India’s strengthening participation in the ITU premier event, the WRC-23, Dubai

Given that the World Radiocommunication Conference 2023 (WRC-23), ITU’s premier event, attracts noteworthy participation from diverse countries across the globe, which underscores the conference’s international significance and the collective commitment to ensure efficient and equitable allocation of the precious resource, India was represented by a significant contingent of Indian delegates, led by Secretary, DoT and Chairman DCC, Member (Technology), DCC, a team of officers from DoT/WPC, representatives from the Indian Space Research Organisation (ISRO), repersentatives of various other ministries, departments, industry stakeholders and the President of IAFI (ITU- APT Foundation of India) thereby strengthening India’s presence at WRC-23 robustly. This expansive delegation also bolstered India’s active participation in the conference with an aim to contribute valuable expertise and support to the Indian delegation.

The WRC-23, is currently underway at the Dubai World Trade Centre, Dubai, United Arab Emirates, from November 20 to December 15, 2023. The distinguished Telecommunications and Digital Government Regulatory Authority (TDRA) of the UAE has been hosting the mega event. This month-long conference has drawn a massive gathering of more than 4,000 participants from more than 172 countries and territories, including international organizations, inter-governmental organizations, recognized operating agencies, scientific and industrial organizations, financial and development institutions, and other entities which have been actively engaged in telecommunication matters.

His Highness Sheikh Ahmed bin Mohammed bin Rashid Al Maktoum, Second Deputy Ruler of Dubai, graced the WRC23 opening ceremony. In a message from United Nations Secretary-General, António Guterres stated that radio frequencies, whether on earth or in space, form the backbone of advanced communications for all of humanity. From education to healthcare, from agriculture to climate monitoring, expanding radio-communication services and bridging the digital divide is key to reducing inequalities and advancing the Sustainable Development Goals. Doreen Bogdan-Martin, ITU Secretary-General said that radio-communications are at the top of the global agenda. Equitably managed spectrum and the associated satellite orbits are among the best tools in our toolbox to make good on our commitment to build a digital future that works for everyone and for our planet.

The WRC-23 that commenced on November 20, 2023, convening government representatives for negotiations on the allocation of radio-frequency spectrum saw a more enhanced role played by the Indian contingent. The first week of the WRC-23 had the Secretary General, ITU dividing the major technical work of WRC-23 in three committees as 4, 5 and 6 and Shri Bharat Bhatia, President, IAFI was appointed as the Vice- Chairperson for Committee-4. Shri Bhatia is the sole representative from India and the entire Indian subcontinent to hold such a position, highlighting his significant role in the WRC-23 proceedings.

The committee 4 deals with most sensitive matters for WRC-23, including the examination of frequency band 4 800-4 990 MHz, safeguarding stations of aeronautical and maritime mobile services, and evaluating the identification of frequency bands such as 3 300-3 400 MHz, 3 600-3 800 MHz, 6 425-7 025 MHz, 7 025-7 125 MHz, and 10.0- 10.5 GHz for International Mobile Telecommunications (IMT).

Additionally, the Committee-4 was also tasked with the deliberation on issues relating to High-Altitude Platform Stations (HIBS) for IMT, aeronautical and maritime mobile services, Global Maritime Distress and Safety System (GMDSS), amateur service, amateur satellite service, and various other critical concerns.

Further, three Working Groups were constituted under the Committee-4 viz WG-4A (for Broadband applications in the mobile service issues), WG-4B (for Aeronautical and maritime services issues) and WG-4C (for Fixed, mobile and broadcasting services issues) have been very actively engaged in marathon meetings over last three weeks in trying to achieve global consensus on very difficult and contentious issues.

The Committee-4 led by Shri Bhatia also deliberated the Agenda Item No. 9.1-c in detail and decided to supress the Resolution-175 (Use of International Mobile Telecommunication systems for fixed wireless broadband in the frequency bands allocated to the fixed service on primary basis). This will lead to extensive deployment of 5G services to support remote locations using fixed links for providing high speed broadband connectivity.

Most difficult issues that still remain to be resolved include 4.8 GHz for 5G, 6GHz choice between satellite services, IMT and Wi-Fi still remain as the key outstanding issues to be resolved in the final week of WRC.

India is also supporting a new Agenda item for studies to support Communications on the moon and to support moon missions. Further studies are also being approved by the WRC to permit direct satellite communications with mobile phones in remote areas to support connecting the unconnected. This will include placing the Mobile base stations on low earth satellites.

India also held bilateral meetings with many countries, including China, Russia, Japan as well as with ITU elected leaders including the Secretary General and the directors of the three ITU Bureaus.

IAFI and WWRF also met with the Secretary General, ITU at Dubai, UAE to discuss the various future challenges related to radio communication, IMT, satellite communication, and issues pertaining to aeronautical and maritime mobile services. WWRF stands out as a distinctive forum where the wireless community collaboratively addresses pivotal research challenges, aiming to promote research initiatives that foster unbounded communications to tackle key societal challenges in the future. All participants expressed a mutual commitment to fostering collaboration on research, development, and policy initiatives to address the identified challenges. The meeting proved to be a valuable platform for exchanging insights, addressing challenges, and fostering collaboration between WWRF, TII, IAFI, and ITU. The organizations expressed their gratitude for the opportunity to engage in constructive dialogue and are looking forward to more and continued collaboration on critical issues in the field of telecommunications.

Coinciding with the prestigious WRC-23 conference, the WWRF, in collaboration IAFI, also organized a networking dinner on 24-11-2023 in Dubai. The dinner drew delegates from diverse countries, representatives from various industries, and senior figures from the ITU, including the Secretary-General of ITU.

CT Bureau