1. Aviation Frequency Spectrum &
the ITU World Radiocommunication Conferences
Loftur Jónasson
ICAO

2. Overview Aeronautical Frequency Spectrum Management
ITU in brief (Radio Regulations)
ITU World Radio Conferences (WRCs), General Overview
WRC-07 Results
Preparation for a WRC, General
WRC-12 Position and Policy
WRC-12 Preparation
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(4)
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(5)
This briefing is divided into seven chapters or sections:
The first one touches on Aeronautical Frequency Spectrum Management
The second briefly describes the ITU and the Radio Regulations
The third one gives a one slide overview of the ITU World Radiocommunication Conferences
The fourth section discusses the WRC 07 Results. 9 slides, but we will go through them very quickly
The fifth section gives background on how we prepare for the World Radio Conferences
The sixth section, describes the development of the ICAO Position and Policy
And finally, the seventh section gives a very short briefing on the WRC-12 Agenda Items and on-going Preparation activities

3. Aeronautical Frequency Spectrum Management
QUOTE: IATA & the Air Transport Action Group
Aviation’s top priority is safe operations. In order to achieve this, aircraft rely on secure airspace, airports and radio spectrum
Radio spectrum, the third requirement for aviation’s safe operations, is the least understood and the most difficult to protect as this limited invisible resource has to be shared with other users
To set the tone for this presentation, I would like to show you two quotes from IATA and the Air Transport Action Group in a press release from 2003.
“Aviation’s top priority is safe operations. In order to achieve this, aircraft rely on secure airspace, airports and radio spectrum”
“Radio spectrum, the third requirement for aviation’s safe operations, is the least understood and the most difficult to protect as this limited invisible resource has to be shared with other users”
I find these Quotes quite worthy of repetition.
One could say that a side effect of the successful implementation of technology is that the enablers become transparent, one starts taking them for granted

4. Aeronautical Frequency Spectrum Management
Aircraft contain a number of systems for communications, radio-navigation, automatic position reports and datalink. Without access to Frequency Spectrum these systems wouldn’t work.
Evil tongues say that the main reason for the size of the latest addition to the Airbus fleet, the A380, is that with the ever increasing number of radio systems, you need a very large platform to fit all the antennas.
An average size commercial aircraft is probably fitted with close to or over 30 antennas, A typical Boeing aircraft configuration may include well over 40 antennas. Obviously for all of this to work, we need a substantial amount of Frequency Spectrum.

5. Aeronautical Frequency Spectrum Management
Overview of spectrum allocations to aeronautical services utilized by Civil Aviation
This slide shows a rough overview of aeronautical frequency spectrum allocations. What I’m trying to convey here is that relatively speaking, aviation uses a sizable portion of the frequency spectrum available.
Aeronautical spectrum use in the main frequency bands, or up to 16GHz or so, amounts to around 14 per cent of the total available, and is divided into two main functions:
Air-Ground communications and Radionavigation.

6. Aeronautical Frequency Spectrum Management
Radio Frequency Spectrum is a scarce natural resource with finite capacity limits and constantly increasing demands
Radio Frequency Spectrum congestion imposes the need for efficient frequency spectrum management
Spectrum management:
combination of administrative and technical procedures
necessary to ensure interference free and efficient operation of radio services (e.g. Air/Ground Communications and Radionavigation)
Aircraft operations would neither be safe nor cost effective without access to the radio frequency spectrum.
The radio frequency spectrum is a natural resource of a finite size and constantly increasing demands for sharing the bandwidth available. For example, I read somewhere recently that cell phone and broadband users are projecting a 35 fold increase in required bandwidth,
The resulting Radio Frequency congestion imposes the need for efficient frequency spectrum management
Spectrum management is the combination of administrative as well as technical procedures, as necessary, to enable and ensure, efficient and interference free operation of the aeronautical radio services.

7. Aeronautical Frequency Spectrum Management
The highest level of Spectrum Management takes place at the ITU World Radiocommunication Conferences (WRC), held every four years:
Maintenance of the International provisions for Spectrum Management, which are contained in the ITU Radio Regulations (RR)
This includes maintenance of the Table of Frequency Allocations
A consequence of this is that aviation frequency managers need to develop, and lobby for an aviation position on frequency spectrum use
The highest level of administrative control for Frequency Spectrum Management is the ITU World Radiocommunication conferences, or the WRCs.
The WRCs maintain the International Provisions for Spectrum Management, as contained in the ITU Radio Regulations, including the Table of Frequency Allocations.
A consequence of this is that aviation needs to participate in this process, needs to develop and lobby for an aviation position

8. Aeronautical Frequency Spectrum Management
Co-ordination of aviation position for ITU World Radiocommunication conferences
At the national level:
National position is developed and co-ordinated by the National Frequency Spectrum authority. Aviation is but one of many elements that lobby for attention
At the regional level:
National telecommunications authorities co-ordinate their position through regional organizations. Aviation representatives may not be allowed to speak up as the National Frequency Spectrum Authority has only “one official position”. ICAO is allowed to participate
At the international level:
National telecommunications authorities (and Regional) co-ordinate their position through the ITU-R Study Groups. Although aviation may be represented in the national delegations, they may not be allowed to speak up, as the national delegation has only “one official position”. States look to ICAO for guidance on aviation matters
On the National level, the aviation position needs to be co-ordinated, or lobbied, through the national Frequency Spectrum authority. Aviation is just one of many stakeholders who lobby for the attention of the National Spectrum authorities.
At the Regional level, The National Spectrum authorities co-ordinate their positions through regional telecom organizations. In the case of Europe, this would be the CEPT.
At the Regional level, each national delegation only speaks in one voice, only presents the common, coordinated view of the Country. Sometimes this view may not be favourable to Aviation.
However, inside each national delegation you will usually find participants from many sectors of industry, hopefully also including Aviation. These participants lobby for the attention of the head of the delegation, to influence the national position, based on the on-going development of the Regional coordination.
As the national view is typically based on divergent input views from the diverse sectors of industry, it may easily evolve during the Regional level discussions. For this reason it is exceedingly important that Aviation is adequately represented within the national delegations.
ICAO is allowed to participate at the regional meetings, to introduce the ICAO position.
ITU-R Study Groups and Working Parties are the forum where international development and co-ordination takes place prior to a World Radio Conference. Aviation may be represented in some of the national delegations, however they may not be allowed to speak up in public forum, as the national delegation has only one official position. All in all, similar mechanisms apply as with the Regional coordination, and adequate representation by the aviation industry is necessary. States look to ICAO for guidance on aviation matters.

9. Aeronautical Frequency Spectrum Management
A slide borrowed from Industry Canada shows a good example of the many “special interest” groups represented in any national position.
I couldn’t resist borrowing this slide from an Industry Canada powerpoint. It gives a good graphical presentation of the many different interest groups that compete for a place within a National position.
On this slide we se the Fixed Satellite Service, Mobile Satellite Service, Science Services such as Space Exploration and Meteorology , the mobile phone interests, maritime service, radioamateurs, disaster relief, and the aeronautical service.

10. Aeronautical Frequency Spectrum Management
The ITU Radio Regulations Update cycle:
A very competitive environment
Neutral to Aviation
Those that do their homework and participate succeed, others lose.
Definition of Radio Frequency Management:
“Radio frequency management is done by experts who meld years of experience with a curious blend of regulation, electronics, politics and not a little bit of larceny. They justify requirements, horsetrade, coerce, bluff and gamble with an intuition that cannot be taught other than by long experience.”
Vice Admiral Jon L. Boyes
U.S. Navy
All in all, the Radio Regulation update cycle can be defined as being both very competitive and aviation neutral. Those that do not do their homework and participate, whether it is aviation or someone else, will lose.
The quote you see on this slide is famous amongst Frequency Managers who participate in WRC preparation. Very unlike the friendly and cooperative environment we are used to in ICAO, the WRC environment can be one of misdirection, bluffing, scheming, probably even outright lies, and in all cases distrust. This is where ICAO representation is very important. ICAO is seen as an upfront representation of internationally co-ordinated aviation safety interests.

11. ITU in brief
UN Specialized agency, established to standardize and regulate international radio and telecommunications.
Based in Geneva, Switzerland
Founded on 17 May 1865
191 Member States, more than 700 Sector members and associates
865 staff / ~70 nationalities
To give some essential background, I need to give you a 3 slide description of the ITU and the ITU Radio Regulations.
The International Telecommunication Union is the second-oldest international organization still in existence; it was founded as the International Telegraph Union, on 17 May Its main tasks include standardization, allocation of radio frequency spectrum, and organizing interconnection arrangements between different countries to facilitate international telecommunication.
It has 191 Member States, similar to ICAO, and more than 700 Sector Members and Associates, something worth mentioning, as it draws a picture of the lobbyism involved. The Member States may have the power of the vote when it comes to ultimate decisions on standards or frequency spectrum allocations. However the Sector Members have a voice, as lobbyists, during the decision process.
ITU is of a similar size as ICAO, perhaps slightly larger.

12. ITU in brief Major role (examples)
International telecoms standardization
Collaboration in international tariff setting
Co-operation in telecoms development assistance
Spectrum allocation
Frequency registration
Co-ordination of national spectrum planning
Distress and Safety provisions
Radio regulatory aspects of the aeronautical mobile service (chapter VIII of the RR) …
On this slide I attempt to give a brief description of what ITU does:
International telecoms standardization, a large activity, encompassing standardization of the protocols used by telecom central exchange, Voice encoding over IP, Cell phone technology and so on.
The ITU plays a role in international tariff setting
ITU plays a role in assisting developing countries in building their telecom infrastructure
And now to our main points of interest, Spectrum allocation through regular updates of the Radio Regulations, as decided during the World Radiocommunication conferences
Registration of frequencies to facilitate international co-ordination
They assist with co-ordination of national spectrum planning
In the Radio Regulations, you will find substantive regulations and guidance on distress and safety provisions
Radio regulatory aspects of the aeronautical mobile service is contained in chapter 8 of the Radio Regulations. Actually, here you will also find a hook to the ICAO SARPs.
And I’m sure there is more…

13. ITU in brief Radio Regulations
International treaty:
Facilitate equitable access to and rational use of the radio frequency spectrum and the geostationary orbit
Ensure availability and protection from harmful interference of frequencies for distress and safety purposes
Assist in prevention and resolution of cases of harmful interference
Facilitate efficient and effective operation of radiocommunications services
Provide for, and regulate new applications of telecommunications technology
The ITU Radio Regulations are the prime spectrum management tool, provided by the ITU
The Radio Regulations have treaty status and define all of the regulatory elements which are necessary for effective and efficient management of the useable frequency spectrum throughout the world. The Radio Regulations can only be amended by a World Radio Conference, in other words, there are no provisions for any changes until the next conference. The radio authorities of ITU member States undertake to apply the Radio Regulations within their territory, and in practice the Radio Regulations are conscientiously applied and universally observed
(The above (slide and notes) borrowed from Mr. W. T. Young’s presentation on the ITU at the ICAO Regional Coordination Meeting in preparation fro the ITU WRC-2003, Lima Peru, 27 to 28 March 2001)

14. ITU in brief Radio Regulations
Contents of the Radio Regulations:
A set of regulatory provisions addressing the major topics of:
Definitions for services and technical features related to spectrum and frequency planning
Frequency Allocations to services
Procedures for coordination and registration of frequencies
Provisions for distress and safety communications
Provisions for individual radio services (including Aeronautical Services)
Interference – reporting and clearance
Administrative provisions, including licensing
Together with:
Appendices (30) addressing planning, technical parameters and operational procedures
Resolutions and Recommendations
As for the contents of the Radio Regulations, we have the following:
Definitions for services and technical features
The main and perhaps most important part is the tables of Frequency Allocations and associated footnotes
This is followed by procedures for coordination and registration of frequencies, and provisions for distress and safety communications
There are provisions for individual radio services, including the Aeronautical Services.
Provisions for how to resolve interference issues
Administrative provisions, such as licensing.
The Radio Regulations also include some 30 Appendices which detail planning, technical parameters and operational procedures for different frequency bands and services.
And last but not least is a large number of Resolutions and Recommendations which further clarify the various frequency allocations
(Text in the above slide copied from Mr. W. T. Young’s presentation on the ITU at the ICAO Regional Coordination Meeting in preparation fro the ITU WRC-2003, Lima Peru, 27 to 28 March 2001)

15. ITU WRCs General Overview
WRCs update the International Radio Regulations
Held every years
Last was in 2007
Next in 2012
Main purposes:
To revise the Radio Regulations (RR); and
To address Radiocommunication issues of a worldwide character.
Radio Regulations: International treaty governing the use of the Radio Frequency Spectrum
Why participate at World Radiocommunication Conferences:
To protect existing services
To obtain access to spectrum for new services and enhance spectrum access for existing services
To facilitate market access for radio equipment manufacturers; and
To provide regulatory certainty to operators.
Now to jump to the World Radio Conferences
This slide gives a general overview of the World Radiocommunication Conferences.
The Radio Regulations are updated during the WRCs. WRCs are held every four years, last one was in November 2007, the next one will be in January 2012.
As mentioned on a previous slide, the radio regulations are an international treaty document, governing the use of the Radio Frequency Spectrum.
Now why participate in a WRC?
One participates to improve or protect spectrum access for existing services and to obtain access to spectrum for new services. One participates to facilitate market access for radio equipment manufacturers. And one participates to provide regulatory certainty to operators.

16. WRC-07 in numbers Participation: 2822 delegates
Budget of $3.5 million US Dollars
4 weeks (5 ½ weeks counting RA-07 and CPM)
161 Administrations
5 regional telecommunication organizations
4 intergovernmental organizations
3 UN specialized agencies (ICAO, IMO, WMO)
4 other international agencies
30 recognized operating agencies
23 scientific/industrial organizations
22 regional /international organizations
Over 3100 proposals in 350 documents, pages translated, 2,380,000 downloads.
Over 1100 meetings, 30 meetings/day. Marathon sessions (9am Wed – 5pm Thu with less than 3 hours break).
Final Acts: ~500 pages
This is an overview slide for the last World Radio Conference.
There were over 2800 participants. The budget for the conference was 3.5 million dollars US.
The main conference took 4 weeks, 161 State Administrations participated and a large number of Observers, including 3 UN organizations. I should note that the UN representatives do have the right to ask for the floor during the conference, unlike other Observers.
Over 3100 proposals were addressed, over 1100 meetings, or over 30 meetings per day. Usually we would see several meetings on aviation sensitive issues being held in parallel. We had marathon sessions, I remember one in particular, where a meeting lasted for full 32 hours.
The final acts of the conference, as signed by Administrations on the last day, were 500 pages
No definition on RA-07 and CPM

17. International Mobile Telecommunications (IMT)
WRC-07 Main Thrust
International Mobile Telecommunications (IMT)
Additional spectrum identified for IMT
))) 698−862 MHz R2 & R3 (9 countries)
450−470 MHz (((
))) 790−862 MHz R1 & R3
3.4−3.6 GHz band ((( (no global allocation)
As for the main theme of the conference. Spectrum for Mobile Telephones
(mention indicators for 10% increase)
))) 2.3−2.4 GHz
- Higher frequencies: to face growth in densely populated areas.
- Lower frequencies to provide, at a reasonable cost, high speed mobile services everywhere, in particular in less densely populated areas.

18. WRC-07: Main results for Civil Aviation (1)
Protection of the GNSS (GPS/GLONASS) improved by downgrading the Fixed Service operating in 34 countries in the 1559 – 1610 MHz band.
By end of 2009, the remaining 9 countries in the Middle East and Africa will also downgrade their Fixed Service in this band.
Fixed Service to be terminated in this band by 2015.
I will skip through these slides quickly, as this is not new information.
The protection of Global Navigation Satellite Services was improved by downgrading the Fixed Service operating in the GNSS bands in some 34 countries.

19. WRC-07: Main results for Civil Aviation (2)
9 GHz bands used by the Aeronautical Radionavigation Service (ARNS) will now share their primary allocation with the Radiolocation Service, the Earth Exploration Satellite Service (active) and the Space Research Service (active)
However, as per the ICAO Position, ARNS has been provided regulatory protection over the new primary services sharing those bands.
On the issue of sharing the 9GHz bands with other users, one could ask why this is a positive result. It is, because aviation was able to demonstrate willingness to share spectrum in a responsible manner, while successfully negotiating terms ensuring that aviation access to these frequency bands would not suffer.

20. WRC-07: Main results for Civil Aviation (3)
New allocations to the Aeronautical Mobile (route) Service (AM(R)S) in support of future requirements
The band MHz was allocated to the AM(R)S with some limitations to the band below 112 MHz.
The band MHz was allocated to the AM(R)S
The band MHz was allocated to the AM(R)S limited to surface applications at airports.
The bands MHz and MHz cannot be used until sharing studies with existing systems have been completed. Regulatory provisions for these bands should be reviewed at the next WRC.
All the above bands share an allocation with the ARNS
NextGen
&
SESAR
A slide on allocations to enable Future Com systems development.
During the WRC-12 Study Cycle sharing studies within ITU have now been completed for the three frequency bands mentioned on this slide. The studies relate to interference between systems that are ICAO standardized, versus non ICAO standardized systems operating in or adjacent to those frequency bands, while sole responsibility has been given to ICAO to ensure interference free frequency spectrum sharing between ICAO standardized systems.
ACP Working Group F develops input material to assist the on-going studies within the ITU-R. Any new to-be-developed COM system to use these bands will need to be ICAO standardized, and ICAO will not need to go to the ITU to establish interoperability with other ICAO standardized systems.

21. WRC-07: Main results for Civil Aviation (4)
The band MHz should be studied with respect to the possibility of assigning it to the aeronautical mobile (R) service limited to surface applications at airports and that these studies should be reviewed at the next WRC.
Another Future Com related slide

22. WRC-07: Main results for Civil Aviation (5)
New ITU recommendation in support of infrastructure development in underdeveloped regions:
Aimed at facilitating the licensing of VSAT (very small aperture terminal) satellite ground stations in support of aviation communications infrastructure
Recognizes that VSAT networks operating in the fixed satellite service can be used to carry aeronautical safety related traffic
Cotonou
Lagos
Bamako
NMY
Kano
NDJ
Bangui
Douala
Libreville
Brazzaville
Tana
Mahga
Toamasina
Station B (11 M)
Station F2 (7m30)
Station F1 (3m60)
Tamba
Abidjan
Accra
Malabo
Antsirana
Toliara
Ouaga
AmTiman
Dire
Bouar
Atar
Nouadhibou
NKT
Ouesso
Pointe Noire
Casablanca
Las Palmas
Conakry
Lome
JOHANESBURG
Moroni
Garoua
Dirkou
Agadez
Gao
Zinder
Faya
Tessalit
Bir-Mogreïn
Sal
RECIFE
Dzaoudzi
St Denis
Alger
Toulouse
Nairobi
Luanda
Planned links
Aeronautical Communication VSAT Links
Kinshasa
Dar es Salaam
Khartoum
Le Caire
Tripoli
Tunis
Maurice
Lisbonne
Sante Maria
Bria
Maiduguri
Beira
Links via CAFSAT network
Links via SADC network
Links via AFISNET network
A new ITU Recommendation to facilitate the licensing of VSAT installations for aeronautical ground-ground networks.

23. WRC-07: Main results for Civil Aviation (6)
Inclusion of an agenda item for WRC-11 to ensure long-term spectrum availability for the Aeronautical Mobile Satellite (route) Service
At WRC-97 the exclusive AMS(R)S allocations in the L-band were replaced by a generic allocation to the Mobile Satellite Service (MSS). Priority and pre-emption was afforded to AMS(R)S through a footnote. Studies have identified that these methods are insufficient to ensure long-term spectrum availability to aviation
This agenda item affords aviation the opportunity to conduct technical, operational and regulatory studies of existing and future spectrum requirements for aviation
At the 1997 WRC we lost an exclusive aeronautical safety allocation in the mobile satellite service. At the WRC-12, 15 years later, we are still trying to get a satisfactory resolution to this. I should add that we are currently seeing a serious pushback from the Satellite operators on this issue, as expected.

24. WRC-07: Main results for Civil Aviation (7)
In general, conference results conformed to the ICAO Position. Major factors contributing to this include:
Early development and dissemination of the draft ICAO Position
Active participation by ICAO and national aviation experts in the preparatory work of the ITU, including the relevant meetings of the ITU-R
Increased participation by ICAO experts (from HQ and regional offices) in meetings of the regional telecommunication organizations
Increased awareness in the Regions through ACP WG-F meetings and ICAO Radio Frequency Seminars in the Regions
Active Participation of the ICAO Delegation at WRC-07 allowed ICAO to counter and refute proposals which would have adversely impacted aeronautical spectrum
General results, the conference results conformed to the ICAO position.
The major factors contributing to this result, include:
Active participation by ICAO and national aviation experts in the preparatory work of the ITU, including the relevant meetings of the ITU-R
Increased ICAO participation in the meetings of the regional telecom organizations
Increased awareness in the Regions, through ACP Working Group F meetings and ICAO Radio Frequency Seminars, such as this one, in the Regions
Active participation of the four person ICAO delegation at the WRC-07, allowed ICAO to counter and refute proposals which would have adversely impacted aeronautical spectrum

25. Preparation for a WRC ICAO Strategy (1)
Strategy for establishing and promoting the ICAO position for future ITU World Radiocommunication Conferences. Developed by ANC and adopted by Council in (Doc 9718, Att E):
Basis for the ICAO position
Guidance for the development of the ICAO position
Guidance for the promotion of the ICAO position
Discusses new trends, including the economic value of spectrum
Incorporates Assembly Resolution A36-25, which gives further guidance to ICAO and States, especially as regards the necessary attribution of resources to this process.
Now, all of that was history. The rest of this presentation focuses on our current work program, how we developed the Position for WRC-12, and how we continue to prepare for the WRC-12
We work according to the established ICAO Strategy, as developed in 2001.
This strategy provides the basis for the ICAO position,
It provides guidance for the development of the ICAO position
It discusses new trends, including the economic value of spectrum
It incorporates Assembly resolution A36-25.

26. Preparation for a WRC ICAO Strategy (2)
Basis for the ICAO Position
Current and future aviation requirements for radio frequency spectrum
Long term implementation strategy contained in the Global Air Navigation Plan (Doc 9750)
ICAO policy on radio frequency spectrum requirements, as approved by Council
Framework for development and support of ICAO Position is contained in Assembly Resolution A36-25
The Strategy includes the basis for the ICAO Position, which consists of these elements.
Current and future requirements for aviation frequency spectrum
Long term implementation strategy, which is contained in the Global Air Navigation Plan (mostly deleted in the last ed)
The ICAO Policy on radio frequency spectrum requirements, as approved by Council
The Framework for development and support of the ICAO position is contained in Assembly Resolution A36-25

27. Preparation for a WRC ICAO Strategy (3)
Guidance for the development of the ICAO Position (1)
Established as early as possible after the agenda for that WRC is established
Position presents ICAO views on all agenda items of interest to international civil aviation on the agenda of the WRC, with particular regard to the impact on safety, regularity and efficiency of flight
Focal point on all aspects related to the development of the ICAO Position is ACP Working Group F
Proper co-ordination with regional offices
This is the short version of the Guidance for the development of the ICAO position.
It should be established as early as possible after the agenda for a WRC is established
The position should present ICAO views on all agenda items of interest to civil aviation, with particular regard to the impact on safety, regularity and efficiency of flight
The focal point on all aspects related to the development of the ICAO position is the Aeronautical Communications Panel – Working Group F
And, the position is coordinated with the 7 regional ICAO offices to ensure harmonization with any regional issues.

28. Preparation for a WRC ICAO Strategy (4)
Guidance for the development of the ICAO position (2)
Position reviewed by ANC, sent to States and relevant International Organizations for comments, and a consolidated ICAO Position is submitted to ANC and Council for approval
Position is sent to States for use in coordination process when developing national positions
Following development of the Position, consequential amendments to policy statements are developed for approval by the Council
Subsequent developments arising from ICAO and ITU activities in preparation for the WRC are considered by the Council with a view to update the Position as necessary
Once the draft position has been developed, it is reviewed by ICAO Air Navigation Commission, sent to States for comments, and a consolidated ICAO position is submitted to the ICAO Council for approval
The position is used by States in their internal coordination process, when developing the national positions.
The ICAO Position, as previously discussed, addresses the specific WRC agenda items.
The ICAO Policy however is much broader in scope, and attempts to address all aviation frequency spectrum issues with a long-term view in mind. Updates are made to the Policy and submitted to the Air Navigation Commission and Council for approval. You’ll find the ICAO Policy in Doc 9718, the Frequency Spectrum Handbook, which is introduced in a separate presentation today.
The initial approved position is usually rather broad / general in scope. As work within the ITU progresses, it may become necessary to update or narrow down in scope some of the elements of the position. In that case, an updated position will be ready, typically 6 months prior to the World Radio Conference

29. Preparation for a WRC ICAO Strategy (5)
Guidance for the promotion of the ICAO position
Assembly Resolution A36-25 shall be fully implemented so as to secure support from States to the ICAO Position and ensure that the resources necessary to support increased participation by ICAO to international and regional spectrum management activities are made available.
ICAO contributes to the WRC preparatory activities conducted by ITU and Regional Telecommunications Organizations, by submitting additional technical papers supporting the ICAO Position
ICAO maintains close co-ordination and co-operation with other aviation organizations participating in the Conference, such as IATA
Regional ICAO co-ordination meetings to present and discuss the ICAO Position should be organized as required. These meetings to be held in conjunction with meetings of ACP WG-F
Here is guidance for the promotion of the ICAO Position
It points toward Assembly Resolution A I should perhaps note that Assembly Resolution A36-25 contains directives to both ICAO and the ICAO Contracting States.
The guidance specifies that ICAO participates in the WRC preparatory work conducted by the ITU-R and Regional Telecom Organizations
It guides that we, dare I say - gang up with other civil aviation interest groups participating in the conference
It prescribes Regional ICAO co-ordination meetings, such as this one here, to promote and facilitate participation and awareness by the frequency managers of local aviation authorities.

30. Preparation for a WRC ICAO Strategy (6)
New trends in spectrum management may affect the availability of adequate and protected spectrum for aviation
Increased role of the private sector in the work of the ITU
Increased economic value of spectrum for certain applications
Increased availability of radio devices that do not require licensing
Increased pressure for sharing aeronautical spectrum with non-aeronautical services
New trends, or dare I say new threats.
The massive participation by the private sector has had an adverse impact on the influence of inter-governmental bodies such as ICAO. To compensate, the 2002 ITU Plenipotentiary Conference decided that inter-governmental agencies such as ICAO, while being Observers, will have the right to ask for the floor.
The issue of spectrum pricing as currently being progressed by a couple of countries is an aspect of a much larger issue, the issue that it is not difficult to derive high economic value for a chunk of spectrum, in it self an aspect of the simple basic issue, that spectrum is a rare commodity. In order to keep a resource allocation, a user will have to be able to demonstrate good/sensible use of the resource.
Radio devices that do not require licensing, this includes items such as cell phones, wireless networking, RF-ids or tags that we have embedded in our keys, pets, probably ourselves soon as well.
Bottom line is that the pressure for sharing any spectrum, including our aeronautical spectrum, will only go up

31. Preparation for a WRC Assembly Resolution A36-25 (A32-13) (part 1)
Urges Contracting States and International Organizations to support firmly the ICAO position at WRCs and in regional and other international activities conducted in preparation for WRCs by the following means:
undertaking to provide for aviation interests to be fully integrated in the development of their positions presented to regional telecommunications fora involved in the preparation of joint proposals to the WRC;
including in their proposals to the WRC, to the extent possible, material consistent with the ICAO Position;
supporting the ICAO position and the ICAO policy statements at ITU WRCs as approved by Council and incorporated in the Handbook on Radio Frequency Spectrum Requirements for Civil Aviation (Doc 9718);
And here is Assembly Resolution A36-25, which gives further guidance to ICAO and States, as regards the necessary attribution of resources to this process.
The Resolution gives guidance to States in how to support the ICAO position.

32. Preparation for a WRC Assembly Resolution A36-25 (A32-13) (part 2)
undertaking to provide experts from their civil aviation authorities to fully participate in the development of States’ and regional positions and development of aviation interests at the ITU; and
ensuring, to the maximum extent possible, that their delegations to regional conferences, ITU study groups and WRCs include experts from their civil aviation authorities or other aviation officials who are fully prepared to represent aviation interests;
Requests the Secretary General to bring to the attention of ITU the importance of adequate radio frequency spectrum allocation and protection for the safety of aviation; and
Instructs the Council and the Secretary General, as a matter of high priority within the budget adopted by the Assembly, to ensure that the resources necessary to support increased participation by ICAO in international and regional spectrum management activities are made available.
As you can see in d) and e) on this slide, the Assembly Resolution urges States to provide aviation frequency experts from their civil aviation authorities to both fully participate in the development of the States’ and regional position, and development of aviation interest at the ITU. The Assembly Resolution also urges States to ensure, that their delegations to regional conferences, ITU Study Groups and World Radio Conferences include civil aviation frequency spectrum experts or other aviation officials who are fully prepared to represent aviation interests
And it gives guidance to ICAO to ensure that the resources necessary to support increased participation by ICAO, are made available … …

33. WRC 2012 Position and Policy (1)
Initial draft of the ICAO Position was developed by ACP, reviewed by the ANC (Nov 2008) and sent to States for comments (28 Nov 2008)
Position reviewed a second time by the ANC (May 2009), and by Council (June 2009), now including the following material:
Results of the consultation with States on the initial draft ICAO position (42 replies received)
Updates to the Policy Statements in the “Handbook on Radio Frequency Spectrum Requirements for Civil Aviation including Statement of Approved ICAO Policies” (Doc 9718)
SL-09/61, containing the approved ICAO Position, sent to all 190 ICAO Contracting States and relevant International Organizations (30 June 2009)
And this finally brings us to where we are today.
The initial draft Position for WRC 2011 was developed during two sessions of the ACP Working Group F, reviewed by the Air Navigation Commission and submitted to all 190 ICAO Contracting States as well as international organizations for comment in November 2008.
In May 2009, the ANC reviewed the Position again, now in the light of comments from States. In brief, we received 42 replies from States, including 23 Approvals, 11 Approvals with comments, 8 replies with no indication of position, and no disagreements.
At this time, draft updates to the Policy Statements contained in the Radio Frequency Spectrum Handbook were also reviewed.
After final review of the ICAO Position, the Position was approved by Council on 22 June 2009, and finally, a State letter containing the approved position was sent to all 190 contracting ICAO States and relevant international Organizations by the end of that same month. States and international organizations are requested to make use of the ICAO Position, to the maximum extent possible, in their preparatory activities for the WRC-12 at the national level, in the activities of the regional telecommunication organizations and in the relevant meetings of the ITU.

34. WRC 2012 Position and Policy (2)
ICAO Policy Statements
A WRC is limited to certain issues and certain frequency bands. The ICAO position only addresses spectrum usage in context with issues identified in the pre-set WRC agenda.
The ICAO Policy Statements however, indicate overall ICAO policy for each and every frequency band used by aviation safety services
The Policy Statements are “Official ICAO Policy”, approved by Council. Latest revision of the policy statements was done together with the development of the ICAO Position.
Included in Doc 9718, the “Handbook on Radio Frequency Spectrum Requirements for Civil Aviation” (latest revision is Rev 5, published in 2010)
In the presentation so far, I have alluded a couple of times to something called the “ICAO Policy Statements”. This deserves an explanation.
The ICAO Position addresses the specific items on the pre-defined and detailed agenda for a World Radio Conference. In other words, the ICAO Position only addresses spectrum usage in relation to, or in context with issues already identified in the pre-set WRC agenda.
The ICAO Policy Statements however, indicate overall ICAO Policy, for each and every frequency band used by the aviation safety services. In other words, there are frequency bands which do not fall under the agenda of the next WRC, however we still have an ICAO policy as regards these bands. Or, when developing the position, a specific service or frequency band has not been connected to a WRC agenda, however, during the WRC preparation work, this service or band may be brought up for discussion in context with a WRC agenda item. Now, the ICAO policy statements for the band in question may be used for background information and guidance, in other words, the ICAO position may be derived from it.
The ICAO Policy Statements are Official ICAO Policy, similar to the ICAO Position, as they are approved by the ICAO Council.
The ICAO Policy Statements are included in the Radio Frequency Handbook. An new and updated edition of this handbook was published last year.

35. WRC 2012 preparation (1)
Beyond the ICAO Position, Project: Secure and maintain the ICAO Position at ITU WRC 2012
ACP Working Group F to meet in the Regions / Regional Aviation Frequency Spectrum Seminars, 2 two-week missions per year
ICAO Secretariat (HQ) to participate in ITU-R Study Groups (SG-5 / WP5B & SG-4 / WP4C), 4 two-week missions per year
ICAO Secretariat (HQ / Regional) to participate in meetings of regional telecommunications organizations, 2 – 4 one-week missions per year
In 2012, participation in WRC-2012, 3 ICAO Officers, 4 weeks.
Dependency: Mission Travel Budget
And now, finally, a look ahead.
This slide gives a breakdown of our current project, to secure and maintain the ICAO Position at the WRC 2012
ACP Working Group F will meet in the Regions twice per year, combined with Regional Aviation Frequency Spectrum Seminars. This meeting here, is the fourth such meeting. Originally we intended to start this activity a year earlier, but due to budgetary constraints, we had to delay the beginning of this activity.
ICAO Secretariat submits input material and participates in the relevant ITU-R Study Group or Working Party meetings, mainly Working Parties 5B and 4C to introduce, support and defend the ICAO position.
And as funds permit, ICAO HQ and/or the ICAO Regional offices, will introduce and support the ICAO position in regional telecom WRC preparatory meetings.
And lastly, we all, will need to support the WRC-2012

36. WRC 2012 preparation (2) WRC 2012 Agenda Items 30 Agenda Items total
6 standing Items, some of which affect aviation
24 specific Agenda Items, 13 of which affect aviation
3 support the development of aviation spectrum
10 pose a threat to aviation spectrum allocations
The final few slides show the aviation relevant agenda items at WRC 2012
There are 30 Agenda Items in total which can be divided into
6 standing items, some of which affect aviation
24 specific agenda items, 13 of which affect aviation
3 agenda items support the development of aviation spectrum
10 pose a threat to our aviation spectrum allocations

37. WRC 2012 preparation (3)
Agenda Items supporting the Development of Aviation Spectrum:
Agenda Items 1.3:
To consider spectrum requirements and possible regulatory actions, including allocations, in order to support the safe operation of unmanned aircraft systems (UAS), based on the results of ITU‑R studies
Agenda Item 1.4:
To consider, based on the results of ITU‑R studies, any further regulatory measures to facilitate introduction of new aeronautical mobile (R) service (AM(R)S) systems in the bands  MHz, 960-1 164 MHz and 5 000- 5 030 MHz
Agenda Item 1.7
To consider the results of ITU‑R studies in order to ensure long-term spectrum availability and access to spectrum necessary to meet requirements for the aeronautical mobile-satellite (R) service, and to take appropriate action on this subject, while retaining unchanged the generic allocation to the mobile-satellite service in the bands 1 525‑1 559 MHz and 1   660.5 MHz
I do not intend to go into any detail on the agenda items here as they are all discussed in great detail in other briefings today and tomorrow.
These are the three that support the development of Aviation Spectrum, the first one being on UAS, the second one being follow-up, as I mentioned earlier, on the AM(R)S allocations we were given in support of future communications systems at the last WRC, and the third one exploring methods to satisfy the needs for aeronautical satellite communications

38. WRC 2012 preparation (4) Direct threats to Aviation Spectrum:
Agenda Item 1.12
To protect the primary services in the band 37-38 GHz from interference resulting from aeronautical mobile service operations, taking into account the results of ITU‑R studies
Agenda Item 1.19
To consider regulatory measures and their relevance, in order to enable the introduction of software-defined radio and cognitive radio systems, based on the results of ITU‑R studies
Agenda Item 1.21
To consider a primary allocation to the radiolocation service in the band GHz, taking into account the results of ITU-R studies.
Agenda Item 1.22
To examine the effect of emissions from short-range devices on radiocommunication services
Agenda Item 1.23
To consider an allocation of about 15 kHz in parts of the band  kHz to the amateur service on a secondary basis, taking into account the need to protect existing services
These items could be categorized as direct threat to aviation…

39. WRC 2012 preparation (5) Potential threats to Aviation Spectrum:
Agenda Item 1.5
To consider worldwide/regional harmonization of spectrum for electronic news gathering (ENG), taking into account the results of ITU‑R studies
Agenda Item 1.9
To revise frequencies and channelling arrangements of Appendix 17 to the Radio Regulations in order to implement new digital technologies for the maritime mobile service
Agenda Item 1.14
To consider requirements for new applications in the radiolocation service and review allocations or regulatory provisions for implementation of the radiolocation service in the range 30‑300 MHz
Agenda Item 1.15
To consider possible allocations in the range 3-50 MHz to the radiolocation service for oceanographic radar applications, taking into account the results of ITU‑R studies
Agenda Item 1.25
To consider possible additional allocations to the mobile-satellite service, in accordance with Resolution 231 (WRC-07)
And these could be categorized as a potential threat to aviation, meaning that they may include an element of surprise…

40. Vice Admiral Jon L. Boyes
Definition of Radio Frequency Management:
“Radio frequency management is done by experts who meld years of experience with a curious blend of regulation, electronics, politics and not a little bit of larceny. They justify requirements, horsetrade, coerce, bluff and gamble with an intuition that cannot be taught other than by long experience.”
Vice Admiral Jon L. Boyes
U.S. Navy
Thank You!
Overview
Aeronautical Frequency Spectrum Management
ITU in brief (Radio Regulations)
ITU World Radio Conferences (WRCs), General Overview
WRC-07 Results
Preparation for a WRC, General
WRC-12 Position and Policy
WRC-12 Preparation
(8)
(4)
(1)
(9)
(2)
(5)
This concludes my briefing. I hope you have found it useful. Thank you.