On Monday 05 December 2022, the UK Spectrum Policy Forum will be hosting an hybrid Cluster 4 workshop on two satellite focused WRC-23 agenda items: AI 1.8 & AI 1.17. 

AI 1.8: Use of Some Ku & Ka FSS bands for CNPC Links of UAS / UAVs

The use of satellite links to control unmanned aircraft vehichles (UAVs) has been debated on the international stage for decades.  As early as 2007,  Resolution 421 (WRC-07)  was established calling for identification of spectrum for such purpose. 

The issue was brought up again  at the following ITU World Radiocommunication Conferences. 

After a heated debated at WRC-15, member states were unable to reach consenus on the regulatory and technical conditions for Unmanned Aircraft System for Control and Non-Payload Communications (UAS CNPC links) and decided to review these at WRC-23. 

Until such provisions have been adopted by WRC-23, ITU has been instructed not to process any submissions for UAS CNPC links. 

This workshop will explore in depth AI 1.8 which will consider, on the basis of ITU-R studies in accordance with Resolution 171 (WRC-19), appropriate regulatory actions, with a view to reviewing and, if necessary, revising Resolution 155 (Rev, WRC-19) and No. 5.484B to accomodate the use of fixed-satellite service (FSS) networks by control and non-payload communications of unmanned aircraft systems. 

AI 1.17: Use of Some Ku & Ka FSS bands for Inter-Satellite Links

With new services such as video and mini-constellations of EESS satellites, there is an increasing need to provide continuous high-data rates communication from EESS satellites in LEO back to ground stations.

This agenda item is to determine and carry out, on the basis of the ITU-R Studies in accordance with Resolution COM6/14 (WRC-19), the appropriate regulatory actions for the provision of inter-satellite links in specific frequency bands, or portions thereof, by adding an inter-satellite service allocation where appropriate. 

If you have any comments or suggestions for any of these two topics, please get in touch.

Agenda Item 1.8

  • Mohaned Juwad, Director Spectrum Policy Intelsat, on behalf GSOA

Agenda Item 1.17

  • Marilena Ampelikioti, Regional Director Market Access-Europe and Africa, Telesat 
  • Benoit Rougier, Spectrum Manager, SES
  • Ben Wagner, Senior Manager, Spectrum Engineering, Oneweb

 

Tales Gaspar

Tales Gaspar

Programme Manager, UK SPF and Satellite, techUK

Sophie Greaves

Sophie Greaves

Head of Telecoms and Spectrum Policy, techUK