​​The mission of the ITU Radiocommunication Sector is, inter alia, to ensure rational, equitable, efficient and economical use of the radio-frequency spectrum by all radiocommunication services, including those using satellite orbits, and to carry out studies and adopt recommendations on radiocommunication matters.

This mission lies within the broader framework of the purposes of ITU, as defined in Article 1 of the ITU Constitution and is, in particular, to “maintain and extend international cooperation among all the Member States of the Union for the improvement and rational use of telecommunications of all kinds”.The specific role of ITU-R within the framework of this mission is as follows. ITU-R shall:​

effect allocation of bands of the radiofrequency spectrum, the allotment of radio frequencies and the registration of radio frequency assignments and of any associated orbital position in the geostationary satellite orbit in order to avoid harmful interference between radio stations of different countries;
coordinate efforts to eliminate harmful interference between radio stations of different countries and to improve the use made of radio-frequencies and of the geostationary-satellite orbit for radiocommunication services.

The ITU Plenipotentiary Conference Final Acts (Dubai, 2018) adopted Resolution 71 on the strategic plan for the Union, which further specifies the role, the objectives and the priorities during the forthcoming cycle, as follows:​

3.1.1 Strategic goal of the Radiocommunication Sector (ITU-R)

​The strategic goal of the ITU Radiocommunication Sector (ITU-R) is threefold, and includes:​

To ensure interference-free operations of radiocommunication systems by implementing the Radio Regulations and regional agreements, as well as updating these instruments in an efficient and timely manner through the processes of world and regional radiocommunication conferences;
To establish Recommendations intended to assure the necessary performance and quality in operating radiocommunication systems;
To seek ways and means to ensure the rational, equitable, efficient and economical use of the radio-frequency spectrum and satellite-orbit resources and to promote flexibility for future expansion and new technological developments.