Article 1: Definitions
Article 1 contains definitions used throughout the Radio Regulations. The amateur service is defined as a radiocommunication service for self-training, intercommunication and technical investigations by duly authorised persons interested in radio technique, carried out with a personal aim and without pecuniary interest.
Article 5: Frequency allocations
Article 5 contains the international Table of Frequency Allocations. It identifies which radio services may use each frequency range in the different ITU Regions. Footnotes may add conditions or limits.
Article 18: Licences
Article 18 deals with licences for transmitting stations. In general, a transmitting station must operate under the authority of the responsible administration. Amateur operators need the required national certificate or authorisation.
Article 19: Identification
Article 19 contains provisions about identification of stations. The identification system supports the proper use and control of radio services. Amateur stations must use the call sign assigned by their administration.
Article 25: Amateur services
Article 25 is the main ITU article for amateur and amateur-satellite services. It covers international amateur communications, third-party messages, operator qualifications, Morse-code decisions by administrations, power limits and station identification.
Article 25.1
Radiocommunication between amateur stations of different countries is permitted unless the administration of one of the countries concerned has notified an objection to such communication.
Article 25.2
International amateur transmissions must be limited to communications related to the purposes of the amateur service and remarks of a personal character.
Article 25.2A
International amateur transmissions must not be encoded to obscure their meaning. The stated exception concerns control signals exchanged between earth command stations and space stations in the amateur-satellite service.
Article 25.3
International transmissions on behalf of third parties are permitted only in emergencies or disaster relief, subject to the decision of the administration concerned.
Article 25.5 and 25.6
Administrations decide whether Morse proficiency is required and verify the operational and technical qualifications of people seeking to operate amateur stations.
Article 25.7
The maximum power of amateur stations is fixed by the administrations concerned. This is why an operator must follow India's notified power limits, not assume one worldwide maximum.
Article 25.8 and 25.9
Other relevant ITU provisions apply to amateur stations. During transmissions, amateur stations must send their call signs at short intervals. India's Annexure gives the more specific local identification procedure.
Article 25.9A and 25.9B
The ITU encourages administrations to allow amateur stations to support disaster relief. It also allows administrations to decide whether visiting foreign amateurs may operate temporarily in their territory, subject to local conditions.
International Telecommunication Convention
The Convention establishes the ITU framework and the obligations of its Member States. The Radio Regulations operate within this wider international system.