It is with great sadness that the International Amateur Radio Union (IARU) marks the passing of David Court, EI3IO, in July 2025.
David was a leading figure in international spectrum management on behalf of the amateur service, bringing decades of technical and regulatory experience to his volunteer work at the highest levels of global telecommunications governance.
David served on the IARU Region 1 Executive Committee and was a key contributor to IARU’s presence in the International Telecommunication Union (ITU) and regional telecommunication organizations (RTOs) such as CEPT. His working experience spanned multiple ITU World Radiocommunication Conference (WRC) cycles, where ultimately he represented the amateur and amateur-satellite services with clarity, rigour, and strategic foresight.
A meticulous and highly informed delegate, David played a central role in the preparation and coordination of IARU positions for ITU Study Groups, Working Parties, Conference Preparatory Meetings, and WRCs. His leadership was particularly critical in advancing amateur access to the 50 MHz band, culminating in the successful outcome at WRC-19, where a 6‑meter allocation was approved on a secondary basis in many countries.
David’s professional background in telecommunications policy and regulation provided a solid foundation for his effectiveness in international forums. He was widely respected by administrations and fellow delegates alike for his command of detail, his diplomatic approach to technical discussions, and his unwavering commitment to the amateur services.
Among his many contributions:
- 50 MHz (6 m): David was instrumental in IARU’s engagement in the lead-up to WRC-19 Agenda Item 1.1, helping to secure a Region 1 allocation that aligned with existing usage in Regions 2 and 3. His technical input and regulatory diplomacy were crucial to building consensus among CEPT members.
- Spectrum defence: He consistently advocated for the protection of amateur HF bands against proposed sharing or reallocation, providing clear and evidence-based input on interference risk, propagation, and service characteristics.
- RTO engagement: David built strong relationships within CEPT and ITU‑R, ensuring that the amateur perspective was effectively voiced in preparatory and working groups.
Beyond his formal roles, David was a mentor and advisor to many within the IARU structure. He brought continuity, institutional memory, and a practical understanding of how to navigate the complexities of multilateral decision-making — always with the objective of preserving and advancing the interests of the amateur community.
In recognition of his exceptional service, David was awarded the IARU Region 1 Medal in 2020. This honour reflects his leadership and dedication during the critical period of the WRC‑19 process and his broader contributions to the Region’s spectrum advocacy.
David Court, EI3IO, leaves a legacy defined by deep technical insight, regulatory acumen, and an enduring belief in the value of amateur radio as a scientific, educational, and public service resource. His contributions will resonate through future generations of spectrum advocates and radio amateurs.
The IARU offers its sincere condolences to David’s family and friends. He will be greatly missed — both professionally and personally — by the global amateur radio and regulatory community.
Radio Amateurs representing the Amateur Service in Geneva were (standing L‑R) Flavio Archangelo, PY2ZX; Bryan Rawlings, VE3QN; Dave Court EI3IO; IARU Vice President Ole Garpestad, LA2RR; Dale Hugues, VK1DSH; Hans Blondeel Timmerman, PB2T; ARRL’s Jon Siverling, WB3ERA, and (kneeling L‑R) Dave Sumner, K1ZZ, and Ken Yamamoto, JA1CJP [Courtesy of Dave Sumner, K1ZZ, photo originally posted on ARRL’s web site — https://www.arrl.org/news/iaru-represents-amateur-radio-at-wrc-19-preparatory-meeting ]
