THE FUTURE OF C-BAND IN THE ASIA-PACIFIC REGION

PERSPECTIVES FROM INTERGOVERNMENTAL ORGANIZATIONS

PATRICK MASAMBUDEPUTY DIRECTOR GENERAL-ITSO

International Telecommunications Satellite Organization

1 November 2013

Nadi, Fiji

International Mobile Satellite Organization

Establishment

The creation of global intergovernmental telecommunications organizations in area of satellite communications in the 70’s, namely: International Telecommunications Satellite Organization(ITSO) and International Maritime Satellite Organization(IMSO) was in response to:

UN resolutions that sought to make peaceful uses of Outer Space for communicationsThe need to establish global coverage and connectivity in telecommunicationsThe need to establish the above services on a commercial basis

The organizations were established by international treatiesMembership by Governments: ITSO(149); IMSO(98)

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BACKGROUND

BACKGROUND CONTN’D

New Roles: Post PrivatizationDecisions by Governments in late 90’s and early 2000’s to privatize these organizations in order to: create opportunity for private investment ; enable infusion of private capital to meet heavy capital demands of the industry; and promote competitionITSO and IMSO mandates changed to be those of oversight on behalf of governments over the privatized commercial entities: Intelsat and InmarsatPublic Service Agreements used for enforcement of oversightITSO and IMSO remain intergovernmental under revised Treaty AgreementsCore Principles: global connectivity and coverage; non-discriminatory access

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THE ROLE OF GOVERNMENTS: PUBLIC POLICY ISSUES

A SOCIETY BUILT AROUND BROADBAND

A considerable part of our future as a society is going to be built around broadband which will be a means to enhance communications and ultimately the development of economies and societies.

COMMUNICATIONS MUST BE UNIVERSALLY AVAILABLE

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Affordable Accessible Available

RELEVANCE & ROLE OF SATELLITE COMMUNICATIONS

Satellite Communications:Plays a key role in growth of global communications, media & technology industriesUbiquitous in nature & large geographic footprint (3 geo-satellites for the globe) leads to cost effective coverageHigh data throughput & efficiency over large geographic areas with limited need for infrastructure offers unique capabilitiesImmense growth of data, need for fast roll-out & network robustness call for an efficient communications eco systemMobile: satellite hybrid networks are necessary for backhaul of high data streamsResilience & reliability: independence from earth events makes satellite technology ideal for emergency & disaster recovery as well as back up for terrestrial infrastructure

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RELEVANCE & ROLE OF SATELLITE COMMUNICATIONS

There has been a steady growth in Broadband worldwide.

Mobile Broadband access is as important as fixed broadband access.

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THE C-BAND QUESTION

The Specifics:Key C-band frequency ranges of concern: 3400-3600; 3600-4200; 4500-4800; 5925-6425

Ideal bands for use in meeting a variety of global communications needs and constraints for developing and least developed countries:

Forms largest component of the Common Heritage under ITSO Agreement Agenda item 1.1 for WRC 15

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Legacy networks Satellite lifetime considerations Rain Fade issues Future broadband delivery Disaster Management and Recovery

CONCERNS

Preliminary identification work under relevant ITU Study Groups in preparation for WRC 15 includes C-band frequencies as well as some L-bands as candidates for consideration in the identification of spectrum that could be allocated to IMTMany developing and least developed countries may not be aware of the implications and hence:

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The need to create awareness at relevant levels amongst decision makers: governments and regulatorsThe importance of fostering capacity in timely and appropriate participation at the various fora either individually or through collective representation.

PROGRESS TODATE?

At ITSO: The C-band question is a key element in the proposed new Strategic Plan of 2014-2017. Relevant efforts and resources will therefore be apportioned to the activity.

Key efforts and activities in awareness creation amongst ITSO member countries are ongoing through:

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IMO/IMSO CONCERNS AND WORK IN PROGRESS

10At IMSO and IMO: The general concern is that over 90 % of world trade is transported by sea, totaling some 7.5 billion tons and therefore having a significant impact on world economy. Any action that would cause disruption to maritime communications could therefore have dire consequences.The C-band spectrum is partly used by Inmarsat: in satellite feeder links; in mandatory Maritime Distress and Safety Services. A draft IMO/IMSO position has been developed as a result of meetings that will go through the necessary internal processes prior to submission o WRC15.The summary position : To exclude frequency bands …3400 to 4200 or any other bands that are used by maritime safety systems as candidate bands under WRC 15 Agenda item 1.1 due to the potential adverse impact to maritime safety and the efficient movement of international commerce; to ensure that out of band emission from IMT user equipment operating in adjacent bands to those mentioned above do not affect operation of existing maritime systems.

CONCLUSION

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In conclusion, the key take way messages:At national, sub-regional or regional levels , make the effort to acquire appropriate awareness about issues concerning the C-band debate.If not already done, develop a national position and share: sub-regionally and regionally, taking into account your specific concerns and interests as well as your overall development agenda.Seek assistance from Partners as may be necessary

Most importantly, participate in the WRC15 Preparatory process, either individually or where resources are limited, do so on a collective basis.

THANK YOUCONTACT: PMASAMBU@ITSO.INT

International Telecommunications Satellite Organization

International Mobile Satellite Organization