American technology and satellite industry leaders are expressing significant security and policy concerns regarding the upcoming World Radiocommunication Conference (WRC-27) scheduled to be held in Shanghai, China. The pivotal event, which determines global radio spectrum allocation, has prompted worries about potential espionage, Chinese government influence, and physical risks for delegates.
Key Takeaways
- The 2027 World Radiocommunication Conference (WRC-27), organized by the ITU, will take place in Shanghai, raising security concerns among U.S. industry leaders.
- Experts fear risks of espionage, intellectual property theft, and potential physical danger for American delegates attending the conference.
- Over 80% of the agenda items for WRC-27 are related to space, highlighting the growing competition for satellite spectrum between the U.S. and China.
- Chinese tech company Huawei is reportedly working to influence global spectrum decisions, particularly concerning the 6 GHz and 7 GHz bands vital for Wi-Fi.
- U.S. officials are being urged to begin building international coalitions two years in advance to counter potential Chinese influence on spectrum policy.
Security and Espionage Concerns for Delegates
The decision by the International Telecommunication Union (ITU) to host its quadrennial conference in Shanghai has created a sense of unease within the American telecommunications sector. The event is crucial for setting international standards for radio frequencies, which are essential for everything from mobile phones to satellite communications.
During a Broadband Breakfast Live Online panel discussion, industry experts detailed their apprehensions. Madeleine Chang, Director of Policy at the Satellite Industry Association, highlighted the practical difficulties of operating securely in China.
"Communication, especially with classified information, will be difficult to find those safe spaces where you can discuss like hey this is what our hardware looks like, this is our intellectual property," Chang stated.
Beyond digital security, Chang also pointed to potential physical risks, referencing past incidents. "China has detained foreign industry executives and U.S. government employees in the past, posing a physical danger for the delegates that do go there because they may be prevented from leaving the country," she added. These concerns could also lead to participation issues, as some U.S. satellite companies sanctioned by China may be unable to attend, leaving key stakeholders unrepresented.
The Geopolitical Battle for Spectrum Dominance
The conference is set against a backdrop of increasing technological competition between the United States and China. Both nations are vying for leadership in critical areas like low Earth orbit (LEO) satellite constellations, which depend heavily on spectrum allocations decided at the WRC.
What is the World Radiocommunication Conference?
The WRC is a global treaty-making conference organized by the ITU every three to four years. Its purpose is to review and, if necessary, revise the Radio Regulations, the international treaty governing the use of the radio-frequency spectrum and satellite orbits. Decisions made here have a long-term impact on the technology and telecommunications industries worldwide.
Mary Brown, executive director of Wi-Fi Forward, warned of a coordinated effort by Chinese telecommunications firm Huawei to influence global policy in its favor. She described Huawei's representatives as a pervasive force at international forums.
"They are everywhere. They are ubiquitous. They are relentless," Brown said, emphasizing their focus on undermining U.S. priorities. "Whatever is good for Huawei, China wants."
Brown also noted that China's economic influence, particularly through trade and debt agreements with developing nations, could sway votes on spectrum issues. She argued that some countries might align with Beijing's position even if it conflicts with their own national interests, making early coalition-building by the U.S. essential.
High Stakes for Space and Next-Generation Wi-Fi
The agenda for WRC-27 underscores the rapid expansion of the space industry. An overwhelming majority of the topics—more than 80%—are related to space communications. This reflects the explosive growth in satellite internet constellations and other orbital services that require dedicated radio frequencies to operate without interference.
The 6 GHz Band: A Critical Resource
In 2020, the U.S. Federal Communications Commission (FCC) opened the entire 6 gigahertz (GHz) band for unlicensed use by Wi-Fi devices. This decision has already led to the shipment of over 300 million compatible Wi-Fi chipsets in the United States, fueling innovation in consumer and enterprise wireless technology.
A key battleground at the conference will be the future of the 6 GHz and 7 GHz bands. In the U.S., the 6 GHz band has been opened for advanced Wi-Fi technologies (like Wi-Fi 6E and Wi-Fi 7), which offer faster speeds and lower latency. Brown described this as "an incredible wave of innovation."
However, cellular industry interests, supported by China and other nations, are seeking to allocate portions of these same bands for 5G and future mobile networks. This creates a direct conflict between two massive technology ecosystems, and the outcome at WRC-27 could determine the global trajectory for both Wi-Fi and mobile broadband for years to come.
U.S. Prepares for Diplomatic Push
Recognizing the challenges, U.S. officials and industry advocates are stressing the need for immediate and sustained preparation. According to Brown, the U.S. must begin its diplomatic outreach now to build a strong alliance of countries that support its spectrum priorities.
There is cautious optimism that the U.S. government is taking the matter seriously. Brown noted that the Trump administration is aware of the stakes. "The good news is that our friends in the White House inside the Trump administration recognize this is an issue," she said, adding that they are "taking the WRC-27 preparations very very seriously."
Former National Telecommunications and Information Administration (NTIA) head Alan Davidson has previously championed Wi-Fi as "an American technology and American success story," signaling its importance in U.S. tech policy.
Sal Austin, CEO of DGX Security, grounded the international policy debate in its local impact, stating, "The future of broadband can't just be decided in Geneva or Beijing. It needs to be built in Detroit, Tulsa by the people for the people." This sentiment reflects the belief that global spectrum decisions have direct consequences for connectivity and innovation in communities across the country.