Where global spectrum allocations and telecom policies are defined

Members contribute to the development and revision of the Radio Regulations (RR), the international treaty governing spectrum use. Participate in the World Radiocommunication Conferences (WRCs), which define international spectrum allocations and standards, directly impacting national and international policies and industry strategies.

Define and Shape Global Spectrum Regulations

Shape International Policy: The ITU-Radiocommunication Sector carries out its mandate through various Study Groups. These are specialized technical bodies whose primary role is to conduct in-depth technical, operational and regulatory studies to support the global development and coordination of radiocommunication services. The Study Groups are made up of representatives from Member States, Sector members, Associates and Academia. More than 5,000 specialists from member states, the telecommunications industry, and academic organizations participate in the work of the Study Groups. Contribute directly to the development and revision of the Radio Regulations (RR)—the international treaty governing spectrum use.

Participate in the World Radiocommunication Conferences, where global spectrum allocations and telecom policies are defined.

Gain Early Access to Critical Insights

Pre-publication Access: Receive early access to ITU-R studies, reports, and recommendations—ensuring a strategic edge.
Informed Participation: Stay ahead of emerging technologies including 5G/6G, satellite communications, broadcasting, and radar systems.

Connect with Global Stakeholders

International Collaboration: Work alongside regulators, telecom operators, manufacturers, and researchers from 194 countries.
Build Strategic Partnerships: Develop alliances that foster innovation, research collaboration, and global market expansion.

Shape Radiocommunication Industry Standards

Participate in ITU-R Study Groups: Engage in collaborative development of technical standards, methodologies, and best practices that help shape Recommendations, Reports, and Handbooks that guide global radiocommunication practices. The ITU-R Study Groups develop the technical bases for decisions taken at World Radiocommunication Conferences (WRCs) and develop global standards (Recommendations), Reports and Handbooks on radiocommunication matters. All ITU-R Recommendations are developed by world experts in radiocommunications, thereby enjoying a high reputation and worldwide implementation, having the status of international standards in their domain of application.
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Invest in Capacity Building

Training & Workshops: Access expert-led ITU events, seminars, and educational platforms.
Develop Staff Expertise: Build internal capability in telecom regulation, technical standards, and policy development.

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.

ITU-R Sector Members have full access to ITU-R working documents, draft texts, technical databases, and software tools.
ITU-R Sector members participate directly in the development of ITU-R Recommendations, which are the global technical standards for radiocommunication systems.
ITU-R Sector Members assist in shaping future standards and regulations that may impact radiocommunication products, services, or markets.
ITU-R Sector membership presents an opportunity to build relationships with regulators, researchers, and industry players.
ITU-R Sector Members can take leadership positions in Radiocommunication Study Groups.
ITU-R Sector Members can participate in the World Radiocommunication Conferences (WRCs) as observers or form part of their country’s delegation.

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). SMEs can participate as ITU-R Associate Members. As ITU-R Associate Members, SME’s are permitted to participate in the work of only one designated  Radiocommunication Study group of their choice.

Read more here about SME participation in ITU activities.

ITU-R Associate Members have 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. ITU-R Associate Members can submit contributions, attend meetings, and access documents within their chosen ITU-R  Study Group.
ITU-R Associate Members participate directly in the development of ITU-R Recommendations, which are the global technical standards for radiocommunication systems.
ITU-R Associate Members assist in shaping future standards and regulations that may impact radiocommunication products, services, or markets.
ITU-R Associate Members benefit from a Lower annual fee than full Sector Members.
ITU-R Associate membership presents an opportunity to build relationships with regulators, researchers, and industry players.
ITU-R Associate Members are not eligible to attend World Radiocommunication Conferences (WRCs).

Academia

Academia Members have the right to participate in all three ITU sectors (Development, Radiocommunication, Standardization) with an annual reduced fee. Accredited universities, technical institutes, and research organizations involved in teaching, research, or innovation in the field of ICT can become ITU Academia Members.

Academia members can contribute to ITU-R (and ITU-T and ITU-D) study groups, workshops, and focus groups.
They can 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 group meetings, and databases.
ITU Academia Members are not eligible to attend 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.