After four weeks of negotiations, the World Radiocommunication Conference (WRC) concluded with a number of major decisions on the use of radio frequency spectrum globally. Key points include:
- WLANs -- the ITU agreed to allocate 455 MHz of unlicensed spectrum in the 5-GHz band for global WLAN use. Once the agreement achieves final plenary approval, 100 MHz of spectrum (5.150-5.250 GHz) will be allocated for indoor WLAN use, while an additional 355 MHz will be allocated for mixed indoor/outdoor use (5.250-5.350 GHz and 5.470-5.725 GHz). The international agreement at the WRC effectively opens at least 19 non-interfering 5GHz channels for global WLAN use.
- IMT-2000 -- the ITU reaffirmed its support for the continuing deployment of mobile wireless communications by recognizing the need to provide a global vision for the future development and advancement of IMT-2000. As part of this commitment, ITU will study technical and operational issues for migrating to IMT-2000 networks, especially in developing countries, including use of the satellite component of IMT-2000 for suitable coverage of these countries.
- Communications for Disaster Relief -- the ITU approved a resolution that will pave the way for the deployment of new technologies for wideband and broadband public protection and disaster relief applications. At present, public protection and disaster relief applications are mostly narrow-band, but future systems are expected to operate at up to 100 Mbps. Countries are urged to use regionally harmonized bands for public protection and disaster relief to the maximum extent possible, taking into account the national and regional requirements and also having regard to any needed consultation and cooperation with other concerned countries. They are also to encourage public protection and disaster relief agencies and organizations to utilize relevant ITU-R Recommendations in planning spectrum use.
- High Altitude Platform Stations -- some countries have notified ITU of their intent to deploy high altitude platform stations (HAPS) in the bands 47.2-47.5 GHz and 47.9-48.2 GHz. While the decision to deploy HAPS can be taken on a national basis, such deployment may affect neighboring administrations, particularly in small countries. This decision includes a new resolution on the potential use of the bands 27.5-28.35 GHz and 31-31.3 GHz by HAPS in the fixed service.
