The International Telecommunication Union (ITU) Radio Regulations are an international treaty defining the rights and obligations for use of the radio spectrum. Changes to the Radio Regulations can only be made at World Radiocommunication Conferences (WRCs) which are held approximately every four years.
Ofcom leads UK preparations for WRCs and represents the UK there. In so doing, we act in accordance with a direction from the government, which formally has the final say on the positions to be adopted going into the conference. We already have a close working relationship with many stakeholders with an interest in the issues on the agenda for WRC-12. The purpose of this consultation is to seek views on our developing thinking on those issues and on the process for conducting this work. WRC outcomes can have a significant impact on how spectrum is used and on the development of wireless services and we are particularly interested in engaging with those not already involved in the WRC preparatory process.
The next WRC will be held early 2012 and the agenda for the conference contains a diverse range of topics falling under more than 25 agenda items. For the purpose of this consultation the issues have been grouped as follows:
- Electronic communications services;
- Transport, including radiodetermination;
- Scientific and amateur use of spectrum;
- International regulatory framework;
- Standing agenda items.