The Frequency Management department of BIPT is charged with the management of the Belgian radio spectrum. That task includes both the daily frequency allocations and frequency coordination for the Belgian spectrum, as well as the long-term policy relating to frequency plans and frequency reorganisation. The service also monitors the correct application of the various international agreements signed by Belgium with respect to the use of the electromagnetic spectrum.
The majority of the files relating to frequency assignments are treated in the context of the 1993 Vienna Agreement. The department handles both exclusive frequency allocations as well as common, collective and temporary allocations in the 29.7 to 960 MHz band, for fixed services and land mobile services.
Applications may come from operators (such as trunking or GSM operators) or from individual spectrum users. Applications subject to a licence (both public and private) must first pass through the Licensing department before being analysed by the Frequency department from a technical perspective.
The administrative department of the Vienna Agreement cell performs coordination with neighbouring countries.
As a federal organisation, BIPT is not authorised to plan broadcasting frequencies. This is the task of the three Communities. Nevertheless, the Frequency Management department still handles the current coordination applications and monitors the application of the international agreements (1975 and 1984 Geneva Agreements, 1961 Stockholm Agreement, 1995 Wiesbaden Agreement, 1997 LEGBAC Agreement and Chester Agreement). These agreements relate to audio broadcasting, television broadcasting, FM broadcasting and aeronautical compatibility, TDAB (Terrestrial Digital Audio Broadcasting) and DVB-T (Terrestrial Digital Video Broadcasting).
Frequency coordination for satellite links (earth stations, networks, and so forth) and radio-relay links are also included in the task of the Frequency department. This concerns requests for satellites in the context of the Articles of the Radio Regulations and also files from satellite organisations (EUTELSAT, INTELSAT, INMARSAT).
The department also manages the frequencies for the maritime mobile service. This also occurs in the general context of the Vienna Agreement, with application, however, of specific rules recorded in the Brussels Rainwat Arrangement.
The department also represents BIPT in a series of international organisations such as ARFA (NATO), ITU-R (International Telecommunication Union – Radiocommunication), CEPT/ERC (European Conference of Postal and Telecommunications Administrations /European Radiocommunications Committee) and participates in the World Radio Conferences.