We work with the Australian, regional and international community on the management of radiofrequency spectrum to enhance policy and regulatory certainty and to develop technology standards that underpin affordable communications technologies. This cooperation helps us to use radio spectrum efficiently, promotes our national interests and supports continued innovation in communications technologies that depend on spectrum.
Multi-stakeholder participation is central to effective international engagement on radiocommunications. Australian radiocommunication experts are actively involved in Australia's international radiocommunications engagement, including representatives of:
- major wireless telecommunications providers
- equipment manufacturers
- satellite telecommunications providers and technology companies
- land transport companies
- broadcast media providers
- defence, aviation and maritime sectors
- meteorological, radio astronomy and scientific sectors
- spectrum engineers and regulators.
Australian expert groups meet regularly to discuss spectrum and satellite regulatory issues and work on domestic, regional and international technical studies for a range of technologies. The Australian Communications and Media Authority (ACMA) provides expert technical and regulatory advice to the Department and leads Australia's engagement in technical radiocommunication forums.
Further information on Australia's preparatory groups and engagement in international radiocommunications forums is available in the participation guidelines. If you are interested in joining Australia's preparatory groups, please review the guidelines and contact us at WRC@communications.gov.au.
International forums
We lead Australia's participation in key radiocommunication policy forums including the World Radiocommunication Conference, the Radiocommunication Assembly, and the APT Conference Preparatory Group for the WRC.
The International Telecommunication Union (ITU) is the United Nations specialised agency for information and communication technologies. The ITU's World Radiocommunication Conference (WRC) meets every four years to agree on changes to the treaty-level Radio Regulations which govern the use of radiofrequency spectrum and satellite orbits. In the lead up to each WRC, the ITU holds meetings to prepare technical studies into potential regulatory changes. Regional telecommunication organisations such as the Asia-Pacific Telecommunity (APT) also hold regular meetings to prepare regional positions on issues on the agenda for WRC.
The next WRC (WRC-27) will take place in 2027, with more than 30 issues to be considered by the conference. Participation at WRC-27 will enable Australia to influence decisions impacting the development of future telecommunications and radiocommunications markets, while promoting outcomes that maximise benefits for Australian consumers and industries. If you have an interest in any item on the WRC-27 agenda contact us at WRC@communications.gov.au.
Australia's preliminary positions on the WRC-27 agenda items are currently being developed.