ITU-R (Radiocommunication Sector)

ITU-R is the Radiocommunication Sector of the International Telecommunication Union (ITU), one of its three main sectors alongside ITU-T and ITU-D. ITU-R is responsible for the international management of radio-frequency spectrum and satellite orbits and for the development of global technical standards for radiocommunication systems.

Mission and Scope

The main objective of ITU-R is to ensure interference-free operation of radiocommunication services worldwide. To achieve this, ITU-R:

• Develops and maintains the Radio Regulations, an international treaty governing spectrum and orbit use

• Defines global frequency allocations for different services (e.g., mobile, satellite, radar, broadcast)

• Issues technical standards and recommendations for radiocommunication equipment and systems

• Coordinates the registration of satellite orbits and frequency assignments to prevent harmful interference

While ITU-R focuses on the technical and regulatory aspects, economic considerations are generally excluded, unless they are needed for comparing alternative technical solutions.

Organizational Background

• Predecessor: International Radio Consultative Committee (CCIR), active until 1992

• Current status: Part of the ITU structure, alongside ITU-T (Telecommunication Standardization) and ITU-D (Development)

• Membership: 194 member states and over 500 private-sector entities

Key Deliverables

• Radio Regulations (RR): The legal framework for global spectrum use

• ITU-R Recommendations: Non-binding but widely adopted technical specifications for equipment performance, emissions, and coexistence

• Spectrum plans and coordination procedures for national regulators and operators

• Oversight of the World Radiocommunication Conference (WRC), held every 4 years

Relevance in Testing and Certification

ITU-R guidance forms the basis for national and regional regulations, including:

• EIRP and ERP limits

• Technical coexistence criteria (e.g., sharing with radar or astronomy)

• Test specifications for emission limits and bandwidth use

• Regulatory frameworks for 5G, satellite broadband, and short-range devices

These documents are frequently referenced in CE, FCC, and ISED certification processes as part of spectrum compliance.