The next World Radiocommunication Conference (WRC-27) is scheduled to take place in Shanghai, China, from October 18 to November 12, 2027, following in the heels of the Radiocommunication Assembly 2027 (RA-27), which will be held from October 11 to 15. The conference is expected to shape the future of radio communications on Earth and in space, according to the International Telecommunication Union (ITU).
Convened by the ITU to discuss a wide range of spectrum management issues, the event will bring together delegates from the ITU’s 194 Member States, industry representatives, regional telecommunications organizations, and other stakeholders to review and revise the Radio Regulations, the international treaty governing the use of the radio-frequency spectrum and satellite orbital resources.
Now held every four years, the conferences play a critical role in ensuring that radio spectrum resources are used efficiently and equitably while minimizing harmful interference between competing services. WRC-27 will review and revise the ITU’s Radio Regulations, the international treaty governing the use of the radio frequency spectrum and associated satellite orbits.
During the four-week conference, ITU Member States will consider the results of technical studies and adopt decisions that shape the future use of spectrum for a wide range of radiocommunication services and applications, including mobile, satellite, radiolocation, radio astronomy, and space research services that support lunar communications.
ITU Secretary-General, Doreen Bogdan-Martin, said, in announcing the conference, that “WRC-27 will be a defining moment in making universal, meaningful connectivity a reality,” adding that “The conference will make critical decisions about sharing spectrum and satellite orbit resources efficiently and equitably, on Earth and in space, in ways that benefit all of humanity.”
Over 4,000 delegates are expected to attend the WRC-27 and RA-27 meetings. In addition to ITU’s 194 Member States, representatives from sister United Nations agencies, Regional Telecommunication Organizations, and ITU Radiocommunication Sector Members will also participate as observers.
China is the first country in the Asia-Pacific region to host the WRC.
Li Lecheng, China’s Minister of Industry and Information Technology (MIIT), said China was highly anticipating the successful convening of the event and pledged that “We will fulfill our obligations as the host country in accordance with ITU’s rules and regulations, provide comprehensive services and support for the Conference, and work together with all ITU member states to present to the world a radiocommunication event that fosters win-win cooperation and yields fruitful outcomes.”
The preparatory process for the conference spans a four-year study cycle, involving extensive studies and technical discussions among governments, regulators, equipment manufacturers, telecommunication operators, and industry forums at national, regional, and global levels.
Preparatory work for WRC-27 is already underway through ITU study groups, regional telecommunications organizations, and national administrations, which are conducting technical studies and developing common proposals on the conference’s agenda items. The studies are expected to culminate in recommendations that delegates will consider during the four-week conference.
Mario Maniewicz, Director of the ITU Radiocommunication Bureau, explained that “World Radiocommunication Conferences are essential to shaping the future of global communications,” adding that “WRC-27 in Shanghai will guide the evolution of radiocommunication services on Earth and in space, for broadband connectivity, safety of life, and space and Earth observation. It is where the international community comes together to ensure that spectrum regulations keep pace with rapid technological innovation and respond to global, regional, and national needs.”
Decisions taken at the conference influence the development of mobile broadband, satellite communications, broadcasting, aviation, maritime services, scientific research, emergency communications, and emerging wireless technologies worldwide.
Among the major issues expected to dominate discussions at the conference are the identification of additional radio-frequency bands for future mobile broadband systems, including technologies expected to support the evolution toward sixth-generation (6G) wireless networks.
Delegates will also examine spectrum requirements for expanding satellite services, including direct-to-device communications, as well as new allocations to support space research, lunar communications, and other rapidly growing space-based applications.
The conference will also consider regulatory measures affecting aeronautical and maritime communications, Earth stations in motion, radio astronomy, weather and Earth observation systems, and protections against interference affecting critical safety-of-life services.
Many of the agenda items are expected to focus on balancing the increasing demand for radio spectrum with the need to safeguard existing services that underpin transportation, disaster management, scientific research and national infrastructure.
Governments and regional organizations have already intensified their preparatory activities, and, throughout 2026 and 2027, regional bodies in Africa, Europe, the Americas, and Asia-Pacific are expected to coordinate common positions on the conference agenda, while national administrations will continue consultations with industry, academia, and civil society to develop proposals reflecting domestic priorities.
The conference will take place at a time of unprecedented growth in the demand for wireless spectrum, driven by artificial intelligence, cloud computing, the Internet of Things, autonomous systems, satellite broadband, connected vehicles, and expanding digital infrastructure.
The developments in these areas are placing increasing pressure on regulators to strike an appropriate balance between innovation, commercial deployment, and protection of existing spectrum users.
In announcing the conference, the ITU described WRC-27 as an important milestone in shaping the future of global radiocommunication services, explaining that revisions adopted during the conference will provide the regulatory framework needed to support the next generation of wireless technologies while promoting universal, meaningful connectivity and sustainable development.
The World Radiocommunication Conference is widely regarded as one of the most significant international forums for spectrum governance. Although largely technical in nature, its decisions have far-reaching implications for digital transformation, economic development, innovation, public safety, and access to communications services, making WRC-27 one of the most closely watched global telecommunications meetings in the lead-up to the next decade of digital connectivity.
Previous World Radiocommunication Conference were held on November 15 to 19, 1993, in Geneva; from October 23 to November 21, 1995, also in Geneva; from October 27 to November 21, 1997, in Geneva; from May 8 to June 2, 2000, in Istanbul, Turkey; from June 9 to July 4, 2003, in Geneva; from October 22 to November 16, 2007, in Geneva; from January 23 to February 17, 2012, in Geneva; from November 2 to 27, 2015, in Geneva; from October 28 to November 22, 2019, in Sharm El-Sheikh, Egypt; and from November 20 to December 15, 2023, in Dubai, United Arab Emirates.
The ITU is the United Nations agency for digital technologies, with 194 Member States and a membership of over 1,000 companies, universities, civil society, and international and regional organizations. Established in 1865, ITU coordinates the global use of the radio spectrum and satellite orbits, establishes international technology standards, and drives universal connectivity and digital services.
