The Inter-American Telecommunication Commission, known by its Spanish abbreviation CITEL (pronounced see-TELL), serves as the coordinator for the Organization of American States in telecommunications matters. Both the ARRL and IARU Region 2 are recognized by CITEL as partners in furthering the work on telecommunications in the Americas.

CITEL is important to Amateur Radio in at least two ways. First, it is the body through which the telecommunications administrations in the Americas coordinate their preparations for World Radiocommunication Conferences. Proposals that have the support of a regional telecommunications organization stand a much better chance of acceptance at a WRC than do proposals from one or two administrations. The ARRL participates in CITEL’s WRC preparations as part of the United States delegation to Committee and Working Group meetings.

CITEL is also the body that created the International Amateur Radio Permit (IARP). The IARP is similar in concept to the International Driving Permit and is valid in certain countries in the Americas. The IARP is available to amateurs who are US citizens from the ARRL.