New waves for new systems [radio frequency spectrum allocation]

Everywhere changes in telecommunications, from liberalization of regulations to progress in radio technology, have increased the use of radio services to unforeseen levels, bringing in their wake a pandora´s box of problems. In response, the world community has altered time-hallowed methods of spectrum management, not least the organization of the International Telecommunication Union (ITU) and the way in which radio conferences are convened and scheduled. The 1995 World Radiocommunication Conference (WRC-95) to be held in Geneva will tackle the broad challenges of managing the frequency spectrum in a rapidly changing world. WRC-95 will consider allocations of the electromagnetic spectrum and their effects on systems vital to national economies, including mobile communication services. The thrust will be more sharply on simplification of agreements governing the spectrum´s use, and on just when to make broader provision for new satellite systems for mobile communications.<>