ITU 2024 Unveils 6G Bands and Sky Basestation

The International Telecommunication Union (ITU) has recently unveiled the latest version of the Radio Regulations, an international treaty that governs the worldwide utilization of radio spectrum and satellite orbits.

The 2024 ITU Radio Regulations now encompass over 40 different radiocommunication services, covering frequencies ranging from 8.3 kHz to 3000 GHz. These regulations are set to take effect in January 2025, providing a stable regulatory framework for the development and deployment of regulated radiocommunication services across the globe.

This updated edition is the outcome of a comprehensive four-year process that culminated in four weeks of negotiations during the World Radiocommunication Conference (WRC-23), which was held in Dubai, United Arab Emirates, last year.

WRC-23 has paved the way for the inclusion of 4G, 5G, and potential 6G spectrum in the 3 300-3 400 MHz, 3 600-3 800 MHz, 4 800-4 990 MHz, and 6 425-7 125 MHz frequency bands in various countries and regions, ensuring the continued evolution of telecommunications technologies.

Moreover, the conference has also identified the 2 GHz and 2.6 GHz bands for the deployment of high-altitude platform stations as IMT base stations (HIBS), along with establishing regulations for their operations. This innovative 'basestation in the sky' technology offers a novel approach to delivering mobile broadband services with minimal infrastructure, particularly beneficial for bridging the digital divide in remote areas and maintaining connectivity during emergencies.

For non-geostationary fixed-satellite service Earth Stations in Motion (ESIMs), new frequencies have been designated to provide high-speed broadband connectivity on aircraft, vessels, trains, and vehicles. These satellite services play a crucial role in restoring communication links following disasters that disrupt local infrastructure.

Provisions have been put in place to safeguard ship and aircraft mobile service stations in international airspace and waters from potential interference by stations within national territories. Additionally, the BeiDou Satellite Messaging Service System has been provisionally recognized for GMDSS use, subject to successful coordination with existing networks and the elimination of interference.

The ITU Radio Regulations oversee the global allocation of radio-frequency spectrum and satellite orbits for a wide range of radio services, systems, and applications, including broadband, broadcasting, navigation, meteorology, space research, and amateur radio services.

ITU Secretary-General Doreen Bogdan-Martin emphasized the significance of the 2024 edition of the Radio Regulations, highlighting its role in accommodating new radiocommunication services, minimizing interference, and ensuring equitable access to spectrum resources amid technological advancements.

The updated treaty not only outlines how radio equipment and systems should operate to promote efficient coexistence among various services worldwide but also reflects the collaborative efforts of ITU members in negotiating timely changes to the international treaty.

Looking ahead, working groups for the next conference in 2027 are exploring new areas such as potential space research service allocations for lunar communications and regulatory measures to address unauthorized operations of non-geostationary-satellite orbit earth stations in satellite services.

The electronic version of the 2024 Radio Regulations is now available for download on the ITU website, providing stakeholders with access to the latest guidelines for global spectrum management.