There are serious fears about the future of the 1296 band. . Here is PA2DW’s response: In the last NL OK1TEH expressed his fears of losing the 23 cm band.

Although these fears are understandable, we should not loose ourselves in negative thoughts or look behind and try to blame anyone. Instead, we should build the

future upon the past from which we learn and improve and look forward. And if we do that, we see the following important facts:
 

* The amateur- radio service uses the 23cm band on a secondary basis which means that the regulators that licence us have an obligation to protect the primary

services such as the radio navigation satellite service (RNSS) operating in the same band. This means we do have rights to use it, but on  a non - interference basis;

* Loosing 23cm completely is unlikely as the ITU has stated that the current allocation for the amateur - radio service should not be removed from the allocation - table. This sounds very hopeful, but it does not prevent some restrictions or changes in the way we use it;
 

* Due to interference events caused by two repeater stations, the European Commission GALILEO team have demonstrated their fears, that amateur - radio signals can disturb their services and that we need to find a better way to co-exist. Co-existing means in principle that all users should be able to use the spectrum, but that we need to find a way to avoid harmful interreferences by careful use of the band and careful band planning; currently, the ITU is preparing for the 2023 Worldwide Spectrum - conference in Dubai. Coincidentally, this conference carries the name WRC - 23 and yes, for 23 cm [us] is maybe the most important topic on the (big...) agenda.

The IARU International team has an excellent track record of success in the ITU - R and has regulatory experience to effectively represent the amateur community. The international focus team on this topic is  lead by Barry Lewis, G4SJH, who also spoke at EME 2020 in Prague. The IARU also contributes to

the CEPT and other regional organizations, which are also very important in the preparation - run towards WRC23.

During WRC23; however, not only 23 cm is important for us. There are also subjects like Space - observation Sensors (needed for observing climate - changes and other earth - observations) and certain parts of  the spectrum are needing  to be kept clean for the use of these sensors. The IARU has insisted in the latest CEPT - meeting, that the spectrum for the radio - amateur service should never be allocated for these  space - sensors. Due to the much - desired experimental

behavior of radio - amateurs, they are not able to guarantee the avoidance of interference to the sensors. If you ask me what we can expect, I say that there are signs of hope in the WRC - 23 preparatory papers I have read. The IARU target is to retain the ability to operate all the 23 cm band applications we enjoy today

but it looks likely  that we will have to rework some of  the band planning.

.Matej said we should be more aggressive and less diplomatic, but my point of view is that diplomacy and goodwill are our only hope for a good result. The IARU continually reminds all parties that the outcome from this work should be proportionate to the (small) scale  of the perceived problem and not hinder the development of either the amateur service or the RNSS. Let’s move forward with courage and good intentions and please make sure your national regulator knows of the interest you have in this band!

We all have a part to play!