Technical standards for radiocommunication and radio equipment help to achieve electromagnetic compatibility (EMC) between radio equipment and services such as broadcasting services, navigational aids for aeronautical and marine traffic control, and radiocommunication services including cellular, land mobile, microwave and satellite services. As well, technical standards help by allowing planners and users to minimize interference between radio apparatus and other equipment. The uses of radio frequencies in industrial and commercial applications are important to the economy, so that interference-free use can be an important factor in economic development. Finally, consumers are better served when the quality and reliability of equipment distributed in the country can be improved over time.
Technical standards form the basis for certification and testing of radio equipment. Equipment is said to be certified when it complies with applicable standards of the country. The ITU also has equipment standard regulations for reference by its members. Technical standards and certification processes for specific types of equipment are the same for all manufacturers and importers, ensuring consistent quality for consumers.
Finally, the regulator can require, through technical standards, manufacturers to produce equipment which provides for greater efficiency in spectrum use.