A method operates a radio communication system in which network radio devices use radio resources in order to communicate with subscriber stations. A first network radio device performs direct tuning with a second network radio device using the respectively used radio resources. The first and/or the second network radio device send(s) a request for a decision about radio resources to be used by the first and/or the second network radio device to a device. Subsequent to the request, the first and/or the second network radio device receive(s) information from the device about radio resources to be used by the first and/or the second network radio device. A radio communication system carries out the method.