The Australian Communications and Media Authority maintains a high profile within the international radiocommunications community, particularly activities of the International Telecommunication Union Radiocommunication Sector (ITU-R).
The ACMA coordinates Australia's input to the ITU-R in setting international standards for radiocommunications. This culminates in the ITU treaty level World Radiocommunication Conference (WRC) held every four years.
The next WRC is scheduled for 2015 (WRC-15) in Geneva, Switzerland.
Preparation for international meetings involves the ACMA overseeing extensive industry and stakeholder consultation. This is led by the ACMA's Preparatory Group for WRC-15 (PG WRC-15) and the Australian Radiocommunications Study Groups (ARSGs).
Australian industry and stakeholder involvement is essential in ensuring that decisions and future developments of international radiocommunications regulation are in the best interest of Australia. ARSGs are chaired by government or industry representatives and coordinated by the ACMA. There are six ARSGs, which mirror the work of the ITU-R Study Groups.
An important part in the WRC preparatory process involves the ACMA working closely with the Asia-Pacific Telecommunity (APT) to achieve a coordinated approach to radiocommunications issues in the Asia-Pacific Region. Cooperation within the APT results in Australia's positions and proposals to a WRC being harmonised with those of other countries in the region, this maximises the likelihood of Australian positions being successful at a WRC.
The objectives and intended outputs of the ACMA's involvement in regional telecommunications and radiocommunications standardisation activities are detailed in the Regional strategy.
