1. Regional Preparation for WRC-07
APT’s Preparation for WRC-07
Egypt 4 – 6 June 2006
Presented by: Jim WELLER, Airservices Australia
Presenter - Jim WELLER, Airservices Australia
Airservices Australia – Australia’s Air Traffic Service provider
Jim WELLER – Australia’s ICAO contact for WRC-07 issues
Jim WELLER – Drafting group chair in APT’s preparation for WRC-07

2. Purpose and Objective Overview of Regional Telecommunications groups
Overview of Asia-Pacific Telecommunity (APT)
Overview of APT’s Preparation for WRC-07
APT’s Preparation for WRC-07 related to Civil Aviation
Summary of Presentation
- Overview of Regional Telecommunications groups
- Overview of Asia-Pacific Telecommunity (APT)
- Overview of APT’s Preparation for WRC-07
- Review APT’s Preparation for WRC-07 related to Civil Aviation

3. Regional Telecommunications Organisations
APT – Asia-Pacific Telecommunity
ASMG - Arab Spectrum Management Group
ATU - African Telecommunications Union
CEPT - European Conference for Posts and Telecommunications
CITEL - Inter-American Telecommunication Commission
RCC - Regional Commonwealth in the Field of Communications
Regional Telecommunications Organisations
At least 7 regional telecommunications organisations preparing for WRC-07.
Regional telecommunications organisations are very influential at WRCs by virtue of the size of membership.
APT is the Asia-Pacific regional telecommunications organisation.
ASMG is the Arab Spectrum Management Group.
ATU is the African Telecommunications Union
CITEL is the American Regional group.
CEPT is the European Regional group.
RCC is the Russian States Regional group.

4. ITU Regions RCC CEPT CITEL ASMG ATU APT
The International Telecommunications Union (ITU) is divided into three Regions.
Within each Region, telecommunications organizations focus on preparatory activities for ITU WRC’s.
In Region 1 there is the ASMG, ATU, CEPT and RCC, Region 2 there is CITEL and in Region 3 the APT.

5. Asia-Pacific Telecommunity (APT)
APT has 33 Members, 4 Associate Members and 102 Affiliate Members
Members: Afghanistan, Australia, Bangladesh, Bhutan, Brunei Darussalam, China, P.R., Fiji, India, Indonesia, Iran, Islamic Rep., Japan, Korea, DPR, Korea, Rep. Lao, PDR, Malaysia, Maldives, Marshall Islands, Micronesia, Mongolia, Myanmar, Nauru, Nepal, New Zealand, Pakistan, Palau, Papua New Guinea, Philippines, Samoa, Singapore, Sri Lanka, Thailand, Tonga, Vietnam
The Asia-Pacific Telecommunity was established in 1979.
APT has 33 Members
Some members close to the Middle East include - Afghanistan, Iran and Pakistan.
Established by the Joint initiatives of the United Nations Economic and Social Commission for Asia & the Pacific and the ITU, the APT is a telecommunity in the real sense.
The APT is a unique organisation of Governments, telecom service providers, manufacturers of communication equipment, research & development organisations and other stakeholders active in the field of communication and information technology.

6. APT Conference Preparatory Group for WRC (APG)
APG meetings:
APG2007-1, November 2003, Bangkok, Thailand
APG2007-2, 28 February - 3 March 2005, Bangkok, Thailand
APG2007-3, February 2006, Kuala Lumpur, Malaysia
APG2007-4, January 2007, Bangkok, Thailand
APG2007-5, TBA 2007
APT meetings are convened to prepare for ITU meetings including WRCs.
The APT has a Conference Preparatory Group for WRCs – abbreviated to APG.
These meetings are to promote regional harmonisation of views.
The APT has already had 3 meetings to prepare for WRC-07.
The last meeting was held in February 2006 in Malaysia.

7. APT Conference Preparatory Group Structure for WRC (APG)
The APG structure for preparation for WRC-07 is shown on this slide.
Highlighted is the fact that the Vice-Chairman of APG is Dr Alan Jamieson - who will be attending the ICAO WGF meeting in Cairo in a few days. Dr Jamieson is from NZ.
And the other highlighted section is the Working Party 1 (WP1) which is the group responsible for developing the APT views on WRC-07 Agenda Items of most importance to Civil Aviation.

8. APG Structure for WRC-07 and Preliminary Views (as at APG2007-3)
The APT has assigned WRC-07 Agenda Items to the 7 Working Parties (WP’s) to reflect the CPM-06 Chapter structure.
The right-hand column in the table shows the documents containing the views of APT developed at the most recent meeting in Feb 2006.
These documents can be downloaded from the APT website. The web address is provided in the bottom right-hand portion of the slide.

9. APT Conference Preparatory Group for WRC (APG)
APT assigned WRC-07 Agenda Items to the Working Parties (WP’s) to reflect the CPM-06 Chapter structure
WP1: Mobile, aeronautical, radio navigation and radiolocation services
WRC-07 Agenda Items 1.3, 1.4, 1.5 and 1.6 (CPM-06 Chapter 1)
APG Output document APG2007-3/147 (Rev.1) available from:
Of prime importance is WP1 which develops the APT views for the Agenda Items of main interest to Civil Aviation.
The WRC-07 Agenda Items of prime importance are 1.3, 1.4, 1.5 and 1.6 (CPM-06 Chapter 1)
The APG Output document developed at the Feb 06 meeting is APG2007-3/147 (Rev.1)
This document is available from the APT website as indicated on the slide: (

10. APT Preliminary Views for WRC (as at APG2007-3)
Agenda Item 1.3 – Primary RLS MHz and MHz and 200 MHz for EESS and SRS above or below MHz
Bands used internationally for aeronautical radionavigation including airborne weather radar, precision approach radar, surface movement radar and Airport Surface Detection Equipment
Also used for Govt (radiolocation) & Maritime (radionavigation) radars
Aeronautical radionavigation ground-based radars critical to airport ops during poor weather.
Standard & mandated aircraft weather radar for Regular Passenger Transport (RPT) aircraft in many countries.
Safety of life aspects, careful consideration required so that the use and development of the radionavigation service is not interfered with or constrained.
Agenda Item 1.3 is to consider Primary RLS allocations in MHz and MHz and 200 MHz for EESS and SRS above or below MHz
The MHz and MHz bands are used internationally for aeronautical radionavigation including airborne weather radar, precision approach radar, surface movement radar and Airport Surface Detection Equipment
Also used for Govt (radiolocation) & Maritime (radionavigation) radars
Aeronautical radionavigation ground-based radars are critical to airport ops during poor weather.
Aircraft weather radar are standard & mandated for Regular Passenger Transport (RPT) aircraft in many countries.
There are Safety of life aspects, and careful consideration is required so that the use and development of the radionavigation service is not interfered with or constrained.

11. APT Preliminary Views for WRC (as at APG2007-3)
Agenda Item 1.3 – Primary RLS MHz and MHz and 200 MHz for EESS and SRS above or below MHz
a. Upgrading of radiolocation
APT Administrations are of the view that the upgrading of radiolocation service to primary would be supported, subject to agreed ITU-R studies indicating that sharing with the radionavigation service is possible. These studies to be done by ITU-R needs to take into account measurement tests. It is also required that the radiolocation service operating in the MHz and MHz bands should not cause harmful interference to, nor claim protection from, the radionavigation service, operating in accordance with the Radio Regulations. This could be accomplished by an appropriate footnote to protect the aeronautical radionavigation and radionavigation systems. One Administration is considering if this or another method would best achieve its objectives.
On the upgrading of the RLS to primary:
The current APT view is to align it with Method 1 of the preliminary draft CPM text, ie:
Support the upgrading of RLS to primary
That the RLS should not cause harmful interference nor claim protection
And that a footnote to protect ARNS and RNS is appropriate

12. APT Preliminary Views for WRC (as at APG2007-3)
Agenda Item 1.3 – Primary RLS MHz and MHz and 200 MHz for EESS and SRS above or below MHz
b. The extension of EESS and Space Research Service by 200 MHz
APT Members are of the view that they support ongoing ITU-R compatibility studies between the existing systems operating in the radiolocation and radionavigation services in the – MHz band and the spaceborne radar systems operating under EESS (active) and SRS (active). Any expansion of the EESS (active) and SRS (active) allocation beyond the band MHz should ensure that the incumbent services are protected. Should an expansion be granted to the EESS (active) and SRS (active) to operate spaceborne radar, some APT Administrations consider at this time that the lower portion ( MHz) are preferable due to the fact that the band MHz, fixed systems are operating or planned to be operated in some APT Administrations. Necessary regulatory text will be required to ensure protection to incumbent services.
On the allocation of EESS and SRS into the MHz or MHz bands:
The APT
Supports on-going studies
Necessary regulatory protection of existing services is required
Some APT members consider MHz preferable to MHz

13. APT Preliminary Views for WRC (as at APG2007-3)
Agenda Item 1.5 – “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)”
Spectrum required for Unmanned Aerial Vehicles (UAV), flight testing of modern aircraft and other civil and Govt aerospace platforms
Studies focusing on short/medium term below 16 GHz and long term below 30 GHz (technology constraints)
Bands being studied MHz, MHz, MHz, MHz, GHz, GHz and GHz
Agenda Item 1.5 is “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)”
Spectrum is required for Unmanned Aerial Vehicles (UAV), flight testing of modern aircraft and other civil and Govt aerospace platforms
ITU-R Studies are focusing on short/medium term below 16 GHz and long term below 30 GHz (technology constraints)
Bands being studied are listed above ( MHz, MHz, MHz, MHz, GHz, GHz and GHz)
The band of interest in this forum is the ARNS MLS band MHz.

14. APT Preliminary Views for WRC (as at APG2007-3)
Agenda Item 1.5 – “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)”
a. APT Administrations support the studies under Resolution 230 (WRC–03) into the requirements for justifiable wideband aeronautical mobile telemetry (AMT) and associated telecommand spectrum above 3 GHz, and notes that considering (d) of this Resolution identifies a need to protect existing services. These studies will need to take into account:
the bandwidth demand for wideband AMT and associated telecommand; and
where appropriate, existing ARNS and FSS allocations, including the existing and planned usage by each service; and
possible developments under Agenda item 1.6 (Resolution 414 (WRC–03)) in the 5 091-5 150 MHz and other aeronautical radionavigation bands between 3 and 6 GHz. Any allocation to AMT in an ARNS or AM(R)S band should be conditional upon the completion of rigorous and conclusive ITU-R studies first which demonstrate that sharing will not have any implications for the safety of operations of affected aviation systems.
In these studies all bands above 3 GHz should be considered under Resolution 230 (WRC-03), including possible additional allocations under Resolves 3, unless completed ITU-R studies show that it is not possible to use those particular bands for wideband AMT and associated telecommand.
APT Administrations support the studies under Resolution 230 (WRC–03)
and notes that considering (d) of this Resolution identifies a need to protect existing services.
These studies will need to take into account (among other things):
- where appropriate, existing ARNS and FSS allocations, including the existing and planned usage by each service; and
- possible developments under Agenda item 1.6 (Resolution 414 (WRC–03)) in the 5 091-5 150 MHz and other aeronautical radionavigation bands between 3 and 6 GHz.
Any allocation to AMT in an ARNS or AM(R)S band should be conditional upon the completion of rigorous and conclusive ITU-R studies first which demonstrate that sharing will not have any implications for the safety of operations of affected aviation systems.
All bands above 3 GHz should be considered under Resolution 230 (WRC-03), including possible additional allocations under Resolves 3, unless completed ITU-R studies show that it is not possible to use those particular bands for wideband AMT and associated telecommand.

15. APT Preliminary Views for WRC (as at APG2007-3)
Agenda Item 1.5 – “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)”
b. Regarding the resolve 4, APT could support to give a priority to the designation of frequency bands already allocated to mobile service between 16 and 30 GHz for wideband aeronautical telemetry and associated telecommand on a primary basis. Any action in regard to this agenda item must take into account the existing services to which this frequency band is allocated and fully protect them. Appropriate revision/modification of footnotes to The Table of Frequency Allocations, Article 5 RR, might be required (i.e , 5.343, 5.348B, 5.394, 5.395). Frequency band 5 925 – 6 700 MHz Study the feasibility of co-band sharing of AMT and incumbent radio services in the bands 4 400 ‑ 4 940 MHz and 5 925 ‑ 6 700 MHz Frequency bands above 6 GHz Study the feasibility of wideband aeronautical telemetry and associated telecommand using the bands  GHz,  GHz and GHz. Support the designation of frequency bands already allocated to mobile service between 16 and 30 GHz for wideband aeronautical telemetry and associated telecommand on a primary basis.
Regarding the resolve 4, APT could support to give a priority to the designation of frequency bands already allocated to mobile service between 16 and 30 GHz for wideband aeronautical telemetry and associated telecommand on a primary basis.
APT also supports the study of the feasibility of co-band sharing of AMT and incumbent radio services in the bands 4 400 ‑ 4 940 MHz and 5 925 ‑ 6 700 MHz
APT also supports the study of using the bands  GHz,  GHz and GHz.
Finally APT supports the designation of frequency bands already allocated to mobile service between 16 and 30 GHz for wideband aeronautical telemetry and associated telecommand on a primary basis.

16. APT Preliminary Views for WRC (as at APG2007-3)
Agenda Item 1.6 – 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)
VHF congestion (Europe and USA) and new ATM and Aeronautical operation control (AOC) requirements
VHF comms band nearing saturation even with 8.33 kHz channelling
ATM: increased use of datalinks - air-derived data, separation and self- separation of aircraft
AOC: Dispatch, Flight Planning, and other airline operational comms
Airport Wireless and Security Applications
High integrity WLANs with connected grids of distributed sensors - reduce runway incursions, increased comms capacity at airports
secure air-ground radio link with key security information in encrypted form to decision-makers
UAT requires AM(R)S allocation
UAV telemetry/telecommand links for ‘safety and regularity of flight’
Agenda Item 1.6 Resolution 414 is to consider additional allocations for the aeronautical mobile (R) service in parts of the bands between 108 MHz and 6 GHz.
Additional allocations are required because of:
VHF congestion (Europe and USA) and new ATM and Aeronautical operation control (AOC) requirements
- VHF comms band nearing saturation even with 8.33 kHz channelling
- ATM: increased use of datalinks - air-derived data, separation and self-separation of aircraft
- AOC: Dispatch, Flight Planning, and other airline operational comms
Airport Wireless and Security Applications
- High integrity WLANs with connected grids of distributed sensors - reduce runway incursions, increased comms capacity at airports
- Secure air-ground radio link with key security information in encrypted form to decision-makers
UAT requires AM(R)S allocation
UAV telemetry/telecommand links for ‘safety and regularity of flight’

17. APT Preliminary Views for WRC (as at APG2007-3)
Agenda Item 1.6 – 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)
a. APT Administrations support global allocations to the aeronautical mobile (R) service in the frequency bands MHz and MHz if shown to meet global CNS/ATM requirements and future trends on the basis of compatibility with the existing services and it cannot operate in existing aeronautical mobile (R) spectrum.
In the MHz band compatibility will be required with FSS Earth-to-space feeder links. Some Administrations in APT has operational feeder links in this band.
It is also recognized that there is a need to maintain compatibility with services in adjacent bands. In particular, any allocation changes in the MHz band must be compatible with terrestrial broadcasting systems and place no additional constraints on the broadcasting service in the band MHz.
The APT view is to support global allocations to the aeronautical mobile (R) service in the frequency bands MHz and MHz
- on the basis of compatibility with the existing services and it cannot operate in existing aeronautical mobile (R) spectrum.
In the MHz band compatibility will be required with FSS Earth-to-space feeder links.
It is also recognized that there is a need to maintain compatibility with services in adjacent bands. In particular, any allocation changes in the MHz band must be compatible with terrestrial broadcasting systems and place no additional constraints on the broadcasting service in the band MHz.

18. APT Preliminary Views for WRC (as at APG2007-3)
Agenda Item 1.6 – 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)
b. The frequency band MHz is allocated to RNSS and is either currently used or is to be used by some systems. If this band were to be considered for the provision of AM(R)S services it has to be ensured that it does not place any additional constraint on RNSS systems.
In the event that spectrum is made available for use by UAVs, APT Administrations are of the view that appropriate spectrum should also be made available for telecommand purposes to facilitate the safe operation of UAVs, subject to not adversely affecting existing or planned services.
One Administration also supports a global allocation to the aeronautical mobile (R) service in the frequency bands MHz. Another Administration does not support the allocation of the aeronautical mobile (R) service to MHz due to its extensive use of this band for Distance Measuring Equipment (DME).
The frequency band MHz is allocated to RNSS and is either currently used or is to be used by some systems. If this band were to be considered for the provision of AM(R)S services it has to be ensured that it does not place any additional constraint on RNSS systems.
In the event that spectrum is made available for use by UAVs, APT Administrations are of the view that appropriate spectrum should also be made available for telecommand purposes to facilitate the safe operation of UAVs.
One Administration (Australia) also supports a global allocation to the aeronautical mobile (R) service in the frequency bands MHz.
Another Administration (Thailand) does not support the allocation of the aeronautical mobile (R) service to MHz due to its extensive use of this band for Distance Measuring Equipment (DME).

19. APT Preliminary Views for WRC (as at APG2007-3)
Agenda Item 1.6 – to study current satellite frequency allocations, that will support the modernization of civil aviation telecommunication systems, taking into account Resolution 415 (WRC 03)
Proposed by Kenya and Uganda as a method of improving developing countries CNS/ATM aviation infrastructure by reducing reliance on expensive and unreliable terrestrial systems
Studies considering the recognition of satellite communication systems such as VSAT for aeronautical safety applications
Also a proposal for an AMSS (s-E) secondary allocation to compliment the existing AMSS (E-s) secondary allocation in the band GHz. Not intended for aeronautical SOL communications
Agenda Item 1.6 Resolution 415 is to study current satellite frequency allocations, that will support the modernization of civil aviation telecommunication systems.
This resolution was proposed by Kenya and Uganda as a method of improving developing countries CNS/ATM aviation infrastructure by reducing reliance on expensive and unreliable terrestrial systems
Studies are considering the recognition of satellite communication systems such as VSAT for aeronautical safety applications
Also a proposal has been studied for an AMSS (s-E) secondary allocation to compliment the existing AMSS (E-s) secondary allocation in the band GHz. This allocation is not intended for aeronautical SOL communications.

20. APT Preliminary Views for WRC (as at APG2007-3)
Agenda Item 1.6 – to study current satellite frequency allocations, that will support the modernization of civil aviation telecommunication systems, taking into account Resolution 415 (WRC 03)
a. APT Administrations are of view that
1. existing Fixed Satellite Service (FSS) spacecraft and appropriate earth stations can be used to create, augment or enhance infrastructure to support civil aviation telecommunications services, including ICAO CNS/ATM applications.
2. the use of satellite-based facilities in connection with civil aviation applications will contribute to the overall improvement of the aviation communications infrastructure in developing countries and remote areas. However, it should be ensured that these applications are consistent with existing satellite frequency allocations.
3. guidance material in the form of an ITU-R Recommendation or handbook should be prepared detailing the spectrum management issues associated with using VSAT networks for aeronautical telecommunication applications, noting that this spectrum may also support other non-aviation users.
In relation to Resolution 415, the APT’s view is that
1. existing Fixed Satellite Service (FSS) spacecraft and appropriate earth stations can be used to create, augment or enhance infrastructure to support civil aviation telecommunications services, including ICAO CNS/ATM applications.
2. the use of satellite-based facilities in connection with civil aviation applications will contribute to the overall improvement of the aviation communications infrastructure in developing countries and remote areas. However, it should be ensured that these applications are consistent with existing satellite frequency allocations.
3. guidance material in the form of an ITU-R Recommendation or handbook should be prepared detailing the spectrum management issues associated with using VSAT networks for aeronautical telecommunication applications, noting that this spectrum may also support other non-aviation users.

21. APT Preliminary Views for WRC (as at APG2007-3)
Agenda Item 1.6 – to study current satellite frequency allocations, that will support the modernization of civil aviation telecommunication systems, taking into account Resolution 415 (WRC 03)
b. One Administration expressed their support to the allocation of the following bands for the use of the aeronautical mobile-satellite service on a secondary basis:
Region 1: GHz and GHz (s-E)
Region 2: GHz (s-E)
Region 3: GHz and GHz (s-E),
as the companion downlink allocation to the existing AMSS uplink allocation in the band GHz, providing such allocation does not have any adverse impact on existing services in these bands. This allocation is not intended to be used for aeronautical safety-of-life ICAO CNS/ATM communications.
One Administration expressed different view that does not support the opening of the issue relating to the secondary 14 GHz uplink allocation to AMSS adopted by WRC-03. Such allocation to the uplink AMSS was done with considerable difficulties at WRC-03 under Agenda Item 1.11 of the Conference. Now that, by a way of consensus, the uplink allocation is made, we do not support any argument that one needs to allocate a secondary downlink at GHz to complement the above-mentioned uplink. The agreement reached at WRC-03 for the uplink on 14 GHz, secondary basis, was on the assumption that its associated downlink would operate under RR 4.4.
In regard to the AMSS (s-E) secondary allocation:
One Administration expressed their support to the allocation of a number of bands listed - for the use of the aeronautical mobile-satellite service on a secondary basis
This allocation is not intended to be used for aeronautical safety-of-life ICAO CNS/ATM communications.
Another Administration expressed different view that does not support the opening of the issue relating to the secondary 14 GHz uplink allocation to AMSS adopted by WRC-03. The agreement reached at WRC-03 for the uplink on 14 GHz, secondary basis, was on the assumption that its associated downlink would operate under RR Article 4.4.
Article 4.4 “Administrations of the Member States shall not assign to a station any frequency in derogation of either the Table of Frequency Allocations in this Chapter or the other provisions of these Regulations, except on the express condition that such a station, when using such a frequency assignment, shall not cause harmful interference to, and shall not claim protection from harmful interference caused by, a station operating in accordance with the provisions of the Constitution, the Convention and these Regulations.”

22. APT Preliminary Views for WRC (as at APG2007-3)
Agenda Item 1.4 – to consider frequency-related matters for the future development of IMT 2000 and systems beyond IMT 2000 taking into account the results of ITU R studies in accordance with Resolution 228 (Rev.WRC 03);
An extract …
“APT administrations are of the view that the bands currently allocated to aeronautical mobile (R) services and aeronautical radio determination services related to safety of life should not be identified for use for IMT applications.”
There are a number of Agenda items of interest to civil aviation.
One that has generated significant interest in recent times is Agenda Item 1.4
Agenda Item 1.4 is to consider frequency-related matters for the future development of IMT 2000 and systems beyond IMT 2000.
An extract of the APT views is that …
“APT administrations are of the view that the bands currently allocated to aeronautical mobile (R) services and aeronautical radio determination services related to safety of life should not be identified for use for IMT applications.”

23. APT Conference Preparatory Group for WRC (APG)
Next APG2007 Meeting
APG scheduled for 8-12 January 2007, Bangkok, Thailand.
Will concentrate on assessing the draft WRC-07 Conference Preparatory Meeting (CPM) text based on the results of completed ITU-R studies.
Based on the methods proposed in the draft CPM text preliminary common APT positions will be updated and proposals developed for the CPM meeting in March 2007.
The next APG2007 Meeting is scheduled for 8-12 January 2007, Bangkok, Thailand.
It will concentrate on assessing the draft WRC-07 Conference Preparatory Meeting (CPM) text, available towards the end of this year.
Based on the methods proposed in the draft CPM text preliminary common APT positions will be updated and proposals developed for the CPM meeting in March 2007.

24. END
Any questions