2015 World Radiocommunication Conference opens

The World Radiocommunication Conference for 2015 (WRC-15), which will run over four weeks from 2–27 November, has officially opened its first sessions at the International Convention Centre in Geneva.

The international treaty-making conference will review the international regulatory framework for radiocommunications, the Radio Regulations, taking into account the rapid evolution of ITC.

This is to ensure the global management of the radiofrequency spectrum and satellite orbits, enabling people to live and travel safely while enjoying high-performance radiocommunications.

Festus Yusufu Narai Daudu of Nigeria was appointed chairman of WRC-15 along with six vice-chairmen from other ITU member states.

More than 3000 participants, representing around 160 of ITU’s 193 member states, are expected to attend the conference, along with around 100 observers from among the ITU’s 700 private sector members and international organisations.

ITU Secretary-General Houlin Zhao said the conference will define new and better ways to regulate radio services and applications.

“In a world where radiocommunications play an increasingly important role in connecting people, I am convinced that the outcome of the conference will contribute towards making the world a better place for all,” said Zhao.

Francois Rancy, director of ITU’s Radiocommunication Bureau, said the relentless expansion of wireless services worldwide means all services relying on radio waves are competing for a share of the radiofrequency spectrum to support new applications, growing user numbers and exploding traffic.

“The deliberations at WRC-15 and its outcomes will ensure that we can maintain a stable, predictable and universally applied regulatory environment that secures long-term investments for a multitrillion-dollar industry,” he said.

WRC-15 will address key issues, including:

• mobile broadband communications
• emergency communications and disaster relief
• monitoring the environment and climate change
• unmanned aircraft and wireless avionics systems
• global flight tracking for civil aviation
• enhanced maritime communications systems
• road safety
• operation of satellite systems
• universal time

Image courtesy of ITU