About WRC (World Radio Conference)
World Radiocommunication Conferences (WRCs) are held every two to three years, and are where the international rules that govern the use of radio spectrum are agreed upon. These conferences are part of a process run by the International Telecommunication Unions (an organ of the United Nations). The WRCs exist to ensure that radio spectrum can be used for the benefit of all nations, without causing harmful interference. As part of the WRC, spectrum bands that can be used for mobile services, such as 3G, are decided on.
The next WRC will be in Geneva, in October 2007, and one of the main issues will be extra spectrum for 3G mobile services. The identification of future spectrum for 3G mobile is important to ensure that there is suitable capacity to cope with high bandwidth data services, as well as suitable spectrum for covering rural areas economically. Spectrum for mobile broadband in rural areas is required to help combat the digital divide in developed and developing markets.
The GSMA is working with its members to ensure that there is suitable and sufficient spectrum for future 3G services. As part of this WRC process the GSMA has prepared a briefing document on the future needs of the mobile industry for globally harmonised spectrum for 3G. This document was presented to nearly 200 regulators in Geneva at the WRC Conference Preparatory Meeting.