***RCS WRC --07 Agenda Item Scope and High-Level Work Plan***[^1]

**Agenda Item 1.13**: taking into account Resolutions **729 (WRC‑97)**,
**351 (WRC‑03)** and **544 (WRC‑03)**, to review the allocations to all
services in the HF bands between 4 MHz and 10 MHz, excluding those
allocations to services in the frequency range 7 000-7 200 kHz and those
bands whose allotment plans are in Appendices **25**, **26** and **27**
and whose channelling arrangements are in Appendix **17**, taking
account of the impact of new modulation techniques, adaptive control
techniques and the spectrum requirements for HF broadcasting;

**Short Description:**

a.  to consider frequency assignments for frequency adaptive systems in
    frequency bands allocated for fixed/mobile operation per Resolution
    **729**,

b.  that, as soon as the ITU‑R studies are completed, a future competent
    conference should consider necessary changes to Appendix **17** to
    enable the use of new technology by the MMS per Resolution **351**,

c.  to consider identification of additional spectrum for HF
    broadcasting between 4-10 MHz per Resolution **544**. In particular
    focus has been given to the following bands:

> 4 500-4 650 kHz
>
> 5 060-5 250 kHz
>
> 5 840-5 900 kHz
>
> 7 350-7 650 kHz
>
> 9 290-9 400 kHz
>
> 9 900-9 940 kHz,

**Background:**

a.  Resolution **729** is a hold-over from WRC-97 and has not been
    successfully completed at this time.

b.  Resolution **351** is a roll-over from WRC-03 and the studies for a
    technology or interoperable technologies have not been completed.

c.  Resolution **544** is also a roll-over from WRC-03. This was a very
    contentious issue where a portion of the recommended spectrum for
    broadcasting was identified but the remainder is still being sought.

**Agenda Item Scope:** There is, in fact, three separate agenda items
within agenda item 1.13. Each resolution, although related due to
possible impact to various HF systems, will be studied in a separate
ITU-R WP as the primary lead. The commonality between these items comes
in the form of interested ITU-R WPs:

a.  Resolution **729** -- WP 9C

b.  Resolution **351** -- WP 8B

c.  Resolution **544** -- WP 6E

**Key technical/Regulatory issues to be resolved:**

a.  Impact of frequency adaptive systems on the 4 MHz to 10 MHz band. In
    addition fixed utilization (current and future) must be considered
    in applying adaptive techniques in consideration of the HF channel
    plan and any changes required by this agenda item.

b.  Revisions to Appendix 17 to accommodate new digital technologies.

> Impact of allocating additional Broadcast spectrum on the other
> Services in the 4 to 10 MHz band. This involves looking at the
> reallocation of all or part of the 6 bands identified in RES 544 as
> well as other bands where existing users moved from the 6 bands could
> be reaccommodated; regional harmonization versus interregional
> interference if allocations are different.

**Key policy issues to be resolved:**

Balance need for additional Broadcasting spectrum with other Services;
government requirements for additional broadcasting versus private
sector requirements. Possible changes to the HF channel plan and their
impact.

**Work Plan:** Anticipate that ITU-R study groups will conduct the
analysis on an international basis. (U.S. domestic needs for
broadcasting are less than those internationally.) There is need for an
RCS lead within each Working party to ensure that the work conducted in
each of these groups is covered and that RCS actions are coordinated.
Working Party issue coordinators are assigned as follows;

Resolution **729** -- WP 9C Charles Glass (NTIA)

Resolution **351** -- WP 8B Mistichelli (USCG)

Resolution **544** -- WP 6E Messer (BBG)

a\) Within WP 9C;

1)  Study the feasibility and extent that frequency adaptive systems
    need to be accommodated in the MF/HF Fixed and Mobile Services.
    Review and summarize applicable Radio Regulations for possible
    revision.

2)  Based on the outcome of 1) present formal input of studies to WP 9C.
    Liaison, as appropriate, the recommendations and findings for
    frequency adaptive systems to WP 8B and WP 6E.

3)  Review and incorporate, as required, findings and recommendations
    from WP 8B and 6E.

4)  Draft CPM text.

b\) Within WP 8B;

1)  Study the types of new MF/HF digital technology in the Maritime
    Mobile Service (MMS). Review the current use of morse telegraphy and
    narrow-band direct-printing in the MF/HF bands for replacement by a
    new "world-wide digital technology".

2)  Review Appendix 17 for necessary changes to MF/HF channels and
    bands.

3)  Based on the outcome of 1) present formal input of studies to WP 8B.
    Liasion , as appropriate, the recommendations and findings for new
    digital technologies to WP 9C and WP 6E.

4)  Review and incorporate, as required, findings and recommendations
    from WP 9C and 6E.

5)  Draft CPM text.

c\) Within WP 6E;

1)  Study the HF band from 4 MHz to 10 MHz for current Broadcasting,
    Fixed and Mobile Services use and future requirements. Note past
    studies that show the need for additional HF spectrum, in the 4 MHz
    to 10 MHz band, and current need to clear co-channel and adjacent
    channel collisions that preclude operations. Document the impact of
    Broadcasting's expansion to the Fixed and Mobile services.

2)  Based on the outcomes of 1), present formal inputs from studies to
    WP 6E. Review and identify the amount and location of additional
    Broadcaster spectrum. Liasion, as appropriate, the recommendations
    and findings for additional Broadcaster spectrum to WP 8B and WP 9C.

3)  Review and incorporate, as required, findings and recommendations
    from WP 8B and 9C.

4)  Draft CPM text.

**Reference Material:** Results from WRC-97, Resolution 351, and
Resolution 544.

### WG 4 POC: Mr. Charles Glass {#wg-4-poc-mr.-charles-glass .heading_b}

**Results of WRC-97**

*Definition*

At WRC-97 a definition was adopted in the Radio Regulations, paragraph
**S.1.109A**:

*adaptive system*: a radiocommunication system which varies its radio

characteristics according to channel quality. Although the use of
frequency adaptive systems was allowed previously, with the registration
of all frequencies in transmitter complement, for the first time this
specifically identifies this new capability of technology. The
definition is general and has applications also in other frequency
bands.

***Resolution 729 (WRC-97)***

WRC-97 also adopted Resolution 729 which sets out the way in which MF
and HF Adaptive systems should be used.

The Resolution considers:

-   that the efficiency of spectrum use will be improved by the use of
    frequency adaptive systems in the MF and HF bands shared by the
    fixed and the mobile services;

-   that trials of frequency adaptive systems which have been undertaken
    during the past 20 years have demonstrated the feasibility of such
    systems and their improved spectrum efficiency;

-   that such improved efficiency is attained through:

    \- shorter call set-up and improved transmission quality by
    selection of the most suitable assigned channels;

    \- reduced channel occupancy, permitting the same channels to be
    used by different networks, yet decreasing the probability of
    harmful interference;

    \- minimization of the transmitter power required for each
    transmission;

    \- continued optimization of the emissions owing to the
    sophistication of the systems;

    \- simple operation by the use of intelligent peripheral equipment;

    \- reduced need for skilled radio operators;

-   that following Resolution **23 (WRC-95),** the Radiocommunication
    Bureau no longer undertakes examination with respect to the
    probability of harmful interference caused by new assignments
    recorded in the Master International Frequency Register (MIFR) in
    the non-planned bands below 28 MHz;

-   that frequency adaptive systems will actively contribute to the
    avoidance of inter­ference since, when other signals are observed on
    the channel, the frequency adaptive system will move to another
    frequency,

    The Resolution then resolves:

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-   that, in authorizing the operation of frequency adaptive systems in
    the MF and HF bands, administrations shall:

    -make assignments in the bands allocated to the fixed and mobile
    services;

    \- not make assignments in the bands:

    \- allocated exclusively to the maritime or aeronautical mobile (R)
    services;

    \- shared on a co-primary basis with the broadcasting service,

    radiodetermination service or the amateur services;

    \- allocated to radio astronomy;

    \- avoid use which may affect frequency assignments involving safety
    services made in accordance with Nos. **S5.155**, **S5.155A** and
    **S5.155B**;

    \- take into account any footnotes applicable to the proposed bands
    and the implications regarding compatibility;

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-   that frequency adaptive systems shall automatically limit
    simultaneous use of frequencies to the minimum necessary for
    communication requirements;

-   that, with a view to avoiding harmful interference, the system
    should evaluate the channel occupancy prior to and during operation;

-   that frequency adaptive systems shall be notified to the Bureau in
    accordance with the provisions of Article **S11**.

Thus the intention of this Resolution is to ensure that frequency
adaptive use will be confined within those bands which are allocated for
the fixed and mobile services, avoiding those bands allocated
exclusively to the maritime and aeronautical services or to other
services. It is also intended to ensure that the simultaneous use of
frequencies is minimized and that interference should not be caused by
monitoring for channel occupancy prior to transmission.

RESOLUTION 351 (WRC-03)

Review of the frequency and channel arrangements in the MF and\
HF bands allocated to the maritime mobile service with a view to\
improving efficiency by considering the use of new digital\
technology by the maritime mobile service

The World Radiocommunication Conference (Geneva, 2003),

considering

*a)* that the agenda of this Conference included consideration of the
use of new digital technology in the maritime mobile service (MMS) in
the MF and HF bands;

*b)* that the introduction of new digital technology in the MMS shall
not disrupt the distress and safety communications in the MF and HF
bands including those established by the International Convention for
the Safety of Life at Sea, 1974, as amended;

*c)* that changes made in Appendix **17** should not prejudice the
future use of these frequencies or the capabilities of systems or new
applications required for use by the MMS;

*d)* that the need to use new digital technologies in the MMS is growing
rapidly;

*e)* that the use of new digital technology on HF and MF frequencies
allocated to the MMS will make it possible to better respond to the
emerging demand for new services;

*f)* that the HF bands allocated to the MMS for A1A Morse telegraphy and
narrow-band direct-printing are significantly under-utilized at present;

*g)* that the ITU Radiocommunication Sector is conducting ongoing
studies to improve the efficient use of these bands,

noting

that different digital technologies have already been developed and are
in use in the MF and HF bands in several radiocommunication services,

noting also

that this conference has modified Appendix **17** to permit, on a
voluntary basis, the use of various channels or bands identified in the
MF and HF bands for initial testing and future introduction of new
digital technology,

resolves

1 that, in order to provide full worldwide interoperability of equipment
on ships, there should be one technology, or more than one interoperable
worldwide technology, implemented under Appendix **17**;

2 that, as soon as the ITU‑R studies are completed, a future competent
conference should consider necessary changes to Appendix **17** to
enable the use of new technology by the MMS,

invites ITU-R

to finalize studies currently ongoing:

-- to identify future requirements of the MMS;

-- to identify the technical characteristics necessary to facilitate use
of digital systems in the MF and HF bands allocated to the MMS, taking
into account any relevant ITU‑R Recommendations;

-- to identify the digital system(s) to be used in the MF/HF bands by
the MMS;

-- to identify any necessary modifications to the frequency table
contained within Appendix **17**;

-- to propose a timetable for the introduction of new digital
technologies and any consequential changes to Appendix **17**;

-- to recommend how digital technologies can be introduced while
ensuring compliance with distress and safety requirements,

instructs the Secretary-General

to bring this Resolution to the attention of the International Maritime
Organization, the International Civil Aviation Organization, the
International Association of Marine Aids to Navigation and Lighthouse
Authorities and the Comité International Radio-Maritime.

RESOLUTION 544 (WRC-03)

Identification of additional spectrum for the\
broadcasting service in the HF bands

The World Radiocommunication Conference (Geneva, 2003),

considering

*a)* that the spectrum allocated to the broadcasting service from 4 MHz
to 10 MHz is about 25 per cent of all the spectrum allocated to HF
broadcasting;

*b)* that WARC‑79 allocated an additional 125 kHz of spectrum to the
broadcasting service below 10 MHz (9 775-9 900 kHz);

*c)* that WARC‑92 allocated an additional 200 kHz to the broadcasting
service, consisting of 100 kHz near 9 MHz, 50 kHz near 7 MHz and 50 kHz
near 6 MHz, and that this additional spectrum will become available to
the broadcasting service as from 1 April 2007;

*d)* that the agenda for WRC‑07 includes the revision of allocations to
the services in HF bands;

*e)* that the results of coordination under Article **12** demonstrate
that the broadcasting bands below 10 MHz are congested, even when there
are high levels of sunspot activity, with little more than half of the
broadcasting requirements being satisfied;

*f)* that in recent schedule periods, the statistics made by ITU‑R for
analogue emissions show that in the bands below 10 MHz, around 250 kHz
of additional spectrum is needed to clear the co-channel collisions and
up to 800 kHz to clear both the co-channel and adjacent channel
collisions;

*g)* that the introduction and promotion of the new digital technology
that improves spectrum utilization and efficiency cannot completely
solve current congestion problems;

*h)* that many administrations continue to use the HF bands for other
services, including for fixed and mobile communications;

*i)* that this Conference has made decisions on the use of some parts of
the band 7 100-7 450 kHz for use in HF broadcasting,

recognizing

that the specific bands for broadcasting in the tropical zone as
referred to in No. **23.6** are to be used in accordance with
No. **5.113**,

noting

that ITU‑R studies identified preferred bands, from which sufficient
allocations could be made to the broadcasting service:

> 4 500-4 650 kHz
>
> 5 060-5 250 kHz
>
> 5 840-5 900 kHz
>
> 7 350-7 650 kHz
>
> 9 290-9 400 kHz
>
> 9 900-9 940 kHz,

noting further

that further studies are required on the potential allocation of the
bands identified in *noting* above and of any other bands between 4 and
10 MHz that may be considered for allocation to the broadcasting
service,

resolves to invite ITU-R

1 to carry out studies on this matter, particularly in respect of the
bands identified in *noting* above, taking into account technical,
operational, economic and other relevant factors, including the
appropriate transitional arrangements, and how the introduction of
digital emissions will affect the HF broadcasting requirements and how
such reallocations will affect other services using these bands;

2 to bring the results of these studies to the attention of WRC‑07,

further resolves

to recommend a future competent conference to conclude, where
appropriate, on additional spectrum requirements for the broadcasting
service, taking into account the interest of all affected services,

invites administrations

to participate actively in the aforementioned studies by submitting
contributions to ITU‑R.

[^1]: **Author:** **Charles Glass** **Document Date: 3/25/04**