By: Peng Zhao
It’s been nearly a year since the WRC-23 (World Radiocommunication Conference) wrapped up, and the new 2024 Radio Regulations have just been published[1]. For those of us in the telecom industry, this milestone is a big deal. Although tremendous effort from both administrations and industries goes into the preparation for WRCs, and the WRCs itself, the real impact of WRC decisions depends on what happens next. Countries need to take these decisions and put them into their national regulations. The sooner we see these changes, the better it is for everyone involved—operators, investors, governments, and, most importantly, the users who rely on satellite from accessing the internet in remote areas to connectivity on the move.
Why Should Countries Hurry to Implement WRC Decisions?
1. Global Harmony = Better Connectivity
Satellite networks aren’t bound by borders—they span entire regions and continents. So, to ensure that satellites aren’t stepping on each other’s toes (and by that, I mean causing interference), there needs to be a coordinated, global approach to how radio spectrum is used. That’s what WRC is all about. But it’s only part of the story.
Once these decisions are made at WRC, each country needs to incorporate them into their national regulations. When countries fail to implement these regulations promptly, they risk creating gaps, which can lead to interference issues between neighbouring countries. For satellite operators, especially given most are running services across borders, this can be a significant operational challenge.
The sooner national regulations are aligned with ITU Radio Regulations, the faster satellite operators can deploy new services and operate free from interference issues. Plus, countries that are quick to act on these WRC decisions become much more attractive to satellite operators and investors. They’re seen as forward-thinking markets where business can thrive.
2. Certainty Drives Innovation and Investment
The satellite industry is expensive. We’re talking about billions of dollars spent on satellites, ground equipment, and the teams behind them. But with big spending comes big risks. Investors are much more willing to put their money into regions where the rules are clear, and there’s certainty around spectrum availability.
When a country delays implementing WRC decisions, it creates uncertainty. And uncertainty can mean delayed projects, postponed innovations, or even pulling out of markets altogether. On the flip side, countries that quickly align their regulations with WRC decisions create an environment where satellite companies feel confident investing in new technology and services.
3. Unlocking New Technology
This brings us to one of the coolest developments from WRC-23: Earth Stations in Motion (ESIMs). ESIMs let you stay connected to high-speed satellite internet even when you’re moving—whether it’s on an airplane, a ship in the middle of the ocean, or even a car zooming down the highway. If countries don’t quickly adopt the new rules for ESIMs, they could miss out on the benefits of these cutting-edge services. Think about it: faster in-flight Wi-Fi, better internet access for remote workers on cruise and cargo ships, and even enhanced connectivity for emergency responders in disaster zones.
The faster countries integrate the 2024 Radio Regulations into their national frameworks, the sooner these amazing new technologies will be available. National airlines, cruise and cargo companies are just as eager as their customers for these innovations.
Looking Forward to WRC-27: A Satellite-Centric Agenda
As we start the preparation for WRC-27, the satellite industry is more involved than ever. The sheer volume of satellite-related issues on the WRC-27 agenda shows just how vital this sector has become: an impressive 80% of the agenda items are directly related to satellite services—a clear indication that satellite technology is not only thriving but also at the centre of global connectivity discussions. The satellite industry is not simply monitoring the developments, it is actively engaging in the preparatory work, shaping the future of communications.
Key topics include the additional spectrum for Fixed-Satellite Service (FSS) and Mobile-Satellite Service (MSS), ensuring increased capacity and improved services for both consumers and businesses worldwide. One of the major areas of interest is direct-to-device (D2D) connectivity, which allows mobile phones to connect directly to satellites, enabling seamless communication in remote and underserved regions. Several approaches across three Agenda Items addresses this and GSOA has published a short paper[2]to help with distinction of various approaches.
With satellite technology playing a more prominent role than ever, WRC-27 will be a defining moment for the industry. Regulators from all countries are encouraged to get involved from the start of this cycle to contribute to the global decision-making process. The outcomes will shape the future of satellite connectivity, spectrum management, and the continued development of next-generation services.
The Bottom Line: Swift Action is Key
The clock is ticking. With nearly a year gone since WRC-23, and the 2024 Radio Regulations now published, we’re entering a critical phase where countries need to implement these decisions if they want to stay competitive and foster innovation. The benefits to the satellite industry are clear: harmonization, increased investment, and the rollout of new technologies like ESIMs. Looking ahead, WRC-27 promises to be just as important, if not more so, for the future of the satellite industry and countries to capitalize on the satellite revolution that’s reshaping global connectivity.
In the satellite world, the stakes are high, but the rewards—better connectivity, economic growth, and technological leadership—are worth the effort. Let’s hope more countries take the fast lane in bringing these decisions to life, ensuring that we all benefit from the innovations that are just over the horizon.
[1] https://www.itu.int/pub/R-REG-RR-2024
[2] https://gsoasatellite.com/wp-content/uploads/GSOA-D2D-Paper-Aug-24.pdf
About the Author
Peng is the Vice President of Policy & Regulatory at GSOA, where he leads advocacy efforts around spectrum management, licensing, and national policy initiatives. With experience in telecoms, mobile, and satellites, he has advised governments and industry players globally.
Previously at Eutelsat OneWeb, Peng shaped licensing frameworks for Low Earth Orbit constellations and satellite regulatory procedures for WRC-23. At GSMA, he led a global campaign optimizing spectrum licensing for mobile operators, engaging policymakers and advocating best practices across developing markets.
Peng holds a Master’s in Telecommunication from the Swiss Federal Institute of Technology and an Executive MBA from London Business School. He speaks English, Mandarin, and French fluently.
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