World Radiocommunication Conferences: Recommendations for Improvement in the United States Preparatory Process

Darlene A. Drazenovich

Abstract:

The United States’ radiocommunication interests are global. Communications are the backbone of our economic and national security and radiocommunications are a critical component of the United States’ overall communications interests. Radio signals traverse borders, oceans and space. The mobility of radio systems leads to services, technologies, and operations that span the global community and economy. The successful development and implementation of radiocommunications depend on international agreements reached at World Radiocommunication Conferences (WRCs). These conferences meet every three to four years under the auspices of the International Telecommunication Union (ITU) to update the international radio regulations on the use of the radio spectrum. The ITU is a specialized agency of the United Nations, and has 189 member states. The outcome of WRCs provides the international regulatory framework for the use of radiocommunication systems vital to U.S. economic growth, U.S. national security, safety of life and property, and scientific investigations. The United States must continue its success at these international conferences in negotiating spectrum allocations and regulations forward-looking and flexible enough to accommodate technologies and operations that the United States will need in the future.

(05-427-1.pdf)

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