nov 03, 2026

Rohde & Schwarz welcomes the publication of the ITU's Spectrum Monitoring Handbook, 2026 edition

As part of the company’s long‑standing partnership with the ITU, Rohde & Schwarz joined an international collaboration and contributed substantial technical expertise to the newly revised and recently published handbook.

Munich, 03.11.2026 — Rohde & Schwarz welcomes the publication of the ITU’s sixth edition of the Spectrum Monitoring Handbook. The updated handbook is a practical guide for running spectrum monitoring services and highlights how spectrum monitoring helps plan and protect communications infrastructure. Authorities can use the handbook to improve monitoring and make more efficient use of scarce spectrum resources.

Major advancements have been made since 2011. The sixth edition of the handbook pairs technical essentials (hardware selection, measurement techniques, and geolocation) with modern requirements such as networking, cybersecurity, and the integration of artificial intelligence and machine learning (AI/ML). Authorities worldwide can build a future‑proof monitoring infrastructure with the help of the handbook. The new handbook provides actionable support across all strategic and operational contexts, from initial procurement and system acceptance to daily operation, quality assurance, and interference mitigation.

“Wireless connectivity is ever more important to society and the economy and effective spectrum management requires modern monitoring infrastructure for reliable measurement data and international cooperation,” said Uwe Bäder, Director of Global Corporate Affairs at Rohde & Schwarz. “This handbook is an international reference that helps administrators meet the technical and operational challenges of modern radio services. Rohde & Schwarz is proud to have provided active expert consultation and technical input for the revision.”

The updated handbook underwent a broad international review and was developed in a multi‑stakeholder revision process led by an ITU Rapporteur Group. Over 100 documents and liaison statements were part of the revision, with Rohde & Schwarz experts among the substantive contributors.

ITU‑R Study Group 1 and Working Party 1C initiated work on the first version of the handbook in 2023. Key revision milestones were dedicated Rapporteur Group meetings in Geneva in 2024 and 2025, and another at Rohde & Schwarz in Munich in March 2026. ITU‑R Study Group 1 approved the handbook text in June 2026 and the English edition was recently published on October 22, 2026. Other translations will follow in 2027. Rohde & Schwarz has taken part in ITU work since 1964, has contributed to ITU‑R, ITU‑D, and ITU‑T activities, and has supported ITU Academy spectrum monitoring training courses in Munich and Singapore.

Press & media contact

Rohde & Schwarz

Rohde & Schwarz is striving for a safer and connected world with its Test & Measurement, Aerospace & Defense and Critical Infrastructure & Networks Divisions. For over 90 years, the global technology group has pushed technical boundaries with developments in cutting-edge technologies. The company's leading-edge products and solutions empower industrial, regulatory and government customers to attain technological and digital sovereignty. The privately owned, Munich based company can act independently, long-term and sustainably. Rohde & Schwarz generated net revenue of EUR 3.6 billion in the 2025/26 fiscal year (July to June). On June 30, 2026, Rohde & Schwarz had more than 16,500 employees worldwide.

R&S® is a registered trademark of Rohde & Schwarz GmbH & Co. KG.