World RadioCom Conference: Implications for Mobile Connectivity
Photo Credit: Hongkiat.com
Over 3000 participants from around the world are expected to gather at the CICG Convention Center, Geneva between January 23 – February 17, 2012 for the World Radiocommunication Conference (WRC). The outcome of this international treaty-making conference will have worldwide ramifications in the field of communications.
Key issues on the agenda include:
1. Reviewing and revising the international regulatory framework for radiocommunications (RC) to reflect the increasing convergence in radio services arising from the rapid evolution of ICTs.
2. Management of scarce radio-frequency spectrum to provide new opportunities for RC services.
3. Management of satellite orbital slots and associated spectrum resources.
4. The introduction of mobile broadband and other advanced technologies.
At this conference, participants representing nations across the globe will be deciding on issues relating to the sharing of frequency spectrum to allow the deployment or continuous use of all types of radiocommunication services – wireless, broadcasting, satellite, aeronautical etc. Just as any other international conference or world summit, preparations begin several years in advance through regional pre-conferences, presentations of position papers, and the declarations are made at the conference.
Photo Credit: CTIA
Implications for Mobile Technologies and International Development
The interest in spectrum management could receive high attention looking at the potentials that the mobile and wireless industry has for the global economy. In the United States, the President announced a “National Wireless Initiative” in his 2011 State of the Union that will foster the conditions for the next generations of wireless technology, nearly doubling the amount of wireless spectrum available for mobile broadband.
But unfortunately spectrum is a limited and scarce resource that requires careful global, regional and national planning and regulation. To be able to meet the increasing demand of users, the mobile communication industry requires continued availability of radio spectrum in sufficient quantity within suitable bands and arranged in a consistent and harmonized manner.
Even though the sovereignty of individual nations to make domestic allocation and use decisions of spectrum must be respected, it is imperative that the spectrum as a global resource be managed well. Most especially, because of the on-going phenomenon of globalization, harmonization – both national and international could be on top of the agenda. This will ensure that discrete frequency bands are available for a specific use, such as 3G, 4G or wi-fi. Innovative plans such as auctions that would allow the current owners of the spectrum to share in the proceeds could be attractive both nationally and internationally.
The World Radiocommunication Conference, held every three to four years, is mandated to review and revise the Radio Regulations, the international treaty governing the use of radio-frequency spectrum and satellite orbits. WRC-12 will facilitate the management of scarce orbit/spectrum resources in the interest of end-users, with global implications for both policy-makers and the industry.
