23cm Band and Sat-Nav Coexistence: ITU-R WP4C Studies

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23cm Band and Sat-Nav Coexistence: ITU-R WP4C Studies

The Chair of IARU Region 1 Spectrum Affairs, Barry Lewis G4SJH, reports on the work being done in defending the interests of the Amateur Services in the 1240-1300 MHz band

During the period 4-10 May 2022, the IARU continued to engage in the preparatory work for WRC-23 agenda item 9.1b in ITU‑R Working Party 4C (WP4C).

Work continued to develop the coexistence studies between the amateur services in the 23cm band and the radio-navigation satellite services (RNSS) operating across the band. New studies were submitted by France, China and the Russian Federation.

The scale of the problem for the amateur services is becoming clear. For example, the studies predict that even a 10W 23cm band station could cause interference to RNSS receivers at up to 30km on the antenna main beam heading. Although the level of amateur activity and the density of users is quite low (compared to other more popular bands) the issue remains that from a regulatory perspective the amateur services are required to not cause harmful interference to RNSS services.

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Aligning Spectrum Licence Terms in the 3.4-3.8 GHz Band

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Ofcom is proposing to align the terms of licences in the 3.4-3.6 GHz and 3.6-3.8 GHz bands, to reduce potential barriers to spectrum trading between mobile network operators

Spectrum in the 3.4-3.8 GHz band is being used by the four UK mobile operators to deliver 5G services.

When this spectrum was awarded to operators through auctions in 2018 and 2021, some of it was already licensed to UK Broadband Limited.

Currently, UK Broadband’s spectrum licences in this band are subject to different terms than the other licences in the same band.

We consider that aligning licence terms and removing the disparity between UK Broadband’s licences and the auctioned licences could lead to more efficient use of spectrum.

The consultation closes on 5 July 2022, and we plan to publish our decision in September 2022 - https://www.ofcom.org.uk/consultations-and-statements/category-2/aligning-licence-terms-in-the-3.4-3.8-ghz-band

40 MHz - Belgium Regulator Considering New Band

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The communications regulator UBA is investigating the possibility of an amateur radio band at 40 MHz

Several radio amateurs report that transmission are observed at 40.680 MHz from Belgian stations using FT8.

BIPT states that broadcasts on 40 MHz are currently not permitted in Belgium. For the avoidance of doubt, the license exemptions granted in this frequency range for small models and non-specific short-range equipment should not be misused for amateur radio transmissions.

BIPT is currently investigating the possibility of releasing a small frequency segment for radio amateurs around 40 MHz.

Unauthorized activities of radio amateurs at 40 MHz are likely to adversely affect this research.

UBA - https://tinyurl.com/IARU-Belgium