The International Telecommunication Union (ITU) World Radiocommunication Conference 2027 (WRC-27), which starts in October 2027 in Shanghai, China, is expected to introduce updates to the international regulatory framework governing spectrum use. These updates will reflect the growing and evolving demand for spectrum across industries, including telecommunications and satellite operations. Several agenda items at WRC‑27 are particularly relevant to non‑geostationary orbit (NGSO) satellite systems.
In light of the increased demand for broadband connectivity in aeronautical and maritime earth stations in motion (ESIMs), WRC-27 is expected to look into the technical requirements and conditions for the use of 47.2-50.2 GHz (Earth-to-space) and 50.4-51.4 (GHz) (Earth-to-space) by aeronautical and maritime ESIMs in the fixed-satellite (FSS) service. This includes the development of regulatory provisions governing the operation of aeronautical and maritime ESIMs communicating with geostationary orbit and NGSO satellites.
Members of the Asia-Pacific Telecommunity (APT) have generally expressed support for Agenda 1.1, highlighting the need to protect incumbent users from harmful interference.
Agenda 1.3 focuses on the potential use of 51.4-52.4 GHz for gateway earth stations transmitting to NGSO systems in the FSS (Earth-to-space) service. This recognises the continued increase in demand for NGSO FSS gateway earth station frequencies. Currently, FSS use of this frequency range is limited to GSO networks and associated gateway earth stations with a minimum antenna diameter of 2.4 metres.
Sharing and compatibility studies are currently underway under Agenda Item 1.3 to assess the feasibility of using the 51.4-52.4 GHz band for gateway earth stations transmitting to NGSO systems FSS. APT members generally support the conduct of these studies, while noting the need to protect existing GSO networks operating in the same band.
In response to multiple complaints from national regulators, WRC-27 will consider additional measures to limit the unauthorised operation of NGSO earth stations in the FSS and mobile-satellite service.
APT members have generally supported proposals to address such unauthorised operations, such as geolocation, geofencing and remote deactivation, while stressing that any new measures should be practical, proportionate, and capable of being reasonably implemented. Singapore, in particular, has expressed the view that the ability to locate, deactivate, and cease transmissions from unauthorised earth stations could strengthen the enforcement of existing regulatory measures.
WRC-27 is expected to play a key role in shaping the future regulatory landscape for NGSO satellite communications. With new frequency bands under consideration and proposals to address unauthorised operations, satellite operators and other stakeholders should closely monitor developments leading up to, and during, the conference.
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Disclaimer: This article is for general information only and does not constitute legal advice.
