mobile Service Identities (MMSI) assignment to search and rescue (SAR) aircraft and other important systems.

Although administrations and regional groups were divided on the approach, the Canadian method prevailed which provides flexibility for future MMSIrequirements without having to bring this issue back on the agenda of a future conference.

List of Private Sector and/or OGDs with an Interest in the Item
Transport Canada, Canadian Coast Guard.

Agenda Item 1.17

Agenda Item 1.17 – to consider the results of ITU-R studies on compatibility between the fixed-satellite service and other services around 1.4 GHz, in accordance with Resolution 745 (WRC-03);

Outcome/Results at the WRC
WRC-03 allocated the bands 1 390–1 392 MHzand 1 430–1 432 MHzto the Fixed-Satellite Service (FSS) on a secondary basis limited to feeder links of non-GSO satellite systems in the Mobile-Satellite Service (MSS) operating below 1 GHz.  WRC-03 also delayed the use of these bands until further studies be conducted.  Based on these studies, WRC-07 recognized that the protection requirements for all the services allocated to the band and the operational requirements of MSSfeeder links were not compatible.  Consequently the Conference accepted to remove the secondary allocation to the FSS.

Satisfactory Outcome/Result
Canada's objective to protect the Earth Exploration-Satellite Service (EESS) systems and its Fixed Service (FS) systems in the band was attained by the removal of the secondary allocation to the FSS.

List of Private Sector and/or OGDs with an Interest in the Item
The Canadian Space Agency is interested in the protection of EESS. The Canadian Utility Companies are interested in the protection of the FS, especially for meter reading applications. SR Telecom is also interested in the protection of the FS.

Agenda Item 1.18

Agenda Item 1.18 – to review pfdlimits in the band 17.7–19.7 GHzfor satellite systems using highly inclined orbits, in accordance to Resolution 141 (WRC-03);

Outcome/Results at WRC-07
Power flux-density (Pfd) limits (for HIO FSSsystems in general) for angles of arrival less than 25° were tightened such that there are now two inflection points in the pfdlimits.  At 12°, the pfdlimit is -112 dB(W/m²/MHz ) and for angles of arrival below 3°, the pfdlimit is now -120 dB(W/m²/MHz ).

In the specific case of one type of HIO FSSsystem, it was determined that the operational measures already employed by the USAmilitary satellite system USCSID-P, sufficiently mitigated the interference received by the fixed service.  In this case, the -115/-105 dB(W/m²/MHz ) that already apply to non-GSO FSSsystems in general in the band 19.3 – 19.7 GHzwill apply to HIO FSSsystems in the entire band 17.7 – 19.7 GHzin which Resolution 147 [COM 5/3] (WRC-07) applies.  Resolution 147 [COM 5/3] (WRC-07) applies to the current USCSID-P system and any space stations with the same parameters in a future notice for a replacement system.

The studies having been completed and the pfdlimits revised where their revision was deemed to be necessary, Resolution 141 (WRC-03) was suppressed.

Satisfactory Outcome/Results
Not applicable.  Canada had no position.

Agenda Item 1.19

Agenda Item 1.19 – to consider the results of the ITU-R studies regarding spectrum requirement for global broadband satellite systems in order to identify possible global harmonized FSSfrequency bands for the use of internet applications, and consider the appropriate regulatory/technical provisions, taking also into account No. 5.516B of the Radio Regulations;

Outcome/Results at WRC-07
This Agenda Item was to consider the results of studies regarding spectrum requirements for global broadband satellite systems in order to identify possible global harmonised FSSfrequency bands for Internet applications.

Unanimous consensus was reached very early that responses to the requested studies were provided in Recommendations ITU-R S.1782 and S.1783.  Given that studies completed under this Agenda Item included the development of a Recommendation ITU-R S.1783 on the technical and operational features characterising HDFSS, Resolution 143 was modified to include the new reference to this new ITU-R Recommendation.

Satisfactory Outcome/Results

• No changes were made to Article 5 of the Radio Regulations.
• Resolution 143 amended to include reference to Recommendation ITU-R S.1783.

Agenda Item 1.20

Agenda Item 1.20 – to consider the results of studies, and proposals for regulatory measures if appropriate regarding the protection of the Earth Exploration-satellite service (passive) from unwanted emissions of active services in accordance with Resolution 738 (WRC-03);

Outcome/Results at the WRC
WRC-07 decided to adopt two types of measures to ensure the protection of the Earth exploration-satellite service (EESS) (passive) from unwanted emissions of active services stations. These measures consist of mandatory maximum levels and recommended limits for unwanted emission power. Thus, for stations of the active services namely fixed (FS), mobile, space operation and radiolocation services operating around 1.4 GHzand the fixed-satellite service (FSS) operating in the 30–31 GHz, the conference decided to recommend compliance with specific maximum power levels for unwanted emissions. For stations operating in FSin the bands 31.3–31.5 GHzand 51.4–52.6 GHz, in the inter-satellite service in the band 22.55–23.55 GHzand in the FSSin the bands 49.7–50.2 GHzand 50.4–50.9 GHz, the Conference adopted mandatory limits for the unwanted emission power level.

Satisfactory Outcome/Result
The WRC-07 decisions reflected the Canadian approach to treat this issue on a band-by-band basis instead of having a uniform solution for all the bands pairs considered under this agenda item independently of the impacts on the services concerned (mandatory limits or recommended limits for all the bands). The outcome of WRC-07 on this issue reflect a delicate balance between the need to ensure the protection of EESS(passive) in order to maintain the access to vital scientific information used for weather predictions and for the understanding of some other natural phenomena, and the need to continue to allow the development of active services in some bands taking into consideration the congestion in some other bands.

List of Private Sector and/or OGDs with an Interest in the Item
The Canadian Space Agency (CSA) as a major player on the international scene for Earth exploration by satellite.
Environment Canada (EC) as a major user of the information provided by the EESS(passive) system for weather predictions and climate monitoring.
National Defence (DND) as the primary user of the radars in the radiolocation service which are part of the NORAD infrastructure.
SR Telecom, Hydro Companies, Telesat Canada as equipment providers, users or systems operators in the bands considered under this Agenda Item.

Agenda Item 1.21

Agenda Item 1.21 – to consider the results of studies regarding the compatibility between the radio astronomy service and the active space services in accordance with Resolution 740 (WRC-03), in order to review and update, if appropriate, the tables of threshold levels used for consultation that appear in the annex to Resolution 739 (WRC-03);

Outcome/Results at the WRC
WRC-07 decided to expand the application of the consultation process described in Resolution 739 (WRC-03) to other active space services and/or other radio astronomy and active service band pairs. Thus, in accordance with the results of ITU-R studies performed in response to Resolution 740 (WRC-03), new threshold levels were introduced in the tables of Resolution 739 to trigger the consultation between concerned administrations when trying to achieve the compatibility between the radio astronomy service and active space services in specific band pairs. WRC-07 also decided that, with these additions to Resolution 739, no further studies will be required and deleted Resolution 740.

Satisfactory Outcome/Result
The WRC-07 decisions are in accordance with the Inter-American proposal signed by Canada. These decisions provide certainty on the regulatory environment in a number bands pairs for both active space services and the radio astronomy services after several years of extensive discussions.

List of Private Sector and/or OGDs with an Interest in the Item
National Research Council (Herzberg Institute of Astrophysics/D.R.A.O) represents the radio astronomy community in Canada.
MSV Canada, Telesat Canada use spectrum in some of the bands identified in Resolution 739.

Cellular companies using CDMA(such as Bell Canada), Transport Canada may also have some interests through the use of signals from radionavigation satellite systems such as GPScovered in Resolution 739.