1. Impact of WRC-15 Outcomes on Sub-Saharan Africa
Sarah Kabahuma

2. Introduction
Radio spectrum are electromagnetic signals operating between 3 Hz – GHz
Radio spectrum is key for a number of services- satellite, mobile, radar, etc
Effective use of radio spectrum has a direct correlation to economic development
FCC estimated the value of MHz is approximately $ 500 billion
A GSMA study indicated that the 700 MHz band has potential to create 21 million jobs in Asia Pacific by 2020

3. Introduction
Sub Saharan Africa is one of the fastest growing economic zone
World Bank projections have indicated a steady growth since 2014

4. WRC-15
WRC is a conference that has mandate to make decisions on the most efficient ways on use of radio spectrum
WRC-15 had over 25 Agenda items.
Studies were conducted in the some of the following areas: Mobile and broadband, Emergency communications, Unmanned aircrafts, Global flight tracking etc
Sub-Saharan Africa was keen to follow the WRC-15 studies with support from regional groups i.e. EACO, SADC, ECOWAS, ECCAS and ATU

5. Key Focus Areas
This paper focuses on three key aspects with focus on Sub- Saharan Africa
Additional spectrum for IMT services
C band Allocation
UHF TV broadcast band

6. Additional Spectrum for IMT
5G technology and beyond are a key discussion in mobile industry.
Additional radio spectrum is a prerequisite to meet the demands for 5G technology ( future technologies)
It is estimated that by the year the global radio spectrum requirement for IMT would range from MHz
Agenda item 1.1 of the WRC-15 identified a number of candidate bands from which allocation would be made to meet the global radio spectrum requirements for IMT

7. Additional Spectrum for IMT
The final decision that was made identified additional spectrum in the following bands :
MHz, MHz , MHz, MHz
Before WRC-15
885 MHz
New Allocation
487 MHz
After WRC -15
1372 MHz

8. C- Band Allocation (Battle for C- Band)
C-band ( MHz) has been primarily used for satellite services. However wireless broadband promoters seek to break this
The battle for C-band has been a long standing issues that has been raised in past WRCs i.e and 2012 and 2015 was no exception.
The band was identified for allocation for mobile services.
Studies conducted indicated sharing difficulties between fixed satellite services and IMT services in the C band

9. C- Band Allocation- Battle for C- Band
200 MHz of the C band i.e MHz was allocated to IMT on a primary basis
This was considered a win- win situation

10. UHF Band MHz
The UHF band MHz is desired for its suitable propagation properties.
This band is currently allocated to Digital Terrestrial television in Sub Saharan Africa.
Migration from analog to digital television had a deadline for 17th June to this band MHz . This exercise is still on going in some countries in the Sub-Saharan region
Sub- Saharan Africa was against allocation of this band for IMT.
The outcome decision was in favour of Sub Saharan Africa – the status of MHz band was maintained ( unchanged)
WRC-15 agreed to review the usage of this band in 2023

11. Expected Impact of the outcomes on Sub Saharan Africa
Additional spectrum for IMT
Growth of the mobile industry
Thus Increase in GDP
Call for Policy makers to be vigilant and cognizant of the effects of the additional radio spectrum e.g. spectrum auctions, national broadband strategies, budget allotment, skills enhancement etc

12. Expected Impact of the outcomes on Sub Saharan Africa
C Band Usage
Administrations with Fixed satellite services in the C Band will have to be on look out for interferences that may be caused by IMT deployment
Depending on levels of interference the eventual usage of C Band for either IMT or satellite will be affected

13. Expected Impact of the outcomes on Sub Saharan Africa
UHF Band
Between now and 2023, Sub Saharan Africa will have to review the actual usage of the MHz band
The region will be required to articulate the spectral requirements for digital terrestrial television

14. Conclusion
Sub-Saharan Africa benefited from the WRC-15 through having its interests meant through obtaining additional radio spectrum for IMT services, having a win-win situation with the C-band and protecting the UHF band for DTT broadcasting.
Sub-Saharan Africa will have to evaluate these outcomes and determine appropriate actions that will be taken so that the economic developments predicted through effective spectrum management are a reality in the region.

15. Reference
International Monetary Fund, World Economic Survey “Regional Economic Outlook, Sub- Saharan Africa, Navigating Headwinds”, Chapter 1,Published April 2015.
Tony Lavender, Paul Hansell, Iain Inglis and Sarongrat Wongsaroj “Use of C-Band (3400/ MHz) for mobile broadband in Hungary, Italy, Sweden and the UK”, A report for Ericsson, Huawei and Qualcomm, Pages 1-6,Plum Consulting, Published in June 2015.
Band_for_mobile_broadband_in_Hungary_Italy_Sweden_and_UK.pdf
GSMA, “The Mobile Economy Sub Saharan Africa 2015”, page 2.
ITU-R, WRC-15 CPM report, 2015, Chapter 1 , Pages 16-53