The World Radiocommunication Conference 2023 (WRC-23) has opened in Dubai as governments meet to decide the allocation of radio-frequency spectrum.
The conference, organised every three to four years by the International Telecommunication Union will review and update the Radio Regulations, the international treaty governing the use of spectrum and geostationary and non-geostationary satellite orbits.
Walid Sami, senior project manager, EBU Technical expressed optimism that crucial UHF spectrum used by broadcasters for both content production and distribution would be preserved for these purposes. “We are confident that we will succeed to protect this spectrum for the public good. This is the only remaining spectrum for broadcasting and for the cultural industry.”
The UHF band 470–694 MHz, used for digital terrestrial television broadcasting and PMSE (programme making and special events) applications, like wireless microphones continues to attract the attention of telcos who see it as ideal for 5G broadband services.
“We are at an inflection point in tech history, and radiocommunications are at the top of the global agenda,” said Doreen Bogdan-Martin, ITU Secretary-General. “Equitably managed spectrum and the associated satellite orbits are among the best tools in our toolbox to make good on our commitment to build a digital future that works for everyone and for our planet.”
Other items on the agenda include Identifying additional frequency bands for the continued development of International Mobile Telecommunications (IMT), including the use of high-altitude platform stations as IMT base stations for the universal deployment of wireless networks; Improvements to the international regulatory framework for geostationary orbit (GSO) and non-geostationary orbit (NGSO) satellites and the use of satellite technologies for broadband services to improve connectivity, particularly in remote areas.
