RSGB experts contribute to IARU R1 conference

| September 11, 2026

The International Amateur Radio Union general conference is taking from 19-23 September in Vienna, Austria. Representatives of national societies from across Region 1 will meet to discuss 100 papers on a wide range of amateur radio topics.

A significant body of work has been undertaken by RSGB volunteers and specialists to prepare for the conference, and the RSGB has submitted ten papers, making it the largest contributor of any of the member societies. The four key areas where the Society will have input are:

  • Spectrum protection and HF strategy – we are proposing a strategic review of HF spectrum across Region 1, bringing together spectrum, regulatory, HF and EMC expertise to identify emerging threats and co-ordinate international responses
  • Protecting 430–440MHz – we have input highlights increasing international pressures on UHF spectrum, including satellite systems and competing uses, and the need for Member Societies and IARU specialists to identify threats early and coordinate their response. This is a particularly good example of an issue that cannot effectively be addressed by one country alone
  • IARU Region 1 Governance – we have put considerable effort into the proposed new Constitution and Bylaws (they keep calling them Byelaws!) and wider organisational changes, with the aim of ensuring clear, accountable and effective governance for the future of Amateur Radio. I think we have submitted more feedback than any other member Society
  • Licensing and examinations – we have also contributed in relation to online examinations and CEPT/HAREC arrangements, including the international recognition of amateur qualifications and licences.

The Society would like to thank Spectrum Forum Chair Murray Niman, G6JYB who led the RSGB expert team who prepared the Society’s papers for the conference. Murray will attend the conference in person with RSGB Head of Delegation RSGB President Bob Beebe, GU4YOX, RSGB HF Manager Ian Greenshields, G4FSU and Board Director Nathan Nuttall, MM9OCC who has been contributing to the international development of youth amateur radio through the IARU Region 1’s Youth Committee.

Other RSGB volunteers, some of whom also volunteer for IARU RI, will contribute their expertise either in person or online during the conference. These include IARU R1 Spectrum Lead Barry Lewis, G4SJH; IARU R1 Emergency Comms Coordinator Greg Mossop, G0DUB; IARU R1 Satellite Coordinator Graham Shirville, G3VZV; RSGB VHF Manager John Regnault, G4SWX; members of the EMC Committee; RSGB Board Director Patrick Wood, 2E0IFB; and RSGB General Manager Steve Thomas, M1ACB.

You can read all the papers submitted for the conference on the IARU R1 website

Look out for updates on the Society’s comms channels during and after the conference as well as a fuller write-up in RadCom after the event.

 

Category: Front Page News, GB2RS Headlines, RSGB Notices