In November 2015 the World Radiocommunication Conference 2015 (WRC-15) will be held in Geneva. This conference forms part of the ITU Radio Communication Sector (ITU-R) and has for its purpose to deal with the available frequencies more efficiently by aiming for harmonization of frequency bands, both in the region and worldwide. This should result in common use of frequency bands by different countries for the same purposes. By achieving as much synchronization as possible in the use of frequency bands, the WRC-15 should result in the formulation of clear points of view that contribute to clear decisions in the interest of all market parties.

WRC preliminary CITEL meetings

CITEL, Comisión Interamericana de Telecomunicaciones, is the commission representing the interests of its membership countries from North, Central and South America and the Caribbean region. It may be compared to the European Conference of Postal and Telecommunications Administrations (CEPT), which represents the interests of European countries in this framework. From the point of view of CITEL representing the interests on the one hand is geared to deepen and define the points requiring attention in the field of frequency policy, radio communication and broadcasting and on the other hand to formulate and set out regional plans for harmonized use of frequency spectrum. These plans are subsequently presented in a wider scope and addressed during the World Radiocommunication Conference 2015 (WRC-15). The previous WRC was held in 2012, where participating organizations particularly acknowledged the rapidly growing requirement for frequency spectrum, due to a rise in mobile data traffic.

Worldwide, the access to broadband for mobile services and applications has become increasingly important and it even plays a key role in the development of the world economy, employment and competition. The growing demand for mobile broadband services also results in conflicts of interest between the various providers of services. It is observed that the frequency scarcity arising from this causes providers of mobile services more and more to use frequencies that in principle are intended for providers of satellite services and broadcasting services.

During the CITEL meetings in February and August 2015, prior to the WRC of next November, various frequency related topics have been addressed with regard to the increasing need for frequency and the measures that must be taken within this scope.
Considering their experience with frequency scarcity, the input of participating organizations, companies and other stakeholders in these meetings is crucial for achieving a clear picture of the problems, to subsequently reach points of view that have the support of multiple members of CITEL.

As a supervisor in the field of telecommunication and based on its frequency control and its authority to issue frequencies, the BT&P closely monitors the developments, since these also affect Curaçao and the BES islands. BT&P representatives are present at both the CITEL meetings and the WRC 2015.

ITU-R task forces

In anticipation of the WRC-15 conference, during the CITEL meetings various topics will be addressed by expert task forces, especially formed for that purpose. The subdivision of the task forces provides a representative image of the topics to be discussed at the WRC-15.

The preparations by the abovementioned task forces also directly link up with the ITU-R task forces involved with the development of technical provisions required to take critical decisions during the World Radiocommunication Conference. The ITU-R task forces are distinguishable according to the following fields:

• Spectrum control
• Radio wave propagation
• Satellite services
• Terrestrial services
• Broadcasting services
• Scientific services

WRC-15 agenda

The agenda for the WRC-15 has already been set. The content is based primarily on the results and decisions from the previous WRC in 2012 and the proposals addressed within that scope during the CITEL, CEPT and other relevant meetings of stakeholders. The extent to which the proposals are supported, results in more backing for its realization.

Download the WRC-15 agenda for inspection.

Further information about the CITEL meetings in preparation of the WRC-15 and other related topics that were addressed are available at the websites of CITEL, ITU and WRC-15

(BT&P Publication period: 2015)