In the international context, radio frequency spectrum has to be used by different countries in a harmonized manner so that there is no interference across national borders. Spectrum being radio waves, by the very nature of its physics, does not recognize political boundaries. Hence, it becomes imperative that different nations arrive at an understanding amongst themselves regarding the allotment/assignment of spectrum in different bands. This is achieved under the umbrella of ITU through World Radiocommunication Conference (WRC).
ITU is the leading United Nations agency for information and communication technology (ICT) and the global focal point for governments and the private sector in developing networks and services. ITU fulfils this fundamental mission through its three Sectors: The Radiocommunication Sector (ITU-R), the Telecommunication Standardization Sector (ITU-T) and the Telecommunication Development Sector (ITU-D).
ITU’s work in the sphere of radiocommunications is focused in the ITU-R Sector, which works towards a worldwide consensus in the use of space and terrestrial radiocommunication services and a vast and growing range of wireless services and applications, including popular new mobile communication technologies.
ITU-R plays an essential custodian role in the management of the radio-frequency spectrum and satellite orbits, finite natural resources that are increasingly in demand from a large number of services such as fixed, mobile, broadcasting, amateur, space research, meteorology, and global positioning. These include systems monitoring and communication services that ensure safety of life on land, at sea and in the skies.
In its role as global spectrum coordinator, through World Radiocommunication Conferences the Radiocommunication Sector develops and adopts the “ITU Radio Regulations” – a voluminous set of rules that serve as a binding international treaty governing the use of radio-frequency spectrum and satellite orbits adopted by more than 190 Member States.
The National Frequency Allocation Plan (NFAP) of India based on ITU Radio Regulations provides the broad regulatory framework for allocation/ assignment of spectrum in India. The most recent NFAP was released in 2018. Duties and functions related to above works of ITU Radiocommunication sector at the national level are managed by the IRRS cadre.
