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RADIO SPECTRUM ADVISORY COMMITTEE

Minutes of the Thirty-Sixth Meeting held at 2:30 p.m., Friday, 26 February 2010

in OFTA Conference Room Present Mr T F So OFTA (Chairman) Mr Y H Chan Representative of Asia Satellite

Telecommunications Company Limited (“AsiaSat”)

Mr Henry Chan Representative of Hutchison Telephone Company Limited

Mr Tim Chan Representative of Sound Broadcasters Mr Shiping Chang Representative of Broadcasters (Free TV) Mr Alan Choi Representative of SmarTone Mobile

Communications Limited Mr H C Hung Representative of External FTNS / Fixed Carrier /

Unified Carrier (External Fixed Services) Licensees

Dr Francis Lau Ad personam Mr Pan Li Representative of APT Satellite Company

Limited (“APT Satellite”) Mr K C Liu Representative of Broadcasters (Pay TV) Mr Edward Luk Representative of the Hong Kong Police Force Mr Y S Ng Representative of Local FTNS / Fixed Carrier

Licensees Mr Mike Pan Representative of China Mobile Hong Kong

Company Limited Mr S M Shuen Representative of CSL Limited (“CSL”) Mr W K Tsang Representative of the Hong Kong Police Force Mr Adam Wong Representative of Hong Kong

Telecommunications (HKT) Limited Mr K T Wu Representative of Amateur Radio Societies Mr C K Yuen Representative of Civil Aviation Department Mr Eric Fung OFTA (Secretary)

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Absent with Apologies Mr H W Chan Representative of Institution of Engineering and

Technology Hong Kong Dr Victor Hung Representative of Consumer Council Mr Bruce Lam Representative of Communications Association of

Hong Kong Dr K W Leung Ad personam Dr C K Li Representative of the Hong Kong Institution of

Engineers Dr H C Lui Representative of Hong Kong Wireless

Technology Industry Association Mr Edmond Wong Representative of Radio Paging Operators In Attendance Mr P H Ma OFTA Mr C S Li OFTA Mr C K Cheng OFTA Mr W K Leung OFTA Mr Alex Tang OFTA Mr Kent Yu OFTA

Observer Mr Paul Andersion Representative of Hong Kong Amateur Radio

Transmitting Society (HARTS) Mr Romax Chu Representative of Nokia Hong Kong Dr Wilton Fok Representative of the Hong Kong Institution of

Engineers Mr Simon Wong Representative of Independent Commission

Against Corruption (ICAC) Mr Danny Wong Representative of ICAC Mr Kelvin Yeung Representative of CSL Dr Rui Zhang Representative of AsiaSat

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Item 1: Confirmation of Minutes of the Last Meeting The minutes of the 35th meeting held on 22 October 2009 were confirmed without amendment. Item 2: Matters Arising from the Previous Meeting Item 3 of the minutes of the 35th RSAC Meeting

2. The Secretary reported that various field tests and comments regarding the impact of UWB on satellite services had been presented at the 35th RSAC meeting. OFTA would consider the outcome of the field tests and comments before deciding the way forward for UWB regulatory framework. In response to Mr Pan Li’s enquiry about the timeline for the UWB regulatory framework, the Chairman said that the Telecommunications Authority (TA) would announce her decision in the form of a TA statement later. Mr Y H Chan asked whether the satellite industry could be informed of the UWB regulatory framework before it was finalised. The Chairman replied that the TA would consider the relevant inputs of various parties including the satellite industry before announcing the regulatory framework. Item 4 of the minutes of the 35th RSAC Meeting

3. The Secretary reported that the proposed change in the channel bandwidth from 55 MHz to 27.5 MHz in the 18 GHz band would be incorporated in the next version of the Hong Kong Table of Frequency Allocations.

Item 3: World Radiocommunication Conference 2012 (RSAC Paper

1/2010) 4. Mr W K Leung introduced Paper 1/2010 which discussed the World Radiocommunication Conference 2012 (WRC-12) and identified

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agenda items (AIs) of particular significance to Hong Kong. These significant agenda items included AI 1.5 on harmonization of ENG spectrum, AI 1.17 on 790-862 MHz band, AI. 1.19 on software defined radio (SDR) and cognitive radio system (CRS), and AI. 1.22 on short range devices.

5. On AI 1.17, Mr Adam Wong expressed that it would be preferable for the mobile industry to make use of the spectrum released by the digital switchover in the 800 MHz band. The Chairman replied that there were trunked mobile radios and CDMA2000 systems operating in the band. Taking into account the resolution on this agenda item at the coming WRC-12, OFTA would study the feasibility of making spectrum in the band available for IMT services. 6. Mr Pan Li presented the APT Satellite’s comments on AI 1.19, AI 1.20 and AI 1.22 (see Annex 1). On AI 1.19, he remarked that the operation of CRS could cause interference to fixed satellite service (FSS) because the current CRS technology should provide no viable means to detect the satellite signals, whose level was very low. APT Satellite was of the view that Hong Kong’s position should support the regulatory provisions for CRS technology under the Radio Regulations. On AI 1.22, APT Satellite supported harmonisation of the power emission mask for short-range devices in order to protect the FSS in Hong Kong. 7. Mr K T Wu tabled a paper (attached at Annex 2) presenting some HARTS comments and preliminary positions on WRC-12 agenda items that concern amateur and amateur-satellite services. He reported that the International Amateur Radio Union (IARU) had adopted its preliminary positions on the relevant WRC-12 agenda items at its recent meeting held in October 2009. HARTS would study these IARU positions and provide OFTA with further input for formulation of Hong Kong’s positions. 8. Mr Y H Chan said that AsiaSat had provided initial comments to OFTA on RSAC Paper 1/2010. He also mentioned that AsiaSat had concerns on agenda items related to protection and development of space services, namely, AI 1.5, AI 1.13, AI 1.19, AI 1.20, AI 1.22, AI 1.25, AI 7

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and AI 8.2. Mr Y H Chan requested OFTA to take into account AsiaSat’s views in formulating the Hong Kong position on WRC-12 agenda items. Mr C K Yuen advised that the Civil Aviation Department (CAD) had attended the First Regional Preparatory Group (RPG) Meeting of the International Civil Aviation Organization (ICAO) in Thailand on 8-9 December 2009 to go through the preliminary views of APG2012 together with other civil aviation authorities in the Asia and Pacific Region. The ICAO’s RPG for WRC-12 considered that 16 out of the 25 AIs were relevant to the interest of aviation, with detailed deliberations on AIs 1.3, 1.4 and 1.7 in the RPG meeting. He indicated that CAD fully supported ICAO’s positions on the AIs and opined that the wordings stated in RSAC Paper 1/2010 might be revised to better reflect the positions of ICAO. In response to the Chairman’s enquiry, Mr C K Yuen stated that ICAO’s positions on AIs were not restricted information and could be disclosed to RSAC members. After some deliberations, the Chairman decided that OFTA would take stock of the views of all stakeholders, including those from ICAO and the local telecom industry, and circulate it to RSAC members for reference. In this regards, Mr C K Yuen said that he would forward a paper on ICAO’s positions to OFTA for consolidation. [Post Meeting notes: Mr C K Yuen forwarded the paper covering ICAO’s positions on AIs to the Secretary on 2 March 2010.] 9. The Chairman thanked members for the input on the WRC-12 issues and said that members might provide further comments in a month’s time for OFTA’s consideration. Mr C S Li said that OFTA would update the “considerations in the formulation of Hong Kong’s position” in RSAC Paper 1/2010 to include the comments received on various AIs. 10. Mr Pan Li said that he was given to understand that the Mainland had already formulated its positions on the WRC-12 AIs. He made enquiries about the progress for the WRC-12 coordination between Hong Kong and the Mainland. Mr K T Wu also expressed concern about the deadline for submission of HARTS positions. Mr P H Ma said that OFTA met MIIT last year and would further meet with MIIT to exchange views on WRC-12 issues and would attend the subsequent APT APG2012 meetings. Mr P H Ma added that OFTA would keep members posted of the latest progress of

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OFTA’s work on WRC-12 and liaise with concerned parties to address specific issues, if necessary. To help members keep track of the major meetings on WRC 12 issues, he said that OFTA would inform members of meeting dates for APG 2012, CPM and WRC-12 after the meeting. The Chairman concluded that OFTA would arrange for separate group discussion on some WRC-12 agenda items and the participation in such group would be open to all RSAC members. [Post-meeting note: The meeting schedule is as follows, • APG 2012-4 13 – 18 December 2010 • CPM 2nd Session 14 – 25 February 2011 • APG 2012-5 June / July 2011 • WRC-12 23 January – 17 February 2012] Item 4: Review of Spectrum Release Plan (RSAC Paper 2/2010) 11. Mr Alex Tang introduced Paper 2/2010 on the potential spectrum supply for inclusion in the Spectrum Release Plan (“SRP”) for 2010/11 – 2012/13. 12. Mr Adam Wong said that deployment of the mobile radio services in the 800 – 900 MHz band (“800 MHz band”) should take into account the services in the Mainland so as to minimise mutual interference. In response to Mr Adam Wong’s request about the frequency band plan information of Mainland, Mr P H Ma replied that OFTA would follow it up. [Post-meeting note: Relevant information was last published by MIIT in 2006 under the “Regulations on the Radio Frequency Allocation of the People’s Republic of China” (Order No. 40 of the Ministry of Information Industry)《中華人民共和國無線電頻率劃分規定》（信產部 40 號令）. A copy is found available at the following website: http://www.tjca.gov.cn/accessory/zcfg/bmgz/mii-40-ac.pdf] 13. Mr Y H Chan asked whether information about fixed link channelling plans was available. Mr C S Li replied that the information had been included in the Hong Kong Table of Frequency Allocations, which was available at OFTA’s website.

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14. The Chairman said the publication of the SRP for 2010/11 – 2012/13 was scheduled for April 2010. He invited members to offer comments on the potential spectrum for inclusion in the SRP within two weeks after the meeting. Item 5: Path Length of Fixed Links above 10 GHz 15. Mr Kelvin Yeung presented an analysis on the deployment of fixed links above 10GHz for mobile network backhauls. To meet the operational needs, link availability of 99.999% and antenna size of 0.3 m were suggested. It was also noted that the rainfall in Hong Kong could reach 250 mm/h, which far exceeded 150 mm/h as recommended by ITU-R. He suggested that mobile network operators should be assigned 23 GHz channels for fixed links shorter than 3 km and 11 GHz channels for fixed links with a longer path length. 16. Mr Simon Wong shared with members a study result of the rainfall in Hong Kong and its impact on path lengths of microwave fixed links. Based on HKO’s records, the rainfall in 2007/2008 was 115 mm/h for 99.99 % of time. As the rainfall was higher than ITU-R value of 85 mm/h, the achievable path lengths in Hong Kong should generally be shorter than those given in the RSAC Paper No. 8/1995. Apart from the rain attenuation, use of high modulation scheme and small antenna would further reduce the path lengths of fixed links. 17. The Chairman noted the spectrum demand for fixed links deployed in mobile network backhauls. However, he drew members’ attention to the fact that there were high demands for fixed link spectrum in lower frequency bands including 11 GHz and that the spectrum might need to be assigned for long-haul fixed links or those deployed to support essential services that demanded high availability. Mr C S Li remarked that apart from 11 GHz band, the 18 GHz or 14 GHz bands could be assigned for fixed links exceeding 3 km.

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18. Mr Adam Wong said that other mobile networks operators might have similar fixed link demands for their backhaul networks and that OFTA should consider appointing a leading operator to coordinate the use of strategic resources including hilltop sites and spectrum. Mr S M Shuen took the view that it would be difficult to coordinate the use of hilltop sites as the terminating points of fixed links originating from a hilltop site varied among network operators. Regarding the spectrum, he suggested that one exclusive channel be assigned to a single mobile network operator for link deployment on a territory-wide basis. Mr P H Ma said that spectrum for fixed link would generally be assigned on a shared basis to ensure efficient use of spectrum. 19. The Chairman concluded that assignments of fixed link spectrum should take into account, among other things, the need to meet the operational requirements of various users and the need to utilise the spectrum in an effective manner. He said that OFTA would study the spectrum requirements for fixed links and presented its findings at the next RSAC meeting. Item 6: Any Other Business 20. Mr Romax Chu presented “FM Transmission Review”. He said that in Hong Kong, the function of FM transmission in Nokia consumer products had been disabled to meet with the local regulatory requirement. However there was increasing demand on the use of FM frequencies for short-range wireless connection for relaying music from handy audio players to car radios. In this regard, Nokia proposed that three carriers at 107.5 MHz, 107.6 MHz and 107.7 MHz, each of 200 kHz bandwidth and emission power 50 nW, be designated for such applications. 21. Mr Tim Chan commented that the proposed use of 107.7 MHz might cause interference with RTHK3 channel operating at 107.8 MHz. Mr C K Cheng said that Hong Kong could receive overspill signals of the Mainland’s broadcast in the proposed band in 107.5 – 107.7 MHz and asked whether it would adversely affect Nokia’s proposal. Mr Romax Chu took

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note of the situation and expressed confidence that it would not be an issue as the intended coverage of the proposed application using FM frequencies was less than some 3 metres. In response to the question of Mr K T Wu whether OFTA would consider allowing such applications to operate in the band 78-88 MHz so as to avoid potential interference to the FM sound broadcasting service, Mr P H Ma replied that the band was allocated for land mobile radio systems and was not suitable for the proposed application. Mr Romax Chu took note of members’ comments and said that he would further discuss the issues with other industry members with a view to submitting a joint proposal for discussion in the coming RSAC meetings. 22. There being no other business, the meeting was adjourned at 5:00 p.m. Office of the Telecommunications Authority March 2010

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Annex 1

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Annex 2

The 36thrd Meeting of Radio Spectrum Advisory Committee Agenda Item 3 for WRC-2012 (APG2012-3)

Document No : WRC2012-3/INF-xx

26th February, 2010 OFTA Queens Road East Office zz February 2010

COMMENTS AND POSITIONS ON THE AGENDA ITEMS FOR WRC-2012 THAT

CONCERN THE AMATEUR AND AMATEUR-SATELLITE SERVICES

(Agenda Items 1.23, 1.10, 1.15, 1.14, 1.19 and 1.22)

by

Hong Kong Amateur Transmitting Society (HARTS)

1 Introduction – HARTS

(TBC).

2 Comments and positions on WRC-12 Agenda Item 1.23

2.1 Agenda Item 1.23:

“to consider an allocation of about 15 kHz in parts of the band 415-526.5 kHz to the amateur service on a secondary basis, taking into account the need to protect existing services”

2.2 Background to the agenda item and relevant ITU-R study groups

This agenda item is the one of prime interest to the amateur service at WRC-12. Re-planning the 500 kHz band maritime distress channel spectrum will provide a valuable addition to the family of bands available to amateurs.

This agenda item was created at WRC-07 based on several input contributions including an APT common proposal (See: Doc. APG2007-5/OUT-17).

To study this agenda item and develop CPM text for this agenda item at the ITU-R, WP 5A is assigned as the responsible group and WP’s 5B, 5C and 6A are assigned as concerned groups.

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A secondary allocation to the amateur service in the range 415-526.5 kHz could provide additional emergency communications capability as described in Section 2.4. Several administrations have given temporary authorization for stations of the amateur service to operate, on a non-interference basis, on frequencies around 500 kHz that avoid NAVTEX operations and the broadcasting service. To date, no instances of harmful interference attributable to these experimental transmissions have been reported. In addition to these experimental operations, studies have been undertaken in the ITU-R to provide additional information on the characteristics and compatibility of a possible secondary allocation to the amateur service in this frequency range.

Taking into account the facts mentioned above, HARTS is in favour of an allocation on a secondary basis of about 15 kHz in the range 415 to 526.5 kHz and supports the relevant ITU-R study activities on frequency sharing.

2.3 Sharing with other services in the band This frequency band is also allocated to the maritime mobile, mobile and aeronautical radionavigation services and it is utilized extensively due to its good propagation characteristics.

The amateur service must operate without causing any harmful interference to other services sharing these frequencies. We are aware of the Maritime Safety Information (MSI) and Navigational Telex (NAVTEX) service allocations at 490 kHz and 518 kHz. There are some aeronautical non-directional beacons (NDBs). The broadcasting service also operates above 525 kHz in Region 2 and above 526.5 kHz in Regions 1 and 3.

Sharing studies in the band are being conducted by the relevant ITU-R study groups. A working document toward a Preliminary Draft New Report ITU-R M. [compatibility of amateur service stations with existing services in the range 415-526.5 kHz] has been drafted at ITU-R WP5A.

WP5A has made the following observations:

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• Compatibility of amateur service stations and NAVTEX system: Amateur service operation within [XXX kHz from the centre] of the NAVTEX operation frequencies is neither practical nor desirable, because an amateur transmitter could cause interference to NAVTEX signals. Also, co-channel operation is not considered an option.

• Compatibility of amateur service stations and NDB system: Two methods have been studied and the following different conclusions have been obtained to date: - In a worst-case scenario of an aircraft in the immediate vicinity of an amateur station located at the edge of an NDB service area, a co-frequency amateur transmitter with an output power level exceeding a few milliwatts would result in unacceptable interfering field strength at the aircraft NDB receiving antenna. Therefore, co-frequency coexistence between amateur stations and NDB systems is unlikely. - It is shown that if 15 kHz bandwidth in the band 415-526.5 kHz is allocated to the amateur service on a secondary basis, the applications of the aeronautical radionavigation service and maritime mobile service need to be protected. Such protection could be achieved by appropriate geographical and frequency separation along with restricting the power of the amateur transmissions.

• Compatibility of amateur service stations and broadcasting service: To ensure compatibility between the amateur service and the broadcasting service in Region 2, the upper limit of a possible amateur service allocation should not exceed 516 kHz. In Regions 1 and 3 the frequency range proposed for this allocation to the amateur service is not allocated to the broadcasting service.

2.4 Technology considerations and advances Technology advances such as the global maritime distress and safety system (GMDSS) have rendered the use of the 500 kHz frequency range obsolete - long allocated to the maritime mobile service for distress and safety purposes. An allocation in the band 415-526.5 kHz should provide reliable emergency communications at the low power levels used by amateurs.

Specifically:

• Ground wave (also known as surface wave) propagation, unaffected by ionospheric disturbances and sunspot-cycle variations, can be very

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consistent and reliable. • New means of radio communication using digital modulation represent

opportunities to exploit these frequencies and the communications capabilities of which have previously largely been defined by legacy communications technologies, e.g. radiotelegraph, radioteletype and analogue voice techniques. Many years of amateur experience with digital networks at very high frequency (VHF) and ultra high frequency (UHF) suggest that HF token passing protocols (HFTP) that are self configuring may be well suited to the bandwidth and radiated power limitations at 500 kHz. Such systems provide reliable networks for emergency communications and may extend the possible coverage area.

• The 500 kHz range offers higher power transfer efficiencies for small antennas as compared to the amateur band at 135.7-137.8 kHz thus making the band attractive to amateurs with limited space for antenna installations.

Preliminary Draft New Report ITU-R M. [AS.500 kHz Characteristics] on transmission characteristics of amateur radio stations in the band 415-526.5 kHz for sharing studies has been drafted at ITU-R WP5A.

It should be noted that the low-power, narrow bandwidth modes described in this ITU-R Preliminary Draft New Report are well suited to emergency communications while minimizing the potential for interference to incumbent services. The antenna simulations provided in this Report demonstrate that amateur service operations at 500 kHz would be limited to relatively low equivalent isotropically radiated power (e.i.r.p.). 2.5 Possible methods to satisfy the agenda item

Currently the following methods are proposed at ITU-R WP 5A:

Method A-1: One worldwide secondary allocation of about 15 kHz to the amateur service between [XXX] and [YYY] kHz.

Method A-2: One worldwide secondary allocation of about 15 kHz to the amateur service in the range [493] to [510] kHz.

Method B: Two non-contiguous worldwide secondary allocations to the amateur service in the spectrum between [XXX] and [YYY], totaling about 15 kHz.

2.6 HARTS position

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HARTS is of the opinion that more studies are required to finalize our position.

3 Other agenda items likely to affect the amateur service:

Following are HARTS views on other agenda items which could affect the amateur

services.

3.1 Agenda Item 1.10:

“to examine the frequency allocation requirements with regard to operation of safety systems for ships and ports and associated regulatory provisions, in accordance with Resolution 357 (WRC-07)”

The progress of studies in the ITU-R on this agenda item should be carefully reviewed from the viewpoint of any new spectrum allocation to the amateur service related to agenda item 1.23.

A Report ITU-R M.[500 kHz] has been developed giving the description of a system

to be used to broadcast from shore to ships information related to safety and

security. The system will utilize the band 495-505 kHz.

HARTS continues to watch the progress of studies in the ITU-R on this agenda item.

3.2 Agenda Item 1.15:

“to consider possible allocations in the range 3-50 MHz to the radiolocation service for oceanographic radar applications, taking into account the results of ITU-R studies, in accordance with Resolution 612 (WRC-07)”

This agenda item is of interest to the amateur service to the extent that any allocations for oceanographic radars need to be separate to our allocations. There is a fundamental incompatibility between the radar transmitters and the sensitive receivers used to detect typically very weak signals of amateurs in their MF and HF allocations. Shared allocations may not be feasible. It is also possible that amateur transmissions could interfere with the radar system receivers in any shared allocations.

According to the study results to date conducted by ITU-R WP 5B, it is observed that considering:

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[that sharing with Amateur, Broadcasting Services, and Radio Astronomy seems to be difficult due to their requirements of protection criteria;

that sharing with Maritime Mobile, Aeronautical Mobile (R) and Standard Time and Frequency Services should be avoided due to the safety aspect of communications;

that sharing with Fixed and/or land mobile service will be easier with terrestrial services as oceanographic radars will emit towards the ocean],

the sharing studies have been focused in the bands used by fixed service and/or land mobile service only (see Chapter 2 of Annex 12 to Doc. 5B/417 Working document toward draft CPM text on WRC-12 Agenda Item 1.15).

HARTS agrees with the above observation that sharing with amateur services seems to be difficult.

3.3 Agenda Item 1.14:

“to consider requirements for new applications in the radiolocation service and review allocations or regulatory provisions for implementation of the radiolocation service in the range 30-300 MHz, in accordance with Resolution 611 (WRC-07)”

For the similar reasons outlined in section 3.2, sharing between amateur services and radiolocation services may not be feasible with the radiolocation service.

According to the studies to date conducted by ITU-R WP 5B, ITU-R, studies are ongoing in the band 154-156 MHz to determine the sharing feasibility with existing services in this band.

HARTS notes that under this situation there would not be any adverse impact on amateur services.

3.4 Agenda Item 1.19:

“to consider regulatory measures and their relevance, in order to enable the introduction of software-defined radio and cognitive radio systems, based on the results of ITU-R studies, in accordance with Resolution 956 (WRC-07)”

Amateurs have already developed and used software-defined radios (SDR) based on signal processing with PC sound cards, mostly in the MF and HF bands. Commercial systems are available, as well as kit sets, and individually designed

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and developed implementations and software. Whether there is a need for any regulatory measures for applications of SDR in the amateur service should be carefully studied.

Study results on this agenda item conducted to date in ITU-R WP 1B are mainly as follows: - A common concern within the ITU-R was about the protection of existing services from potential interference from the services implementing cognitive radio systems (CRS) technology, especially from the dynamic spectrum access capability of CRS. However it should be noted that services employing SDR or CRS technology will have to respect the sharing criteria for each radiocommunication service given in the relevant ITU-R Recommendations. - In addition, a service using SDR or CRS should not adversely affect other services in the same band with the same or higher status. - Thus, the introduction and operation of stations using SDR or CRS technologies in systems of any radiocommunication service should not impose any additional constraints to other services sharing the band. - For example, the introduction of SDR and CRS in a frequency band(s) shared between terrestrial and space services should not adversely affect either of these services by either imposing any constrains to the operation of terrestrial or Space service. - Any system of a specific service using SDR and/or CRS in a frequency band allocated to that service should be operated in accordance with the provisions of the Radio Regulations and administration rules governing the use of the bands and the protection criteria defined in the relevant ITU-R Recommendations. - The methods to satisfy the agenda item related to SDR and CRS are as follows:

Method A: No change to the Radio Regulations Under this method, technical and operational considerations related to the SDR technologies implemented in any stations of a radiocommunication service would be addressed in ITU-R Recommendations as appropriate.

Advantage: – Allows administrations to facilitate implementation of SDR Disadvantages:

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– None.

Method B1: No change to the Radio Regulations Under this method, technical and operational considerations related to the CRS technologies implemented in any systems of a radiocommunication service could be developed in ITU-R Recommendations and Reports as appropriate. Advantage:

– Allows administration to facilitate implementation of CRS

Disadvantage: – Does not provide guidance for the studies and provisions for the

implementation of CRS.

Method B2: No change to the articles of the Radio Regulations and a Resolution providing guidance for further studies on CRS Under this method a WRC Resolution is developed to provide a framework for guidance of the studies on technical and operational considerations related to the CRS technologies implemented in any systems of a radiocommunication service leading to ITU-R Recommendations and Reports as appropriate.

Advantages:

− Allows administrations to facilitate implementation of CRS.

− Resolution provides a framework for guidance on further studies.

Disadvantage:

− Does not provide provisions for the implementation of CRS.

Method B3: No change to the articles of the Radio Regulations and a Resolution dealing with the use of CRS and further studies within the ITU-R Under this method a WRC Resolution is developed to provide provisions for the implementation of CRS as well as a framework for guidance of the studies on technical and operational considerations related to the CRS technologies. Advantages:

Provides guidance for studies and provisions to avoid the potential risk of interference from CRS on specific radiocommunication services

Disadvantages: [Note: The disadvantages below were not agreed to during the last ITU-R WG1B

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meeting. Further work will be done during the next WP 1B meeting in June 2010] − Exclusion of frequency bands was not supported by any ITU-R studies

– It would deny or restrict CRS or related technology in excluded bands, even if it operates in accordance with the other provisions of the Radio Regulations, until the results of the studies are considered by a future WRC;

– Framework (provisions) with respect to the frequency bands limitation for the implementation of CRS based on the studies which is not finalised by the ITU-R.

– Until the results of the studies are considered by a future WRC some technology related to CRS may be restricted in specific bands, even if it complies with the current provisions of the Radio Regulations;

HARTS supports the above Methods A and B1.

3.5 Agenda Item 1.22:

“to examine the effect of emissions from short-range devices on radiocommunication services, in accordance with Resolution 953 (WRC-07)”

This agenda item is of interest to the amateur service from the viewpoints that there are an increasing number of short range devices (SRDs) proliferating across various frequency bands; such as devices using ultra wide-band (UWB) technologies or radio-frequency identification devices (RFIDs), and that the amateur service may suffer harmful interference from SRDs.

Study results on this agenda item conducted to date in ITU-R WP 1A are mainly as follows: - To provide protection to radiocommunication services, the deployment of SRDs generally requires limits on radiation, usage and the implementation of [specific interference reduction techniques] / [to meet the required limits] / [implementation of techniques to avoid interference]. - Some administrations are of the view that mitigating the risks to radiocommunication services can be addressed through appropriate ITU-R Recommendations and Reports, while other administrations are of the view that this situation should be addressed through changes to the Radio Regulations. - While it is recognized that the regulation and certification of SRDs is a matter for Administrations, some are of the view that the work required to advance the harmonization of certain types of SRDs can be done through ITU-R

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Recommendations and Reports.

- The methods to satisfy the agenda item related to SRDs are as follows:

Method A: Keep current practice

Under this method, it is considered that the radiocommunication services can be sufficiently protected from the possible interference from the emissions of short range devices. The national or regional arrangement regulation is considered to be appropriate to provide relevant solutions. Method B: WRC General Resolution A general WRC Resolution inviting the ITU-R to study the regional and global harmonization of certain SRDs and encouraging administrations to harmonize frequency bands and technical rules for certain types of SRDs such as those that are portable and that have great growth potential. Method C: Recognize a limited number of harmonized bands and emission levels for SRD applications either by a Resolution at WRC-12 or regulatory changes in Article 5 for SRDs similar to those specific bands for ISM Using the Radio Regulations Article 5 for SRDs similar to those specific bands for ISM, some regulations including limits on the sum and the aggregation factors of SRDs / total radiation of SRDs are made. Method D: Provisions in the Radio Regulations The Radio Regulations would contain a definition of SRDs and provisions for under what conditions they can operate (e.g. harmonized frequency bands, exclusion bands or emission limits). HARTS is of the opinion that more studies are required to finalize our position.

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