Helsinki hosted the 5-8 April meetings of Conference Preparatory Group (CPG) groups PT2 and PT3, with the aim of developing European positions for the upcoming 2007 World Radiocommunications Conference (WRC07).
PT2 is in charge of issues concerning space science services (earth exploration by satellite, space research and satellite weather reporting) and terrestrial services. Its meeting served to update the Briefs with latest results from the meetings under way in the Radiocommunications Sector of the International Telecommunication Union (ITU-R).
Noteworthy is the ongoing work concerning revision of the criteria for sharing between passive services (earth exploration by satellite and space research) and active services (fixed and mobile) in the 10.6-10.68 GHz, 18 GHz and 36 GHz bands, the impact of amending the regulatory statute on radio-localisation service in the 9 GHz band, the criteria for sharing between mobile and mobile by satellite (MSS) services in the 1668-1668.4 MHz band, between MSS and broadcasting service in the 670-790 MHz band, band allocation criteria around 1400 MHz for non-geostationary MSS (NGSO MSS) systems and also the taking of a position on terrestrial optical telecommunications in free space above 3000 GHz.
PT3 is responsible for issues associated with fixed, fixed by satellite and aeronautic radionavigation services. The most relevant subject dealt with by this PT has to do with the possible allocation of additional frequency bands in the interval between 108 and 6000 MHz to aeronautic mobile service, as well as debate over the regulatory definition of telemetry and aeronautic telecommand services. The European Commission and the administrations of various CEPT member have paid special attention to this issue, as it may significantly impact community policy for the civil aviation sector.
Other relevant issues concern the conditions for frequency sharing between high altitude platforms and fixed and fixed by satellite services, revision of the power limits for highly inclined orbit satellite systems and also possible reorganisation of the 22 GHz band for satellite broadcasting service.
The European preparatory work for WRC07 has to date focused on drawing up Briefs, documents that contain detailed information on a given conference agenda issue and so indicate the position Europe may eventually defend by means of a common proposal (ECP). The Briefs also contain the positions of other organisations such as the North Atlantic Treaty Organisation (NATO), the Asia-Pacific Telecommunity (APT), the Inter-American Telecommunication Commission (CITEL), the European Commission and Eurocontrol.
