How the 2023 World Radiocommunication Conference decisions affect SmallSat frequency planning and coordination

Introduction

What is WRC-23? The World Radiocommunication Conference (WRC) is the treaty-level body that updates the ITU Radio Regulations — the international agreement governing spectrum allocation and use. WRC-23, held in Dubai in November–December 2023, was the most recent of these conferences, and its decisions took effect on January 1, 2024.

For CubeSat and SmallSat operators, WRC-23 produced several spectrum allocation changes that directly affect mission planning in 2026. Some changes expanded access to frequency bands previously unavailable for satellite use; others introduced new sharing obligations or technical constraints. Understanding which WRC-23 decisions are relevant to your mission — and how to structure your ITU filings and FCC authorizations to align with the updated framework — is essential for avoiding coordination problems post-launch.

This post breaks down the WRC-23 outcomes most relevant to CubeSat operators and explains what they mean for frequency planning, ITU coordination, and domestic licensing in 2026.

WRC-23 Agenda Items Relevant to Non-Geostationary Satellite Systems

The WRC-23 agenda included 32 separate items, but only a subset directly affected non-geostationary satellite operations. The most relevant decisions for CubeSat and SmallSat operators were:

Agenda Item 1.2: Spectrum for International Mobile Telecommunications (IMT) in the upper mid-band

WRC-23 identified additional spectrum in the 6425–7125 MHz range for IMT (5G/6G terrestrial mobile networks) on a co-primary basis with existing satellite services. This creates new sharing obligations for satellite operators in portions of the C-band that were previously less congested.

For CubeSat operators using frequencies in this range — particularly those with downlink operations in 6425–6525 MHz — WRC-23 introduces coordination requirements with terrestrial IMT deployments that did not exist under the pre-2024 Radio Regulations.

Agenda Item 1.16: Non-geostationary satellite service links in the 17.7–18.6 GHz and 18.8–19.3 GHz bands

WRC-23 updated power flux-density (PFD) limits and coordination procedures for non-GSO satellite systems operating in these Ku-band downlink frequencies. The changes were designed to enable higher-capacity broadband constellations while protecting geostationary networks — but they also tightened EPFD compliance requirements.

CubeSat operators considering these bands for high-data-rate downlinks should review the updated EPFD limits and assess whether their link budgets remain compliant under the new framework.

Agenda Item 1.17: Use of the 12.75–13.25 GHz band by earth stations in motion (ESIM)

This decision expanded access to portions of the Ku-band for earth stations communicating with non-geostationary satellites, subject to coordination with existing fixed satellite service (FSS) networks. The practical impact for SmallSat operators is that ground terminals operating in this band now face additional coordination obligations that were not present under the pre-WRC-23 rules.

Agenda Item 9.1(b): Review and potential revision of EPFD limits for non-GSO systems

WRC-23 maintained the existing EPFD framework but introduced new reporting requirements for operators to demonstrate ongoing compliance. This does not change the technical limits themselves, but it increases the documentation burden for constellation operators and creates new audit triggers for systems operating near EPFD ceilings.

How WRC-23 Decisions Flow Into FCC Rulemaking

ITU Radio Regulations are binding on member states — including the United States — but they do not automatically become U.S. law. Instead, the FCC initiates domestic rulemaking proceedings to implement WRC-23 decisions into Part 100 and other FCC regulations.

As of early 2026, the FCC has:

• Issued a Notice of Proposed Rulemaking (NPRM) addressing WRC-23 decisions on spectrum sharing in the 6 GHz band.
• Updated technical standards for EPFD compliance to reflect WRC-23 reporting requirements.
• Opened comment periods on how to manage co-primary sharing between satellite and IMT services in the newly allocated mid-band spectrum.

Operators should monitor FCC proceedings related to WRC-23 implementation — not just ITU documentation — because the FCC’s domestic rules will determine how WRC-23 decisions are actually enforced for U.S.-licensed satellites.

The post on Expanding Spectrum Access and Sharing: FCC’s 2026 Band Reform and What SmallSat Operators Should Know covers the broader FCC band reform context that intersects with WRC-23 outcomes.

Do You Need to Update Your ITU Filing After WRC-23?

If your satellite was filed with the ITU before January 1, 2024, and operates in frequency bands affected by WRC-23 decisions, you should review whether an amendment is required. Key triggers for amendments include:

• Your frequencies now fall within bands where WRC-23 introduced new co-primary services or sharing obligations.
• Your satellite operates in bands where EPFD limits or technical standards were revised.
• Your ground stations operate in bands where earth station coordination requirements changed.

Not every WRC-23 decision requires an ITU filing amendment — in many cases, the changes affect coordination procedures rather than the filings themselves. But operators should confirm with their notifying administration (the FCC for U.S. operators) whether their existing filings remain compliant under the updated Radio Regulations.

The Country-of-Registry Obligations: What Your ITU Filing Actually Commits You To post discusses the obligation to keep ITU filings current as regulatory frameworks evolve.

WRC-23 and the Long-Term Spectrum Outlook for CubeSat Missions

Beyond the immediate technical changes, WRC-23 signals several long-term trends that CubeSat and SmallSat operators should factor into mission planning:

Trend 1: Increasing terrestrial-satellite sharing in traditionally satellite-only bands

The expansion of IMT allocations into satellite bands reflects global pressure to accommodate 5G and 6G terrestrial networks. This trend is likely to continue at WRC-27 (the next conference, scheduled for 2027), meaning satellite operators should expect more, not fewer, co-primary sharing obligations in the future.

Trend 2: Tightening coordination timelines and documentation requirements

WRC-23’s emphasis on EPFD reporting and coordination transparency suggests that future Radio Regulations will continue to increase administrative burdens on satellite operators. Operators who build strong coordination documentation practices now will be better positioned as requirements tighten.

Trend 3: Differentiation between large constellations and small missions

Several WRC-23 decisions included provisions that apply differently to large constellations (hundreds or thousands of satellites) versus small missions (single satellites or small constellations). This differentiation — which recognizes that regulatory burdens should be proportional to interference risk — is likely to expand, potentially creating more streamlined pathways for CubeSat operators in future regulations.

Practical Steps for Aligning Your Mission with WRC-23 Outcomes

1. Review your frequency plan against the updated ITU Radio Regulations (RR-24 edition, effective January 1, 2024). Confirm that your bands remain allocated for satellite use and identify any new sharing obligations.
2. Check whether the FCC has issued NPRMs or orders implementing WRC-23 decisions that affect your mission. FCC implementation may introduce domestic requirements beyond what the ITU Radio Regulations specify.
3. If you filed your ITU Advance Publication before 2024, confirm with the FCC whether your filing remains compliant or whether an amendment is needed to align with WRC-23 changes.
4. For missions launching in 2026 or later, incorporate WRC-23 coordination requirements into your frequency planning from the start. Do not assume that pre-WRC-23 coordination procedures still apply.
5. Monitor WRC-27 agenda items as they are published. The next conference will set spectrum policy for 2027–2030, and early awareness of proposed changes allows operators to influence outcomes through national delegations and industry groups.

The post on The 2024 Edition of the ITU Radio Regulations (WRC-23): What SmallSat Operators Need to Know provides a broader overview of the updated Radio Regulations framework.

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)

Q: What is WRC-23?

A: WRC-23 is the 2023 World Radiocommunication Conference, a treaty-level meeting organized by the ITU where member countries update the Radio Regulations — the international agreement governing global spectrum allocation and use. WRC-23 decisions took effect on January 1, 2024.

Q: How does WRC-23 affect CubeSat spectrum?

A: WRC-23 introduced new sharing obligations in several frequency bands commonly used by CubeSats, updated EPFD compliance requirements, and expanded terrestrial IMT allocations into portions of satellite spectrum. These changes affect coordination procedures, technical standards, and in some cases require ITU filing amendments.

Q: What changed at WRC-23 for small satellites?

A: Key changes include: expanded IMT allocations requiring co-primary sharing in the 6 GHz band, updated power flux-density limits for Ku-band downlinks, new earth station coordination requirements, and enhanced EPFD reporting obligations for non-GSO constellations.

Q: Do I need to update my ITU filing after WRC-23?

A: Possibly. If your satellite operates in bands where WRC-23 introduced new allocations, sharing obligations, or technical standards, you should confirm with your notifying administration whether a filing amendment is required. Not all WRC-23 changes require amendments, but operators should verify compliance.

Q: When do WRC-23 decisions take effect?

A: WRC-23 decisions were incorporated into the 2024 edition of the ITU Radio Regulations, which took effect on January 1, 2024. However, domestic implementation by national administrations (like the FCC) occurs through separate rulemaking processes that may have different timelines.

Q: What is WRC-27 and should I care about it?

A: WRC-27 is the next World Radiocommunication Conference, scheduled for 2027. It will set spectrum policy for the following regulatory period and will likely address further terrestrial-satellite sharing, mega-constellation coordination, and debris mitigation requirements. Operators should monitor WRC-27 agenda items as they develop.