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

**Agenda Item 1.15**: to consider a secondary allocation to the amateur
service in the frequency band 135.7‑137.8 kHz;

**Background**: Amateurs wishes to perform experimental communications
in the135.7‑137.8 kHz band segment. This spectrum is currently allocated
FIXED and MARITIME MOBILE internationally and domestically. There are
very few records (10) in the GMF in the subject frequency range. The UK
currently allows amateurs to operate in this frequency range up to 1
Watt EIRP. Also, many other administrations have permitted experimental
operation on a case-by-case basis.

The following background items are noted;

a)  International Amateur Radio Union (IARU) has identified a
    requirement for a worldwide secondary allocation to the amateur
    service in the low-frequency (LF) band (30-300 kHz).

b)  In the past ten years, more than 20 administrations have given
    domestic amateur radio allocations or have authorized experimental
    amateur service communications in the low-frequency range including
    135.7-137.8 kHz

c)  Emissions carry Morse code

d)  Long wavelengths and equipment limitations constrain power output;
    efficiencies are typically no better than 1%

**Scope of Agenda Item**: The US should work with CITEL to develop
regional positions and inputs for WRC-07. The implication of this
secondary allocation is worldwide.

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

Impact of secondary allocation to Amateurs on the Fixed and Mobile
primary services. By LF's ability to propagate over long distances,
interference potential must be considered carefully. The potential
amateur emission must be analyzed to assess the possibility of
interference to the fixed and maritime mobile services. The development
of protection criteria for Fixed and Mobile Maritime Services is
required to analyze the impact of the proposed secondary allocation to
Amateurs.

**Key policy issues to be resolved**:

There are fixed service frequency records that show use of this
spectrum. The GMF contains 10 records. The Navy holds one GMF record.
The need exists to further determine if there are high priority
communications in this band, and assess the impact of an amateur
secondary allocation to current services.

**Work Plan**:

1)  Research GMF records, assess missions and usage.

2)  Submit to WP 9C and WP 8A technical papers on the affect of a
    secondary allocation in the 135.7-137.8 kHz band to the Fixed and
    Mobile services.

3)  Perform propagation assessment. Solicit support from WP-3L if
    needed.

4)  Investigate experimental uses of this band by Administrations vice
    allocation.

5)  Draft CPM text

**Reference Material**: Currently, radio amateurs are active in the band
135.7 - 137.8 kHz in more than 25 European countries. Note that in late
1997, the CEPT issued a recommendation (CEPT/ERC/REC 62-01) stating that
the band 135.7-137.8 kHz may be used with a maximum e.i.r.p. of 1 Watt
on a secondary basis by the Amateur Service in CEPT countries. Also, the
European (Common) Table of Frequency Allocations and Utilisations (ECA)
authorizes Amateur applications in the band under note ERC REC 62-01.

### WG4 POC: Mr. David Pierce {#wg4-poc-mr.-david-pierce .heading_b}

[^1]: **Author**: David Pierce **Document Date**: 3/25/04