The 18th meeting of project team (PT) 44 on Satellite Communications of the Frequency Management working group (WG FM) was held last 16-18 November in Pozallo, Italy, chaired by Benoist Deschamps (France). The gathering was attended by 27 participants from nine administrations, as well as representatives from the European Communications Office (ECO), European Space Agency (ESA), Astrium, Thales Alenia Space, the Committee on Radio Astronomy Frequencies (CRAF), Inmarsat, Iridium, Avanti and ViaSat.
Various issues were considered, among which the following agenda points stand out:
- Exterior GNSS pseudolites;
- Analysis of Ka band use:
- Analysis of use of the 17.3-17.7 GHz frequency band;
- Analysis of use of the 28.8365-28.9485 GHz frequency band;
- Earth stations installed on board mobile platforms (ESOMPs);
- Analysis of use of the 28.8365-28.9485 GHz frequency band.
- Revision of ERC/ECC decisions and recommendations;
- Analysis of notification under Decision ECC/DEC/(05)10.
The PT analysed and discussed contributions received vis-à-vis those agenda points. The various working documents were updated based on results of the discussions. Progress was also made on the draft ECC report on ESOMPs; especially noteworthy was the agreement reached to consider those terminals as operating in the scope of FSS.
Another highlight was the discussion regarding revision of Decision ECC/DEC/(09)02 on harmonisation of the 1610 1626.5 MHz and 2483.5-2500 MHz frequency bands for mobile satellite service systems. Although not conclusive, it did limit the possible revision options and also led to the creation of an ECO Forum which will enable this revision to be developed by the next FM44 meeting.
Lastly, it is noteworthy that regarding notification under ECC/DEC/(05)10, it was decided that the ECO should not accept filings from stations which do not comply with the antenna diameter criterion (less than 60 cm).
The next meeting of this group will be held on 12 January via internet (web meeting). It will exclusively consider the draft ECC report on ESOMPs. The next ‘physical’ meeting will be held on 14-16 March in London.
