ITU member states have approved a report on issues to be addressed at the upcoming World Radiocommunication Conference 2023 (WRC23). Topics include technical, operational and regulatory materials.
“The global management of radio frequency spectrum and associated satellite orbits is at the heart of ITU’s strategic goals to achieve universal connectivity and sustainable digital transformation,” said ITU Secretary-General Doreen Bogdan-Martin.
The document tackles fixed, mobile, broadcasting, aeronautical and maritime issues, alongside science, satellites and general questions. Among the highlights of what member states will likely discuss are the following:
- Identification of additional frequency bands for the continued development of International Mobile Telecommunications (IMT), including using high-altitude platform stations as IMT base stations for the universal deployment of wireless networks.
- Improvements to the international regulatory framework for geostationary orbit (GSO) and non-geostationary (NGSO) satellites while promoting equitable access for all countries.
- Use of satellite technologies for broadband services to improve connectivity, particularly in remote areas.
- Regulatory framework for using earth stations in motion on board aircraft and ships for communication with geostationary orbit (GSO) and non-geostationary (NGSO) satellites.
Another expected topic is 6G. According to Bogdan-Martin, the ITU is set to finish its 6G vision (IMT-2030) by the end of the year, marking the first official global step towards the next generation of mobile networks.
At MWC23, she said that the body’s proposal will include, for the first time, energy efficiency and environmental sustainability as part of the specifications of the new technology.
The ITU Member States approved the report at the Conference Preparatory Meeting, held from 27 March to 6 April 2023 in Geneva, Switzerland.
Over 1,900 participants from 125 ITU Member States attended the meeting. Also in attendance were representatives from ITU Radiocommunication Sector Members and delegates from various United Nations agencies and international organisations.
“The discussions and consensus achieved during CPM23 will pave the way to a successful world radiocommunication conference,” said Mario Maniewicz, Director of the ITU Radiocommunication Bureau. “The outcomes of WRC23 will have a tremendous impact on the development of innovative, futuristic radiocommunication services that enable secure, faster, and seamless global communications for all.”
WRC23 will be held in Dubai, United Arab Emirates, from 20 November to 15 December 2023. It will be preceded by the Radiocommunication Assembly (RA23) from 13 -17 November 2023. The RA is responsible for the structure, programme and approval of radiocommunication studies.

Journalist since eight years old, when I would read the newspaper out loud and pretend it was a radio show. Based in São Paulo, I have worked for Brazilian websites as reporter and editor before joining 6GWorld