Satellite, HAPS Broadband Spectrum Need Protection, ITU Working Group Says

High-throughput satellites, non-geostationary orbit satellite constellations and high-altitude platform stations (HAPS) are starting to offer global broadband connectivity and could play a key part in "a truly ubiquitous and affordable broadband ecosystem," reported ITU's Working Group on Technologies in Space and the Upper-Atmosphere Monday. It said advantages of space and upper-atmosphere platforms include wide area coverage, geography agnosticism, ease of deployment and reliability. The group said policymakers need to ensure sufficient spectrum protection for such platforms and globally harmonize spectrum where possible for satellite and broadband HAPS. It recommended "technology-neutral policy making" by regulators and streamlining of satellite and HAPS licensing, urging governments to ensure ITU and other bodies develop HAPS standards expeditiously.