November 21, 2023 The results of ITU RA-23

The International Telecommunication Union (ITU) held the Radiocommunication Assembly 2023 (RA-23) in Dubai, United Arab Emirates, from Monday, November 13 through Friday, November 17, 2023.
The meeting included the approval of draft recommendations defining the technical characteristics of wireless communications and draft resolutions on working methods and other matters, as well as the appointment of Study Group (SG) Chairs.

1. Date, etc.

Date: November 13 through November 17, 2023
Venue: United Arab Emirates (Dubai)
Participants: Ministries and agencies related to information and telecommunications, telecommunications operators, manufacturers, etc.
From Japan, 44 people, including those who represented Ministry of Internal Affairs and Communications (MIC), telecommunications operators, and others, participated.

2. Main results

Approval of draft recommendations, etc., submitted by the SG
Two draft new and two draft revised recommendations were approved.
The main recommendations approved are shown below.

• Framework Recommendations for IMT-2030
  A recommendation that gives an overall picture of the next-generation cell phone standard, including the capabilities and use cases that are expected to be available by around 2030.
• Recommendation on automatic connection systems in maritime mobile operations
  The draft revised recommendation, which is to be cited in the Radio Regulations under consideration for revision in WRC-23, requires the approval before WRC-23, and therefore, the approval is requested in RA-23.

Approval of proposed resolutions as submitted
RA-23 approved 26 revised resolutions, four new resolutions, and four resolution suppressions.
The main resolutions approved are shown below.

• Resolution on principles for the process of future development of IMT
  Resolution establishing the process to be followed in the work towards the development of radio interface specifications for IMT.
• Resolution on gender
  The first new ITU-R resolution on gender equality and to enable women to participate actively and meaningfully.

SG Chairs and Vice-Chairs
All three nominees from Japan were approved as candidates for the Vice-Chairs for next study period.

• SG4 (Satellite Operations) Vice-Chair: KONO Takahiro (SKY Perfect JSAT)
• SG5 (Ground Operations) Vice-Chair: IMATA Satoshi (KDDI)
• SG6 (Broadcasting Operations) Vice-Chair: OODE Satoshi (NHK)

3. Future plans

Based on these results, MIC will work to develop Japan’s wireless communication systems and strengthen the systems’ international competitiveness. MIC will also continue to actively contribute to the ITU to ensure the smooth implementation of international standardization activities.