Held every four years, the ITU’s World Radio Conference (WRC) came to an end last week. During the 4-week long conference, 43 new resolutions were approved, 56 existing ones were revised while 33 resolutions were suppressed. Key highlights included:
- 4G/5G Spectrum – WRC-23 identified spectrum for 4G and 5G which will be crucial for expanding broadband connectivity and developing mobile services. The new spectrum includes the 3,300-3,400MHz, 3,600-3,800MHz, 4,800-4,990MHz and 6,425-7,125MHz frequency bands in various countries and regions.In particular, the decision to set aside the 6.425-7.125GHz band for licensed, mobile operations and to harmonise this band is very important for the mobile community. The 6GHz band is the only remaining midband spectrum currently available to respond to the data traffic growth in the 5G-Advanced era and is critical for manufacturers of the 6GHz equipment ecosystem.However, a compromise was adopted in ITU Region 1 and Region 3, which means that the 6,425-7,125MHz band can also be used by Wi-Fi. Individual administrations will have the freedom to decide what happens in this frequency range.
- HIBS spectrum – WRC-23 also identified the 2GHz and 2.6GHz bands for using high-altitude platform stations as IMT base stations (HIBS) and established regulations for their operations. This technology offers a new platform to provide mobile broadband with minimal infrastructure using the same frequencies and devices as IMT mobile networks. HIBS can contribute to bridging the digital divide in remote and rural areas and maintain connectivity during disasters.
- Low-bands – WRC-23 also defined mobile use of more low-band spectrum in the 470-694MHz band in the EMEA region (Europe, the Middle East and Africa).In the UK, Ofcom has already released spectrum down to the 700MHz (694-790MHz) band for use by mobile networks, by shifting Digital Terrestrial TV (DTV) services into the 600MHz band and lower (starting around 470MHz). DTV is going to be around for a number of years yet, but once it does end (i.e. once people have shifted to broadband-based TV) then it looks increasingly likely that the bands will be used for mobile.
- 6G Spectrum – prior to the start of WRC-23, the ITU adopted a resolution intended to guide the development of a 6G standard. During the conference, regulators agreed to study the 7-8.5GHz band for 6G in time for the next ITU conference in 2027. That spectrum band aligns with proposals from major incumbents for early 6G operations at spectrum bands between 7GHz and 20GHz.
The full version of this insight report, including a complete set of analyst takeaways, is published in the following report, available to clients of Counterpoint Research’s 5G Network Infrastructure Service (5GNI).
Report: Highlights from ITU’s WRC-23 Meeting In Dubai
Table of Contents
- Key Highlights
- Mobile Agreements
- 5G Spectrum
- 6G Spectrum
- Terrestrial Broadcast Agreements
- Satellite Agreements
- Other Agreements
- Analyst Viewpoint
