In telecommunication, frequency assignment authority is the power granted an administration, or its designated or delegated leader or agency via treaty or law, to specify frequencies, or frequency bands, in the electromagnetic spectrum for use in systems or equipment.
International frequency assignment authority is vested in the Radiocommunication Bureau of the International Telecommunication Union (ITU). In the United States, primary frequency assignment authority is exercised by the National Telecommunications and Information Administration (NTIA) for the Federal Government and by the Federal Communications Commission (FCC) for non-Federal Government organizations.
In Europe each country has regulatory input into the progress of European and international policy, standards, and legislation governing these sectors through their respective telecom regulators.
Frequency management for Europe is driven by a number of organisations. These include the:
- European Union (EU)
- Independent Regulator's Group (IRG)
- European Conference of Postal and Telecommunications Administrations (CEPT)
- European Radiocommunications Office (ERO)
- International Telecommunication Union (ITU)
In July 2002, the European Commission also established the European Regulators Group for Electronic Communications Networks and Services; creating, for the first time, a formal structure for interaction and coordination between the European Commission and regulators in all EU Member States to ensure consistent application of European legislation.
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