European Satellite Operators Welcome WRC 2012 Initiatives

European Satellite Operators Welcome WRC 2012 Initiatives

BRUSSELS, February 17, 2012/PRNewswire/ --

The European Satellite Operators Association, (ESOA) notes the conclusion of the World
Radio Conference (WRC) in Geneva on Friday, 17th February and recognises the positive
efforts of delegates to ensure continuing global co-ordination of satellite services.

ESOA applauds the modifications agreed at the WRC to improve regulatory procedure for
satellite co?ordination and notification. ESOA is confident / hopes that they will
contribute to limit the discrepancies between the ITU database and the true situation at
geostationary orbit. In particular, they will allow an operator to maintain rights in an
orbital slot in the case of ceased operation for a period of three years. Clarification
was also reached on the fact that satellites will now need to be stationed at a filed
orbital slot for 90 days to safeguard it. ESOA hopes this will alleviate regulatory
uncertainties where full co-ordination agreements could not be secured within the
regulatory period.

ESOA notes that great effort was placed in co-ordinating spectrum. In the L-band, a
compromise solution was agreed at item 1.7 to clarify the procedures necessary to ensure
that aviation safety systems have access to spectrum in a transparent manner.

ESOA is pleased to note that satellite co-ordination remains the responsibility of the
notifying administrations, with the involvement of third parties only in carefully defined
circumstances.

ESOA agenda objectives were also met with regard to harmonising spectrum for the
terrestrial and satellite components of unmanned aircraft to permit seamless operation in
non-segregated airspace. In particular, the WRC agreed to further study the satellite
component by adding an agenda item to the next WRC in 2015 to study the possibility of
using FSS frequency bands for UAS control links.

Agenda item 1.2 was a satisfactory result for members with minor changes and a
Resolution to study further terrestrial service definitions.

Comments Eric Beranger, Chairman ESOA:

"As always the WRC represents a major challenge to ESOA members and to the continued
operation of satellite delivered services around the globe. I am delighted to say that
European satellite industry interests have been well-served by this important conference
and on behalf of ESOA members I thank the Delegates to the WRC 2012 for their efforts."

About ESOA

ESOA is a Brussels-based trade association whose membership brings together all
European satellite operators and supporting members including service providers,
manufacturers and launch service providers. Set up in 2002, the association goals include
raising awareness of commercial satellite technologies and ensuring that satellites
benefit from the appropriate political, industrial and regulatory environment to fulfil
their vital role in the delivery of global communications.

Source: ESOA

For Further Information please contact: Aarti Holla-Maini, ESOA Secretary General Tel: +32-2-550-35-75 ; sg@esoa.net Fax: + 32-2-550-35-35

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