IARU Region 3 Advances Amateur Radio Interests on the Road to WRC-27

The International Amateur Radio Union Region 3 (IARU R3) has continued its important work representing amateur and amateur-satellite interests in international spectrum discussions, participating in the third meeting of the APT Conference Preparatory Group for WRC-27 (APG27-3) in Sapporo, Japan. Held from 27 to 31 July 2026, the meeting brought together more than 800 participants from across the Asia-Pacific as preparations continue for the 2027 World Radiocommunication Conference (WRC-27).

IARU Region 3 submitted its preliminary views on WRC-27 issues affecting amateur radio and participated in working parties, drafting groups and plenary discussions. Five agenda items were identified as being of particular interest: possible additional radiolocation allocations between 231.5 and 275 GHz, satellite direct-to-mobile connectivity, future lunar communications, receive-only space-weather sensors and potential agenda items for future World Radiocommunication Conferences. Australian amateur Dale Hughes VK1DSH also participated online as part of the international organisation and affiliate membership.

A major objective was ensuring that new spectrum uses do not adversely affect existing amateur and amateur-satellite allocations or unnecessarily constrain their future development. IARU Region 3 reported positive outcomes, with the APT Preliminary Views recognising the importance of protecting incumbent services and undertaking appropriate sharing and compatibility studies before introducing new spectrum uses. Of particular interest was WRC-27 Agenda Item 1.15 concerning communications on and around the Moon. IARU argued that future Space Research Service allocations should not degrade amateur or amateur-satellite operations, while discussions also recognised the importance of protecting the Shielded Zone of the Moon and Radio Astronomy.

For Australian amateurs, this work demonstrates why representation through the WIA, IARU Region 3 and IARU internationally matters. Amateur spectrum exists alongside increasingly intense commercial, scientific and government demand, and protecting it requires sustained technical work long before decisions reach a World Radiocommunication Conference. APG27-3 is another step in that process, with APG27-4 scheduled for 25–30 January 2027 in Thailand, followed by APG27-5 in the Republic of Korea in August 2027.

Read the full IARU Region 3 report:
IARU Region 3 – APG27-3 Sapporo report Link

Page Last Updated: Monday, 17 Aug 2026 at 09:03 hours by Justin Giles-clark

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