Satellite Revolutionising Radio Communications: A Look into the Future
When digesting on all that happened on Satellite Communications during the recent WRC, the future of radiocommunications is undoubtedly intertwined with the advancements in satellite technology.
In the ever-evolving world of radiocommunications, satellites have emerged as the key players. With their unparalleled reach and connectivity capabilities, satellites have transformed the way we communicate on a global scale. The recent decisions made at the World Radiocommunication Conference 2023 (WRC-23) in Dubai, UAE, have further solidified the essential role of satellites in radiocommunications. This article takes a deep dive into the outcomes of WRC-23, highlighting the growing opportunities and advancements in satellite technology.
The Importance of Spectrum and Orbital Resources
Satellites heavily rely on spectrum and associated orbital resources to function effectively. Recognizing the scarcity of this natural resource, WRC-23 made significant decisions to enhance spectrum access and regulation for satellite operations. These decisions pave the way for more intensive and efficient satellite usage, ensuring connectivity everywhere and supporting various space services such as earth observation.
One of the notable outcomes of WRC-23 is the expansion of spectrum access for fixed-satellite systems in the Ka-band. This expansion allows these systems to access an additional 400 MHz of spectrum in the Americas. By increasing spectrum availability, WRC-23 opens up new possibilities for satellite operations and enables enhanced connectivity for users across the region.
Advancements in Space Science Services
WRC-23 proved to be of immense importance to the satellite industry, with several regulatory decisions benefiting multiple stakeholders. One such decision was the adoption of a regulatory framework for satellite-to-satellite links in the Ka-band. This framework enables the use of satellites in higher orbits as data relay links, providing alternative paths for data transmission to space stations, earth observation systems, and small satellite systems in lower orbits.
With the adoption of this regulatory framework, satellite operators can leverage both geostationary (GSO) and medium Earth orbit (MEO) assets in the Ka-band to serve customers in low Earth orbit. This breakthrough allows for real-time offloading of massive data collections, benefiting scientific research and disaster relief efforts.
Facilitating Communications On-The-Move Globally
Another significant achievement of WRC-23 is the adoption of regulatory decisions for earth stations in motion (ESIM) communicating with non-geostationary (NGSO) satellite systems in the Ka-band, as well as with GSO in parts of the Ku-band. These decisions contribute to making ubiquitous connectivity via satellite a global norm, whether on vessels or aircraft.
It looks like operators of a multi-orbit satellite systems, welcome these regulatory decisions as they ensure globally harmonized connectivity on the move. The ability to provide seamless and reliable communication services on the move is crucial for industries such as maritime and aviation, where constant connectivity is essential for safety and operational efficiency.
Looking Ahead: Preparing for Future Conferences
As we embark on a new study cycle for the upcoming World Radiocommunication Conference in 2027 (WRC-27), it is essential to reflect on the agenda items adopted at WRC-23 and their implications for the future of satellite-enabled applications.
Several agenda items under consideration for the new study cycles highlight the intersection between established spectrum uses and emerging services in the satellite sector. These discussions reinforce the notion that satellites are key to the future of radiocommunications. Industry stakeholders, played an active role in advocating for regulations that safeguard access to spectrum for both current and future satellite services.
Looking specifically at WRC-27, one agenda item of interest is the consideration of spectrum allocations for NGSO satellite feeder links, along with additional ESIM regulations in the higher Q/V bands. These discussions are crucial for ensuring the efficient use of spectrum and promoting harmonized operations across different satellite systems.
Additionally, discussions at WRC-23 highlighted the importance of identifying bands for International Mobile Telecommunications (IMT) use. While finding new mid-band spectrum for IMT poses challenges, administrations and industry stakeholdersare ancouraged to make better use of the existing bands already designated for IMT.
Addressing Evolving Challenges: NGSO Systems and ITU Regulations
The period between WRC-19 and WRC-23 witnessed a proliferation of commercial NGSO systems, which led to discussions about reviewing the ITU Radio Regulations Article 22 EPFD (Equivalent Power Flux Density) limits. These discussions aimed to address the potential need for a WRC-27 agenda item focused on reviewing these limits.
WRC-23 has invited the ITU Radiocommunication Sector (ITU-R) to study the EPFD limits and submit the results at WRC-27 for further consideration. For example, SES, as an active participant in these technical studies, recognizes the importance of finding a satisfactory solution to ensure the efficient and responsible use of spectrum resources.
The collaborative efforts of governments and industries worldwide over the past four years have laid the foundation for the adoption of new regulations and the regulatory decisions taken at WRC-23 and future study cycles contribute to a thriving and sustainable space environment. These decisions stimulate innovation, benefit all stakeholders, and support diverse applications in the satellite sector.
When digesting on all that happened on Satellite Communications during the recent WRC, the future of radiocommunications is undoubtedly intertwined with the advancements in satellite technology. The outcomes of WRC-23 reiterate the essential role of satellites in ensuring global connectivity, supporting space services, and addressing the evolving challenges of the industry.
With expanded spectrum access, regulatory frameworks for satellite-to-satellite links, and harmonized connectivity on the move, satellites are revolutionizing the way we communicate and access critical data. As we look ahead to future conferences, the satellite industry remains committed to harnessing the full potential of satellites for the benefit of society, fostering innovation, and creating a sustainable space environment for generations to come.
