The FCC is in the process of formalizing recommendations for the World Radiocommunication Conference in 2007 (WRC-07). Even though most broadcasters' signals are not received outside U.S. borders, international frequency allocations decisions may have an impact on their operations. For example, WRC-07 agenda item 1.11 proposes using the 620-790 MHz band, U.S. TV channels 39 to 67, for broadcast satellite transmissions. In the approved recommendations released last week, the Advisory Committee noted, "Since the US has a long history of terrestrial broadcasting in the band 620-790 MHz, and the future US use of this band will continue to be for terrestrial applications; the US is first and foremost concerned with the unconstrained and unhindered development and of these applications, be they broadcasts, public safety, and other mobile applications in the reallocated segment. In order for the US to support the deployment of BSS networks in the band 620-790 MHz sharing studies underway in the ITU-R need to demonstrate that BSS deployment in this band will not negatively impact the current and future use of this band by terrestrial services. U.S. interests should participate in these ITU-R studies."
Other WRC-07 issues discussed in the approved recommendations cover satellite operations in the 18 GHz band as they impact proposed MetSat satellite networks, frequency allocations for aeronautical mobile telemetry, high altitude platform stations in the 47.2-47.5 and 47.9-49.2 GHz bands, spectrum requirements for global broadband satellite systems including identification of possible global harmonized FSS frequency bands for the use of Internet applications, possible WRC-10 action on terrestrial wireless interactive multimedia applications, modification of Appendix 30B (technical criteria for satellite operations) regulatory procedures and technical criteria and several resolutions regarding 3-30 MHz (MF/HF spectrum) including the use of new digital technology to improve spectrum efficiency,
The FCC cautions that these recommendations do not constitute a final U.S. Government position, as the recommendations may change as discussions continue between government agencies. Download the Recommendations by the Advisory Committee for the 2007 World Radiocommunication Conference - Informal Working Group 1 (IWG-1) - Terrestrial and Space Science Services for more information, including details on how to file comments. The deadline for comments on these recommendations is October 3, 2005. The short deadline is necessary, so that comments are received in sufficient time for them to be considered in the formation of the U.S. positions for the upcoming meeting of the Inter-American Telecommunication Commission, Permanent Consultative Committee II, WRC-07 Working Group scheduled for Oct. 24-28, 2005.
