2007 ITU World Radiocommunication Conference (WRC)

The World Radiocommunication Conference or “WRC” is held every 3-4 years by the International Telecommunication Union (ITU). Delegations from more than 150 countries will meet in Geneva, Switzerland from October 22 through November 16, 2007, to negotiate treaty-level changes to the rules governing the world’s airwaves, also known as “radio-frequency spectrum.” Actions taken at WRC-07 will directly affect spectrum-related industries and government activities worldwide.

WRC-07

This year, the WRC will be held 22 October to 16 November 2007 in Geneva, Switzerland. There are 28 separate agenda items, collectively affecting all of the world’s spectrum-dependent industries – including telecommunications and commercial aviation -- and numerous government operations, including space sciences and defense. Agenda items will directly address:

• Next-generation broadband wireless services
• Commercial and government satellite services
• Aeronautical route and telemetry services
• Earth exploration and space science operations

The U.S. Delegation

Headed by Ambassador Richard M. Russell of the White House Office of Science and Technology Policy, the U.S. delegation to WRC-07 consists of approximately 150 experts in spectrum management, engineering, law and diplomacy. Many of the delegation members have been preparing – including performing technical research – since the last WRC in 2003. They represent both government and industry, reflecting the depth and breadth of U.S. high-tech leadership.