The amateur and amateur-satellite services are allocated relatively narrow frequency bands located throughout the spectrum from 135.7 kHz to 250 GHz. Protecting spectrum access by qualified operators on a non-commercial basis is the principal mission of the IARU.

The IARU is recognized as the representative of the amateur and amateur-satellite services by the ITU as well as by the regional telecommunications organizations (RTOs) that play an important role in the the WRC process. The IARU member-societies are responsible for representing the IARU to their national telecommunications administrations and regulators.