WASHINGTON-Securing additional spectrum for unlicensed wireless technologies will be a top issue for the World Radiocommunication Conference, which began this week in Geneva.
The Bush administration, through the National Telecommunications and Information Administration, paved the way for the conference by settling a dispute between the Department of Defense and the high-tech industry. In doing so, the U.S. delegation can support a global 5 GHz allocation for Wi-Fi and other wireless broadband technologies, while protecting military radar from interference.
The Federal Communications Commission, with an eye toward WRC-03, has proposed allocating 255 megahertz at 5 GHz for unlicensed wireless devices.
Other issues could prove more difficult for the United States and other members of the 172-member International Telecommunication Union.
“Early indications are that this will be a difficult conference, but we have prepared an excellent set of proposals,” said Ambassador Janice Obuchowski. “I have great confidence in the capabilities that our U.S. delegates bring to this effort from the private sector, as well as from the State Department, the FCC, NTIA, the Department of Defense, the National Aeronautics and Space Administration and a host of other agencies.”
In addition to 5 GHz unlicensed spectrum, WRC-03 will consider earmarking radio channels for a new generation of aeronautical broadband services for airline passengers and ensuring continued spectrum access for U.S. government systems that are vital for scientific exploration, public safety and national security.
WRC-03, according to a conference press release, will reflect the emergence of regional voting blocs, as countries formulate regional proposals and coalitions and seek to promote them through regional telecommunications organizations.
“Given the myriad issues, we anticipate a complex conference, with attempts to link issues-some in predictable ways and others in ways yet to be seen,” Obuchowski said. “We have been working, and will continue to work, with all of the delegations present at the conference.”
WRC-03 concludes early next month.
