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WRC 15 WRC in 2015

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The term "WRC 15" refers to the World Radiocommunication Conference (WRC) held in 2015. The WRC is an international conference organized by the International Telecommunication Union (ITU), a specialized agency of the United Nations responsible for issues related to information and communication technologies. The WRC is held approximately every three to four years and serves as a forum for governments, regulators, and industry stakeholders to address and make decisions on global radiofrequency spectrum management and related regulatory issues.

Purpose of WRC:

The primary purpose of the WRC is to review and revise the Radio Regulations, which are the international treaty governing the allocation and use of the radiofrequency spectrum and satellite orbits. The conference considers various agenda items related to spectrum allocation, technical and operational regulations, frequency planning, and satellite coordination.

WRC 15 - Background:

The World Radiocommunication Conference 2015 (WRC-15) was held in Geneva, Switzerland, from November 2 to 27, 2015. It was the 18th conference in the WRC series. WRC-15 aimed to address emerging global challenges in spectrum management, accommodate the rapidly growing demand for wireless communication services, and prepare for future technological advancements.

Key Agenda Items and Decisions of WRC 15:

  1. Mobile Broadband Spectrum: One of the significant agenda items at WRC-15 was the allocation of additional spectrum for mobile broadband services, particularly for International Mobile Telecommunications (IMT). The conference identified several frequency bands for IMT, including the 700 MHz band, the 1.4 GHz band, and parts of the 2.7 GHz and 3.4 GHz bands, to support the growing demand for high-speed wireless data services.
  2. Aeronautical and Maritime Communications: WRC-15 considered improvements to aeronautical and maritime communications, including spectrum allocations for aircraft tracking and enhanced maritime communication systems.
  3. Radio Astronomy Protection: Measures were adopted at WRC-15 to protect radio astronomy services from interference, ensuring that these essential scientific activities continue to be conducted effectively.
  4. Satellite Services: WRC-15 addressed issues related to satellite services, including the global coordination of satellite orbits and the use of certain frequency bands for satellite communication.
  5. Intelligent Transport Systems (ITS): WRC-15 considered spectrum requirements for Intelligent Transport Systems, which are advanced technologies aimed at enhancing transportation safety and efficiency through wireless communication.
  6. Unmanned Aircraft Systems (UAS): The conference discussed spectrum requirements for Unmanned Aircraft Systems, also known as drones, to enable safe and efficient drone operations.
  7. Earth Exploration Satellite Services: WRC-15 considered measures to protect Earth exploration satellite services, which are critical for environmental monitoring and scientific research.

Impact of WRC 15:

The decisions made at WRC-15 have significant implications for the global wireless communication industry. The allocation of additional spectrum for mobile broadband services, particularly in the lower frequency bands like the 700 MHz band, has played a crucial role in the expansion of 4G and later 5G networks worldwide. These decisions also paved the way for the continued growth of mobile data services and the development of new technologies and applications that rely on wireless connectivity.

Conclusion:

WRC 15, held in 2015, was a critical event in the global management of the radiofrequency spectrum. It addressed various agenda items related to spectrum allocation, regulations, and coordination for different wireless services, including mobile broadband, satellite communications, aeronautical and maritime services, and scientific activities like radio astronomy and Earth exploration. The decisions made at WRC-15 have had a significant impact on the growth and development of the wireless communication industry worldwide.