Abstract: The radiofrequency spectrum and the geostationary satellite orbit, being limited natural resources, must be used rationally, efficiently and economically. They are subject to detailed international regulation included in the International Telecommunication Constitution and Convention and in the administrative regulations (Radio Regulations and Telecommunication Regulations) attached thereto. The basic purpose of these instruments, that have international treaty status , is to ensure equitable access to these natural resources by countries and groups of countries and to provide means for harmonized development and efficient operation of telecommunication services. These regulations have been established within the International Telecommunications Union and are under permanent review to respond to the rapidly changing telecommunication environment.
The primary goal of the international radio regulations is to establish useful and cost-effective ways of coordinating the planning and managing the implementation of services. The Radio Regulations and associated Recommendations are intended to assure the necessary performance and quality, while seeking to conserve spectrum and flexibility for future expansion and new requirements.
To this end, the international Radio Regulations address many different aspects relating to the assignment and use of frequencies (allocated frequency bands, mandatory sub-allocations, authorized classes of emission, power limits, and many other technical characteristics such as frequency tolerances, maximum permitted spurious emission power level, equipment characteristics). It also specifies the substantive procedural aspects (such as advance publication, coordination procedure, updating of plans, notification and re-cording) that lead to international recognition of the use of frequencies.
Radiocommunication services are currently undergoing major transformations due to the rapidly advancing technology and the convergence of media, telecommunications and computing. The traditional concepts for international management of the spectrum/orbit resource, in an environment of decreasing differentiation between the traditionally defined radiocommunication services, do not follow this pace of change. It is imperative that a substantive review be undertaken of the current concepts of international frequency management so as to establish a regulatory arrangement capable of responding to the challenges of the rapidly changing technological environment.
Key words: Satellite communications, radio regulations, telecommunication regulations, ITU.