WRC-19 Update – Week 3 
Bryan Rawlings, VE3QN – RAC Special Advisor
The following is a quick summary of the status of Amateur Radio issues at the end of the third week of the 2019 World Radiocommunication Conference (WRC-19) taking place here in Sharm El-Sheikh, Egypt.
Six Metres for ITU Region 1
A proposed allocation for the six-metre band in ITU Region 1 (Europe, Middle East and Africa) is expected to be presented in the coming week for approval. As outlined in my report last week, the proposed allocation would protect all existing six-metre privileges while offering new options to Amateurs throughout the Region. Once approval has been attained, more details will be made available.
Wireless Access Systems in 5 GHz
In 5 GHz, Radio Amateurs have a worldwide secondary allocation in 5650 to 5850 MHz. In Region 2, including Canada, this allocation extends to 5925 MHz. As mentioned in last week’s report, the 5850 to 5925 MHz band segment has been approved as “No Change” from the existing regulations.
The other segment under study which overlaps our 6 cm secondary allocation is 5725 to 5850 MHz. Here discussions which have evaded resolution during four years of study are continuing. The hoped for result would also be “No Change” but, taking note that certain designated countries already have, through footnote, an allocation permitting outdoor use and higher powers, and that the entire segment is also covered by an allocation for Industrial, Scientific and Medical (ISM) operations, it may not be possible to reach a resolution fully satisfactory to the Amateur community.
Agenda for Future Conferences (WRC-23 and WRC-27) – Agenda Item 10
The International Amateur Radio Union continues to carefully follow a proposal by the European Conference of Postal and Telecommunications Administrations (CEPT) to create an agenda item in the 2023 Conference to study the compatibility of the Amateur secondary allocation in 1240 to 1300 MHz with the receivers used with the Galileo RNSS (GPS) system. This arises from an issue of interference – perhaps the only one – between a Galileo Earth station and an Amateur video repeater in Germany. The Amateur community has advocated that this be dealt with through existing ITU processes rather than the four years of study that an agenda item would entail. There has been some support so far for this approach.
Other proposals for WRC-23 items are also being followed. While the early start and debate on Agenda Item 10 are welcome, the volume of proposals and the debate on them have sometimes been overwhelming. Intense activities are taking place as to reach agreed positions in this final week of the Conference.
The signing and closing ceremonies will take place at the end of the coming week. Amateur Radio issues which are still outstanding are all caught up in this final sprint and by the time you read my final report, WRC-19 will be history.  
A word about RAC and DARF:
So as to cover the transportation and living expenses of our delegate, Canadian Amateurs make attendance at WRC’s and their Preparatory Meetings possible through the Defence of Amateur Radio Fund (DARF). Please try to think of this when you renew your RAC membership or if your club has some funds to spare.
Ma’a Salama from WRC-19 in Sharm El-Sheikh, Egypt.
Bryan Rawlings, VE3QN
RAC Special Advisor