The WRC-23 Webinars

Event Overview

At 6 of the regional conferences that took place as part of The Global Spectrum Series 2020, we asked attendees the same question – “What do you expect to be the most prominent issue at WRC-23?

The results highlighted 3 clear stand-out topics:

GSS Poll Results

Against this backdrop, we are delighted to present a series of 3 interactive webinars that will put each of these topics under the spotlight. Whilst the regular Global Spectrum Series conferences are focused on the key topics and challenges facing each of the respective regions, this webinar series will have a broader, global focus.

By providing a cross-regional platform in this way can help foster a greater understanding of the key thinking and positions across different regions and stakeholder groups, and add some real value to the discussions on these standout issues ahead of WRC-23. 

Registration is now open and FREE OF CHARGE for all attendees, so don’t miss out on the opportunity to:

    • Gain an understanding of the key stakeholder positions across different regions
    • Learn more about the work taking place in regional study groups as the build-up to WRC-23 continues
    • Pose questions to key regulators and industry representatives at the heart of the discussions
    • Use our one-to-one video networking platform to meet with other webinar participants

The conference is part of The Global Spectrum Series – the world’s largest collection of regional spectrum policy events.

Webinar 3..

6GHz – The new spectrum battleground
17th May 2021 | 14:00 – 16:15 CET

The 6GHz band is quickly becoming the new spectrum ‘battleground’, with a number of different technologies and users staking a claim for access to this vital spectrum. The main issue is around a possible identification of parts of this band for IMT while keeping the balance of 5G, WiFi users and existing services in the band. A number of quite different approaches and positions are being seen on this in countries around the world – the US supports unlicensed use for all of the band, while Europe opted for unlicensed use in the lower part only (below 6425 MHz). China, meanwhile, supports the use of the entire 6GHz band for licensed 5G. Many other countries are currently consulting and developing their own national positions on the band.


Speakers included

speaker pic

Uwe Löwenstein

Counsellor for ITU-R Study Group 1CPM
Radiocommunication Bureau (BR)
ITU

speaker pic

Tuck Yeen Poon

Co-ordinator for AI 1.2
CEPT

speaker pic

Agostinho Linhares

Manager of Spectrum, Orbit and Broadcasting Division
ANATEL Brazil

speaker pic

Oluwatoyin Asaju

Director Spectrum Administration
Nigerian Communications Commission

speaker pic

Fansheng Zeng

Vice Director, Frequency Planning Division, Bureau of Radio Regulation
MIIT China

Janette-Stewart-Headshot

Janette Stewart

Partner
Analysys Mason

speaker pic

Erika Tejedor

Director, Government and Industry Relations
Ericsson

speaker pic

Alex Roytblat

Vice President of Worldwide Regulatory Affairs
WiFi Alliance

speaker pic

Paul Deedman

Global Spectrum & Regulatory Policy
ESOA

speaker photo

Luciana Camargos

Senior Director, Future Spectrum
GSMA

Series catch up

Organisers & Partners

Event Organiser
Forum Global
www.forum-global.com
Forum Global specializes in policy focused conferences and events, providing a platform for discussion and debate on topical issues across a variety of different sectors. These events are organized with clients and partners and aim to progress ideas and actions on important issues, all within a balanced and neutral setting. Forum Global is the international arm of Forum Europe, which was founded by Giles Merritt, columnist for the International Herald Tribune, and is widely recognized as the leading EU dedicated event provider. Headed by a team of events specialists with over 19 years of experience, Forum Global works successfully with businesses, institutions and governments alike. Its strategic services can maintain and develop your key policy networks, and also deliver forums where key issues can be aired and debated.
Organising Partner
Analysys Mason
www.analysysmason.com
Analysys Mason is a global specialist in telecoms, media and technology (TMT). Since its formation, Analysys Mason has been instrumental in shaping spectrum policy around the world through our wide-ranging studies helping regulators and operators to develop spectrum strategy, efficiently manage spectrum, formulate spectrum licence conditions, value spectrum and prepare for spectrum awards. With offices in Asia-Pacific, Europe, Americas, the Middle East and Africa we are respected worldwide for our exceptional quality of work, independence and flexibility in responding to client needs. For over 25 years we have been helping clients in more than 100 countries to maximise their opportunities.
Series Partner
BNE
www.broadcast-networks.eu
Broadcast Networks Europe (BNE) represents Europe’s terrestrial network operators in Europe and internationally. Terrestrial broadcast network operators are responsible for managing, operating and maintaining the infrastructure that brings TV, radio and other wireless and over-the-air services to homes, cars, and other users. As an organisation, BNE support an efficient and fair regulatory environment that give European citizens universal access to the TV and radio they watch and enjoy.
Series Partner
EBU
www.ebu.ch/home
The European Broadcasting Union (EBU) is the world’s leading alliance of public service media (PSM). We have 115 member organizations in 56 countries and have an additional 34 Associates in Asia, Africa, Australasia and the Americas. Our Members operate nearly 2,000 television, radio and online channels and services, and offer a wealth of content across other platforms. Together they reach an audience of more than one billion people around the world, broadcasting in more than 160 languages. We operate Eurovision and Euroradio services.
Series Partner
Ericsson
www.ericsson.com
Ericsson is the driving force behind the Networked Society - a world leader in communications technology and services. Our long-term relationships with every major telecom operator in the world allow people, business and society to fulfill their potential and create a more sustainable future. Our services, software and infrastructure - especially in mobility, broadband and the cloud - are enabling the telecom industry and other sectors to do better business, increase efficiency, improve the user experience and capture new opportunities. With approximately 115,000 professionals and customers in 180 countries, we combine global scale with technology and services leadership. We support networks that connect more than 2.5 billion subscribers. Forty percent of the world's mobile traffic is carried over Ericsson networks. And our investments in research and development ensure that our solutions - and our customers - stay in front. Founded in 1876, Ericsson has its headquarters in Stockholm, Sweden. Net sales in 2015 were SEK 246.9 billion (USD 29.4 billion). Ericsson is listed on NASDAQ OMX stock exchange in Stockholm and the NASDAQ in New York.
Series Partner
ESOA
www.esoa.net
ESOA is a non-profit organisation established with the objective of serving and promoting the common interests of satellite operators from Europe, the Middle East, Africa and the CIS. The Association today represents the interests of 21 satellite operators who deliver information communication services across the globe. Together ESOA Members provide invaluable communications services to the whole world including emergency communications, live broadcasting, maritime and aero communications, secure services for governments, 24-7 monitoring of industrial processes such as energy plants and a whole range of other communications capabilities that society has come to rely on.
Series Partner
Dynamic Spectrum Alliance
www.dynamicspectrumalliance.org
The Dynamic Spectrum Alliance (DSA) is a global, cross-industry, not for profit organization advocating for laws, regulations, and economic best practices that will lead to more efficient utilization of spectrum and foster innovation and affordable connectivity for all.
Series Partner
GSA
www.gsacom.com
GSA (the Global mobile Suppliers Association) is a not-for-profit industry organisation representing companies across the worldwide mobile ecosystem who are engaged in the supply of infrastructure, semiconductors, test equipment, devices, applications and mobile support services. We actively promotes the 3GPP technology road-map – 3G; 4G; 5G – and we are a single source of information for industry reports and market intelligence. Our Members drive the GSA agenda and define the communications and development strategy for the Association.
Series Partner
GSMA
www.gsma.com
The GSMA represents the interests of mobile operators worldwide, uniting more than 750 operators with almost 400 companies in the broader mobile ecosystem, including handset and device makers, software companies, equipment providers and internet companies, as well as organisations in adjacent industry sectors. The GSMA also produces the industry-leading MWC events held annually in Barcelona, Los Angeles and Shanghai, as well as the Mobile 360 Series of regional conferences.
Series Partner
Huawei
www.huawei.com
Founded in 1987, Huawei is a leading global provider of information and communications technology (ICT) infrastructure and smart devices. We are committed to bringing digital to every person, home and organization for a fully connected, intelligent world. We have more than 194,000 employees, and we operate in more than 170 countries and regions, serving more than three billion people around the world. Huawei is a private company wholly owned by its employees. Through the Union of Huawei Investment & Holding Co., Ltd., we implement an Employee Shareholding Scheme involving 104,572 employees. Only Huawei employees are eligible to participate. No government agency or outside organization holds shares in Huawei.
Series Partner
Intelsat
www.intelsat.com
Intelsat S.A. (NYSE: I) operates the world’s first Globalized Network, delivering high-quality, cost-effective video and broadband services anywhere in the world. Intelsat’s Globalized Network combines the world’s largest satellite backbone with terrestrial infrastructure, managed services and an open, interoperable architecture to enable customers to drive revenue and reach through a new generation of network services. Thousands of organizations serving billions of people worldwide rely on Intelsat to provide ubiquitous broadband connectivity, multi-format video broadcasting, secure satellite communications and seamless mobility services. The end result is an entirely new world, one that allows us to envision the impossible, connect without boundaries and transform the ways in which we live. For more information, visit www.intelsat.com.
Series Partner
NOKIA
www.nokia.com
Nokia is a global leader in creating the technologies at the heart of our connected world. Powered by the research and innovation of Nokia Bell Labs, we serve communications service providers, governments, large enterprises and consumers, with the industry’s most complete, end-to-end portfolio of products, services and licensing.From the enabling infrastructure for 5G and the Internet of Things, to emerging applications in virtual reality and digital health, we are shaping the future of technology to transform the human experience.
Series Partner
Wi-Fi Alliance
www.wi-fi.org
Wi-Fi Alliance® is the worldwide network of companies that brings you Wi-Fi®, one of the world’s most valued communications technologies. Our vision is to connect everyone and everything, everywhere. Wi-Fi Alliance drives global Wi-Fi adoption and evolution through thought leadership, spectrum advocacy, and industry-wide collaboration. Our work includes the development of innovative technologies, requirements, and test programs that help ensure Wi-Fi provides users the interoperability, security, and reliability they have come to expect.
Series Partner
https://www.zte.com.cn/global/

Agenda

All times listed in the agenda below are Central European time

Webinar 1 – UHF Band
2021-03-18
Webinar 2 – 3.3GHz-3.8GHz
2021-04-14
Webinar 3 – 6GHz Band
2021-05-17
Webinar 1 Information – 470-694 MHz – Shaping the future use of the UHF band

Discussions around the future use of the UHF band are expected to be some of the most prominent ahead of WRC-23, with a particular focus on the situation in Region 1. At WRC-19, there was a proposal from some Arab states for a change in the WRC-23 UHF agenda item to propose a harmonised band at 470—694 MHz with a co-primary allocation to the broadcasting and mobile services and an identification for IMT. Both Europe and Africa opposed this position and the proposal was rejected – instead a more neutral review of the use of the UHF band in Region 1 will be considered at WRC-23.

 
WRC-23 will review the spectrum use and spectrum needs of existing services in 470-960 MHz in Region 1; and will consider possible regulatory actions in 470-694 MHz in Region 1.
 

    • What work needs to be done in ITU-R study groups in order to prepare for the WRC-23 review of the usage and needs in the 470-960 MHz UHF band in Region 1?
    • What similarities and what differences currently exist between the approaches and positions being seen across the sub-regions in Region 1?
    • How much UHF spectrum is actually required by different services (for example IMT, DTT, PMSE) in the medium and longer term? How can the needs of all users in the band best be balanced?
    • To what extent are there possibilities for sharing between IMT and incumbent users of the UHF band, and what challenges are there to this?
    • Would making the frequencies available on a paired (FDD) or an unpaired (TDD) basis make any changes to this?
    • What roadmap is in place for the development and adaptation of the required equipment for mobile broadband services in the UHF band, and what might this mean for the future bandplan?
13:00 - 13:05
Setting the Scene – Introduction from the Moderator
Setting the Scene – Introduction from the Moderator image
Moderator: Mark Colville
Principal, Analysys Mason
13:05 - 13:15
Opening Presentation
Opening Presentation image
Nikolai Vassiliev
Chief, Terrestrial Services Department, BR, ITU
13:15 - 13:50
State Your Case – Outlining the different industry positions
State Your Case – Outlining the different industry positions image
Glyn Carter
Senior Spectrum Advisor, GSMA
State Your Case – Outlining the different industry positions image
Ulrich Rehfuess
Head of Spectrum Policy, Nokia - Representing GSA
State Your Case – Outlining the different industry positions image
Elena Puigrefagut
Senior Project Manager, Technology & Innovation, EBU
State Your Case – Outlining the different industry positions image
Jean-Pierre Faisan
Vice-Chairman, Broadcast Network Europe
13:50 - 14:15
The Response from Regulators
The Response from Regulators image
Jonas Wessel
Head of Spectrum Dept, PTS & Chair of Sub-Group on RSPP, RSPG
The Response from Regulators image
Omar AlSalik
Director, Spectrum Data Analytics, CITC
The Response from Regulators image
Andrey Lashkevich
Head of Laboratory, Radio Research and Development Institute (FSUE NIIR)
The Response from Regulators image
Irene Kaggwa Sewankambo
Director, Engineering & Communications Infrastructure, Uganda Communications Commission
14:15 - 14:50
Interactive discussion amongst speakers
Interactive discussion amongst speakers image
Moderator: Mark Colville
Principal, Analysys Mason
Interactive discussion amongst speakers image
Glyn Carter
Senior Spectrum Advisor, GSMA
Interactive discussion amongst speakers image
Ulrich Rehfuess
Head of Spectrum Policy, Nokia - Representing GSA
Interactive discussion amongst speakers image
Elena Puigrefagut
Senior Project Manager, Technology & Innovation, EBU
Interactive discussion amongst speakers image
Jean-Pierre Faisan
Vice-Chairman, Broadcast Network Europe
Interactive discussion amongst speakers image
Jonas Wessel
Head of Spectrum Dept, PTS & Chair of Sub-Group on RSPP, RSPG
Interactive discussion amongst speakers image
Omar AlSalik
Director, Spectrum Data Analytics, CITC
Interactive discussion amongst speakers image
Andrey Lashkevich
Head of Laboratory, Radio Research and Development Institute (FSUE NIIR)
Interactive discussion amongst speakers image
Irene Kaggwa Sewankambo
Director, Engineering & Communications Infrastructure, Uganda Communications Commission
14:50 - 15:10
Questions from the floor
15:10 - 15:15
Final Conclusions from the moderator
Final Conclusions from the moderator image
Moderator: Mark Colville
Principal, Analysys Mason
Webinar 2 Information – 3.3GHz-3.8GHz – Balancing the needs of key users in the C-band

Around the world, the C-Band is seen by the mobile community as a hugely important frequency for 5G. It is also intensively used for other services however – particularly in tropical areas, where its high resistance to rain fade makes it crucial for satellite services. The 3.4GHz – 3.6GHz portion of the C-band has been allocated on a primary basis to the mobile service and identified for IMT on a global level. However, the future of the 3.3GHz – 3.4GHz and the 3.6GHz – 3.8 GHz portions of the band in Regions 1 and 2 are set to be discussed in detail at WRC-23.
 
At WRC-23, the 3.6 – 3.8 GHz upper portion of the C-band is due to be studied ahead of a possible upgrade to co-primary for mobile in Region 1, and also for possible use for IMT 5G in Region 2. The 3.3 – 3.4 GHz portion of the band is due to be studied ahead of a possible identification for IMT in Regions 1 and 2.

 

    • What are the key issues for consideration for national and regional delegations studying the both the 3.3 – 3.4GHz and the 3.6 – 3.8GHz portions of the band ahead of its discussion at WRC-23?
    • What similarities and what differences currently exist between the approaches and positions being seen in different regions?
    • Where does the balance lie between looking to deliver a co-ordinated approach (at both a regional and global level), whilst also providing flexibility and recognising the differences that exist between countries and regions?
    • With the 3.4GHz – 3.6GHz now allocated as on a primary basis to the mobile service on a global level, to what extent is there still a need for additional bandwidth in the C-band to be allocated to the mobile service and identified for IMT to meet the growing needs for 5G?
    • To what extent could the opening up of the 3.3 – 3.4 GHz portion of the band for IMT provide an additional option for countries looking to provide 400MHz of contiguous spectrum for IMT whilst also continuing to meet the needs of key satellite stakeholders?
    • How can the needs of the satellite, mobile, broadcasting and other communities across the C-band be best balanced to ensure that the requirements of all key sectors are met?
13:00 - 13:05
Setting the scene – Introduction from the moderator
Setting the scene – Introduction from the moderator image
Moderator: Janette Stewart
Partner, Analysys Mason
13:05 - 13:15
Opening Presentation
Opening Presentation image
Philippe Aubineau
Counsellor for ITU-R Study Group 1 and the CPM, Radiocommunication Bureau (BR), ITU
13:15 - 13:50
State Your Case – Outlining the different industry positions
State Your Case – Outlining the different industry positions image
Alessandro Casagni
Mid-band Global Lead, GSA
State Your Case – Outlining the different industry positions image
Gerhard Petrick
Deputy Chair, Southern African Digital Broadcasting Association (SADIBA)
State Your Case – Outlining the different industry positions image
Ross Bateson
Special Government Adviser, GSMA
State Your Case – Outlining the different industry positions image
Mohaned Juwad
Senior Manager - Spectrum Policy, Intelsat
13:50 - 14:15
The Response from Policymakers
The Response from Policymakers image
Daniel Obam
Communications Secretary, National Communications Secretariat, Kenya
The Response from Policymakers image
Eric Fournier
Director for Spectrum Planning and International Affairs, Agence Nationale des Fréquences (ANFR)
The Response from Policymakers image
Jose Aguilar
Director General of Policy and Regulation on Communications, Ministry of Transport and Communications, Peru
The Response from Policymakers image
Tariq Al Awadhi
Chairman of Regional Preparatory Group for WRC-23, ASMG
14:15 - 14:50
Interactive discussion amongst speakers
14:50 - 15:10
Questions from the floor
15:10 - 15:15
Final Conclusions from the moderator
Webinar 3 Information – 6GHz – The new spectrum battleground

The 6GHz band is quickly becoming the new spectrum ‘battleground’, with a number of different technologies and users staking a claim for access to this vital spectrum. The main issue is around a possible identification of parts of this band for IMT while keeping the balance of 5G, WiFi users and existing services in the band. A number of quite different approaches and positions are being seen on this in countries around the world – the US supports unlicensed use for all of the band, while Europe opted for unlicensed use in the lower part only (below 6425 MHz). China, meanwhile, supports the use of the entire 6GHz band for licensed 5G. Many other countries are currently consulting and developing their own national positions on the band.
 
At WRC-23, the upper portion (6425-7125 MHz) of the band is due to be studied ahead of a possible identification for IMT in Region 1, with the top 100 MHz of the band due to be studied globally.

 

    • Where does the balance lie between licenced and unlicenced use in the 6GHz band?
    • To what extent could it be an option for mobile operators to access the band on a licence-exempt basis using NR-U?
    • To what extent is coexistence between 5G and WiFi in the band a possibility?What work is being done across the regions to study this and what results have been seen?
    • What similarities and what differences currently exist between the approaches and positions being seen in different regions?
    • What impact may counties making an early decision on the use of the band (ahead of the WRC-23 process) have on the overall future ecosystem in the band?
    • To what extent is a globally or regionally harmonised 6GHz band ecosystem a realistic goal in the long term?
14:00 - 14:05
Setting the scene – Introduction from the moderator
Setting the scene – Introduction from the moderator image
Moderator: Janette Stewart
Principal, Analysys Mason
14:05 - 14:15
Opening Presentation
Opening Presentation image
Uwe Löwenstein
Counsellor for ITU-R Study Group 1CPM Radiocommunication Bureau (BR), ITU
14:15 - 14:50
State Your Case – Outlining the different industry positions
State Your Case – Outlining the different industry positions image
Erika Tejedor
Director, Government and Industry Relations, Ericsson
State Your Case – Outlining the different industry positions image
Alex Roytblat
Vice President of Worldwide Regulatory Affairs, WiFi Alliance
State Your Case – Outlining the different industry positions image
Paul Deedman
Global Spectrum & Regulatory Policy, ESOA
State Your Case – Outlining the different industry positions image
Luciana Camargos
Senior Director, Future Spectrum, GSMA
14:50 - 15:15
The Response from Regulators
The Response from Regulators image
Agostinho Linhares
Manager of Spectrum, Orbit and Broadcasting Division, ANATEL Brazil
The Response from Regulators image
Tuck Yeen Poon
Co-ordinator for AI 1.2, CEPT
The Response from Regulators image
Oluwatoyin Asaju
Director Spectrum Administration, Nigerian Communications Commission
The Response from Regulators image
Fansheng Zeng
Vice Director, Frequency Planning Division, Bureau of Radio Regulation, MIIT China
15:15 - 15:50
Interactive discussion amongst speakers
15:50 - 16:10
Questions from the floor
16:10 - 16:15
Final Conclusions from the moderator
Final Conclusions from the moderator image
Moderator: Janette Stewart
Partner, Analysys Mason
Select date to see events.

Speakers

Full speaker biographies for this year’s conference can be found below. Please check back regularly for updates

Alex kholod

Alexandre Kholod

Chairman, CPG-23,
CEPT

Goste

Gösta Lemne

Director of Business Development,
Ericsson

Andreana.jpg 2

Andreana Atanasova

Vice-Chair, RSPG & Deputy Minister of Transport, Information Technology and Communications, Bulgaria

philipp-riederer-von-paar-1

Philip Riederer Von Paar

CEO, America Tower Germany - representing EWIA

Bruno FB.jpg 22

Bruno Cendon Martin

Director of Wireless - AR\VR HW,
Facebook

Event platform

This webinar series is taking place as part of the Global Spectrum Series, powered by

FG Logo black

Contact

For more information on any aspect of this series, please contact the team using the details below

Email: spectrum@forum-europe.com

Tel: +44 (0) 2920 783 020