ITU Myth #2: WRC is all about Mobile

Every four years, the World Radiocommunication Conference (WRC) takes critical decisions on how the world uses the radio spectrum. If you ask many industry professionals what WRC is about, you'll often hear: "It's for 5G." Or now, "It's all about 6G."

But here's the truth: that’s a myth.

While mobile/IMT (International Mobile Telecommunications) issues draw significant attention and headlines, they are only part of the picture. But if you look at the actual substance of the agenda for WRC-27, you'll find that satellite services dominate the conversation.

Where the Myth Comes From

Mobile operators, equipment manufacturers, and national regulators have a strong and legitimate interest in IMT developments. They’re often well-coordinated, highly vocal, and consistently active throughout the WRC preparatory process. Their influence shapes public debate and can at times overshadow other sectors.

In contrast, the satellite industry has historically been more fragmented, encompassing GEO, MEO, and LEO systems, serving both commercial and government needs, and involving a diverse mix of regional and global stakeholders.

But that landscape is rapidly shifting.

What’s Changed

The WRC-27 Agenda reflects the world’s growing demand for connectivity, not just across the globe, but beyond. Satellite services are central to meeting this demand, often serving as the foundation for broader connectivity objectives. They do more than just complement mobile networks; they expand their reach, enabling coverage in remote and underserved areas where terrestrial infrastructure simply can’t go. Without satellite, universal service remains an unfulfilled promise.

But the role of satellites goes far beyond connectivity. They are indispensable for climate monitoring, navigation, and Earth observation. All of which depend heavily on space-based systems to deliver critical data and services.

Given the breadth and importance of these functions, it’s no surprise that satellite-related topics make up around 80% of the WRC-27 Agenda. A clear signal of the sector’s growing importance on the global stage.

Satellite Is at the Heart of WRC

The goal of WRC is to support the rational, efficient, and economical use of radio frequencies and the associated orbital resources.

 From Earth stations and non-GSO constellations to passive space science and interference protection, the scope of satellite-related topics is vast and essential to global communications. For example, WRC-27 includes key agenda items such as:

• Agenda Item 1.2 – Use of small antenna for FSS in the 13.75-14 GHz band

• Agenda Item 1.3 – Use of the 51.4-52.4 GHz band for NGSO gateways

• Agenda Item 1.4 – new allocation for FSS and BSS in Region 3

• Agenda Item 1.5 – unauthorized operations of NGSO in FSS and MSS

• Agenda Item 1.6 – Regulatory measures for equitable access in the Q/V band

• Agenda Item 1.10 – Considerations of PFD limits for FSS, MSS and BSS in the 70/80 GHz band

• Agenda Item 1.11 – Intersatellite links in the 1.5 GHz and 2.4 GHz MSS bands

• Agenda Item 1.12 – New allocations of low-data-rate NGSO MSS systems

• Agenda Item 1.13 – New allocations for D2D (Direct-to-Device)

• Agenda Item 1.14 – New allocations for generic MSS

• Agenda Item 1.15 - New or modified space research service allocations for future development of communications on the lunar surface and from lunar orbit to the lunar surface

• Agenda Item 1.18 – Measures to protect EESS (passive) and Radiolocation services

• Agenda Item 1.19: new allocation for EESS (passive) in the 4GHz and 8 GHz bands

Not to mention Agenda Item 7, a standing item focused on reviewing and potentially updating the procedures for advance publication, coordination, notification, and recording of frequency assignments for satellite networks.

What we need to do

Whether you're in telecoms, Earth observation, deep space, or the lunar sector; and whether you're seeking new allocations, unlocking new use cases within existing ones, or protecting current allocations from potential encroachment; there’s something for everyone.

As preparations for WRC-27 gather momentum, now is the time to engage, make your voice heard, and ensure strong representation in national and regional preparatory groups.

 At River Advisers, we’re here to help you navigate the key WRC-27 agenda items, understand their potential impact on your business, and align your strategy to secure future access to spectrum.