Frequency Coordination

Frequency Coordination is a technical and regulatory process which is intended to remove or mitigate radio-frequency interference between different radio systems which utilize the same operational frequency.

Normally frequency coordination is undertaken by "administrations" (i.e. national governmental spectrum regulators) as part of a formal regulatory process under the procedures of the Radio Regulations (an intergovernmental treaty text regulating the use and sharing of the radio frequency spectrum.

Before an “administration” allows an operator to commence operation of a new radiocommunications network it must in principle undergo coordination. This involves the following steps:

• Inform other operators about the plans
• Receive comments if appropriate
• Conduct technical discussions with priority networks
• Agree technical and operational parameters
• Gain international recognition and protection on the Master International Frequency Register
• Bring the network into use

Coordination thus ensures:

• All administrations know the technical plans of other administrations
• All operators (satellite and terrestrial) have the opportunity to determine if unacceptable interference is likely to be caused to their existing and planned “priority” networks
• An opportunity to object
• An opportunity to discuss and review
• An opportunity to reach technical and operational sharing agreements

Coordination is thus closely bound to "date of protection" or "priority", defined by the date on which complete coordination data is received by the ITU. New planned networks must coordinate with all networks with an earlier “date of protection” but are protected against all networks with a later "date of protection". Planned (but not implemented) networks acquire status under this procedure but time limits ensure that protection is not for ever if networks are not implemented.

Congress Authorizes FCC

In 1982, Congress also provided the FCC with the authority to use frequency coordinators:

• Assist in developing and managing spectrum.
• Recommend appropriate frequencies (designated under Part 90)