May 2014Chris HoseExecutive ManagerSpectrum Planning and Engineering Branch, ACMA

Satellite systems—Spectrum management update

Outline

1. Context

2. ACMA role

3. Spectrum planning and licensing

4. International developments

5. Contemporary issues

6. Summary

> Satellite delivered services are an important part of the Australian (and international) communications landscape.

> Some services can only be done (or are best done) via satellite.> These uses change over time.

> Competing uses of the spectrum means that the ACMA must continue to assess the highest value use of the spectrum.

Context

> Domestic spectrum management:

> spectrum planning

> Licensing.

> International role:

> International Telecommunication Union

> satellite network filing and coordination

> Study Groups and World Radiocommunication Conferences (WRCs).

ACMA role

> Established arrangements:> Space segment

> Ubiquitous, ‘satellite only’> Ground segment

> Coordinated, ‘shared’

> Examples of bands used by satellite services under varying regimes:> L Band: 1164–1260 MHz &1525–1660.5 MHz

> S Band: 2025–2110 MHz & 2200–2300 MHz

> C Band: 3600–4200 MHz & 5925–6725 MHz

> Ku Band: 10.7–12.75 GHz & 13.75–14.5 GHz

> Ka band: 17.3–20.2 GHz & 27.5–30.0 GHz

Planning and licensing frameworks

> Individual apparatus licences to authorise the operation of specific Earth stations (both uplinks and downlinks).

> Allows Earth stations to be individually coordinated with other spectrum users.

> Generally used in ‘shared’ bands.

Ground segment licensing

> Individual apparatus licences to authorise the operation of space stations (both uplinks and downlinks).

> Requires the satellite operator to be included in relevant determinations.

> Earth stations communicating with the space station authorised by class licence.

> Planning framework means there is no requirement for individual coordination of Earth stations.

> Generally used in ‘satellite only’ bands.

Space segment licensing

Space segment licensing—‘ubiquitous’ bands

Band Uplinks Downlinks Typical use

UHF 148–150.05 MHz 137–138 MHz400.15–401 MHz MSS

L 1164–1260 MHz RNSS (including GPS)

L 1610–1660.5 MHz 1525–1610 MHz1613.8–1626.5 MHz

MSS

S (1980–2010 MHz) (2170–2200 MHz) (MSS)Currently TOB

S 2483.5–2500 MHz MSS/RDSS

Ku 14–14.5 GHz 11.7–12.75 GHz FSS/BSS

Ka 28.5–29.1 GHz29.5–30 GHz

17.7–18.2 GHz *18.8–19.3 GHz19.7–20.2 GHz

FSS

* The band 17.7-18.2 GHz is permitted on a no-protection (from other licensed services) basisSource: Radiocommunications (Communication with Space Object) Class Licence 1998, 21 March 2012 compilation.

> Australian Administration for the International Telecommunication Union (ITU)

> filing and coordination of satellite networks and systems

> engagement in ITU WRC and study group processes.

> ACMA Manual of procedures provides the framework for the ACMA and satellite operators in the filing and coordination process.

> ACMA established preparatory process for ITU activities:> WRC preparatory group> Australian Radiocommunications Study Groups (ARSGs).

International

> International:> WRC-15:> ITU study group considerations:

> Earth stations on moving platforms (ESOMPs)

> Domestic:> Update to the Australian And Foreign Space Objects

Determinations:> enables space segment licensing in certain bands.

> Reversion of 28 GHz from spectrum to apparatus licensing:> Earth station use on a shared basis.

> Domestic mobile broadband considerations:> update to mobile broadband strategy.

Contemporary issues

> WRC-15 is not just about IMT—many satellite related agenda items.> Agenda Item 1.1 (IMT)> Other important satellite-related agenda items:

> 1.6, 1.9 and 1.10 (possible additional allocations)> 1.7 (5 GHz FSS uplink – MSS feeder)> 1.8 (Earth stations on board vessels)> 7 (changes to procedures of Radio

Regulations)

World Radiocommunication Conference 2015

> Satellite delivered services are acknowledged as an important and integral part of the Australian (and international) communications landscape

> The ACMA is continuing to support satellite services through the establishment and maintenance of appropriate regulatory frameworks

> The current environment is one of increased demand for spectrum from many users.

> Maximising the overall public benefit derived from use of the spectrum means that the ACMA and industry need to regularly assess what use of the spectrum provides the greatest benefit

Summary