As the WRC-23 approaches so the studies regarding AI9.1b (23cm and RNSS) are working towards conclusions. However the IARU is not content that all the operational aspects of the amateur service usage of the 1240-1300 MHz band are being properly considered to develop an acceptable compromise for all concerned parties.
Having been deeply involved in the regulatory work described below it is the opinion of the IARU that for many national authorities the 23cm band WRC23 agenda item 9.1b topic has a very low priority. Many are taking a “generic” stance stating their support for studies without considering the detail of the work or how it is moving forward. Therefore the IARU requests that Member Societies urgently put this issue on the agenda with their national authorities to discuss the views laid out below.
The IARU view is that the potential for widespread or persistent interference to the radio-navigation satellite service (RNSS) from amateur service transmitters is over-stated. However, recognising the regulatory situation, the IARU and the amateur community are ready to accommodate any technical or operational measures deemed necessary on the amateur services so long as they are proportionate, reasonable and evidence based.
The IARU believes that a careful compromise needs to be found in the outcome of the work and the execution of WRC-23 agenda item 9.1b, that properly takes account of the low likelihood of interference events occurring whilst allowing both the amateur services and the RNSS to develop in the band.
The IARU stresses the opportunity that the higher frequency amateur service bands enable for technical skills development for researching and experiencing radio propagation effects. The 1240 – 1300 MHz band is important for the amateur radio service, being the lowest allocation for radio amateurs on which typical microwave propagation can be experienced. Access to these frequencies is facilitated by commercially available equipment and provides a ‘bridge’ building motivation to become involved in more specialized higher frequency microwave and millimeter wave operations providing the self-training which is at the heart of amateur radio.
Read the paper IARU Perspective on the AI9.1b Progress — September 2022
https://www.iaru.org/wp-content/uploads/2022/09/Sept22-23cm-RNSS-Update-.pdf
Source IARU 23cm Band and RNSS Coexistence
https://www.iaru.org/spectrum/iaru-and-itu/wrc-23/agenda-item-9-1-topic-b/23cm-band-and-rnss-coexistence/
