WRC Opens in GenevaWRC Opens in Geneva

GENEVA -- The World Radiocommunication Conference opened today in Geneva to address the worldwide use of radio frequencies and to meet the global demand for spectrum, fuelled by rapid technological developments and growth in the information and communication technology(ICT) sector.

A finite resource, radio-frequency spectrum is the bedrock of state-of-the-art ICT, which, in turn is the driving force behind the world’s economic and social systems. The future points towards a wireless world.

Last held in the summer of 2003, the World Radiocommunication Conference(WRC-07) is the international forum for revising the Radio Regulations — the international treaty governing the use of the radio-frequency spectrum and satellite orbits.

WRC-07 will also deal with any radiocommunication questions with worldwide ramifications. The WRC-07 agenda focuses on some 30 items related to almost all terrestrial and space radio services and applications, including aeronautical telemetry and telecommand systems, satellite services, mobile communications, maritime distress and safety signals, digital broadcasting, satellites for meteorology, and the prediction and detection of natural disasters.

WRC-07 will consider options to improve the international spectrum regulatory framework. It will examine the evolution of existing, emerging and future applications, systems and technologies in order to meet the growing demand for spectrum, orbit access and operations — an inevitable consequence of the accelerating convergence of radiocommunications services as well as the rapidly changing regulatory environment.

WRC-07 will run until 16 November. More than 1500 delegates were present on the opening day. Over 3000 participants from around the world are expected to attend the Conference, which takes place at the Geneva International Conference Centre.

International Telecommunication Union (ITU)