Engagement in WRCs – Where Global Rules Are Defined

Every four years, the World Radiocommunication Conference (WRC) revises the Radio Regulations, making high-stakes decisions that shape the future of global radio spectrum and associated satellite orbits.

A WRC is where the future of wireless communications is negotiated — from 5G/6G, broadcasting, GPS, satellite networks, to weather monitoring, self-driving vehicles, lunar communications, science research and beyond.

Radio Regulations (RR) – Governing international Radio Spectrum

At the heart of global radio spectrum governance lies the ITU-R, the international treaty governing frequency spectrum and satellite orbits. It provides the conditions to operate radiocommunication services free from harmful interference, serving governments, essential services, industry and society as a whole.

Updated regularly to keep pace with rapid technological advancements, the Radio Regulations (RR) enables spectrum to be used rationally, equitably, efficiently, and economically.

Early Access to Strategic Insights

Stay ahead of the curve with early access to ITU-R studies, reports, and recommendations, as they are being developed, covering critical topics such as International Mobile Telecommunications (IMT) dealing with 5G/6G, the Internet of Things (IoT), Non-Terrestrial Networks (NTN), Direct-to-Device (D2D), NGSO satellites, remote sensing, radar, Lunar communications, science research and emerging technologies.

As an ITU-R member,  the privileged access also includes technical resources such as BR software, databases, Space Explorer, and a wealth of seminar and workshop materials, giving you a strategic edge ahead in planning and innovation.

Global Collaboration – Build Strategic Partnerships

ITU connects you with a powerful network of 194 Member States and 1000+ companies, universities, research institutes and international and regional organisations.

Through global radio spectrum allocation, satellite orbit registration, and the development of international regulations and standards in radiocommunication, ITU-R offers a unique platform to co-create solutions for global connectivity.

As an ITU-R member, build strategic alliances that foster innovation, research collaboration, access to new markets, expand your network, connect with global stakeholders, and participate in shaping the global telecom ecosystem.

ITU-R Study Groups – Shape the Regulatory and Technical Foundation

The ITU Radiocommunication (ITU-R) Study Groups and their Working Parties unite experts from governments, industry, and academia to develop global standards, reports, recommendations and handbooks that guide radiocommunication systems and services worldwide.

Driven by Administrations, industry representatives and academia come together in ITU-R Study Groups and Working Parties to collaborate through a transparent and inclusive process.

As an ITU-R member, you can directly participate and contribute to the ITU-R Study Groups to help provide, via the Conference Preparatory Meeting (CPM), the regulatory, technical and operational studies that form the foundation for decisions taken at the WRCs.

Capacity Building – Strengthen Your Expertise

ITU-R offers access to expert-led seminars, workshops, training programs, and capacity-building events, which help you and your team stay current in Radio Regulations, spectrum management, regulatory procedures, technical standards, and policy development.

As an ITU-R Member, you enable your teams to make informed decisions, align with international regulations, and actively contribute to shaping global radiocommunication standards.

Investing in institutional and technical capacity helps ensure long-term resilience, drives innovation, and positions your organisation to fully engage in the rapidly evolving digital ecosystem.

ITU-R Sector members

The ITU-R Sector members are organizations that actively participate in the work of the ITU Radiocommunication Sector (ITU-R), helping to shape global radiocommunication standards and policies. These members are not countries (which are represented by ITU Member States), but rather companies, academic institutions, international organizations, and other entities with an interest in radiocommunications.

Key benefits of ITU-R Sector members:

Full access to ITU-R working documents, draft texts, technical databases, and software tools.
Participation in the substantive development of ITU-R Recommendations, which are the global technical standards for radiocommunication systems that may impact radiocommunication products, services, or markets.
Assist in shaping future regulations that would govern international radiocommunication services affecting markets and products.
Excellent opportunities to build relationships with regulators, researchers, and industry players.
Occupy leadership positions in Radiocommunication Study Groups.
Participation in the World Radiocommunication Conferences (WRCs) as observers or form part of their country’s delegation.

ITU-R Associates

ITU-R Associate members are organizations or entities that choose to participate in the work of a specific Radiocommunication Study Group, rather than being involved in the full scope of the ITU-R Sector.

They may also be small- and medium-sized enterprises (SMEs) that are permitted to participate in the work of only one Radiocommunication Study Group of their choice.

Read more here about SME participation in ITU activities.

Key benefits of ITU-R Associates:

Full access to ITU-R working documents, draft texts, technical databases, and software tools related to the specific Radiocommunication Study Group in which they participate.
Submit contributions and attend meetings to the chosen ITU-R Study Group.
Participation in the substantive development of ITU-R Recommendations, which are the global technical standards for radiocommunication systems that may impact radiocommunication products, services, or markets.
Assist in shaping future regulations that would govern international radiocommunication services affecting markets and products.
Lower annual fee than full Sector membership.
Excellent opportunities to build relationships with regulators, researchers, and industry players.

Note:

ITU-R Associate members are not authorized to participate in the World Radiocommunication Conferences (WRCs).

Academia

Academia members contribute groundbreaking scientific research results, thus ensuring that ITU standards and policies remain relevant and aligned with the latest scientific developments.

Key benefits of ITU Academia:

Contribute to ITU-R (and ITU-T and ITU-D) Study Groups, workshops, and focus groups.
Showcase research findings, white papers, and technical contributions at the international level.
Engage in projects with governments, industry, and other universities through ITU platforms.
Access ITU training programs, publications, and opportunities for student engagement.
Free or low-cost access to ITU documents, Study Groups meetings, and databases.

Note:

ITU Academia members are not authorized to participate in the World Radiocommunication Conferences (WRCs).

ITU Member States

Currently there are 194 ITU Member States working together to uphold a long-established tradition of consensus, to advance the development of information and communication technology across the world.

ITU Member States attend and lead the World Radiocommunication Conferences (WRCs) which are held every three or four years to review, and, if necessary, revise the Radio Regulations international treaty governing the use of the radio-frequency spectrum and the geostationary-satellite and non-geostationary-satellite orbits.