Experts: Building International Coalitions Key Ahead of World Radiocommunication Conference

Regulators and companies prepare for high-stakes global spectrum negotiations in 2027

Published on Feb. 24, 2026

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Experts say building coalitions with allied countries will be crucial for the United States as it prepares for the 2027 World Radiocommunication Conference (WRC), where global spectrum use goals are set every four years. The U.S. will have opportunities to shape proposals at regional meetings, but faces challenges in aligning with some countries in the Americas that have different relationships with China. Key issues include the 4.4 GHz, 7/8 GHz, and 15 GHz bands, as well as power limits on low-Earth orbit satellite constellations.

Why it matters

The WRC is a high-stakes global negotiation that determines how spectrum will be used worldwide for the next four years. The U.S. wants to ensure its interests and priorities are represented, but faces the challenge of building consensus with a diverse set of countries that may have different geopolitical and economic interests.

The details

The U.S. will have chances to make its case at April and December meetings of the Inter-American Telecommunication Commission (CITEL), where countries in the Americas try to align on proposals. However, some countries in the region have less antagonistic relationships with China, complicating the U.S. efforts. There's also the November 2026 International Telecommunication Union's Plenipotentiary Conference, where countries will set the ITU's direction and elect officials. Two Americans, including the current ITU Secretary-General, are running for positions. On specific agenda items, the U.S. is divided on whether to support licensed mobile use of the 7.125-7.4 GHz band, with mobile carriers and vendors on one side and cable/tech companies on the other, awaiting a federal spectrum study.

  • The World Radiocommunication Conference will be held from October 18 to November 12, 2027 in Shanghai, China.
  • The Inter-American Telecommunication Commission (CITEL) will hold meetings in April and December 2026 to help shape proposals.
  • The International Telecommunication Union's Plenipotentiary Conference will be held in November 2026.

The players

Umair Javed

CTIA's SVP and general counsel.

David Redl

Founder of Salt Point Strategies and former head of the National Telecommunications and Information Administration during President Donald Trump's first term.

Doreen Bogdan-Martin

The current Secretary-General of the International Telecommunication Union, who is seeking reelection.

Jennifer Warren

An American running for a spot on the Radio Regulation Board of the International Telecommunication Union.

Arielle Roth

The current NTIA Administrator, who is studying the 7.125-7.4 GHz band used by the federal government.

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What they’re saying

“It really does feel like the most important proposals are often shaped at the regional level long before they're submitted to the conference. Oftentimes what that means is you go into the conference with these proposals already enjoying a whole lot of support. They've got a lot of momentum from day one.”

— Umair Javed, CTIA's SVP and general counsel (broadbandbreakfast.com)

“The countries of CITEL do not necessarily see eye-to-eye, but when we do and we get to an inter-American proposal [IAP] together, it's a hard fought victory. There's usually a lot of arm linking that goes on once you've gotten to an IAP.”

— David Redl, Founder of Salt Point Strategies and former NTIA head (broadbandbreakfast.com)

“It's not where everyone's going to show their hand completely, but you might get one or two cards that get played and make you think, 'Wait a minute, they're definitely not where I thought they were.' That'll be a very telling moment for all of us.”

— David Redl, Founder of Salt Point Strategies and former NTIA head (broadbandbreakfast.com)

What’s next

The FCC is taking comments on its WRC advisory committee's recommendations until March 6, 2026. The NTIA's study on the 7.125-7.4 GHz band is expected to be completed in the next year.

The takeaway

The 2027 World Radiocommunication Conference will be a critical global negotiation that determines spectrum use for years to come. The U.S. faces the challenge of building international coalitions and aligning diverse interests, while also resolving domestic disagreements on key agenda items like the 7 GHz band. Success at the WRC will require careful diplomacy and strategic positioning in the lead-up to the conference.