International Amateur Radio Union
Region 1
Working for the future of amateur radio
Region 1 Committees & Working Groups
Amateur Satellite Frequency
Coordination Request
(IARU-R1) January 2003
Throughout its 100-year history, amateur radio has maintained a proud
and effective tradition of self-regulation. An amateur license does not
convey the exclusive right to use any particular frequency. It is
generally recognized, however, that some types of amateur operation,
including satellites, require frequency coordination to promote the
efficient use of spectrum and minimize mutual interference.
In most countries, frequency coordination of terrestrial amateur
operations, e.g., repeater stations, is done through their national
member societies of the International Amateur Radio Union (IARU). In
turn, each IARU Region (which correspond to the three global regions of
ITU) maintains a series of band plans, within which their national
frequency coordinators function.
Amateur radio satellites present a special case, because satellite
operation is inherently global in nature, requiring an effective global
system of frequency coordination. An uncoordinated satellite is capable
of causing harmful interference to stations around the world, and being
interfered with by them.
Frequency coordination of amateur radio satellite operations is the
responsibility of the IARU Satellite Adviser, a senior official
appointed by IARU’s Administrative Council, its top policymaking body.
He is assisted by an advisory panel selected from among qualified
experts nominated by national amateur radio satellite (AMSAT)
organizations of all three Regions.
Laws governing the licensing and operation of amateur radio satellites,
and their associated earth stations, are administered by national
telecommunications administrations, pursuant to the ITU Radio
Regulations. The IARU Administrative Council has approved a paper,
Amateur radio Satellites , prepared jointly by IARU and AMSAT, which
outlines the requirements of the ITU Radio Regulations and good amateur
practice. Frequency coordination of amateur radio satellites is done
according to these requirements.
Requests for frequency coordination should be made as far in advance of
launch as possible, and in any event before the final selection of
operating frequencies. Such requests should be addressed to the IARU
Satellite Adviser satfreq@amsat.org
, who will consult with your country’s national AMSAT organization (if
there is one), and the advisory panel. Satellite-building organisations
are encouraged to contact their national AMSAT organization directly for
assistance, even before submitting their requests. Names and addresses
of AMSAT organisations may be found on the
AMSAT-North
America Web site.