ITU World Radiocommunication Conference Adopts Wireless Spectrum Treaty

The World Radiocommunication Conference 2007 (WRC-07) concluded its deliberations with the adoption of an international treaty to meet the global demand for radio-frequency spectrum.

Over 2,800 delegates representing 164 member states and 104 observers attended the four-week conference, marked by intense negotiations on the future of wireless communications. Rapid technological developments and growth in the information and communication technology (ICT) sector have fuelled the demand for spectrum.

The international treaty, known as Radio Regulations governing the use of the radio-frequency spectrum and satellite orbits were revised and updated by WRC-07 to achieve the global connectivity goals of the 21st Century, according to an ITU press release.

"WRC-07 represents a major landmark for the future growth of the ICT industry," said ITU Secretary-General Dr. Hamadoun Toure, "and everyone will benefit from the digital dividend that will emerge as a result of this conference."
 
"There is a convergence of the needs of developing countries and developed countries to reduce the digital divide and this is the main success of this WRC-07 conference," said Francois Rancy, chairman of WRC-07. "The regional groups fully collaborated to produce the spectrum identification for IMT -- the concept that embraces advanced broadband mobile technology for use on a global basis."

WRC-07 addressed some 30 agenda items related to almost all terrestrial and space radio services and applications. These included future generations of mobile telephony, aeronautical telemetry and telecommand systems, satellite services including meteorological applications, maritime distress and safety signals, digital broadcasting, and the use of radio in the prediction and detection of natural disasters.

Highlights

International Mobile Telecommunications (IMT)

Globally harmonized spectrum identified for use by International Mobile Telecommunications (IMT) represents an important step in the worldwide development of IMT systems:

• 450-470 MHz band
• 698-862 MHz band in Region 2 and nine countries of Region 3
• 790-862 MHz band in Regions 1 and 3
• 2.3-2.4 GHz band
• 3.4-3.6 GHz band (no global allocation, but accepted by many countries)
  

Maritime Procedures

WRC-07 successfully reviewed international regulations related to the maritime mobile service, bringing them in line with current maritime communications technology, including distress and safety transmissions within the Global Maritime Distress and Safety System (GMDSS).