Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ) related to Space Plans

 

 

The satellite characteristics to be submitted to the Bureau for planned satellite networks are explained below. Note that planned satellite networks include the Broadcasting-Satellite Service (BSS) downlink space stations under the provisions of Appendix 30, the associated Fixed-Satellite Service (FSS) feeder-link stations under Appendix 30A, and FSS stations under Appendix 30B. These satellite characteristics are related to the basic data elements to be furnished in notices.

 

1.1   Regulatory Provisions

 

World Radiocommunication Conference 2003 (WRC-03) reviewed Appendix 4 in the context of its use for the submission of notices in application of Appendices 30, 30A and 30B. Some amendments and refinements were adopted, as promulgated in the Final Acts of WRC-03. In accordance with resolves 3 of Resolution 96 (WRC-03), the revised Appendix 4 entered into force on 1 January 2004.

 

World Radiocommunication Conference 2007 (WRC-07) reviewed Appendix 4 in the context of its use for the submission of notices in application of Appendices 30, 30A and 30B. Some amendments and refinements were adopted, as promulgated in the Final Acts of WRC-07. In accordance with resolves 3 of Resolution [COM6/6] (WRC-07), the revised Appendix 4 entered into force on 17 November 2007.

 

1.2   Submission of notices to the Bureau under Appendices 30, 30A and 30B (WRC-07)

 

In accordance with resolves 4 of Resolution 55 (Rev.WRC-07), all graphical data associated with the submissions addressed in resolves 2 should be submitted in the graphics data format which is compatible with the BR graphic data capture software (GIMS). This currently covers antenna gain contour and service area diagrams for geostationary satellites and diagrams of space station antenna gain in the direction of the geostationary orbit, again for geostationary satellites. The GIMS system also has tools, which validate these diagrams.

 

The Bureau has progressively upgraded SpaceCap to newer versions in order to capture Appendix 4 information for submissions under Appendices 30, 30A and 30B taking into account the changes made by WRC-03. These versions of the SpaceCap software have been released since the March 2004 edition of the SRS on CD/DVD. 

 

Appendix 4 information for satellite networks provided to the Bureau pursuant to Appendices 30, 30A and 30B must be submitted in electronic format compatible with SpaceCap v7 or later. Administrations are requested to always use the latest version of SpaceCap for the preparation of electronic submissions under Appendices 30, 30A and 30B.  Note that graphical data should be submitted in electronic format using GIMS software to capture the diagrams.

 

Further details can be found in Circular Letter CR/222.

 

Click here for guidelines on capturing Appendix 4 information using SpaceCap.

 

The data can then be e-mailed to brmail@itu.int. A confirmation must be sent within seven days of the date of the e-mail,  by either telefax or mail, which shall be regarded as being received on the same date as the original e-mail. The details are in Circular Letter CR/169. It is desirable that only one e-mail be sent for each satellite network or earth station.

 

The Bureau would like to emphasize “urges administrations” of Resolution 55 (WRC-07) whereby administrations should, after consultation with the Bureau to submit the graphical data relating to their notices in a format compatible with the BR graphic data capture software (GIMS).

 

The Bureau wishes to remind administrations that the use of the guardbands of Appendices 30 and 30A for space operation functions is now governed by Article 2A of Appendices 30 & 30A. In this connection, should an administration intend to use the guardbands for space operation functions for the subject network, it must submit relevant information under Appendix 4. Note that the Appendix 4 information can be submitted separately in electronic format using the latest version of SpaceCap by selecting the "PLAN" tab then selecting the "Space Operation Functions" button.

 

 

 

The World Radiocommunication Conference 2000 (WRC-2000) assigned 10 assignments/channels to countries in Region 1 and 12 assignments/channels to countries in Region 3 in both the downlink and feeder-link Plans for Regions 1 and 3, as contained in Appendices 30 and 30A respectively of the Radio Regulations. The basic characteristics of the channels are provided in Article 11 of Appendices 30 and Article 9A of Appendix 30A.

 

In order to implement its channels, the responsible administration has to notify to the Bureau its assignments referred to above by applying Article 5 of Appendices 30 and 30A of the Radio Regulations (these Articles were also partially revised by WRC-03). To that aim, in accordance with paragraph 5.1.2 of Article 5 of Appendix 30 (for the downlink) and paragraph 5.1.6 of Article 5 of Appendix 30A (for the feeder-link), the responsible administration has to submit the basic characteristics of its notified assignments using Appendix 4 information (see Question 1 above). An administration may notify assignments with characteristics different to those listed in the Rules of Procedure related to paragraph 5.2.1 b) of Article 5 and those allowed in paragraph 5.2.1 d) of the same Article.

 

However, before being in a position to apply Article 5, Notes 5 to 8 of Section 11.2 of Article 11 of Appendix 30 and Notes 5 to 7 of Section 9A.2 of Article 9A of Appendix 30A must be observed. These Notes refer to a number of coordination requirements which would have to be fulfilled by the responsible administration before the assignments can be brought into use.

 

If an administration wishes to use assignments with characteristics different from those appearing in the Regions 1 and 3 Plan and which are capable of causing more interference than the corresponding entries in the Plan then it must apply the provisions of Article 4 of Appendices 30 and 30A to include new or modified assignment(s) in the Regions 1 and 3 List of additional uses. In accordance with paragraph 4.1.3 of Article 4 of these Appendices, an administration would have to submit to the Bureau the relevant information listed in Appendix 4 (see Question 1 above).

 

The Bureau wishes to remind administrations that the use of the guardbands of Appendices 30 and 30A for space operation functions is now governed by Article 2A of these Appendices. In this connection, should an administration intend to use the guardbands for space operation functions for the subject network, it would have to submit relevant information under Appendix 4.

 

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In accordance with footnote 5.492 to Article 5 of the Radio Regulations:

 

“Assignments to stations of the broadcasting-satellite service which are in conformity with the appropriate regional Plan or included in the Regions 1 and 3 List in Appendix 30 may also be used for transmissions in the fixed-satellite service (space-to-Earth), provided that such transmissions do not cause more interference, or require more protection from interference, than the broadcasting-satellite service transmissions operating in conformity with the Plan or the List, as appropriate.”     (WRC-2000)

 

Note that Recommendation ITU-R BO.1373-1 provides detailed information to be used in assessing the allowable interference from a fixed-satellite service (FSS) carrier in the application of RR 5.492.  Note also that there is a Rule of Procedure on this footnote.

 

 

 

The Notice id number will uniquely identify whether a network is in the Plan, in the List or is a pending Article 4 network as follows: 

 

Note 1. XYY indicates the year e.g. 097=1997, 098=1998, 099=1999, 100=2000, 101=2001, 102=2002 etc.

Note 2. If the status of an Article 4 network is "24", then it is pending and still under the process of coordination. If it's status is "50", then it has successfully completed the procedure of Article 4 and has been entered into the List.

 

Note 3. The Notice id  of assignments in the Master Register notified under Article 5 of Appendices 30 & 30A is in the range XYY 560 001 - XYY 560 999.

 

 

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They refer to the relevant provisions of the Radio Regulations under which the assignment is identified as affected as follows: 

 

 

 

 

The Bureau has developed guidelines for capturing Appendix 4 information using SpaceCap. Please Click here to view them.

 

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