World Radiocommunication Conferences

The World Radiocommunication Conference (WRC) is an international forum for world agreement on the use of the radio-frequency spectrum and the geostationary-satellite and non-geostationary-satellite orbits. The WRCs were previously held every two to three years and now extend to four years. The WRC reviews and revises the Radio Regulations and operates by consensus, with occasional voting. In recent years, the WRC puts a greater emphasis on consolidated regional positions and proposals -- and sets the world stage for future technological development.

The U.S. preparatory process involves offices of three federal agencies:

• The National Telecommunications and Information Administration (NTIA) represents the federal government agencies that use the radio spectrum. The Radio Conference Subcommittee (RCS) of the Interdepartment Radio Advisory Committee (IRAC) develops preliminary views and proposals. NTIA forwards these views to the FCC.
  
  
• Federal Communication Commission (FCC) represents the commercial and public (non-federal) companies and organizations that use the radio spectrum. The FCC's International Bureau (IB) coordinates the World Radiocommunication Conference 2007 Advisory Committee or "WRC-07 Advisory Committee," also known as WAC. The WAC develops preliminary views and proposals, which are forwarded to the FCC. The various FCC Bureaus analyze and modify these proposals and forward them to the NTIA.

The NTIA and FCC coordinate, modify, and approve proposals.

• The U.S. Department of State submits the proposals to the International Telecommunication Union (ITU) and Organization of American States (OAS) Inter-American Telecommunications Commission (CITEL).

• WRC U.S. Preparatory Organization Flow Chart
• NTIA Issue Contacts

• ITU History
  
• ITU Structure
  
• Radiocommunication Sector
  
• World Radio Conferences
  
• WRC Agendas through WRC-07

• Inter-American Telecommunication Commission (CITEL)
  
• European Radiocommunications Office (ERO)
  
• AsiaPacific Telecommunity (APT)