Under the ITU Radio Regulations, there are requirements for the regular submission of spectrum related information such as details concerning frequency assignments to the ITU’s Radiocommunication Bureau for purposes of coordination with other countries and for registration in the Master International Frequency Register (MIFR). This information is published every two weeks in an ITU-R publication known as the Radiocommunication Bureau’s International Frequency Information Circular (BR IFIC). The BR IFIC contains details on the current and intended frequency usage by ITU Member States.
The BR IFIC is composed of two parts. The first part deals with space services. It contains information on the frequency assignments to space stations, earth stations and radioastronomy stations submitted by countries to the Radiocommunication Bureau for recording in the Master International Frequency Register, as well as those that are submitted under the relevant provisions of the Radio Regulations or which are subject to the Appendices 30 and 30A Plans for the Broadcasting Satellite Service and the Appendix 30B Plan for the Fixed Satellite Service Plan. The information published corresponds to the recorded assignments as well as the notifications still being processed.
The second part of the BR IFIC deals with terrestrial services. It contains a permanently updated edition of the International Frequency List with regard to terrestrial services, as well as permanently updated versions of the frequency allotment or assignment plans for terrestrial services that are drawn up under the auspices of the ITU. In addition, it contains information on the frequency assignments submitted by countries to the Radiocommunication Bureau for recording in the Master International Frequency Register and in the various regional or worldwide Plans/Agreements.
In order to protect a nation's sovereign rights, there is also a need to analyze on a regular basis the regulatory material published by the ITU in order to determine if there is a potential impact on the country's use of the spectrum and, if so, involvement in the relevant procedures set out in the Radio Regulations is required.
The BR International Frequency Information Circular is published on CD-ROM ROM (for space services) and on DVD (for terrestrial services) every two weeks. One copy of the BR IFIC (consolidated package) is provided to the ITU Member States' Administrations responsible for radiocommunication matters.
There is also a need for submission of information for publication by the ITU in various service documents. Such documents include List IV – List of Coast Stations, List V – List of Ship Stations, List VI –List of Radio-determination and Special Service Stations, List VII A – List of Call Signs and Numerical Identities of Stations Used by the Maritime Mobile and Maritime Mobile-Satellite Services, List VIII – List of International Monitoring Stations and List VIII A – List of Stations in the Space Radiocommunication Services and in the Radio Astronomy Service (twice per year on DVD). Again, there is a need to review these publications on a regular and ongoing basis.