By Ron Chen, Bureau Chief, Asia

The World Radiocommunication Conference 2023 (WRC-23) opened Monday in Dubai, United Arab Emirates, bringing governments together for negotiations on the allocation of radio-frequency spectrum.

The conference, organized every three to four years by the International Telecommunication Union (ITU), will review and update the Radio Regulations, the international treaty governing the use of spectrum and geostationary and non-geostationary satellite orbits.

Second Deputy Ruler of Dubai, His Highness Sheikh Ahmed bin Mohammed bin Rashid Al Maktoum attended the WRC-23 opening ceremony.

For the opening, United Nations Secretary-General António Guterres noted that the World Radiocommunication Conference, “is a testament to the power of international cooperation in tackling global challenges.” In the message delivered on his behalf, Guterres added, “Radio frequencies, whether on Earth or in space, form the backbone of advanced communications for all of humanity. From education to healthcare, from agriculture to climate monitoring, expanding radiocommunication services and bridging the digital divide is key to reducing inequalities and advancing the Sustainable Development Goals.”

Much of the technology in everyday life uses radio-frequency spectrum allocated by ITU’s world radiocommunication conferences. Ensuring that the Radio Regulations reflect the changing demand for spectrum use is critical for the efficient operation of existing and future radiocommunication services and equipment.