ACP WGF16 WP 28
International Civil Aviation Organization
ICAO POSITION ON PROPOSED ALLOCATIONS TO THE
AERONAUTICAL MOBILE (R) SERVICE IN THE FREQUENCY BANDS
108-117.975 MHz AND 960-1215 MHz
October 2006
1
Band 108-117.975 MHz
1.1
In accordance with Resolution 414 (see Appendix B), ICAO has considered the
use of the band 112-117.975 MHz for the use by the aeronautical mobile (Route) service for airground communications. The propagation conditions in this band are in particular suitable for
line-of-sight communications, with operational ranges of up to 200 NM. This band is already
used through provision 5.197A in the ITU Radio Regulations (RR 5.197A) by the aeronautical
mobile (R) service on a primary basis for the transmission of information to support navigation
and surveillance functions. Provision 5.197A enables the use of the band 108-117.975 MHz by
the ICAO standardized systems GBAS (ground based augmentation system) and VDL Mode 4
(VHF digital link mode 4). Resolution 413 (see Appendix A) provides for certain conditions
regarding the use of the band 112-117.975 MHz by the aeronautical mobile (R) service and is in
particular addressing compatibility issues with the FM broadcasting service below 108 MHz. RR
5.197A also provides for continued protection and priority of the use of this band by the ICAO
ILS/LLZ (Instrument Landing System/Localizer) and the ICAO VOR (VHF Omnidirectional
Range) system.
1.2
ICAO supports the introduction of a global allocation to the aeronautical mobile
(R) service in the band 108-117.975 MHz, and for the use by ICAO standardized communication
systems. This allocation is expected to enable reduction of the congestion of the current AM(R)S
band 117.975-137 MHz in some regions as well as to provide for the introduction of new global
air/round communication systems. Compatibility with existing ICAO standardized systems
operating or planned to operate in this band currently under the provisions of 5.197A is being
studied in ICAO and relevant compatibility criteria will be used, when implementing AM(R)S in
this band. Systems not complying with ICAO standards are not known to operate in this band,
therefore not requiring the development of compatibility criteria in ITU per se. Also, in order to
clarify the provisions providing protection and priority to existing systems, it is proposed to
reflect the current status through limiting the existing allocation to the aeronautical
radionavigation service to systems operating in accordance with ICAO standards. Similarly, the
allocation to the aeronautical mobile (R) service needs to be limited to ICAO standardized
systems only. ICAO, as required, also may need to use this band as an extension to the current
air/ground communication band 117.975-137 MHz and systems already operating in this band
may be required to use (part of) the band 112-117.975 MHz, and in particular current air/ground
data links.
1
1.3
As a consequence of the proposed new allocation to the AM(R)S in the band
108-117.975 MHz, the provisions of RR 5.197A need to be limited to the band 108-112 MHz.
1.4
The proposed amendments to the current allocations in the band 108-117.975
MHz are as follows:
108-117.975 MHz
Allocation to services
Region 1
108-117.975
Region 2
Region 3
AERONAUTICAL RADIONAVIGATION ADD 5.AAA
ADD AERONAUTICAL MOBILE (R) ADD 5.BBB
5.197 MOD 5.197A
5.197
Additional allocation: in Japan, Pakistan and the Syrian Arab Republic, the band
108-111.975 MHz is also allocated to the mobile service on a secondary basis, subject to
agreement obtained under No. 9.21. In order to ensure that harmful interference is not caused to
stations of the aeronautical radionavigation service, stations of the mobile service shall not be
introduced in the band until it is no longer required for the aeronautical radionavigation service
by any administration which may be identified in the application of the procedures invoked under
No. 9.21. (WRC-2000)
Note: In response to WRC-07 agenda item 1.1 ICAO is supporting the deletion of 5.197 as access
of the mobile service to this band is not feasible under the conditions specified in 5.197.
MOD 5.197A
In the band 108-112 117.975 MHz the use by the aeronautical mobile (R)
service is limited to systems that transmit navigational information in support of air navigation
and surveillance functions in accordance with recognized international aviation standards. Such
use shall be in accordance with Resolution 413 (WRC-03) and shall not cause harmful
interference to nor claim protection from stations operating in the aeronautical radionavigation
service [which operate in accordance with international aeronautical standards]. (WRC-03)
Reason: Since the whole band 108-117.975 MHz is allocated to the aeronautical mobile (R)
service, it is necessary to limit the use of the band 108-112 MHz to systems that transmit
navigational information. The deletion of part of the last sentence in MOD 5.197A is subject to
the addition of 5.AAA to the Radio Regulations.
ADD 5.AAA The use of the band 108-117.975 MHz by the aeronautical radionavigation service
is limited to systems operating in accordance with international aeronautical standards.
Reason: No systems which are operating not in accordance with recognized international
aviation standards have been identified. 5. AAA clarifies the protection to be provided by systems
operating in the aeronautical mobile (R) service to systems operating in the aeronautical
radionavigation service as indicated in 5.197A and 5.BBB. The allocation to the aeronautical
mobile (R) service also applies to systems identified in 5.197A.
ADD 5.BBB In the band 112-117.975 MHz the use by the aeronautical mobile (R) service is
limited to systems operating in accordance with recognized international aviation standards and
shall not cause harmful interference to, nor claim protection from stations operating in the
aeronautical radionavigation service [which operate in accordance with international aviation
2
standards]. The conditions of Resolution 413 (WRC-03) apply.
Reason: To specify the conditions under which the band 112-117.975 can be used by the
aeronautical mobile (R) service This footnote also enables the use of systems identified in 5.197A
The part of 5.BBB in between[ ….. ] is subject to the addition of 5.AAA to the Radio Regulations
and can be deleted if 5.AAA is agreed.
2
Band 960-1215 MHz
2.1
In accordance with Resolution 414 (see Appendix A), ICAO has considered the
use of the band 960-1215 MHz for the use by the aeronautical mobile (Route) service for airground communications. The propagation conditions in this band are in particular suitable for
line-of-sight communications, with operational ranges of up to 200 NM. ICAO supports an
allocation to the aeronautical mobile (R) Service in the band 960-1164 MHz. and is considering
the feasibility of using also the band 1164-1215 MHz for this purpose.
2.2.
The band 960-1164 MHz is being used by ICAO standardized systems (distance
measurement equipment, DME; secondary surveillance system (SSR) and universal access
transceiver (UAT). The SSR system operates on 1030 MHz and 1090 MHz; the UAT system
operates on 978 MHz. DME operates on frequencies throughout this band. In addition, national
systems (e.g. TACAN) are operating in this band. These systems need to be protected from
harmful interference that can be caused by the aeronautical mobile (R) service though an
appropriate provision in the Radio Regulations.
2.3
ICAO studies have established the feasibility of using the band 960-1164 MHz
band for new AM(R)S systems compatible with the systems identified in paragraph 2.2 above. In
this regard, is considered necessary to limit the use of this band to ICAO standardized systems
only. Where during the standardization process of the new ICAO systems compatibility with
ICAO (DME, SSR and UAT) systems will be addressed, compatibility issues relevant to the
national operated systems such as TACAN will be addressed (and need to be achieved) in
coordination with ICAO and the relevant Administrations. As with current practice, all uses of
this band need to be considered when implementing new (AM(R)S systems.
2.4
The proposed amendments to the current allocations in the band 960-1215 MHz
are as follows.
960-1215 MHz
Allocation to services
Region 1
Region 2
Region 3
960-1 164
AERONAUTICAL RADIONAVIGATION 5.328
ADD AERONAUTICAL MOBILE (R) ADD 5.AAA
1 164-1 215
AERONAUTICAL RADIONAVIGATION 5.328
RADIONAVIGATION-SATELLITE (space-to-Earth) (space-to-space) 5.328B
5.328A
5.328
The use of the band 960-1 215 MHz by the aeronautical radionavigation service is
reserved on a worldwide basis for the operation and development of airborne electronic aids to air
navigation and any directly associated ground-based facilities. (WRC-2000)
3
5.328A
Stations in the radionavigation-satellite service in the band 1 164-1 215 MHz shall
operate in accordance with the provisions of Resolution 609 (WRC-03) and shall not claim
protection from stations in the aeronautical radionavigation service in the band 960-1 215 MHz.
No. 5.43A does not apply. The provisions of No. 21.18 shall apply. (WRC-03)
5.328B
The use of the bands 1 164-1 300 MHz, 1 559-1 610 MHz and 5 010-5 030 MHz by
systems and networks in the radionavigation-satellite service for which complete coordination or
notification information, as appropriate, is received by the Radiocommunication Bureau after 1
January 2005 is subject to the application of the provisions of Nos. 9.12, 9.12A and 9.13.
Resolution 610 (WRC-03) shall also apply. (WRC-03)
ADD 5.AAA The use of this band by the aeronautical mobile (R) service is limited to systems
operating in accordance with recognized international aviation standards and shall not cause
harmful interference to, nor claim protection from stations operating in the aeronautical
radionavigation service operating in accordance with recognized international aviation standards.
Reason: To clarify the conditions under which the aeronautical mobile (R) service may operate.
Where ICAO will secure compatibility between the aeronautical mobile (R) service and the
aeronautical radionavigation service (DME, SSR and UAT), any non-ICAO standard system
operating in this band may rather need coordination with individual countries than consideration
in ITU-R since they are being used for systems operating on a national basis. Therefore, no
Resolution requesting ITU-R to undertake compatibility studies has been considered necessary.
However, should such studies be considered necessary, ICAO will support them.
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APPENDIX A
RESOLUTION 413 (WRC-03)
Use of the band 108-117.975 MHz by aeronautical services
The World Radiocommunication Conference (Geneva, 2003),
considering
a)
the current allocation of the frequency band 108-117.975 MHz to the aeronautical
radionavigation service (ARNS);
b)
the current requirements of FM broadcasting systems operating in the frequency band
87-108 MHz;
c)
that digital sound broadcasting systems are capable of operating in the frequency
band at about 87-108 MHz as described in Recommendation ITU-R BS.1114;
d)
the need for the aeronautical community to provide additional services by enhancing
navigation and surveillance systems through a communication data link;
e)
the need for the broadcasting community to provide digital terrestrial sound broadcasting
services;
f)
the allocation to the aeronautical mobile (R) service in the band 108-117.975 MHz,
recognizing
a)
that precedence must be given to the ARNS operating in the frequency band
108-117.975 MHz;
b)
that, in accordance with Annex 10 to the Convention on International Civil Aviation
(Chicago, 1944), all aeronautical systems must meet the requirements of the relevant standards
and recommended practices (SARPs) therein; ;
c)
that within ITU-R, compatibility criteria between FM broadcasting systems operating in
the frequency band 87-108 MHz and the ARNS operating in the frequency band 108117.975 MHz already exist, as indicated in the most recent version of Recommendation
ITU-R SM.1009;
d)
that all compatibility issues between FM broadcasting systems and ICAO standard
ground-based systems for the transmission of radionavigation-satellite differential correction
signals have been addressed,
noting
a)
that aeronautical systems are converging towards a communication data link environment
to support aeronautical navigation and surveillance functions, which need to be accommodated in
existing radio spectrum;
b)
that some administrations are planning to introduce digital sound broadcasting systems in
the frequency band at about 87-108 MHz;
c)
that no compatibility criteria currently exist between FM broadcasting systems operating
in the frequency band 87-108 MHz and the systems operating in the aeronautical mobile (R)
service band 108-117.975 MHz using aircraft transmission;
d)
that no compatibility criteria currently exist between digital sound broadcasting systems
capable of operating in the frequency band at about 87-108 MHz and aeronautical services in the
band 108-117.975 MHz;
e)
that surveillance functions include the observation of aircraft location and velocity, and
weather conditions for the purpose of air traffic control and situational awareness/collision
avoidance between aircraft,
5
resolves
1
that the provisions of this Resolution and of No. 5.197A shall enter into force on
5 July 2003;
2
that any aeronautical mobile (R) systems planned to operate in the frequency band
108-117.975 MHz shall, as a minimum, meet the FM broadcasting immunity requirements as
contained in Annex 10 of the ICAO Convention on International Civil Aviation for existing
aeronautical radionavigation systems operating in this frequency band;
3
that aeronautical mobile (R) systems operating in the band 108-117.975 MHz shall
place no additional constraints on the broadcasting service or cause harmful interference to
stations operating in the bands allocated to the broadcasting service in the frequency band
87-108 MHz and No. 5.43 does not apply to systems identified in recognizing d);
4
that frequencies below 112 MHz shall not be used for aeronautical mobile (R)
systems identified in 5.197A, excluding the ICAO systems identified in recognizing d) until all
potential compatibility issues with the lower adjacent frequency band 87-108 MHz have been
resolved,
invites ITU-R
to study any compatibility issues between the broadcasting and aeronautical services that may
arise from the introduction of these additional aeronautical systems as referenced in noting a), or
appropriate digital sound broadcasting systems, as described in Recommendation ITU-R BS.1114
and to develop new or revised ITU-R Recommendations as appropriate,
instructs the Secretary-General
to bring this Resolution to the attention of ICAO.
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APPENDIX B
RESOLUTION 414 (WRC-03)
Consideration of the frequency range between 108 MHz and 6 GHz
for new aeronautical applications
(This Resolution may be deleted after WRC-07 if all requirements for allocations to the
aeronautical mobile (R) service have been met)
The World Radiocommunication Conference (Geneva, 2003),
considering
a)
that new technologies are needed to support communications and air navigation,
including airborne and ground surveillance applications;
b)
that the new technologies to support air navigation in considering a) may not conform to
the definition of aeronautical radionavigation in the Radio Regulations;
c)
that the current aeronautical mobile band from 117.975-137 MHz will become saturated
in some areas of the world and will no longer be able to support the increasing and new
requirements;
d)
that new aviation security requirements are currently being defined internationally;
e)
that new applications and concepts in air traffic management which are data intensive are
envisioned;
f)
that proposals to meet two current aviation safety objectives, i.e. to provide more
information to the pilot and cockpit, and to reduce runway incursions, are being considered in the
band 5 091-5 150 MHz;
g)
that there are requirements to support data links that carry critical aeronautical data from
systems such as air traffic control radars, wind shear radars, remote maintenance monitoring
systems, runway lighting, low-level wind shear alert systems, automated weather surface
observing systems, or automatic weather observation systems,
recognizing
that it may not be feasible to introduce some of these new aviation applications in certain bands
used by aeronautical safety communications, radionavigation and surveillance due to the possible
incompatibility problems or possible spectrum congestion,
noting
a)
that past experience has shown that the range 108 MHz to 6 GHz is suitable for aviation
requirements;
b)
that Resolutions 114 (Rev.WRC-03) and 413 (WRC-03) call for compatibility studies in
the relevant aeronautical bands,
resolves
that WRC-07 considers additional allocations for the aeronautical mobile (R) service in parts of
the bands between 108 MHz and 6 GHz, taking into account considering c) to g) above,
further resolves to invite ITU-R
1
to investigate, as a first step, the bands currently available for use by aeronautical systems
in the frequency range between 108 MHz and 6 GHz in order to determine whether additional
allocations to the aeronautical mobile (R) service are required and can be accommodated in these
7
bands without placing undue constraints to services to which the frequency bands are currently
allocated;
2
to further investigate, in case the first step above would not lead to satisfactory results,
also the frequency bands currently not available for use by aeronautical systems, subject to not
constraining the existing and planned use of such bands, taking account of existing use and future
requirements in these bands;
3
to investigate how to accommodate the requirements for aeronautical systems in the
band 5 091-5 150 MHz,
further invites
all members of the Radiocommunications Sector and especially the International Civil Aviation
Organization (ICAO) to contribute to these studies,
requests the Secretary-General
to bring this Resolution to the attention of ICAO.
8