Alexis Martin, River Advisers
Alexis Martin, Chief Consulting Officer, River Advisers
The World Radiocommunication Conference in 2027 (WRC-27) presents a significant opportunity for the small satellite community to secure and defend critical spectrum access, vital to their operations and growth. Although the event is still three years away, proactive engagement is essential to ensure that the unique needs and challenges of small satellites are addressed appropriately within the broader regulatory framework. Historically, there has been a misconception within parts of the small satellite sector that their operations might be subject to a simplified regulatory process or that the International Telecommunication Union (ITU) might offer separate pathways tailored for small satellites. Apart from a small segment of spectrum dedicated to telemetry and tracking, small satellites face the same complex rules and constraints, but also opportunities as larger satellites.
Key agenda items for WRC-27 are particularly relevant to these issues. Agenda Item 1.11 focuses on technical and operational issues for space-to-space links between non-geostationary and geostationary satellites to enhance availability for low latency applications. Agenda Items 1.17 and 1.18 aim to protect critical services such as space weather sensors and Earth exploration-satellite services (EESS). Similarly, Agenda Item 1.19 considers primary allocations for EESS in the 4,200-4,400 MHz and 8,400-8,500 MHz frequency bands. These agenda items highlight the dual imperative for the small satellite community to advance access to new frequency bands while safeguarding existing ones.
Additionally, risks from Agenda Item 1.7, which considers IMT allocations in the 7,125–8,400 MHz band, could impact the Earth Exploration satellite services in the 8,025–8,400 MHz range. This range is heavily relied upon by small satellite operators and underscores the importance of defending existing bands to ensure uninterrupted operations.
This presentation will explore how small satellite operators can align their spectrum strategies with broader regulatory processes to ensure sustainable growth and innovation. Attendees will gain insights into overcoming misconceptions about regulatory requirements, effectively engaging with ITU processes, and navigating the regulatory landscape. By taking an informed and collaborative approach, the small satellite community can secure its place in the evolving spectrum ecosystem and capitalise on emerging opportunities while mitigating risks.