WMO Workshop on Radio-Frequency for meteorology20-21 March World Radiocommunication Conference 2007 (WRC-07) WMO preliminary positions Philippe TRISTANT Frequency Manager of Météo France Chairman of the WMO Steering Group on Radio Frequency Coordination (SG-RFC)

WMO Workshop on Radio-Frequency for meteorology20-21 March The Radio Regulations International treaty that addresses the use of radiocommunications under the auspices of the International Telecommunication Union (ITU) Establishes the regulatory provisions required to ensure efficient use of the radio spectrum among members In particular, allocates the different parts of the spectrum to a number of services, including those related to meteorological purposes : –Meteorological Aids Service (METAIDS) –Meteorological Satellite Service (METSAT) –Radiolocation Service –Space Operations Service –Earth Exploration Satellite service (EESS) (active and passive)

WMO Workshop on Radio-Frequency for meteorology20-21 March The WRCs The Radio Regulations is regularly revised by World Radiocommunications Conferences (WRCs) WRCs meet every 3/4 years The agenda of each WRC is fixed by the previous WRC Preparatory work is undertaken within ITU-R working groups during the interim period and concludes at the Conference Preparatory Meeting (CPM) with the adoption of the CPM text Main Regional preparations : –CITEL (American countries) –CPG (European countries) –APG (Asia/Pacific countries) –Arab Group

WMO Workshop on Radio-Frequency for meteorology20-21 March WRC-07 The next conference (WRC-07) is schedule 15 October – 9 November in Geneva The CPM will meet in Geneva 5-16 March 2007 Its agenda is given in ITU-R Resolution 802 (WRC-03) that contains 20 items 7 items concern frequency bands or issues of prime interest for Meteorology 5 items do not directly concern meteorological interests but might have an impact on frequency bands used for meteorological purposes

WMO Workshop on Radio-Frequency for meteorology20-21 March WRC-07 agenda items of prime interest agenda item 1.2 :Extension of the 18 GHz METSAT allocation and protection of the 10.7 and 36 GHz EESS (passive) bands agenda item 1.3 :Upgrading and protection of radiolocation in the 9 GHz range, and 200 MHz extension of the Earth exploration satellite service (EESS) allocation at MHz agenda item 1.4 :Impact on meteorological radars related to future frequency bands for IMT-2000 agenda item 1.12 :Coordination and notification procedures for Earth Exploration Satellite Service (EESS) (active and passive) sensors agenda item 1.17 :Protection of the 1.4 GHz EESS (passive) band agenda item 1.20 :Unwanted emissions in EESS (passive) bands agenda item 7.2 :WRC-10 agenda (bands above 275 GHz)

WMO Workshop on Radio-Frequency for meteorology20-21 March Other WRC-07 agenda items of interest agenda item 1.5 :Possible additional allocations for aeronautical telecommand and high bit-rate aeronautical telemetry between 3 and 30 GHz agenda item 1.6 :Additional allocations for Aeronautical Mobile Service between 108 MHz and 6 GHz agenda item 1.8 :High Altitude Platform Stations (HAPS) in the 28 and 31 GHz band agenda item 1.18 :Pfd limits for Highly Elliptical Orbit (HIO) satellites in the frequency band GHz agenda item 1.19 :Internet satellite applications

WMO Workshop on Radio-Frequency for meteorology20-21 March Agenda item 1.2 (WRC-07) to consider allocations and regulatory issues related to the Earth exploration-satellite (passive) service, space research (passive) service and the meteorological satellite service in accordance with Resolutions 746 (WRC-03) and 742 (WRC-03) 3 issues related to meteorological applications : –Issue 1 : protection of the passive band GHz –Issue 2 : extension of the GHz METSAT allocation –Issue 3 : protection of the passive band GHz

WMO Workshop on Radio-Frequency for meteorology20-21 March Agenda item 1.2 (WRC-07) Issue 1 : protection of the passive band GHz –the band GHz is vital for the study of global water circulation since this band is able to monitor the rain, the snow, the ocean ice and the water vapour for ocean and land surfaces –A number of passive sensors and radio altimeters are already using or are planning to use this frequency band in the near future –This band is shared with active services (Fixed and Mobile) that may interfere passive measurements if transmitting at high power WMO supports the protection of the GHz passive bands and believes that identification of the maximum e.i.r.p and power for fixed and mobile links could provide a means to ensure such a protection.

WMO Workshop on Radio-Frequency for meteorology20-21 March Agenda item 1.2 (WRC-07) Issue 2 : extension of the GHz METSAT allocation at 18 GHz –current allocation is given in RR footnote ( GHz) –Not sufficient to fulfil the expected requirements of next generation geostationary METSAT ( ) : UV and IR sounding Higher resolution and repetition rate –2 options for the extension: GHz : political issues in relation with the appendix 30A BSS plan GHz : few countries intend to use this band for high density FSS WMO is of the view that such extension will not constrain existing services provided that the same regulatory conditions as in the GHz band (e.g. Article 21 pfd limits) are applied. WMO does not favour one of the options over the other ( GHz band or GHz band) but believes that a worldwide allocation in a single band would be preferred.

WMO Workshop on Radio-Frequency for meteorology20-21 March Agenda item 1.2 (WRC-07) Issue 3 : protection of the passive band GHz –the band GHz is of primary interest to measure rain, snow, sea state and ocean wind for ocean and land surfaces –A number of passive sensors and radio altimeters are already using or are planning to use this frequency band in the near future –The band GHz is covered by RR footnote (all emissions are prohibited) –The band GHz is shared with active services (Fixed and Mobile) with limits set in footnote (40 dBW eirp and –3 dBW power) WMO supports the protection of the GHz passive bands (the band GHz is covered under RR footnote 5.340). It should, however, be stressed that current deployments of FS links in certain administrations already create significant levels of passive measurement degradation in this band. Additional constraints on the GHz passive band would hence not be acceptable and therefore, WMO strongly encourages the identification of the maximum power and eirp for fixed and mobile services that would protect EESS (passive) in the GHz band.

WMO Workshop on Radio-Frequency for meteorology20-21 March Agenda item 1.2 (WRC-07) RFI in unprotected band at 10.6 GHz over Europe and Japan. From: Chris Kidd (Univ. Birmingham, UK)

WMO Workshop on Radio-Frequency for meteorology20-21 March Agenda item 1.3 (WRC-07) in accordance with Resolution 747 (WRC-03), consider upgrading the radiolocation service to primary allocation status in the bands MHz and MHz and extending by up to 200MHz the existing primary allocations to the Earth exploration-satellite service (active) and the space research service (active) in the band MHz without placing undue constraint on the services to which the bands are allocated Meteorological radars in the MHz are currently seen as the adequate solution to improve the coverage of the radar networks deployed in the 2.8 and 5.6 GHz bands 2 issues related to meteorological applications : –Issue 1 : upgrading the radiolocation status in the MHz band –Issue 2 : Sharing between meteorological radars and EESS (active) in the MHz band

WMO Workshop on Radio-Frequency for meteorology20-21 March Agenda item 1.3 (WRC-07) Issue 1 : upgrading the radiolocation status in the MHz band –the radiolocation service is currently secondary (no interference – no protection) –RR footnote states that In the band MHz, ground-based radars used for meteorological purposes have priority over other radiolocation devices –Current meteorological radars have been deployed without adverse impact on Radionavigation service –General support in ITU-R to allow for upgrading to primary but some countries wish to add a no interference – no protection footnote (de facto secondary) WMO supports the upgrade to primary of Radiolocation Service in the band MHz on an equal footing with Radionavigation Service retaining (either in the current or new footnote) the provisions of RR that addresses meteorological radars.

WMO Workshop on Radio-Frequency for meteorology20-21 March Agenda item 1.3 (WRC-07) Issue 2 : sharing with EESS (active) in the MHz band –EESS (active) currently allocated in the MHz band –Need expressed for a 200 MHz extension to cover Synthetic Aperture Radars (SAR) –Current studies show that SAR may interfere (on a short-term) meteorological radars –Impact on meteorological radars is difficult to assess Subject to final studies showing that the potential interference impact to meteorological radar operations is insignificant, WMO could support extension to the band MHz of the EESS (active) and the space research service (active) allocations. The present RR footnote 5.476A would also need to be extended to this band. Also, WMO is of the view that, to limit the risk of interference, such extension should be limited to EESS (active) systems that needs a bandwidth higher than the current 300 MHz allocation. Should EESS (active) and space research service (active) allocations not be possible in the lower band, WMO could also support such allocations in the MHz band.

WMO Workshop on Radio-Frequency for meteorology20-21 March Agenda item 1.4 (WRC-07) to consider frequency-related matters for the future development of IMT2000 and systems beyond IMT2000 taking into account the results of ITUR studies in accordance with Resolution 228 (Rev. WRC- 03) 2 bands of interest for the meteorological community are currently considered for IMT-2000 identification : – MHz band : meteorological radars – MHz : EESS (active) in the MHz and MHz bands and meteorological radars in the MHz band

WMO Workshop on Radio-Frequency for meteorology20-21 March Agenda item 1.4 (WRC-07) –The issue of the MHz band was already considered in preparation of WRC-2000 –Studies showed that sharing is not feasible –The 5 GHz band was considered by the WRC-03 that allocated the band to the Mobile service, limited to RLAN, with a number of specific constraints to protect radars and EESS (active) –IMT-2000 (nomadic) may be identified under the RLAN constraints –However, there is a risk that once identified, future initiative be made to relax or withdraw current limitations (see agenda item 1.9) Keeping in mind studies in the MHz prior to WRC-2000 that already concluded on the non compatibility between IMT-2000 and radars, WMO is strongly opposed to any IMT-2000 identification in the MHz and MHz bands.

WMO Workshop on Radio-Frequency for meteorology20-21 March Agenda item 1.4 (WRC-07) Interference to 5 GHz radars from RLAN Poland Hungary

WMO Workshop on Radio-Frequency for meteorology20-21 March Agenda item 1.12 (WRC-07) to consider possible changes in response to Resolution 86 (Rev. Marrakesh, 2002): Coordination and notification procedures for satellite networks in accordance to Resolution 86 (WRC-03) –calls for consideration of any proposals which deal with deficiencies in the advance publication, coordination and notification procedures of the Radio Regulations for space services –data set to be submitted in accordance with the current RR Appendix 4 does not take into account the specificity of active/passive sensors WMO supports consideration by the Special Committee for regulatory/procedural matters of modifications to Appendix 4 to permit recording and publication of appropriate data pertaining to EESS and SRS active and passive sensors

WMO Workshop on Radio-Frequency for meteorology20-21 March Agenda item 1.17 (WRC-07) 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) –Follow-up of WRC-03 that made a conditional allocation to MSS in band close to passive band MHz, to be confirmed pending further studies –Current studies show that MSS will be able to use the band only with significant constraints –No service provider are participating in the studies, indicating a lack of interest WMO is of the view that such a secondary FSS allocation should not be confirmed at WRC-07

WMO Workshop on Radio-Frequency for meteorology20-21 March Agenda item 1.20 (WRC-07) 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) –Highly sensitive and political issue, on the agenda of the last 3 WRCs –Concerns the main passive bands covered in RR footnote –Technical work to determine the adequate out-of-band levels –Regulatory issue on whether or not to include these levels in the RR WMO supports appropriate regulatory measures in the Radio Regulations to ensure the protection of the Earth exploration satellite service (passive) from unwanted emissions. Such measures should minimize the burden on the relevant active services but the protection of the related passive bands should be a prerequisite

WMO Workshop on Radio-Frequency for meteorology20-21 March Agenda item 7.2 (WRC-07) –Concern the preparation of the next WRC (2010/2011) –The Preliminary agenda for the 2010 World Radiocommunication Conference already includes the following item : to consider frequency allocations between 275 GHz and GHz taking into account the result of ITU-R studies in accordance with Resolution 950 (WRC03); The issue of the MHz band was already conisdered in preparation of WRC-2000 –Passive sensing present direct interest for meteorological community (already few operational sensors) –Early assessment would be welcomed but there is a lack of knowledge concerning active services WMO supports either the retention of agenda item 2.2 (WRC-10) or, as an alternative, consideration of a modified agenda item that would propose to review and revise RR footnote to update the uses of the spectrum from 275 to GHz by the Earth exploration-satellite (passive), radio astronomy, and space research (passive) services.

WMO Workshop on Radio-Frequency for meteorology20-21 March Agenda item 1.5 (WRC-07) to consider spectrum requirements and possible additional spectrum allocations for aeronautical telecommand and high bit-rate aeronautical telemetry, in accordance with Resolution 230 (WRC-03) –consideration of bands in the range from 3 to 30 GHz for telecommand and telemetry, including Unmanned Aeronautical Vehicles (UAV) –Several hundreds MHz required –UAV have already been operated for meteorological purposes and may present an interest in future (requirement undefined) WMO urges that compatibility with related applications be ensured when new allocations for aeronautical telecommand and telemetry may affect meteorological bands. In particular, if the band GHz is further considered, protection of the passive band at GHz is required

WMO Workshop on Radio-Frequency for meteorology20-21 March Agenda item 1.6 (WRC-07) to consider additional allocations for the aeronautical mobile (R) service in parts of the bands between 108 MHz and 6 GHz, in accordance with Resolution 414 (WRC-03) and, to study current satellite frequency allocations, that will support the modernization of civil aviation telecommunication systems, taking into account Resolution 415 (WRC-03) –This agenda item cover the range from 108 MHz to 6 GHz in which a number of frequency bands are used for meteorological purposes. –No threat currently expected WMO urges that compatibility with related applications be ensured when new allocations for aeronautical mobile service may affect meteorological bands

WMO Workshop on Radio-Frequency for meteorology20-21 March Agenda item 1.8 (WRC-07) to consider the results of ITU-R studies on technical sharing and regulatory provisions for the application of high altitude platform stations operating in the bands GHz and GHz in response to Resolution 145 WRC-03), and for high altitude platform stations operating in the bands GHz and GHz in response to Resolution 122 (Rev. WRC-03) –WRC-03 incorporated power density limits on unwanted emissions into a passive band in RR footnote 5.543A to protect to protect the EESS (passive) in the bands GHz with regards to HAPS WMO urges that Resolution 145 (WRC-03) shall not lead to relaxation of these power density limits.

WMO Workshop on Radio-Frequency for meteorology20-21 March Agenda item 1.18 (WRC-07) to review pfd limits in the band GHz for satellite systems using highly inclined orbits, in accordance with Resolution 141 (WRC- 03) –The protection of the GHz EESS (passive) band from FSS and FS are given in RR provisions 5.522A, 21.5A, and 5.522B –Extension from 200 to 300 MHz bandwidth of current METSAT allocation under agenda item 1.2 (WRC-07) WMO is of the view that the determination of power flux density (pfd) limits to be applied to Highly Elliptical Orbit (HEO) satellites in the GHz band shall not lead to any review of the abovementioned RR provisions and shall also not impede the possible METSAT allocation in the 18 GHz range.

WMO Workshop on Radio-Frequency for meteorology20-21 March Agenda item 1.19 (WRC-07) to consider the results of the ITU-R studies regarding spectrum requirement for global broadband satellite systems in order to identify possible global harmonized FSS frequency bands for the use of Internet applications, and consider the appropriate regulatory/technical provisions, taking also into account No B of the Radio Regulations –Rather wide open item since no bands are mentioned –No threat currently expected WMO urges that compatibility with related applications be ensured when possible identification of global harmonised FSS frequency bands for the use of internet applications may affect meteorological bands.

WMO Workshop on Radio-Frequency for meteorology20-21 March WMO output and actions SG-RFC has prepared a document expressing these WMO positions that is going to be sent to : –all relevant ITU-R working parties (WP) in charge of the corresponding agenda items –all WMO members WMO will be represented within these ITU-R WPs WMO members are encouraged : –to advertise to a large extent these positions, in particular to their national radiocommunications authorities –to provide feed-back from their national position to SG-RFC –to contact SG-RFC for any comments or clarifications A revised version of this document on WMO positions is expected prior to the CPM