Technical
Frequency Coordination
The process of obtaining and protecting radio frequency assignments for space communications through national and international regulatory bodies.
Frequency coordination is essential for satellite operations, ensuring non-interference with other radio services and compliance with international telecommunications regulations.
Regulatory Framework
- ITU Radio Regulations (international)
- National spectrum authorities
- EU coordination through CEPT
ITU Filing Process
- Advance Publication Information (API): Initial notification
- Coordination Request: Detailed technical parameters
- Coordination Negotiations: Resolve interference issues
- Notification: Formal registration
- Bringing into Use: Operational confirmation
Frequency Bands Common satellite bands:
- L-band: 1-2 GHz (mobile, navigation)
- S-band: 2-4 GHz (telemetry, mobile)
- C-band: 4-8 GHz (broadcast, data)
- X-band: 8-12 GHz (military, weather)
- Ku-band: 12-18 GHz (broadcast, data)
- Ka-band: 26-40 GHz (broadband)
- V-band: 40-75 GHz (emerging)
Link to space authorisation Several national space laws make compliance with ITU rules a licensing condition (e.g. Finland, Laki 63/2018 § 5(2)(7); Denmark, LOV 409/2016 § 6(1) no. 8; Norway, romloven § 6(c)). The EU Space Act proposal (COM(2025) 335) would not cover radio-spectrum authorisation (Art. 2(3)(c)).