WRC-15: Win Some, Lose Some

WRC15 concluded with new spectrum assigned for mobile services:

L-band:  1427-1518 MHz is now assigned for fixed and mobile services. The L-Band is used for mobile satellite services. Technical measures need to be developed for co-existence with mobile satellite in 1518-1559 MHz. The 1350 – 1400 MHz was also a target for IMT, but it did not get the required support.

C-band: 3400-3600 MHz part of the band are identified for IMT in Region 1 (EMEA) and Region 2 (Americas), and a few countries in Region 3/Asia (e.g. Japan). Most of Asia will continue to use satellite service in this band. The upper part of the band between 3600-4200 MHz will remain assigned to satellite services except for a few countries in the Americas. Support for mobile services in C-band uplink frequencies between 5925-6425 MHz was declined.

5G Spectrum: There was strong opposition from regional administrators to consider the Ka band (26.5 – 40 GHz) for 5G services. For now, the C, Ku and Ka band would not be included in WRC-19 agenda for new 5G spectrum. See my earlier post on using millimeter wave for 5G spectrum here.

GSMA had recommended a few bands for IMT designation:

• Sub-700 MHz (470-694/698 MHz)
• L-Band (1350-1400 & 1427-1518 MHz)
• 2.7-2.9 GHz
• C-Band (3.4-3.8 GHz & 3.8-4.2 GHz)

The ITU agreed to earlier in the week to harmonize 700 MHz to include EMEA (America and Asia was designated for IMT in 2007).

More info here.