Geneva, 23 November 2015 – The ITU World Radiocommunication Conference (WRC-15), currently in session 2-27 November, has taken a key decision that will provide enhanced capacity for mobile broadband in the 694-790 MHz frequency band in ITU Region-1 (Europe, Africa, the Middle East and Central Asia) and a globally harmonized solution for the implementation of the digital dividend.

The decision allocates this band to the mobile service and identifies it for International Mobile Telecommunications (IMT) in ITU Region-1, similarly to what was decided by the World Radiocommunication Conference in 2007 (WRC-07) for ITU Region-2 (Americas) and Region-3 (Asia-Pacific).

The provisions adopted by WRC-15 provide full protection to television broadcasting, as well as to the aeronautical radionavigation systems operating in this frequency band, specifically in countries of the Regional Commonwealth in the field of Communications (RCC).

“The WRC-15 decision represents a landmark in the development of broadband mobile on a worldwide scale, regardless of location, network or terminal used,” said ITU Secretary-General Houlin Zhao. “It goes a long way in enabling bridging of the digital divide, while fully protecting the other services currently operated in the band.”

“The global harmonization of the 694-790 MHz frequency band that has been decided by WRC-15 paves the way for manufacturers and mobile operators to offer mobile broadband at an affordable price in currently underserved areas,” said François Rancy, Director of the ITU Radiocommunication Bureau.

Media Information:

    – The World Radiocommunication Conference is in session, 2-27 November at the International Convention Centre Geneva (CICG).

    – Accreditation information is available in the WRC-15 Newsroom.

– UN Press accreditation is valid.

– Photo badges will be provided at Registration desks at the ITU Montbrillant Building on rue Varembé.

– Access to the meeting rooms are restricted.

– Media accreditation enquiries: pressreg@itu.int

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