The UK Spectrum Policy Forum’s Cluster 4 invites stakeholders to a technical workshop on a developing landscape looking at GEO and non-GEO satellite systems coexistence.
Geostationary (GEO) and non-geostationary (Non-GEO) satellite systems increasingly operate in the same Ku- and Ka-band spectrum, and the International Telecommunication Union’s (ITU) rules that govern how they share it are now under initial technical consideration. Several of today’s low Earth orbit (LEO) constellations rely on phased-array antennas, digital beamforming, software-defined payloads and dynamic, real-time frequency planning that bear little resemblance to the sparse systems envisaged when the current sharing framework was designed. Several of today’s GEO satellite systems operate with smaller VSAT or ESIM terminals and use smaller satellite beams.
At the centre of the current ITU Radio Regulations (RR) framework sit the Equivalent Power Flux Density (EPFD) limits in relevant Ku and Ka bands, adopted provisionally at WRC-1997 and finalised at WRC-2000 to protect GEO networks from unacceptable interference from Non-GEO. Nearly three decades on, various Non-GEO operators argue that these limits are technologically outdated and overly conservative, while various GEO operators emphasise the continued need for firm, predictable protection of established and planned services. Including innovative new services.
This SPF workshop brings operators, regulators and technical experts together to examine the current state of GEO and Non-GEO systems and to debate whether the present ITU RR EPFD regime remains fit for purpose or should be modernised. Drawing on recent simulation, laboratory testing and live on-orbit measurement campaigns, the session will explore what modern antenna technology and adaptive coding may mean for real-world interference, and what a performance-based approach to spectrum sharing may look like.
Agenda
|
Time Slot |
Agenda Item |
Speaker |
|
14:30 |
Welcome and introduction |
Kumar Singarajah, UK SPF Cluster 4 Chair |
|
14:40
|
Speakers’ presentations
|
Martin Fenton, Director of Sepctrum Technical Policy, Ofcom Kevin Eisenhauer, Senior Principal Regulatoty Engineer, SES Kevin Le-Vot, Head of Spectrum Engineering, ANFR Clay DeCell, Attorney Advisor, Satellite Programs and Policy Division, FCC Karina Perez, Director of CCIA's Space & Spectrum Policy Center, CCIA Alex Epshteyn, Head International WRC Spectrum Strategy, Amazon Brennan Price, Technical Policy Director, Eutelsat Alexis Vincent, Head of Product and Satcoms System Egineer, Atheras Analytics |
|
16:25 |
All |
Panel and Q&A |
|
16:55 |
AOB and Close |
Kumar Singarajah, UK SPF Cluster 4 Chair |
Why attend?
This workshop is for anyone tracking the future of satellite spectrum policy — operators, regulators, manufacturers, service providers and technical specialists. Participants will:
- Understand the technical realities of GEO–Non-GEO coexistence, and why modern LEO systems differ so fundamentally from those the current rules anticipated.
- Learn how the EPFD framework works, where it came from, and why it has become a focal point of international debate.
- Hear the some of the latest information from simulation, laboratory testing and live on-orbit trials on real-world interference between GEO and Non-GEO systems.
- Explore the arguments for and against modernising EPFD limits, and what a performance-based approach to spectrum sharing might involve.
- Understand and debate the scope of what ITU WRC-2027 may or could do or not do.
What attendees will get out of the session?
Attendees will leave with:
- A clear, up-to-date picture of the GEO/non-GEO coexistence landscape and the current state of the EPFD debate.
- Insight into the UK’s perspectives on international spectrum-sharing policy and the future of the EPFD regime.
- An appreciation of the operational and commercial stakes for GEO and Non-GEO operators alike.
- The opportunity to engage directly with operators, regulators and technical experts during the panel and Q&A.
Tales Gaspar
Tales has a background in law and economics, with previous experience in the regulation of new technologies and infrastructure.
Sophie Greaves
Sophie Greaves is Associate Director for Digital Infrastructure at techUK, overseeing the Telecoms Programme, the Data Centres Programme, and the UK Spectrum Policy Forum.
