As per the ITU news, the World Radiocommunication Conference 2019 (WRC-19) concluded this November as agreements signed by some 3400 delegates from around 165 Member States in the Final Acts of the Radio Regulations, the international treaty governing the global use of radio-frequency spectrum and satellite orbits.

Highlights on  Additional spectrum allocations agreed for IMT-2020 (5G mobile)

                     Earth monitoring and space research satellite services protected

WRC-19 identified additional globally harmonized (millimetre wave) frequency bands for International Mobile Telecommunications (IMT), including IMT-2020 (otherwise known as 5G mobile), facilitating diverse usage scenarios for enhanced mobile broadband, massive machine-type communications and ultra-reliable and low-latency communications. This will unlock a host of applications facilitating Intelligent Transport Systems, creating smart cities and making communities more sustainable while allowing for effective climate action, improved health care, sustainable agricultural practices, and greater energy efficiency.

WRC-19 paves the way for new, more innovative ways to connect the world using both terrestrial and space-based communication technologies. As leading edge broadband technology manifests itself in new industrial developments, people in the remotest areas will also get better and more affordable access.

The agreements at WRC-19 will favourably impact the lives of billions of people around the world, creating a digital landscape for sustainable growth and development. The achievements of WRC-19 in enabling new communication technologies and the protection of existing services will be reflected in the continuous growth of the trillion dollar telecommunication and ICT industry, noted by ITU officials. 

KEY OUTCOMES OF WRC-19

·     Additional bands for IMT identified in the 24.25-27.5 GHz, 37-43.5 GHz, 45.5-47 GHz, 47.2-48.2 and 66-71 GHz bands, facilitating development of fifth generation (5G) mobile networks.

·     High-altitude platform stations (HAPS) – Additional frequency bands Identified for High Altitude Platform Systems – radios on aerial platforms hovering in the stratosphere – to facilitate telecommunications within a wide coverage area below for affordable broadband access in rural and remote areas.

·     WiFi networks – Regulatory provisions revised to accommodate both indoor and outdoor usage and the growth in demand for wireless access systems, including RLANs for end-user radio connections to public or private core networks, such as WiFi, while limiting their interference into existing satellite services.

·     Railway radiocommunication systems between train and trackside (RSTT) – Resolution approved on Railway radiocommunication systems to facilitate the deployment of railway train and trackside systems to meet the needs of a high-speed railway environment in particular for train radio applications for improved railway traffic control, passenger safety and security for train operations.

·     Intelligent Transport Systems (ITS) – ITU Recommendation (standard) approved to integrate ICTs in evolving Intelligent Transport Systems (ITS) to connect vehicles, improve traffic management and assist in safer driving.

·   VISION 2023: A LOOK INTO SOME AREAS OF THE WRC-23 AGENDA

·     High-altitude IMT base stations (HIBS) – Possible use of same frequency bands as ground-based IMT base stations on HAPS for extended mobile broadband connectivity to underserved communities and remote areas.