9th Asia Pacific Spectrum Management Conference

Catch up

Event Day Vlog

Session Replays

Event Photos

Event Overview

The 9th Asia-Pacific Spectrum Management Conference took place from 25 – 26 April 2023 at the Marriott Sukhumvit in Bangkok, Thailand.

Across 2 days attendees had the opportunity to be involved in discussions on the key spectrum topics for the APAC region and beyond, through interactive sessions, networking opportunities, an exhibition area and much more.

This event is part of The Global Spectrum Series. The world’s largest collection of regional spectrum policy conferences.

WRC-23 –
key objectives for the region

Key theme 1

A focus on frequencies - 3.5GHz, 6GHz, 7GHz - 24GHz, mmWave

Case Study Session: Spectrum roadmaps and outlooks

Towards 5G-Advanced -
Shaping the future connectivity landscape

The future shape of satellites and NTNs

Delivering affordable
last mile connectivity

...plus monitoring tools, FWA, Backhaul and more.

Useful Information

  • Venue

  • Venue

    Bangkok Marriott Sukhumvit
    2 Sukhumvit Soi 57, Klongtan Nua, Wattana
    Bangkok 10110 Thailand

    Nearest BTS: Thong Lo

    Room Rates

    We have reduced accommodation rates available at the conference venue.

    To make a booking, please follow this link: Book your group rate for Forum Global

    For enquires please contact:
    kritaya.b@marriotthotels.com
    mhrs.bkkms.rsa@marriotthotels.com

    Reduced room rates will be available at the venue for the event dates. Further information on this will appear here shortly. Please check back regularly or email kate.lymer@forum-europe.com to be kept informed.

  • Thailand Entry Requirements

  • For up to date information on entry into Thailand, for measures effective from 1 April 2022, please review this infographic.

    More information and FAQs can be found at: https://consular.mfa.go.th/th/content/thailand-pass-faqs-2 and the Thailand Pass application can be made here: https://tp.consular.go.th/.

    Please note we will ensure to keep updated with the very latest information, but we do ask all attending delegates to check your local and Thai Government websites for the most up to date requirements.

    Participants requiring a visa in order to enter Thailand are reminded that they must obtain the visa before travelling. Should you require an invitation letter to support your visa application then please contact us and we will do our best to assist you with this.

    Please note that we will only be able to supply invitation letters to delegates who have registered and confirmed their participation at the event.

    Please kindly check your local and Thai Government websites for the most up to date requirements.

Venue

Bangkok Marriott Sukhumvit
2 Sukhumvit Soi 57, Klongtan Nua, Wattana
Bangkok 10110 Thailand

Nearest BTS: Thong Lo

Room Rates

We have reduced accommodation rates available at the conference venue.

To make a booking, please follow this link: Book your group rate for Forum Global

For enquires please contact:
kritaya.b@marriotthotels.com
mhrs.bkkms.rsa@marriotthotels.com

Reduced room rates will be available at the venue for the event dates. Further information on this will appear here shortly. Please check back regularly or email kate.lymer@forum-europe.com to be kept informed.

For up to date information on entry into Thailand, for measures effective from 1 April 2022, please review this infographic.

More information and FAQs can be found at: https://consular.mfa.go.th/th/content/thailand-pass-faqs-2 and the Thailand Pass application can be made here: https://tp.consular.go.th/.

Please note we will ensure to keep updated with the very latest information, but we do ask all attending delegates to check your local and Thai Government websites for the most up to date requirements.

Participants requiring a visa in order to enter Thailand are reminded that they must obtain the visa before travelling. Should you require an invitation letter to support your visa application then please contact us and we will do our best to assist you with this.

Please note that we will only be able to supply invitation letters to delegates who have registered and confirmed their participation at the event.

Please kindly check your local and Thai Government websites for the most up to date requirements.

This conference will be held under a Hybrid Format. To ensure the health and safety of our speakers, attendees, sponsors and staff while maximising interaction amongst participants, in-person attendance at this event will be limited.

There will be a significant in-person component to this event with demand likely to be high. If you are interested in participating in the conference in person we recommend that you express interest for a place as soon as possible. For those not attending on site, sessions will be live streamed to our events platform.

We will continue to monitor developments around the COVID-19 pandemic, follow recommendations regarding masks, social distancing, and sanitation set out by the venue and local authorities and may revise the capacity limit based on the advice received.

Organisers & Partners

Platinum Partners

FG for elementor
Ericsson
Huawei
Nokia
Analysys-Mason
Coleago
GSMA new logo to use
GSOA
HPE
Intelsat
Meta
Omnispace
Qualcomm
GSMA new logo to use
GSOA
HPE
Intelsat
Meta

Gold Partners

Cullen
ZTE

Exhibitor & Networking Partners

Ls telcom
Seton Technology Co.

Product Partners

Axiata

Audio Partners

Sennheiser

Knowledge Partners

Aetha
Nera

Supported by

APT
ITU

Knowledge Partners

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Speakers Included

Mario Maniewicz

Mario
Maniewicz

Director, BR
ITU

Masanori Kondo

Masanori
Kondo

Secretary General
APT

KJ Wee

Kyu-Jin
Wee

Chairman
APT Preparatory Group for WRC-23

Masanori Kondo

Masanori Kondo

Secretary General
APT

Mario Maniewicz

Mario Maniewicz

Director, BR
ITU

KJ Wee

Kyu-Jin Wee

Chairman, APG-23
APT

Atsuko Okuda

Atsuko Okuda

Regional Director, Asia and the Pacific
ITU

Revathi Mannepalli

Revathi Mannepalli

Joint Wireless Advisor, Ministry of Communications, India
Member RRB, ITU

Biao Ma

Biao Ma

Terrestrial Service Division, Bureau of Radio Regulation
MIIT China

Kosal Soy

Kosal Soy

Acting Director of Radio Frequency Regulation Bureau
TRC

Anna Christina Situmorang 240

Anna Situmorang

Senior Analyst
Ministry of Communications and Informatics, Indonesia

Bui Ha Long

Bui Ha Long

Deputy Director of Spectrum Planning and Policy Division
ARFM, Vietnam

Ambar Sthapit 240

Ambar Sthapit

Director of Spectrum Planning and Management
Nepal Telecommunications Authority

Claire Lyons

Claire Lyons

Head of European Spectrum Policy & External Affairs
Ofcom

Hazzaz Hossen Helal

Hazzaz Hossen Helal

Senior Assistant Director
BTRC

Saneh Saiwong

Saneh Saiwong

Principal Engineering Expert
NBTC

Magnus Ewerbring

Magnus Ewerbring

CTO, APAC
Ericsson

Stefan Zehle

Stefan Zehle

CEO
Coleago Consulting

Yishen Chan

Yi Shen Chan

Director, Spectrum, APAC
GSMA

Ismail Shah

Ismail Shah

Head of Connectivity and Access Policy, APAC
Meta

Arisa Siong

Arisa Siong

Public and Regulatory Affairs Director, External Relations Asia
Telenor

Mohaned Juwad

Mohaned Juwad

Director Spectrum Policy
Intelsat

Xin Tang

Xin Tang

Manager, APAC Wireless Policy
Hewlett Packard Enterprise

Du Yeqing

Ismail Shah

Head of Connectivity and Access Policy, APAC
Meta

Peng Zhao

Peng Zhao

Vice-President, Government Affairs and Policy
OneWeb

Guillaume Mascot

Guillaume Mascot

Head of Government Relations APJ & India
Nokia

Ms. Theetanun

Theetanun Rattanasan-yanuphap

Director of Telecommunications Business Licensing Bureau
NBTC, Thailand

Dr Ismail

Dr. Ir. Ismail MT

Director General of Resources Management and Equipment of Posts and Informatics
Ministry of Communication and Informatics, Indonesia

Cristina Data

Cristina Data

Director Spectrum Policy and Analysis
Ofcom UK

Chenda Thong

Chenda Thong

Chairman
Telecommunications Regulator of Cambodia (TRC)

Peng Zhao

Peng Zhao

Vice-President, Government Affairs and Policy
OneWeb

Agenda

You can view the agenda in your preferred time zone by selecting it from the list below.
Day 1
2023-04-25
Day 2
2023-04-26
09:00 - 09:35
Opening Ceremony and Keynote Presentations
Opening Ceremony and Keynote Presentations image
Mario Maniewicz
Director, RB, ITU
Opening Ceremony and Keynote Presentations image
Masanori Kondo
Secretary General, Asia-Pacific Telecommunity (APT)
Opening Ceremony and Keynote Presentations image
Saneh Saiwong
Principal Engineering Expert, NBTC
09:35 - 10:40
Session 1: WRC-23 – what should be the overall objectives for the APAC region and how can these be achieved?

WRC-23 is now less than a year away. The weeks leading up to this conference provided 2 opportunities to catch up on the most recent developments at a regional and global level respectively, through an APT Preparatory Group for WRC-23 (APG-23) meeting held in Korea; and the wider conference preparatory meeting (CPM23-2) in Geneva. This session will take stock on the positions that are emerging both here and elsewhere, and with one final APG-23 meeting now remaining (scheduled for Brisbane in August), at the challenges that still remain to be overcome. It will discuss what the region should be aiming for in terms of its key aims and objectives from WRC-23, and discuss the best way forward in order to ensure a successful conference that meets the growing connectivity needs of all key technologies.
 

  • What were the key outcomes and conclusions from the APG-23 meeting in Korea, and what challenges still remain to be overcome as we head towards the final preparatory meeting in August?
  • What global positions emerged at the recent CPM-23, and to what extent is agreement being seen on the best way forward for specific agenda items?
  • What aspirations should Asia have for WRC-23? What should be the key aims and objectives and what needs to be achieved in order to consider the conference a success for the region?
  • How can stakeholders in the region work together to ensure a co-ordinated approach that delivers the best prospects for the realisation of these objectives?
  • Given that some of the major agenda items are more focused on other regions than on Asia directly, how can the region ensure that its voice is heard and that the benefits are maximised across the different agenda items that concern the region both directly and indirectly?
  • What does each of the key industry players hope to achieve, and what impact will the decisions that come out of WRC-23 have on the continued growth and evolution of their sector?
Session 1: WRC-23 – what should be the overall objectives for the APAC region and how can these be achieved? image
Moderator: Mario Maniewicz
Director, Radiocommunication Bureau, ITU
Session 1: WRC-23 – what should be the overall objectives for the APAC region and how can these be achieved? image
Kyu-Jin Wee
Chairman, APT Preparatory Group for WRC-23
Session 1: WRC-23 – what should be the overall objectives for the APAC region and how can these be achieved? image
Yi Shen Chan
Director, Spectrum, APAC, GSMA
Session 1: WRC-23 – what should be the overall objectives for the APAC region and how can these be achieved? image
Xin Tang
Manager, APAC Wireless Policy, Hewlett Packard Enterprise
Session 1: WRC-23 – what should be the overall objectives for the APAC region and how can these be achieved? image
Alex Orange
Global Spectrum & Regulatory Policy, GSOA
10:40 - 11:05
Break
11:05 - 11:15
Case Study: The approach to the 6GHz in China
Case Study: The approach to the 6GHz in China image
Biao Ma
Biao Ma, Terrestrial Service Division, Bureau of Radio Regulation, MIIT China
11:15 - 11:25
Case Study: The approach to the 6GHz in the UK
Case Study: The approach to the 6GHz in the UK image
Claire Lyons
Head of European Spectrum Policy & External Affairs, Ofcom
11:25 - 12:30
Session 2: 6GHz band – exploring the progress towards a harmonised and balanced approach for the region

Positions regarding the future of the 6GHz band in the Asia-Pacific region are starting to emerge, and it is clear that there are some quite different perspectives from countries on the best way to maximise the socio-economic benefits of this key band. Some countries, including Korea, have decided to allocate the entire 5925—7125 MHz band for unlicensed use; whilst others, including Australia, Japan and New Zealand, have allocated just the lower portion of the band (5945—6425 MHz) for unlicensed use. China on the other hand, have gone the other way and allocated the entire band for IMT on a licenced basis, and also dedicated the bottom 200MHz of the band for 5G private networks. This session will look at the evolving (and somewhat complex) situation in the region, and at the likely long-term future of the band. Given the diverging views that are being seen both here and globally, it will look at whether a harmonized approach to the band can still be a possibility, and with the future of the band up for discussion at WRC-23, it will discuss the importance of finding a speedy resolution for countries across the region.
 

  • Where should the balance lie between licenced and unlicenced use in the 6GHz band?
  • What different visions and proposals for the use of the 6GHz band are emerging across the region? How can its socio-economic benefits be best maximised across both developed and developing countries?
  • What would be the impact for the development of 5G and WiFi6 if the technologies are not able to access the spectrum that they hope for in the bands? What other options would then be available?
  • With many countries now having taken the decision to make the lower half of the band available on an unlicenced basis, how significant could China’s decision be to licence the 5925—6125 MHz portion of the band for private 5G networks?
  • How can the socio-economic benefits of the 6GHz band be best maximised across both developed and developing countries in the APAC region?
  • To what extent is coexistence between 5G and WiFi in the band a possibility? What studies have been conducted on this as part of the preparation for WRC-23, and what results have been seen?
  • To what extent could it be an option for mobile operators to access the band on a licence- exempt basis using NR-U?
  • Given the very different positions that are emerging, is a globally or regionally harmonised 6GHz band ecosystem still a realistic goal or has that ship now sailed?
  • How important is it for the stakeholders involved that a decision on the future of the band in the region is reached as soon as possible?
Session 2: 6GHz band – exploring the progress towards a harmonised and balanced approach for the region image
Moderator: Cameron Currin
Manager, Aetha Consulting
Session 2: 6GHz band – exploring the progress towards a harmonised and balanced approach for the region image
Bui Ha Long
Deputy Director of Spectrum Planning and Policy Division, ARFM, Vietnam
Session 2: 6GHz band – exploring the progress towards a harmonised and balanced approach for the region image
Sopheak Cheang
General Director of Radio Frequency Spectrum Management Ministry of Post and Telecommunications, Cambodia
Session 2: 6GHz band – exploring the progress towards a harmonised and balanced approach for the region image
Yishen Chan
Director, Spectrum (Asia Pacific), GSMA - On behalf of Ericsson, GSMA, Huawei, Nokia & ZTE
Session 2: 6GHz band – exploring the progress towards a harmonised and balanced approach for the region image
Ismail Shah
Head of Connectivity and Access Policy, APAC, Meta
Session 2: 6GHz band – exploring the progress towards a harmonised and balanced approach for the region image
Pisit Vanichchanunt
Pisit Vanichchanunt, Professor, King Mongkut's University of Technology North Bangkok
12:30 - 13:25
Lunch
13:25 - 14:40
Session 3: Meeting the needs of all users in the 3.5GHz range – where does the balance lie?

The Asia-Pacific region is a big user of the 3.5GHz C-band frequencies for a variety of different users. C band is vitally important in Asia for satellite, whilst at the same time it is one of the bands being sought after around the world for the launch of 5G. In addition to this, spectrum in the 3.8 – 4.2 GHz upper portion of the C band is now increasingly being considered as an option to provide localised, private networks for vertical users using 5G technology. This session will look at the best approach across the entire 3.3GHz – 4.2GHz range in order to ensure that the needs of all the key users in this band can be met. It will look at the progress that has been made in rolling out 5G services in the band globally, and look at how these needs of IMT can be balanced with the key needs of satellite and other users. Is there a Win-Win outcome?
 

  • What is the current shape of the 3.5GHz range across Asian countries? What different levels of usage are being seen across the different parts of the band and by the various users that have access to it?
  • To what extent is the range being used to its maximum potential?
  • Where should the balance lie between satellite and terrestrial 5G users in these frequencies, and how can the needs of all these key services be met?
  • To what extent is it possible that a harmonised approach to the band is seen across the region?
  • What different approaches and access models are emerging for vertical users in the C-band range, and what might this mean for stakeholders and users of the band across the APAC region?
  • Where should the balance lie between the allocation of 5G licences on a local and a national basis in the C-band frequencies?
  • To what extent could emerging new technologies mean that trouble free co-existence between mobile and satellite in the C-band could become a more realistic possibility in the near future? What safety mechanisms would need to be in place to ensure protection against interference?
  • Where does the balance lie between looking to deliver a co-ordinated approach to the 3.5GHz band across the region, whilst also providing flexibility and recognising the differences that exist between countries?
Session 3: Meeting the needs of all users in the 3.5GHz range – where does the balance lie? image
Moderator: Forhadul Parvez
Programme Officer, APT
Session 3: Meeting the needs of all users in the 3.5GHz range – where does the balance lie? image
Biao Ma
Biao Ma, Terrestrial Service Division, Bureau of Radio Regulation, MIIT China
Session 3: Meeting the needs of all users in the 3.5GHz range – where does the balance lie? image
Bui Ha Long
Deputy Director of Spectrum Planning and Policy Division, ARFM, Vietnam
Session 3: Meeting the needs of all users in the 3.5GHz range – where does the balance lie? image
Claire Lyons
Head of European Spectrum Policy & External Affairs, Ofcom
Session 3: Meeting the needs of all users in the 3.5GHz range – where does the balance lie? image
Terry Ma
Marketing Director, Seton Technology Co.
Session 3: Meeting the needs of all users in the 3.5GHz range – where does the balance lie? image
Mohaned Juwad
Director, Spectrum Policy, Intelsat
Session 3: Meeting the needs of all users in the 3.5GHz range – where does the balance lie? image
Meng Xi
Spectrum and Wireless Research Engineer, China Telecom
14:40 - 15:25
Session 4: Spectrum ‘Short’ i: Meeting the spectrum demands of Fixed Wireless Access (FWA)

With a number of new rollouts being seen over the last 12 months, there are signs that fixed wireless access (FWA) is slowly starting to show some of the potential that has long been promised. With networks deployed in the Philippines, Australia, New Zealand, Hong Kong, Malaysia, Thailand, Vietnam, and India amongst others, this session will look at the emerging shape of the FWA ecosystem in the region, the trends and spectrum bands that are being seen, and the long term future that it may have.
 

  • What progress has been made across the region with regards to rolling out of FWA networks and what plans are expected in the near-term future?
  • What spectrum bands and technologies are being used, and what differences are being seen in FWA networks that are launched using mid-band and mmWave band spectrum respectively?
  • How are 4G and 5G solutions brought together to meet the needs of different communities and markets?
  • How far can FWA go in the 5G-era, and what can be expected of the technology as we move beyond 5G to the next stage of future connectivity? How should countries be looking to integrate FWA into their future spectrum roadmaps and plans?
Session 4: Spectrum ‘Short’ i: Meeting the spectrum demands of Fixed Wireless Access (FWA) image
Moderator: Diptendu Mitra
Principal, Analysys Mason
Session 4: Spectrum ‘Short’ i: Meeting the spectrum demands of Fixed Wireless Access (FWA) image
Syed Tausif Abbas
Principal Advisor, Telecom Regulatory Authority of India
Session 4: Spectrum ‘Short’ i: Meeting the spectrum demands of Fixed Wireless Access (FWA) image
Patrick Tsie
Senior Director, Technical Marketing, Qualcomm
15:25 - 15:45
Break
15:45 - 16:50
Session 5: Last mile connectivity – exploring the technological, policy and spectrum solutions for affordable last-mile and rural connectivity solutions across different environments

As countries across the region look to continue to close the digital divide, there are a number of challenges that still need to be overcome. Amongst these is the need to deliver ‘last mile connectivity’ in a sustainable and affordable way. There is a need to find a solution that meets the connectivity requirements of remote rural communities whilst at the same time providing a business case that makes sense for the connectivity providers involved. And of course, there is the need to ensure the required bandwidth is available to meet their connectivity needs. This session will look at the challenges of connecting rural and hard to reach areas and of delivering last mile connectivity in different environments. It will look at the role that policymakers, technology providers, NGOs and other key stakeholders need to play alongside the connectivity providers to ensure the delivery of sustainable and reliable solutions to deliver connectivity to remote and rural areas.
 

  • What different technologies and connectivity models exist to deliver the required last-mile connectivity to communities in the region?
  • What is the viability of each of these options in different environments across both developed and developing countries? How can it be ensured that the most suitable approach is matched with the specific environment in each situation?
  • How can these technologies be combined with forward thinking policies to deliver real and tangible progress in delivering affordable and sustainable solutions and closing the digital divide?
  • What are the spectrum considerations, and how can it be ensured that access to the necessary bandwidth is available?
  • What progress is being made with the release of the 700MHz band across the region and what latest developments have been seen with regards to the 600MHz band?
  • How important is the spectrum in these bands to help connect rural and hard to reach areas, and how can the needs for IMT be balanced with the needs of broadcasters, PPDR and other key users of UHF spectrum in the region? How can regulators ensure an enabling regulatory environment that helps to encourage sustainable last mile connectivity solutions?
  • What innovative financing programmes and support is available to help deliver last-mile connectivity to unserved regions, and particularly to key ‘hubs’ such as schools and hospitals?
  • How are policymakers, technology companies, connectivity providers, NGOs and other key stakeholders collaborating to find solutions?
Session 5: Last mile connectivity – exploring the technological, policy and spectrum solutions for affordable last-mile and rural connectivity solutions across different environments image
Moderator: Aamir Riaz
Programme officer, ITU
Session 5: Last mile connectivity – exploring the technological, policy and spectrum solutions for affordable last-mile and rural connectivity solutions across different environments image
Jong Bong Park
Director, Project Development, APT
Session 5: Last mile connectivity – exploring the technological, policy and spectrum solutions for affordable last-mile and rural connectivity solutions across different environments image
Kosal Soy
Acting Director of Radio Frequency Regulation Bureau, TRC
Session 5: Last mile connectivity – exploring the technological, policy and spectrum solutions for affordable last-mile and rural connectivity solutions across different environments image
Ambar Sthapit
Director of Spectrum Planning and Management, Nepal Telecommunications Authority
Session 5: Last mile connectivity – exploring the technological, policy and spectrum solutions for affordable last-mile and rural connectivity solutions across different environments image
Foong Chee Kheong
Head of Group Regulatory Affairs, Axiata
16:50 - 17:35
Session 6: Spectrum ‘Short’ ii: The evolution of backhaul services – avoiding a bottleneck as the 5G ecosystem matures

As the 5G ecosystem in Asia Pacific matures and mobile markets across the region continue to grow, it is vital that regulators and connectivity providers work together to ensure that backhaul services are able to keep up with a vastly increasing level of demand. This session will look at the important role that wireless and satellite backhaul solutions need to play alongside fibre in order to ensure that backhaul doesn’t become a bottleneck in the growth of 5G, and the work that needs to be done to upgrade backhaul services and ensure that they are able to support new use cases that are emerging.
 

  • What mixture of fibre, satellite and wireless mobile backhaul solutions will be required in order to meet the growing needs for the region?
  • What upgrades in backhaul networks might be required to meet some of the new use cases that are emerging (including ultra-reliable, low-latency communications (URLLC) applications)?
  • What new technological developments are being seen that will boost the performance of backhaul solutions?
  • How should regulators be looking to ensure that the needs of key wireless backhaul services are included in their wider spectrum plans, and what bands should be considered to meet these requirements?
Session 6: Spectrum ‘Short’ ii: The evolution of backhaul services – avoiding a bottleneck as the 5G ecosystem matures image
Moderator: Javier Morales Fhon
Senior Analyst, Global Trends and Americas, Cullen International
Session 6: Spectrum ‘Short’ ii: The evolution of backhaul services – avoiding a bottleneck as the 5G ecosystem matures image
Anna Christina Situmorang
Senior Analyst of Spectrum Policy and Planning, Ministry of Communication and Informatics Republic of Indonesia