About - Revathi Mannepalli

Vision

BRIDGING THE DIGITAL DIVIDE BEGINS WITH FAIR ACCESS TO THE FUNDAMENTAL BUILDING BLOCKS OF CONNECTIVITY SPECTRUM AND ORBITAL RESOURCES

Revathi Mannepalli is a globally recognized expert in spectrum management and regulatory affairs, with 29 years of experience in the international telecommunications sector. As an elected member of the ITU Radio Regulations Board (RRB), she brings deep expertise in applying Radio Regulations, resolving disputes and championing equitable access to spectrum and orbital resources. Her strategic insights and hands-on leadership makes her exceptionally qualified to shape the future direction of ITU-BR.

Engagement with the ITU

Member, ITU, Radio Regulatory Board (2023-2026)

• Restoration of Orbital Rights: Supported 41 African countries in reclaiming satellite orbital positions; acknowledged by ATU. • Advisory to WRC-23: Provided technical and regulatory guidance in resolving key agenda issues. • Cross-Border NGSO Regulation: Enforced regulatory actions against unauthorized terminal operations and initiated a WRC-27 agenda item. • Equitable Spectrum Use: Advocated regulatory flexibility for developing nations under Article 44 of ITU Constitution. • NGSO Fairness: Contributed to global study items for WRC-27

engagement with other International Forums.

• International Telecommunication Satellite Organization (2015–Present): -Asia-Pacific Frequency Expert in the Frequency Working Party. • International Arbitration (Spectrum Regulatory Expert): - Permanent Court of Arbitration, Hague – 2018, 2024 - ICC International Court of Arbitration, Paris – 2019 - International Dispute Resolution Centre, London – 2024.

Regional Engagement

• 2025: Chaired SATRC sessions on NGSO and 6G. • 2024: Led National Study Group and finalized Indian/APT contributions for WRC-27. • 2023: Chaired APT sessions on interference; aligned Indian proposals with APT Common Proposals for WRC-23. • 2022: Participated in APT Preparatory Meeting for PP-22. • 2017–2015: Drafting Group Chair for WTDC-17; contributed to IMT issues at AWG and APG

National Expertise in Spectrum Management

Policy and Legal:

-Key contributor to the Telecommunications Act, 2023

- Member, IN-SPACe Spectrum Committee

- Key contributor to the National Frequency Allocation Plan

• Technical and Regulatory:

- Led 6G spectrum release planning - Conducted spectrum auctions (2012–2016)

- Drafted IFMC, SRD, M2M, and IoT rules

- Automated end-to-end spectrum licensing

- Chaired 5G–Altimeter coexistence committee

- Secured orbit-spectrum resources for Aditya, MOM, Chandrayaan missions 4

• International Coordination:

- Represented India in bilateral interference resolutions (Bangladesh, Sri Lanka, Oman, Afghanistan)

- Engaged SAARC nations on Ku-band regional satellite coordination

- Shared best practices with Kenyan and Tanzanian spectrum regulators (2022–2023