Spectrum Planning

One of the functions of spectrum management is the area of spectrum planning. By planning I mean the development and implementation of the means by which future spectrum needs are determined and fulfilled. Radio frequencies are international in character. Transmissions made in one country can effect operations conducted in other countries. For this reason national spectrum planning is accomplished in consort with other countries of the world. The basic world organization charged with this function is the International Telecommunications Union (ITU). The ITU, which consists of over 140 member nations, meets periodically to consider and develop plans and procedures for fulfilling the world's needs for spectrum, in sessions called World Administrative Radio Conferences. One of the activities of these conferences is to revise the basic plan for spectrum use. This world spectrum plan is known as the International Table of Frequency Allocations.