World Radiocommunication Conference (WRC)

The World Radiocommunication Conference (WRC) is a global event organized by the ITU-R to review and revise the Radio Regulations, the international treaty governing the use of the radio-frequency spectrum and satellite orbits. Held every three to four years, the WRC brings together regulators, governments, industry, and other stakeholders to harmonize spectrum use and enable the development of new wireless technologies.

Purpose and Scope

WRC conferences serve to:

• Allocate and reallocate frequency bands for specific services (e.g., mobile, satellite, radar, broadcasting)

• Revise technical and operational provisions of the Radio Regulations

• Address interference mitigation and coordination procedures

• Establish EIRP/ERP limits, protection zones, and sharing frameworks

• Define regulatory frameworks for emerging technologies such as 5G, satellite broadband, and high-altitude platforms

Examples of WRC Outcomes

• WRC-15: Allocated 694–790 MHz to the mobile service and identified it for IMT in ITU Region 1, aligning the framework with earlier decisions for Regions 2 and 3

• WRC-19: Identified 24.25–27.5 GHz and other millimetre-wave bands for IMT, subject to defined protection conditions

• WRC-23: Adopted changes for terrestrial and satellite services, including provisions for Earth stations in motion (ESIM) and non-geostationary satellite systems (NGSO)

• WRC-27 (planned): Preparations follow the agenda established by Resolution 813 (WRC-23) and the ongoing ITU-R studies

Relevance for Manufacturers and Test Labs

WRC decisions influence national and regional regulations that govern:

• Device compliance requirements (e.g., maximum EIRP, channel plans)

• Certification conditions for RF and satellite products

• Market access rules across different ITU regions

• Test parameters in harmonized standards such as ETSI EN 301 908 or EN 303 413

Understanding WRC outcomes is essential for product developers, compliance managers, and regulatory bodies when planning spectrum strategies and ensuring forward compatibility.