WRC-27 Agenda Item 7: A pathway to improving satellite regulations

As preparations for the World Radiocommunication Conference in 2027 (WRC-27) progress, Agenda Item 7 (AI 7) emerges as a pivotal topic with significant implications for satellite regulation. The primary focus of this agenda item is to advance publication, coordination, notification, and recording procedures for frequency assignments related to satellite networks, in accordance with the Radio Regulations (RR), the international treaty that governs the use of radio frequency spectrum for all types of space and terrestrial services. 

AI 7 addresses potential amendments and other regulatory approaches in response to Resolution 86 (Rev. Marrakesh, 2002) of the Plenipotentiary Conference, further elaborated by Resolution 86 (Rev. WRC-07) of the World Radiocommunications Conference (WRC), which makes it a standing WRC Agenda Item for each conference. In practical terms, AI 7 examines whether the existing regulatory framework governing space services continues to enable the rational, efficient, and economical use of radio frequencies and associated orbits.

What is at stake?

AI 7 is instrumental in providing administrations and regulators with the pathway to improving satellite procedures, considering the current operational realities and latest technological developments, and ensuring interference free operations for the space services. However, given the advanced stage of the WRC‑27 study cycle, SES urges maintaining the delicate emerging compromise almost achieved during the latest Working Party (WP) 4A and keeping the number of AI 7 topics at a manageable level. 
Failing to agree on a manageable number of AI 7 topics would hinder everyone’s work, and continued disagreement risks undermining the very purpose of both Resolutions 86. 

Each WRC decides whether to adopt proposed revisions under AI 7 on the basis of consensus reached during four intensive weeks of negotiations. Given the conference’s substantial workload, it is essential that the topics addressed under AI 7 not only have well‑defined objectives but also remain manageable in scope. This helps ensure that the volume of proposed regulatory changes can be properly reviewed by all national administrations and sector members from around the world.

Respecting the emerging compromise 

WP 4A is in the unprecedented position of reaching this late stage of the WRC 27 study cycle without having been able to agree on any Topic for AI 7. The outcome from the last WP 4A meeting held in Geneva was succinctly described in the WP4A Chair’s Report, indicating that “Chairs of SWG 4A3c, WG 4A3, and WP 4A make non-binding request to administrations at least not to bring any new ideas for topics.”

SES has been actively involved in AI 7 discussions across all WP 4A meetings and recognizes the importance of treating each issue with pragmatic consideration of its complexity and sensitivity. To uphold the emerging compromise almost reached within WP 4A and avoid reopening settled debates, SES believes it is essential to:

• Agree to study, as topics, the five matters identified as having general support to pursue as topics at the last WP 4A meeting
• Finalize a list of no more than six definitive AI 7 topics at the next WP 4A meeting
• Select maximum one subject identified as ITEM* in Annex 53 of the WP 4A Chair’s Report as the last topic, truly taking into account the level of support or opposition expressed during the last four WP 4A meetings
• Define the scope of each agreed topic clearly in order to guide the study efforts going forward and prevent unintended consequences
• Refrain from merging different initiatives into a single topic, as this would not effectively reduce the workload required to study each matter adequately

With respect to the selection of one remaining topic from the list of ITEM*, SES could support the inclusion of a sixth topic but only one with a clear, restricted study scope. It could be the initiative to provide evidence of coordination efforts under RR No. 11.41 by submission of one coordination letter. We consider all the other potential topics labelled ITEM* either too complex or to be lacking a clear enough scope to be addressed safely and conclusively within the remaining time to study them before WRC-27.

Protecting satellite services without freezing progress 

The approach taken under AI 7 will be crucial not just for safeguarding current satellite networks, but also for ensuring that future systems can launch smoothly and provide services without facing needless regulatory hurdles.

AI 7 discussions can sometimes lean toward precautionary regulation that anticipates conflict prior to any substantive evidence. While pre-emptive measures such as stringent coordination requirements may seem prudent in theory, they frequently impose tangible costs. Not every perceived risk requires a new regulatory response, particularly when many existing frameworks already offer sufficient safeguards if these are applied properly.