The main features of international regulations on radio communications of the International Telecommunication Union are summarized and the possible effects on these regulations of the World Administrative Radio Conference of 1979 (WARC-79) are discussed in this paper. It is noted that while the international radio regulations are regarded as adequate by some countries, developing countries have difficulty in obtaining access to the radio spectrum since it is congested by the earliest users. Results of the WARC-79 that dealt with improving these regulations are reviewed in the following areas: (1) modifications of the table of frequency allocations and the associated procedures designed to facilitate the application of these modifications, (2) adoption of new procedures designed to facilitate access to the spectrum by the developing countries, and (3) the decision to convene conferences for planning space services and short wave broadcasting services. It is noted that compromises were reached consisting of a procedure that gives priority to the requirements of the developing countries without dividing up the spectrum. (MKM)