1. Agenda item 1.4 “to consider possible new allocation to the amateur service on a secondary basis within the band 5 250-5 450 kHz…”

2. Australia’s position going into WRC-15 >Support for a small allocation (10 kHz) >No support for wider allocation >No support for any allocation that covered 5 250-5 275 kHz oceanographic radar band >Overall, a difficult issue for Australia given extensive use of the spectrum by incumbent services: Defence & land mobile

3. Regional positions going into WRC-15 >Support for allocation by: >CITEL (not including USA) >European Common Proposal >Arab States Common Proposal >African Common Proposal >No support for allocation >RCC >Regional groups played a large role in WRC-15 discussions >no Asia-Pacific common position

4. Developments during WRC-15 (1) >RCC led by Russia, supported by France, Romania and others strongly oppose any new allocation >No support from US, but no overt opposition >France finally proposed a 15 kHz allocation with power limitations >US supports 25 kHz proposal, but too late to change outcome >A complicated sideshow to deal with regional power limitations

5. Developments during WRC-15 (2) >Reluctant agreement to proposal by regional supporters, especially CITEL and Arab States >Final consensus at sub-working group level >Japan agrees not to oppose at working-group level >Proposed modifications to Radio Regulations passed COM 4 and Plenary meetings without change or comment >15 (sometimes contentious) meetings of the sub-working group with more than 500 interventions recorded

6. Summary of outcomes >A world-wide 15 kHz secondary allocation for the amateur service >5 351.5-5 366.5 kHz frequency band >the first new HF allocation for amateurs since 1979 >Regional power limitations >15 W e.i.r.p in Region 1 and 3 >slightly higher power levels in Region 2 >Consensus = everyone being equally unhappy about the outcome…

7. Impact of the WRC-15 outcome and the future >A larger allocation than Australia desired: 15 kHz vs. 10 kHz, but positive outcome at least >Upper part of allocated spectrum conflicts with important incumbent services >Further Australian discussion required about how to implement WRC-15 outcome >amateur service enthusiastic but realistic

8. Acknowledgements and thanks >Ms. Cahill and Mr. Meaney for their effective WRC-15 delegation leadership >The WIA President and Board for their support during preparatory process and WRC-15 meeting >The ACMA and the AI 1.4 coordination group during the WRC preparatory process >WG 4B chair, Mr. Moghazi and counsellor Mr. Bogens for support and guidance during the negotiations