Australian Preliminary ViewsWRC-15 Agenda items

As at 27 August 2015

Agenda item 1.1 - IMT candidate bandsto consider additional spectrum allocations to the mobile service on a primary basis and identification of additional frequency bands for International Mobile Telecommunications (IMT) and related regulatory provisions, to facilitate the development of terrestrial mobile broadband applications, in accordance with Resolution 233 (WRC-12)

Australian Position

Australia supports additional spectrum allocations to the mobile service on a primary basis and identification of frequency bands for International Mobile Telecommunications (IMT) and other terrestrial mobile broadband applications in accordance with Resolution 233 (WRC-12).

Australia supports the identification of the following bands for use by IMT under WRC-15 agenda item 1.1:

1 427-1 452 MHz, 1 452-1 492 MHz, 1 492-1 518 MHz, 3 400-3 600 MHz and 3 600-3 700 MHz.

For the band 1 427-1 452 MHz, Australia also supports regulatory measures (including the development of maximum unwanted emission levels, possibly in a revision to Resolution 750 (Rev.WRC-12)) to enable coexistence with passive services in the band 1 400-1 427 MHz. Australia prefers Method C Option C1a while acknowledging some allowance may need to be made for existing mobile systems. Australia may consider supporting other Methods such as Option C1b (recommended unwanted levels) if further information on the issue becomes available.

For the band 1 452-1 492 MHz, Australia supports Method C Option C2.

For the band 1 492-1 518 MHz, Australia supports Method C Option C1.

For the band 3 400-3 600 MHz, Australia supports Method B Option B4 and Method C Option C4. In line with the identified methods, Australia will seek to include its name in existing Radio Regulations footnotes No. 5.432B (3 400-3 500 MHz) and No. 5.433A (3 500-3 600 MHz) without any further changes to those footnotes.

For the band 3 600-3 700 MHz, Australia supports Method C Option C2.

Other bands

Australia will not seek a new mobile allocation or IMT identification in the following bands under WRC-15 agenda item 1.1:

470-698 MHz, 1 350-1 400 MHz, 1 518-1 525 MHz, 1 695-1 710 MHz, 2 700-2 900 MHz, 3 300-3 400 MHz, 3 700-3 800 MHz, 3 800-4 200 MHz, 4 400-4 500 MHz, 4 500-4 800 MHz, 4 800-4 990 MHz, 5 350-5 470 MHz, 5 725-5 850 MHz and 5 925-6 425 MHz.

Australia supports the Preliminary APT Common Proposals from the APG15-5 meeting on WRC-15 agenda item 1.1 for the following bands:

1 427-1 452 MHz, 1 492-1 518 MHz, 5 350-5 470 MHz and 5 725-5 850 MHz.

Agenda item 1.2 - Region 1 694-790 MHz mobileto examine the results of ITU-R studies, in accordance with Resolution 232 (WRC-12), on the use of the frequency band 694-790 MHz by the mobile, except aeronautical mobile, service in Region 1 and take the appropriate measures

Australian Position

Considering that agenda item 1.2 is on the use of the frequency band 694-790 MHz by the mobile, except aeronautical mobile, service in Region 1 (on a primary basis) Australia does not have a position on this agenda item.

Agenda item 1.3 - Broadband public protection and disaster relief to review and revise Resolution 646 (Rev.WRC-12) for broadband public protection and disaster relief (PPDR), in accordance with Resolution 648 (WRC-12)

Australian Position

Australia supports Method D of the CPM Report to WRC-15 to satisfy this agenda item.

Thereby, Australia supports the requirements of PPDR, including broadband PPDR, a global tuning range and regional ranges being addressed in the revision of Resolution 646 (Rev.WRC-12).

Furthermore, Australia considers it appropriate that further details and explanation on regionally harmonised arrangements in tuning ranges described in a revised Resolution 646, and specific frequency arrangements adopted by individual administrations, are best referenced in the most recent version of Recommendation ITU-R M.2015. This would facilitate, in a timely manner, future detail on frequency bands used by administrations for PPDR to be revised without the need for a new WRC agenda item to be created to review and/or revise Resolution 646.

Agenda item 1.4 - Amateur service secondary allocation 5 250-5 450 kHzto consider possible new allocation to the amateur service on a secondary basis within the band 5 250-5 450 kHz in accordance with Resolution 649 (WRC-12)

Australian Position

Australia supports Method A3 of the CPM Report to WRC-15 on agenda item 1.4, for a secondary global allocation to the amateur service of no more than 10 kHz, in a contiguous frequency range, in the range 5 275 kHz-5 450 kHz.

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Australia does not support a secondary allocation for the amateur service in:

The 5 250-5 275 kHz frequency range and recommends it be excluded from consideration given sharing with oceanographic radar is not feasible.

Over the entire 5 275-5 450 kHz frequency range (Method A1).

Agenda item 1.5 - unmanned aircraft systems to consider the use of frequency bands allocated to the fixed-satellite service not subject to Appendices 30, 30A and 30B for the control and non-payload communications of unmanned aircraft systems (UAS) in non-segregated airspaces, in accordance with Resolution 153 (WRC-12)

Australian Position

Australia supports measures to allow use of frequency bands allocated to the fixed-satellite service not subject to Appendices 30, 30A and 30B for the control and non-payload communications (CNPC) of unmanned aircraft systems (UAS) in non-segregated airspaces, in accordance with Resolution 153 (WRC-12), provided technical and regulatory actions identified in ITU-R studies satisfy accepted safety requirements and do not place unacceptable constraints on other applications of the fixed-satellite service.

Australia supports Method A Option 1.

Noting the difficulties encountered in achieving agreement on this Method, Australia has proposed a variation on Method A as a potential means of enabling bands allocated to the FSS to be used for UAS CNPC. This proposal identifies the use of aeronautical mobile-satellite (route) service allocations in the FSS bands under consideration, to be allocated by footnote to the Radio Regulations Table of Frequency Allocations’ and with the assurance that assignments and use of these bands for UAS CNPC links are consistent with Article 4.10. Importantly, use of this allocation would be limited to aircraft earth stations communicating with space stations in the fixed-satellite service.

Agenda item 1.6 - Primary allocation to the FSS 10-17 GHzto consider possible additional primary allocations:1.6.1 to the fixed-satellite service (Earth-to-space and space-to-Earth) of 250 MHz in the range

between 10 GHz and 17 GHz in Region 1;1.6.2 to the fixed-satellite service (Earth-to-space) of 250 MHz in Region 2 and 300 MHz in Region

3 within the range 13-17 GHz; and review the regulatory provisions on the current allocations to the fixed-satellite service within each range, taking into account the results of ITU-R studies, in accordance with Resolutions 151 (WRC-12) and 152 (WRC-12), respectively

Australian Position

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Australia supports a common fixed-satellite service (FSS) worldwide allocation for the additional uplink spectrum under agenda items 1.6.1 and 1.6.2.

However, noting the difficulty in identifying suitable sharing arrangements with the mobile service to protect Australia’s use of the 14.5-14.8 GHz band for aeronautical mobile systems, Australia is of the view additional measures would be required, including in the least, a minimum antenna size of 6 metres, before it could support facilitating generic FSS (Earth-to-space) on a worldwide basis (Method F2 of the CPM Report to WRC-15).

Australia supports no change in the bands between 10-13.4 GHz and 14.8-17 GHz due to incompatibility with existing services. Additionally, with respect to agenda item 1.6.2 (Regions 2 and 3) Australia supports no change in the bands between 13.4 GHz-13.75 GHz .

Australia notes that resolves 1 of Resolutions 151 (WRC-12) and 152 (WRC-12) indicate ‘to complete, for WRC-15’. Consequently, WRC-15 may wish to revise or suppress these Resolutions.

Australia supports the APT Common Proposal on agenda item 1.6.2.

Agenda item 1.7 - review of the band 5 091-5 150 MHz by the FSSto review the use of the band 5 091-5 150 MHz by the fixed-satellite service (Earth-to-space) (limited to feeder links of the non-geostationary mobile-satellite systems in the mobile-satellite service) in accordance with Resolution 114 (Rev.WRC-12)

Australian Position

Australia supports the single Method in the CPM Report to WRC-15 to fully satisfy the agenda item.

Australia supports the APT Common Proposal on the agenda item 1.7.

Agenda item 1.8 - earth stations located on board vesselsto review the provisions relating to earth stations located on board vessels (ESVs), based on studies conducted in accordance with Resolution 909 (WRC-12)

Australian Position

Australia supports the development of regulations relating to earth stations located on board vessels which promote efficient use of spectrum while maintaining sufficient protection of existing services.

For WRC-15 agenda item 1.8, Australia considers this is best addressed by Method C of the CPM Report. Method C proposes establishing different protection distances for different maximum e.i.r.p. density levels that yields shorter protection distances for e.i.r.p. density levels lower than operational provisions of Resolution 902 (WRC-03).

Australia notes that resolves 2 of Resolution 909 (WRC-12) indicates ‘to complete the referenced studies in time for WRC-15’. Consequently, WRC-15 may suppress Resolution 909 (WRC-12) based on the outcomes of this agenda item.

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Agenda item 1.9.1 – Allocation to the fixed-satellite service in the 7-8 GHz range

to consider, in accordance with Resolution 758 (WRC-12), possible new allocations to the fixed-satellite service in the frequency bands 7 150-7 250 MHz (space-to-Earth) and 8 400-8 500 MHz (Earth-to-space), subject to appropriate sharing conditions

Australian Position

ITU-R technical and regulatory studies have not demonstrated that coexistence of the proposed FSS allocation can be practically achieved without imposing undue constraint and regulatory burden on some incumbent services.

Consequently, Australia supports Method C of the CPM Report to WRC-15, no change to the Radio Regulations.

Australia notes that resolves 4 of Resolution 758 (WRC-12) indicates ‘to complete these studies in time for WRC-15’. Therefore, WRC-15 may suppress this Resolution subject to the outcome of the agenda item.

Australia supports the Preliminary APT Common Proposals from the APG15-5 meeting on the agenda item.

Agenda item 1.9.2 – Allocation to the maritime-mobile satellite service in the 7-8 GHz range

to consider, in accordance with Resolution 758 (WRC-12),the possibility of allocating the bands 7 375-7 750 MHz and 8 025-8 400 MHz to the maritime-mobile satellite service and additional regulatory measures, depending on the results of appropriate studies.

Australian Position

ITU-R studies toward WRC-15 have not demonstrated that the proposed maritime-mobile satellite service (MMSS) (Earth-to-space) allocation in the band 8 025-8 400 MHz can coexist with some incumbent services. As such, Australia does not support the proposed MMSS (Earth-to-space) allocation i.e. Method B of the CPM Report to WRC-15.

Australia does not oppose Method C of the CPM Report to WRC-15, which provides a new MMSS (space-to-Earth) allocation in the band 7 375-7 750 MHz, noting the method currently contains no protection from existing terrestrial services.

Suppression of Resolution 758 (WRC-12) is an additional and consequential consideration for WRC-15 on the outcome of this agenda item.

Australia supports the Preliminary APT Common Proposals from the APG15-5 meeting on the agenda item.

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Agenda item 1.10 - MSS 22-26 GHzto consider spectrum requirements and possible additional spectrum allocations for the mobile-satellite service in the Earth-to-space and space-to-Earth directions, including the satellite component for broadband applications, including International Mobile Telecommunications (IMT), within the frequency range from 22 GHz to 26 GHz, in accordance with Resolution 234 (WRC-12)

Australian Position

Australia supports Method A of the CPM Report to WRC-15, that is no change to the Radio Regulations Article 5 Table of Frequency Allocations).

Australia supports the Preliminary APT Common Proposals from the APG15-5 meeting on the agenda item.

Agenda item 1.11 – EESS primary allocation 7-8 GHzto consider a primary allocation for the Earth exploration-satellite service (Earth-to-space) in the 7-8 GHz range, in accordance with Resolution 650 (WRC-12)

Australian Position

Australia supports Method A of the CPM Report to WRC-15 with the addition of a new footnote developed and agreed at the APG15-5 meeting. Method A includes the following:

A primary worldwide allocation to the Earth exploration-satellite service (EESS) in the band 7 190-7 250 MHz in the Table of Frequency Allocations in Radio Regulations Article 5.

Modification of footnote No. 5.460 to indicate that:

a) GSO EESS does not claim protection from existing and future stations of the fixed service and mobile service

b) RR No. 5.43A does not apply

c) EESS usage is restricted to TT&C for spacecraft operations.

Modification of Table 7B in RR Appendix 7 to include an EESS allocation, and Table 21-2 is modified to extend the frequency range 7 145-7 235 MHz to 7 145-7 250 MHz and Table 21-3 is modified to extend the frequency range 7 190-7 135 MHz to 7 190-7 250 MHz

Suppression of Resolution 650 (WRC-12) Allocation for the Earth exploration-satellite service (Earth-to-space) in the 7-8 GHz range.

Australia supports the Preliminary APT Common Proposals from the APG15-5 meeting of Method A of the CPM Report to WRC-15 with the addition of the following footnote:

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5.B111 Space stations in the Earth exploration-satellite service (Earth-to-space) operating in the geostationary satellite orbit shall not claim protection from emissions from the space research service in the frequency band 7 190-7 235 MHz. (WRC-15)

Agenda item 1.12 - Extension of worldwide allocation to the EESS to consider an extension of the current worldwide allocation to the Earth exploration-satellite (active) service in the frequency band 9 300-9 900 MHz by up to 600 MHz within the frequency bands 8 700-9 300 MHz and/or 9 900-10 500 MHz, in accordance with Resolution 651 (WRC-12)

Australian Position

Australia supports Method B2 of the CPM Report to WRC-15.

Australia supports the Preliminary APT Common Proposals from the APG15-5 meeting to WRC-15 on this agenda item.

Agenda item 1.13 - Review of RR No. 5.268 space research serviceto review No. 5.268 with a view to examining the possibility for increasing the 5 km distance limitation and allowing space research service (space-to-space) use for proximity operations by space vehicles communicating with an orbiting manned space vehicle, in accordance with Resolution 652 (WRC-12)

Australian Position

Australia supports the single Method to address this agenda item as shown in the CPM Report to WRC-15, and supports the Preliminary APT Common Proposals from the APG15-5 meeting on this agenda item.

The Method removes the 5 km distance limitation of RR No. 5.268 while maintaining the pfd limits of the footnote for use by space research service (space-to-space) space vehicles communicating with an orbiting manned space vehicle.

Agenda item 1.14 - Review of coordinated universal time UTCto consider the feasibility of achieving a continuous reference time-scale, whether by the modification of coordinated universal time (UTC) or some other method, and take appropriate action, in accordance with Resolution 653 (WRC-12)

Australian Position

Australia supports a continuous reference time-scale achieved by cessation of the insertion of leap seconds in Coordinated Universal Time (UTC).

Further, to allow for an adequate period of time for legacy systems reliant on the use of leap seconds to adapt to the change in UTC, the application of the suppression of leap second adjustments to UTC will be effective no less than five years after the date of entry into force of the Final Acts of the WRC-15.

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The name of UTC to be retained.

This support is consistent with Method A1 of the CPM Report to WRC-15.

Agenda item 1.15 - spectrum demands for on-board communication stations in the maritime mobile service to consider spectrum demands for on-board communication stations in the maritime mobile service in accordance with Resolution 358 (WRC-12)

Australian Position

Australia supports the single Method to address this agenda item as detailed in the CPM Report to WRC-15 (section 3/1.15/5. This includes:

- More efficient usage of the existing frequencies, such as 12.5 and 6.25 kHz bandwidth for all the channels identified in the RR for on-board communications.

- Use of Continuous Tone Coded Squelch Systems (CTCSS) or Digital Coded Squelch (DCS).

- Support for necessary revisions to RR footnote No. 5.287.

Agenda item 1.16 - Regulatory provisions and possible spectrum allocations for new Automatic Identification Systemto consider regulatory provisions and spectrum allocations to enable possible new Automatic Identification System (AIS) technology applications and possible new applications to improve maritime radiocommunication in accordance with Resolution 360 (WRC-12)

Australian Position

Australia supports ITU-R studies towards new applications using the Automatic Identification System (AIS) and enhanced maritime radiocommunications in the maritime mobile service in accordance with Resolution 360 (WRC-12).

For the four issues considered under this WRC-15 agenda item Australia supports Methods A1, B1, C1-A and D as described in the CPM Report to WRC-15.

Agenda item 1.17 - Spectrum and regulatory requirements to support wireless avionics intra-communications (WAIC)to consider possible spectrum requirements and regulatory actions, including appropriate aeronautical allocations, to support wireless avionics intra-communications (WAIC), in accordance with Resolution 423 (WRC-12)

Australian Position

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Australia supports an AM(R)S allocation to the band 4 200-4 400 MHz to facilitate wireless avionics intra-communications (WAIC) and the establishment of appropriate regulatory and procedural processes to support the use of WAIC in the band.

Australia supports the single method proposed in the CPM Report, and supports the APT Common Proposal to WRC-15 on this agenda item.

Agenda item 1.18 - Radiolocation for automotive applications in the 77.5-78.0 GHz to consider a primary allocation to the radiolocation service for automotive applications in the 77.5-78.0 GHz frequency band in accordance with Resolution 654 (WRC-12)

Australian Position

Australia supports Method A of the CPM Report to WRC-15 to satisfy this agenda item, noting that potential interference to radio astronomy services would be expected to be localised and could best be resolved by the concerned administrations ( as shown in section 3.18.3 of the CPM Report to WRC-15 Sharing studies with the radio astronomy service).

Agenda item 2 - Incorporation by referenceto examine the revised ITU-R Recommendations incorporated by reference in the Radio Regulations communicated by the Radiocommunication Assembly, in accordance with Resolution 28 (Rev.WRC-03), and to decide whether or not to update the corresponding references in the Radio Regulations, in accordance with the principles contained in Annex 1 to Resolution 27 (Rev.WRC-12)

Australian Position

Australia supports examination and review of ITU-R Recommendations incorporated by reference and the corresponding references in the Radio Regulations in accordance with Resolution 28 (Rev.WRC-03) and the principles contained in Annex 1 of Resolution 27 (Rev.WRC-12).

Australia supports revision of the reference to the following ITU-R Recommendations revised and approved since WRC-12, already incorporated by reference in the Radio Regulations and included in Volume 4:

P.526-11 Propagation by diffraction M.585-6 (Annex 1) Assignment and use of identities in the maritime mobile service M.625-3 Direct-printing telegraph equipment employing automatic identification in the

maritime mobile service M.690-1 Technical characteristics of emergency position-indicating radio beacons (EPIRBS)

operating on the carrier frequencies of 121.5 MHz and 243 MHz M.1084-4 Interim solutions for improved efficiency in the use of the band 156-174 MHz by

stations in the maritime mobile service

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M.1173 Technical characteristics of single-sideband transmitters used in the maritime mobile service for radiotelephony in the bands between 1606.5 kHz (1605 kHz Region 2) and 4 000 kHz and between 4 000 kHz and 27 500 kHz

M.1174-2 Technical characteristics of equipment used for on-board vessel communications in the bands between 450 and 470 MHz

BO.1443-2 Reference BSS earth station antenna patterns for use in interference assessment involving non-GSO satellites in frequency bands covered by RR Appendix 30

M.1638 Characteristics of and protection criteria for sharing studies for radiolocation, aeronautical radionavigation and meterological radars operating in the frequency bands between 5 250 and 5 850 MHz

M.1827 Technical and operational requirements for stations of the aeronautical mobile (R) service (AM(R)S) Limited to surface application at airports and for stations of the aeronautical mobile service (AMS) limited to aeronautical security (AS) applications in the band 5 091-5 150 MHz.

Australia also supports references to the first version of an ITU-R Recommendation incorporated by reference, namely SA.1154, M.1171, M.1172, S.1256, S.1340, S.1341, F.1613, RA.1631, RS.1632, M.1643 and M.2013, to be revised to show the version number ‘-0’, as proposed in the CPM Report to WRC-15.

Noting that further consideration of ITU-R Recommendations to be incorporated by reference in the Radio Regulations may result from outcomes of WRC-15 agenda items to be determined by the Conference. Further recognising considerations of the 2015 Radiocommunication Assembly prior to WRC-15 may have consequential considerations for other ITU-R Recommendations and the actions of this agenda item.

Australia supports the Preliminary APT Common Proposals from the APG15-5 meeting to WRC-15 on agenda item 2.

Agenda item 4 – Review of Resolutions and Recommendationsin accordance with Resolution 95 (Rev.WRC-07), to review the resolutions and recommendations of previous conferences with a view to their possible revision, replacement or abrogation

Australian Position

Australia supports the updating of Resolutions and Recommendations at each WRC and the work of the Director of the Radiocommunication Bureau in conducting a general review of Resolutions and Recommendations of previous conferences consistent with Resolution 95 (Rev.WRC-07). Australia supports proposals that have the effect of making Resolutions and Recommendations current and relevant.

Australia in general supports the Preliminary APT Common Proposals from the APG15-5 meeting to WRC-15 on agenda item 4 noting the outcome of some WRC-15 agenda items will result in possible actions yet to be determined for Resolutions related directly to respective agenda items.

Agenda item 7 - Satellite issues

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to consider possible changes, and other options, in response to Resolution 86 (Rev. Marrakesh, 2002) of the Plenipotentiary Conference, an advance publication, coordination, notification and recording procedures for frequency assignments pertaining to satellite networks, in accordance with Resolution 86 (Rev.WRC-07) to facilitate rational, efficient, and economical use of radio frequencies and any associated orbits, including the geostationary-satellite orbit

Australian Position

Australia supports consideration of possible changes to improve advance publication, coordination, notification and recording procedures for frequency assignments pertaining to satellite networks on the basis that activity under this agenda item is not used to make changes to allocations in Article 5 of the Radio Regulations.

Matters identified and addressed in the CPM Report to WRC-15, Special Committee Report to CPM15-2, and APG Meetings

Issue A – Informing the Bureau of a suspension under RR No. 11.49 beyond six months

Australia supports Method A1 (no change) in the matter of informing the Bureau of suspensions more than six months after the actual date of suspension, as the notifications can be handled on a case-by-case basis.

Issue B - Publication of information on bringing into use of satellite networks at the ITU website

Australia supports establishing provisions or procedures to require the publication of bringing-into-use information related to satellite networks, Method B1 Option A or B. Bringing-into-use is a critical stage of the satellite registration process and is currently the only regulatory requirement that is not published by the ITU in a transparent manner. Australia supports the Preliminary APT Common Proposals from the APG15-5 meeting on Issue B.

Issue C – Review or possible cancellation of the advance publication mechanism for satellite networks subject to coordination under section II of Article 9 of the Radio Regulations

Australia supports Method C3 as this will discourage speculative usage of the advance publication information mechanism. Australia does not have a preference for either regulatory Option A or B.

Issue D - General use of modern electronic means of communications in coordination and notification procedures

Australia supports the only method identified in the CPM Report, which will allow modern electronic means of communication to be used wherever the words ‘telegram’, ‘telefax’ or ‘fax’ are used in provisions related to coordination and notification procedures of satellite networks without replacing those words. Effort to improve the integrity of the contact details is supported and encouraged. Australia supports the Preliminary APT Common Proposals from the APG15-5 meeting on Issue D.

Issue E – Failure of a satellite during the bringing into use period 1

1 Note that WRC-12 established the current ninety-day period for bringing frequency assignmentsinto use. It should be noted that Issue H under agenda item 7 includes Method H3 which proposes

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Australia supports Method E3 (no change), as the rare event of a failure during the bringing into use period is best dealt by the Radio Regulations Board (RRB) for decision on a case-by-case basis. Australia supports the Preliminary APT Common Proposals from the APG15-5 meeting on Issue E.

Issue F – Modification to RR Appendix 30B in relation to the suspension of use of a frequency assignment recorded in the MIFR

Australia supports the only method in the CPM Report on this Issue, the alignment of the suspension provisions of Appendix 30B to the suspension provisions of other parts of the Radio Regulations. Australia supports the Preliminary APT Common Proposals from the APG15-5 meeting on Issue F.

Issue G – Clarification of bringing into use information provided under RR Nos. 11.44 / 11.44B

The single Method for this item seeks to mirror the processes of RR No. 13.6 in parts of Article 11 relating to bringing-into-use and bringing-back-into-use. While supportive of efforts to increase rigour in these areas, Australia is of the view a more suitable method is to modify RR No. 13.6 to explicitly include the ability for the Bureau to review any aspect of the bringing-into-use and notification process (from the time of submission rather than the time of successful recording). Australia is contributing to WRC-15 on this Issue.

Issue H – Using one space station to bring frequency assignments at different orbital locations into use within a short period of time

Australia supports Method H4, which is intended to discourage the practice of satellite hopping, whereby a satellite can be suspended for no longer than the period of time which it was in use at a particular location, up to a maximum of three years.

Issue I – Possible method to mitigate excessive satellite network filings issue

Australia is generally supportive of efforts aimed at mitigating excessive filings, but sees this as the responsibility of administrations, not necessarily requiring changes to the Radio Regulations. Australia is of the view that attempts to mitigate excessive filings would entail significant time and effort with questionable returns. Therefore, Australia supports Method I1.4 (no change). Note for ‘Methods to address excessive advance publication information (API) filings’ section 5/7/9.5.2 of the CPM Report to WRC-15, Australia is of the view that this matter does not require separate consideration beyond that given under Issue C. Australia supports the Preliminary APT Common Proposals from the APG15-5 meeting on Issue I.

Issue J – Removal of the link between date of notification information and date of bringing into use in RR No. 11.44B

Australia considers that the artificial connection between the two dates was unintentional and creates unnecessary complications. Therefore, Australia supports the removal of the linkage (Methods J1).

changing the length of the BIU period from 90 days to one year (see § 5/7/8.5.3 and § 5/7/8.6.3 of the CPM Report). Should this period be changed it could impact the Methods under this Issue E.

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Issue K – Addition of a regulator provision in RR Article 11 for the case of launch failure

Australia is of the view that current practices are sufficient to address the issue of launch failures and therefore support Method K3 (no change).

Issue L – Modification of certain provisions of Article 4 of RR Appendices 30 and 30A for Regions 1 and 3 namely replacement of tacit agreement with explicit agreement or alignment of those provisions of RR Appendices 30 and 30A for Regions 1 and 3 with those of Appendix 30B

In the absence of conclusive studies on this Issue, Australia supports Method L3 (no change).

Issue [X] 2 - Review of the orbital position limitations in Annex 7 to RR Appendix 30

Australia supports no change to the orbital position limitations in Appendix 30. Australia supports the Preliminary APT Common Proposals from the APG15-5 meeting for Issue [X].

Issue [Y] 3 – Steerable beams and antenna gain contour covering area beyond submitted service area (Annex 2 to Appendix 4 of the RR)

Australia supports consideration of this issue which would require further study on technical and regulatory aspects in the following WRC cycle, based on contributions brought to ITU studies.

Issue [Z] 4 – Harmonization of regulatory texts in Appendix 30 and Appendix 30B in regard with exclusion of the territory of an administration from the service area of a satellite network subject to these Appendices

Australia supports no change to the Radio Regulations on Issue [Z].

Agenda item 8 - Deletion of country footnotes

to consider and take appropriate action on requests from administrations to delete their country footnotes or to have their country name deleted from footnotes, if no longer required, taking into account Resolution 26 (Rev.WRC-07)

Australian Position

Australia supports administrations taking the initiative to propose deletion of their country names from footnotes or the deletion of country footnotes to the Table of Frequency Allocations in Article 5 of the Radio Regulations, if no longer required, as consistent with further resolves 2 of Resolution 26 (Rev.WRC-07).

2 Section 2.2.11 of the SC Report to CPM15-23 Section 2.2.8 of the SC Report to CPM15-24 A subject for discussion at APG (APG15-4 and APG15-5) meetings only.

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Australia does not support use of this agenda item to facilitate the adding of country names to footnotes or the addition of new country footnotes. Requests by administrations to add their country name to existing footnotes is a separate matter to be dealt with by a WRC.

Agenda item 9 - Report of the Director of the Radiocommunication Bureauto consider and approve the Report of the Director of the Radiocommunication Bureau, in accordance with Article 7 of the Convention:9.1 - on the activities of the Radiocommunication Sector since WRC-12;9.1.1 - Protection of the systems operating in the mobile-satellite service in the band 406-406.1 MHzRes. 205 (Rev.WRC-12) Protection of the systems operating in the mobile- satellite service in the band 406-406.1 MHzAustralian Position

Australia supports protection of MSS systems in the frequency band 406-406.1 MHz from any emissions that could cause harmful interference through appropriate ITU-R regulatory, technical and operational studies.

Agenda item 9.1.2 - Reduction of the coordination arc

Resolution 756 (WRC-12) Studies on possible reduction of the coordination arc and technical criteria used in application of No. 9.41 in respect of coordination under No. 9.7

Australian Position

In response to resolves to invite ITU-R 1 of Resolution 756 (WRC-12) – Modification of technical criteria used in No. 9.41, Australia supports no change to the technical criteria (Option 1D).

In response to resolves to invite ITU-R 2 of Resolution 756 (WRC-12) – Australia considers that the Ka-band is in early stage of utilisation, and thereby has a lower level of congestion than in the C/Ku-bands. Therefore, Australia supports a reduction in the coordination arc in the C/Ku-bands but does not support a reduction in the coordination arc in the Ka-band (Option 2A).

Australia is of the view that regardless of any possible reduction in coordination arc, an administration should be able to retain the ability to request coordination via application of No. 9.41.

Australia supports retention of Resolution 756 (WRC-12) with modification to limit the Resolution to study whether it is appropriate to reduce coordination arc in the 30/20 GHz band.

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Agenda item 9.1.3 - Regulatory measures to support international public telecommunication services in developing countries

Resolution 11 (WRC-12) Use of satellite orbital positions and associated frequency spectrum to deliver international public telecommunication services in developing countries

Australian Position

Australia supports no change to the Radio Regulations as described in Option A of the CPM Report to WRC-15 and retention of Resolution 11 (WRC-12).

Current provisions of the Radio Regulations are considered adequate to ensure availability of international public telecommunication services delivered through satellite technology.

Australia supports the Preliminary APT Common Proposals from the APG15-5 meeting on this agenda item.

Agenda item 9.1.4 - Updating and rearrangement of the Radio RegulationsResolution 67 (WRC-12) Updating and rearrangement of the Radio Regulations

Australian Position

Australia supports Option A2 of Issue A - removal of unused abbreviations in No 2.1 of Article 2 and Option B2 of Issue B - modification of titles for Articles 37, 39, 40, 42, 43, 44, 47, 49, 50, 52 and 53, as described in the CPM Report to WRC-15.

These Options improve readability of the Radio Regulations through minor and inconsequential revisions.

Australia supports the Asia-Pacific Common Proposal on the agenda item which is consistent with the Australian Position.

Agenda item 9.1.5 - Resolution 154 (WRC-12) Resolution 154 (WRC-12) Consideration of technical and regulatory actions in order to support existing and future operation of fixed-satellite service earth stations within the band 3 400-4 200 MHz, as an aid to the safe operation of aircraft and reliable distribution of meteorological information in some countries in Region 1

Australian Position

Australia will monitor studies noting this is a Region 1 issue.

Australia would not support any aspects of this agenda item being applied to Region 3.

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Agenda item 9.1.6 - Definitions of fixed service, fixed station and mobile stationResolution 957 (WRC-12) Studies towards review of the definitions of fixed service, fixed station and mobile station

Australian Position

Australia supports no change to the Radio Regulations apart from the suppression of Resolution 957 (WRC-12).

Australia supports the APT Common Proposal on the agenda item.

Agenda item 9.1.7 - Guidelines for emergency and disaster relief radiocommunication

Resolution 647 (Rev. WRC-12) Spectrum management guidelines for emergency and disaster relief Radiocommunication

Australian Position

Australia supports Method C of the CPM Report to WRC-15 - suppression of Resolution 647 (Rev.WRC-12) and the consequential modification of Resolution 644 (Rev.WRC-12).

Agenda item 9.1.8 - nano and picosatellitesResolution 757 (WRC-12) Regulatory aspects for nano- and picosatellites

Australian Position

Recognising the increasing deployment and operation of nanosatellites and picosatellites, their short development time, short mission time and unique orbital characteristics and that nanosatellites and picosatellites use the same frequency bands as other space services, it is important that any changes to the Radio Regulations do not lead to the potential for harmful interference to existing allocated services.

Creating a different regulatory regime for nanosatellites and picosatellites in the Radio Regulations would add complexity and unnecessary burden to the regulatory procedures for limited benefit. Should WRC-15 or a future competent conference decide on changes to the Radio Regulations to accommodate nanosatellites and picosatellite systems, the changes should not inadvertently affect the established regulatory procedures for other satellite systems.

Should it be decided that the existing provisions of the Radio Regulations for coordination and notification of satellite network filings need to be modified to take into account nanosatellite and picosatellite missions, Australia considers such studies be carried out as an explicit item under the standing agenda item of a future WRC for the consideration of regulatory procedures for notifying satellite networks, rather than continuing with an explicit item on the agenda of WRC-19.

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WRC-15 should suppress Resolution 757 (WRC-12), and in its place, the Director of the Radiocommunication Bureau may wish to establish a suitable ITU-R Question for SG 4 to address nanosatellites and picosatellites and their possible regulatory implications.

Agenda item 9.2 - Difficulties or inconsistencies encountered in the application of the Radio Regulations

on any difficulties or inconsistencies encountered in the application of the Radio Regulations; and

Australian Position

Australia supports measures to address any difficulties or inconsistencies encountered in the application of the Radio Regulations.

Agenda item 9.3 - on action in response to Resolution 80 (Rev.WRC-07)on action in response to Resolution 80 (Rev.WRC-07);

Australian Position

Over a considerable period of time, Resolution 80 (Rev.WRC-07) has been assigned to various groups such as the Radiocommunication Advisory Group, the Special Committee on Regulatory and Procedural Matters, Working Party 4A, as well as ITU Radio Regulations Board and previous WRCs without specific results to address the issue raised in this Resolution.

In the interests of efficiency of the Radiocommunication Sector, Australia is of the view Resolution 80 (Rev.WRC-07) may be suppressed at WRC-15.

Agenda item 10 - New Agenda itemsto recommend to the Council items for inclusion in the agenda for the next WRC, and to give its views on the preliminary agenda for the subsequent conference and on possible agenda items for future conferences, in accordance with Article 7 of the Convention.

Australian Position

In developing new WRC Agenda items Australia supports the ‘Principles for establishing agendas for WRCs’ as detailed in Annex 1 to Resolution 804 (Rev.WRC-12).

Australia supports a future WRC agenda item considering ‘possible identification of IMT in bands above 6 GHz’ contingent on the agenda item focussing ITU-R studies on a viable suite of frequency bands, rather than an open ended examination of all bands above 6 GHz.

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This support is also contingent on the inclusion of a requirement that studies for this future agenda item be carried out in a manner that ensures appropriate engagement with potentially affected ITU-R Study Groups.

Australia also supports future agenda items on Global Maritime Distress and Safety Service (GMDSS), Global Aeronautical Distress and Safety System (GADSS) and Intelligent Transport Systems (ITS).

Agenda item on Global Flight Tracking for Civil Aviation (GFT) to include in its agenda, as a matter of urgency, the consideration of global flight tracking, including, if appropriate, and consistent with ITU practices, various aspects of the matter, taking into account ITU-R studies, in accordance with Resolution 185 (Busan, 2014)

Australian Position

Australia supports consideration of global flight tracking for civil aviation in accordance with ITU Plenipotentiary Resolution 185 (Busan, 2014) at WRC-15.

As a means to address this issue, Australia supports a primary allocation in the frequency range 1 087.7-1 092.3 MHz to the aeronautical mobile-satellite (route) service (Earth-to-space), with the condition that this allocation cannot claim protection from aeronautical radionavigation service (ARNS) systems operating in the frequency range 960-1 215 MHz.

Australia supports a WRC-19 agenda item to consider additional and ongoing regulatory and allocation issues necessary to further refine the issue of global flight tracking for civil aviation. This may include consideration of regulatory and allocation issues in association with Global Aeronautical Distress and Safety System (GADSS).

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