Credit: metamorworks

Radio frequency spectrum or spectrum for short, is essential, yet often overlooked. It is the invisible infrastructure and bloodline of global telecommunications. However, due to its technical and regulatory complexity it can be an intimidating policy area to tackle or prioritize. 

Within the U.S., spectrum management is overseen by the Federal Communications Commission for commercial licensing and by National Telecommunications and Information Administration for federal spectrum. However, the foundational rules that govern this resource globally are set by the International Telecommunications Union (ITU). As one of the oldest UN agencies, currently celebrating 160 years, it has evolved from coordinating telegraph lines to facilitating modern communications. This is accomplished through the collaboration of 194 Member States and over 1,000 corporate, academic, and organizational entities. Every 3 years, the World Radiocommunication Conference (WRC) is held to review and update the Radio Regulations.

While the year 2027 might seem distant, the global telecommunications community is already engaged in preparatory work. With roughly 80% of the WRC 2027 agenda dedicated to space-related issues, the conference will dictate the future operational and economic viability of the space sector. Due to this, The U.S. must exert strong leadership to ensure that these global rules support innovation, protect existing investments, and promote fair access to orbital resources. Failure to actively lead means accepting a global regime shaped by competing national interests, potentially to the detriment of U.S. commercial and strategic goals.

An example of issues being addressed in WRC27 is a study on the refinement and review of Equivalent Power Flux-Density (EPFD) limits. U.S. companies are leading the charge in developing and launching LEO constellations for global broadband. These innovative systems require flexibility to operate efficiently. Overly strict, technically flawed, or conservative EPFD limits could throttle the capacity, design, and deployment of these constellations. The EPFD debate is the clear real-world test of the ITU’s ability to evolve its rules to accommodate rapid technological change. Should U.S. leadership be absent, there is a risk that the resultant regime may introduce constraints that either stifle technological innovation or significantly delay the realization of LEO constellations’ full operational capacity, potentially eroding billions of dollars in both current and anticipated sector investments.

Demonstrating the complexity of spectrum policy is the geopolitical dimension WRC27 being hosted in Shanghai China.  The host nation gains home-court advantage, setting the conference atmosphere, guiding discussion, and shaping narrative. This could lead to unfavorable environments for U.S. commercial space interests and the principles of open competition. 

Additionally, U.S. delegates and industry representatives face concerns regarding espionage, cybersecurity risks, and intellectual property security. The necessity for open technical discussion could conflict with an environment where proprietary information is vulnerable.

The importance and gravity of WRC27 demand that the U.S. government, in close coordination with the private sector, elevate its preparation and engagement. The U.S. must prioritize the ITU and WRC-27 engagement by providing resources and high-level support to coordinating bodies like the World Radiocommunication Conference Advisory Committee and the State Department. Everything must be guided by a cohesive front, with clear objectives that balance the needs of commercial space. 

​​The decisions made in Shanghai will resonate for decades, shaping the landscape of our interconnected world and the boundless potential of space. For the U.S., anything less than decisive leadership is a gamble we cannot afford to take. We must ensure that the future of space communications is built on principles of innovation, fairness, and global cooperation, not on the narrow interests of a few.