ITU Frequency Coordination

How you get spectrum

The International Telecommunication Union (ITU) administers the global radio spectrum. Every commercial satellite system must be coordinated through ITU, via the operator's national administration.

The lifecycle

1. API (Advance Publication Information) — the earliest notification; signals your intent.
2. Coordination Request — detailed technical filings that start priority running against existing networks.
3. Notification & BIU (Bringing Into Use) — within seven years of filing, you must bring your network into use or lose priority.
4. Registration in the Master International Frequency Register.

Practical tips

• File early. The date of your filing sets priority.
• Choose frequency bands that are commercially viable and coordinate-able. C, Ku and Ka bands are contested.
• Plan for successive tranches if your constellation is large — milestones in the 2019 US-led approach pushed this globally.
• Many ITU disputes are resolved bilaterally; build relationships with neighbours early.