On November 20, 2023, the ITU World Radiocommunication Conference 2023 (WRC-23) opened in Dubai, United Arab Emirates (UAE).
The World Radiocommunication Conference (WRC) is held every three to four years, bringing together governments to negotiate the allocation of radio frequency spectrum and, if necessary, revise the Radio Regulations, the international treaty governing the use of the radio frequency spectrum and geostationary and non-geostationary satellite orbits.
The opening ceremony of WRC-23 was attended by His Highness Sheikh Ahmed bin Mohammed bin Rashid Al Maktoum, Second Deputy Ruler of Dubai.
The inaugural event was opened by Majed Sultan Al Mesmar, Director General of the UAE Telecommunications and Digital Regulatory Authority.
Opening remarks were made by ITU Secretary-General Doreen Bogdan-Martin and ITU Radiocommunication Bureau Director Mario Manevich.
The WRC-23 agenda items include:
• Identifying additional frequency bands for the continued development of International Mobile Telecommunications (IMT), including the use of high-altitude platform stations as IMT base stations for the universal deployment of wireless networks.
• Improvements to the international regulatory framework for geostationary orbit (GSO) and non-geostationary orbit (NGSO) satellites while promoting equitable access for all countries.
• Use of satellite technologies for broadband services to improve connectivity, particularly in remote areas.
• New spectrum to enhance radiocommunications in the aeronautical mobile service, including by satellite, and to facilitate the use of the space research and Earth exploration-satellite services for climate monitoring, weather prediction and other scientific missions.
• The modernization of the Global Maritime Distress and Safety System (GMDSS).
• The regulatory framework for the use of earth stations in motion on board aircraft and ships for communication with GSO and NGSO satellites.
• The future of the ultra-high frequency (UHF) broadcasting band which has implications for television broadcast, programme-making and special events, as well as public protection and disaster relief.
• As part of the opening of WRC-23, the first plenary meeting was held and the Deputy Chairmen of WRC-23, Chairmen and Deputy Chairmen of Committees 2, 3, 4, 5, 6, 7 were elected.
From the Communications Administrations of the Regional Commonwealth in the field of communications the following were elected to the above positions:
1. Albert Nalbandyan (Republic of Armenia) – Deputy Chairman WRC-23;
2. Agzam Tazhibaev (Republic of Kazakhstan) – Deputy Chairman Committee 2 (on verification of credentials);
3. Serikbolsyn Myrzakhmet (Republic of Kazakhstan) – Deputy Chairman of Committee 3 (budget control);
4. Avaz Khashimkhodzhaev (Republic of Uzbekistan) – Deputy Chairman of Committee 4 (agenda items submitted for consideration);
5. Aftab Kalantarli (Republic of Azerbaijan) – Deputy Chairman of Committee 5 (agenda items submitted for consideration);
6. Ulugbek Azimov (Republic of Uzbekistan) – Deputy Chairman of Committee 6 (agenda items submitted for consideration);
7. Dmitry Cherkesov (Russian Federation) – Deputy Chairman of Committee 7 (editorial).
Overall, 4,000 participants are expected for WRC-23, including delegates from ITU Member States and ITU Radiocommunication Sector Members representing international organizations, equipment manufacturers, network operators and industry forums attending as observers.
WRC-23 will continue until 15 December 2023.
А.О.Kudratova
М.V.Zaitseva
