Agenda item Allocation to the Fixed- Satellite Service in the 7 ‑ 8 GHz range Presenter: Carol Wilson (Coordinator: Kevin Knights)

WRC-15: Agenda item >to consider, in accordance with Resolution 758 (WRC ‑ 12), possible new allocations to the fixed-satellite service in the frequency bands MHz (space-to-Earth) and ‑ MHz (Earth-to-space), subject to appropriate sharing conditions. Background >Main proponent for these allocations was France, with application for allocation not clear. >This was a contentious item during the working party cycle leading up to the conference, and studies had not been elevated from a preliminary draft status. >All input contributions proposed No Change with the exception of the CEPT contribution that supported allocations in both bands.

Australia’s position: >Supported CPM Report Method C (no change) on the basis that ITU-R studies had not demonstrated that coexistence of the proposed FSS allocation could be practically achieved without imposing undue constraint and regulatory burden on some incumbent services. CPM Methods proposed: >Method A –GSO downlink allocation ( MHz) and uplink allocation ( MHz). >Method B – GSO downlink allocation ( MHz) and uplink allocation ( MHz). >Method C – No new allocation.

WRC-15 Considerations: >Main concerns of all regional organisations/administrations (other than CEPT) included that: Studies had not been finalised. FSS/SRS sharing in the 7 GHz downlink band would require very difficult operational coordination. The uplink 8 GHz band would required very large coordination distances with SRS/SOS possibly overlapping administration boundaries. Concerns from some administrations (primarily ASMG, ATU, RCC and some APT members) about the impact on their extensive existing FS systems. > Limited support to France from Luxembourg, Norway and Netherlands.

WRC-15 Considerations: >Several working group and ad hoc meetings were held at which France attempted to alleviate FS concerns via various proposals: Minimum FSS earth station antenna diameter of 3.5m (or more) and only at known locations. Introduction of hard pfd limits at the borders of countries. Minimum distance from the border (50km, then 120km and 300km). >France also attempted to alleviate SRS concerns via various proposals: Proposed pfd mask and operational coordination. Allocation only in Near Earth portion of SRS band (Method B). > France later proposed a return to Method A but with a regional allocation only (subset of European administrations) via footnote.

WRC-15 Considerations: >Finally France proposed an uplink only FSS allocation ( MHz) combined with studies during the WRC-19 cycle of a downlink in a new portion of the 7 GHz band (not shared with SRS). > At a final ad hoc group meeting several regions including APT, RCC and CITEL indicated that their positions remained No Change due to lack of time to consider the detail of the various proposals and other remaining concerns.

WRC-15 Outcomes: >The final text approved at the conference resulted in No Change to the Radio Regulations related to this agenda item. Conclusion and Future Actions: >The outcome was in complete alignment with Australia’s position supporting Method C (No Change) with no new allocation. >No specific follow-up action required.

Agenda item Allocation to the Maritime Mobile Satellite Service in the 7-8 GHz range Presenter: Carol Wilson (Coordinator: Kevin Knights)

WRC-15: Agenda item >to consider, in accordance with Resolution 758 (WRC ‑ 12), the possibility of allocating the bands MHz and MHz to the maritime-mobile satellite service and additional regulatory measures, depending on the results of appropriate studies. Background >Study from France concluded up to total 750 MHz Spectrum required to meet future MMSS broadband data needs in the 7-8 GHz bands. >Proposal was to extend existing MMSS Primary allocation in bands MHz (space-to-Earth) and MHz (Earth-to- space).

Australia’s position: >Did not support CPM Report Method B on the basis that ITU-R studies had not demonstrated that the proposed MMSS (Earth-to- space) MHz allocation could coexist with some incumbent services. >Did not oppose CPM Report Method C which would provide a new MMSS (space-to-Earth) MHz allocation. CPM Methods proposed: >Method A –No change >Method B – Downlink ( MHz) and Uplink ( MHz) allocations >Method C – Downlink ( MHz) only allocation

WRC-15 Considerations: >Agreement among participants that no uplink allocation should be made (due to the large impact on existing services). >Discussion then centred on feasibility of a downlink allocation. >Concerns raised about the asymmetrical nature of a downlink only allocation and that proponents would seek an uplink in future. >Some concerns about interference from terrestrial services. >CEPT and Korea drafted proposal for Downlink only allocation (limiting use of the band to GSO networks, with MMSS not claiming protection from or constraining FS and MS, and pfd limits). >Sharing seen as the same as between MMSS/FS and existing FSS/FS. Overall the CPM Report showed sharing feasible for downlink allocation.

WRC-15 Outcomes: >The final text provides a downlink only primary allocation to MMSS in the frequency range ‑ MHz with two footnotes limiting use to geostationary-satellite networks and with the condition that earth stations in the MMSS shall not claim protection from, nor constrain the use and development of, stations in the fixed and mobile, except aeronautical mobile, service.

Conclusion and Future Actions: >The final text (Method C) is in complete alignment with Australia’s position that opposed Method B (which included an MMSS uplink allocation in the band MHz) and did not oppose Method C (MMSS downlink only allocation). >No specific follow-up action required.