The quadrennial meeting of the International Telecommunication Union’s supreme body, the Plenipotentiary (PP-14), took place October 17 through November 7 2014, and the result for the satellite industry was mixed. In a UN organization whose rulemakings and policies can mean life or death to a space network, the quality of the leadership that will govern the place for the next four years — as well as the outcomes at WRC 15 — is critical to the orderly planning of satellite networks.

Most importantly for the space industry was the re-election of François Rancy. Since 2010, and now for another four-year term, Rancy has run the Radiocommunication Bureau that manages — on a broad basis — how countries use orbital positions and radio frequencies for terrestrial and space networks. Rancy has been more friend than foe to the industry since taking up the leadership position, championing more transparency in the network filing process, supporting space services that enable safety of life, and generally bringing a Cartesian order to a formerly more unruly (and therefore, sometimes, opaque) governance process. Rancy knows both the letter and spirit of much of the regulation that applies, has been even-handed in dealing with inter-satellite network disputes.

The effect of the election of China’s Houlin Zhao as secretary-general is less clear. Zhao ran the Standardization Bureau for eight years before becoming deputy secretary-general and, now, ITU Secretary-General. He has had little to do with satellite networks since then (Chinese or otherwise) though has a reputation for even-handedness in most matters. A round of education of this new Sec-Gen would be a good idea for the satellite trade associations of the world.

The Radio Regulations Board (RRB) has the largest impact on the daily life of satellite companies. In the elections, all current RRB candidates who were up for re-election were confirmed in their posts; others are new to the role and their expertise in satellite regulation has not yet been tested.

Following the elections, PP-14 itself considered a number of proposals related to satellite and spectrum matters. Notably, several proposals asserted the needs of developing countries and their capacity to manage the ITU filing process. Of greatest interest to the satellite industry were discussions related to

• Modifications to satellite filing procedures and access to orbital resources
• Potential use of satellite interference monitoring data to validate entries in the MIFR
• A request by Colombia to extend certain satellite network assignments
• Cost recovery for satellite network filings

Argentina (along with Uruguay, Paraguay and Mexico) championed a proposal seeking improvements to satellite network filing procedures in order to assist developing countries in more readily obtaining access to the orbital arc. The proposal was not adopted, but the subject is likely to be pursued at the WRC.

Similarly, Colombia proposed an extension of the deadline for implementation and bringing into use of its SATCOL satellite system, until WRC-15 allows it to access the geostationary orbit under “equitable conditions.” PP-14 dealt with the matter on an exceptional basis, recommending that Colombia bring the matter to the attention of the WRC-15 and that the Radio Bureau should take actions to facilitate the issue’s consideration by WRC-15. While it is understood that Colombia will seek an extension for its network at WRC-15, it is less clear whether it will separately pursue targeted modifications to satellite filing regulations to address the asserted differing needs of developing countries.

A European Conference of Postal and Telecommunications Administrations (CEPT)-proposed resolution on confidence and security in outer space activities was approved and addresses intentional jamming activity and interference monitoring through proposed ITU Cooperation Agreements with satellite monitoring stations.

Additional matters including the deferral of any decision on the role of ITU as Supervisory Authority for the UNIDROIT Space Assets Protocol until a later plenipotentiary, adoption of a new WRC-15 agenda item on global flight tracking, and consideration of changes to RRB rules of procedure being deferred to a future WRC were also addressed, all generally in favour of satellite interests. Leading up to WRC-15, the industry can expect more discussion in particular of the interests of developing countries in gaining concessions on satellite filing procedures. These will be watched with interest by all who have made filings according to well-established rules, and will test the satellite credentials of new ITU officials. VS

Nina Beebeis director for emerging markets at Access Partnership in London. She assists satellite service integrators, operators and others in securing market access and licenses on a global basis.