The fifth and last meeting of PT2 (on items related to mobile by satellite service, satellite radionavigation and space scientific services) and PT3 fixed, fixed by satellite, broadcasting by satellite services and high-altitude platforms in the context of fixed service) of the Conference Preparatory Group (CPG) took place in Edinburgh, Scotland, from 31 March to 2 May.
The briefs on all WRC03 agenda points were finalised there; a number of remaining ECPs on some items for CPG approval were also prepared.
In the context of PT2, modifications to the briefs were approved and the positions of regional organisations (Inter-American Telecommunications Commission - CITEL, Arab League countries and the Asia Pacific Telecommunity - APT) updated.
Highlights included revision of the 5 GHz band, with the corresponding brief modified following the proposal by the CEPT co-ordinator - the aim was to clarify allocation of the 5150-5250 MHz and 5470-5725 MHz bands to mobile service for wireless access systems including RLAN. Also revised was the brief concerning satellite radionavigation service, in order to consolidate feasibility conditions for future development of the European Galileo project. The most controversial issue had to do with item 1.24, where the intention is to revise conditions of sharing between fixed satellite service (FSS) and radio-localisation service in the 13.75-14 GHz band. Consensus has still not been reached, though a compromise is expected within the CPG that will allow CEPT to present an ECP on this item at WRC03.
In the context of PT3, the most noteworthy issues concern High Elliptical Orbit (HEO) satellite systems and the revision of technical and regulatory procedures for satellite broadcasting service (BSS).
Regarding HEO (item 1.37), ECPs were approved on the regulatory framework for such systems in bands below 1 GHz, in the L band (1467-1492 MHz) and in the C band (6/4 GHz).
For BSS (item 1.27), 3 ECPs were approved with proposals to resolve inconsistencies in the provisions of Appendices 30 and 30A indicated by the Director of the ITU?s Radiocommunication Bureau (BR), proposals to modify provisions 4.1.18 to 4.1.20 of article 4 of Appendix 30 and proposals with modifications for Appendices 30 and 30A, to resolve a number of problems discovered by the Special Committee (SC) of the Conference Preparatory Meeting (CPM) in application of the Radiocommunication Regulation.
Also approved were briefs on all items under the charge of this group, with the updating of texts and the section on proposals from other regional organisations. All documents will be presented to the CPG for final approval.
