Guardians of the airwaves: ITU Radio Regulations Board
In today’s world, satellites guide aircraft, mobile networks power economies, and radio signals enable everything from emergency broadcasts to deep-space exploration. With so much connectivity, radio-frequency spectrum has become one of our planet’s most vital resources.
Safeguarding that resource is the responsibility of the International Telecommunication Union (ITU), the organization that has helped countries and industries coordinate their spectrum usage for over a century. In its modern form, ITU oversees spectrum use through its Radiocommunication Bureau, alongside an expert body — the Radio Regulations Board (RRB).
The RRB is entrusted with interpreting and applying the Radio Regulations, an international treaty governing the use of radio-frequency spectrum and satellite orbits. Its role ensures equitable, interference-free access to spectrum for all nations.
A milestone year in spectrum coordination
Between 10 and 14 November 2025, the RRB holds its 100th meeting and celebrates its 30-year anniversary — a significant milestone in global spectrum governance.
ITU Secretary-General Doreen Bogdan-Martin emphasized the Board’s enduring contribution:
“For decades, the RRB has upheld the principles of fairness, transparency, and technical excellence in managing the radio-frequency spectrum — a resource that underpins everything from satellite communications and broadcasting to emergency services and global navigation. As the world becomes increasingly connected, the Board’s work ensures that spectrum is shared equitably and used efficiently, enabling innovation while safeguarding critical services. Its role is central to ITU’s mission to connect the world and to foster a regulatory environment that supports sustainable digital transformation for all.”
Origins of global spectrum stewardship
International radio regulation began in 1906, when 30 nations met in Berlin to sign the International Radiotelegraph Convention, establishing the globally recognized distress signal “SOS” and laying the foundation for modern maritime safety and communications.
The formation of the International Frequency Registration Board (IFRB) in 1959 provided a framework to manage frequency assignments and enable interference-free services globally. ITU structural reforms in 1992 replaced the IFRB with the RRB and established the Radiocommunication Bureau, which took over the Master International Frequency Register (MIFR) and became responsible for processing filings for the use of radio frequencies.
What the Board does
The RRB is a panel of independent experts elected by ITU Member States. It interprets and applies the Radio Regulations, Regional Agreements, Resolutions, and Recommendations of World and Regional Radiocommunication Conferences to guide the registration of frequency assignments.
The MIFR database today contains over 3.1 million terrestrial and 4.1 million space service frequency assignments.
The Board’s key functions include:
- Considering reports from the Director of the Radiocommunication Bureau.
- Approving new or revised Rules of Procedure.
- Reviewing findings by the Bureau upon request from administrations.
- Considering appeals against Bureau decisions.
- Investigating harmful interference and alleged contraventions of the Radio Regulations.
- Addressing unresolved matters referred by the Bureau.
- Advising ITU conferences on regulatory matters.
- Examining items requested by administrations, Board members, or the Director of the Bureau.
How it works
The Board comprises twelve members elected by ITU’s Plenipotentiary Conference, which meets every four years. Members represent five ITU electoral regions — Americas, Western Europe, Eastern Europe and Northern Asia, Africa, and Asia and Australasia — and serve independently on a part-time basis, for up to two four-year terms.
The Board’s decisions are published in ITU’s publicly accessible Summary of Decisions and Approved Minutes, reinforcing transparency and accountability.
Mario Maniewicz, Director of the ITU Radiocommunication Bureau and Executive Secretary of the RRB, remarked:
“This 100th meeting is not just a numerical milestone — it’s a testament to the enduring spirit of cooperation and technical excellence that defines this Board. It has helped forge a stable, predictable regulatory environment essential for the development of innovative radiocommunication services for all. I count on the continued expertise and dedication of our members to leave a legacy of prosperity for billions across the globe.”
Resolving cases of harmful interference
When harmful interference cases are referred to it, the RRB examines the investigation details, formulates recommendations, and seeks resolution based on the Radio Regulations. The Board aims to resolve issues impartially and fairly, often through coordination and cooperation between affected parties.
Agostinho Linhares de Souza Filho from Brazil, current Chair of the RRB, stated:
“This week, we celebrate not only a milestone in our history but also the enduring spirit of international cooperation that underpins our work. Since its establishment, the RRB has stood as a guardian of fairness, transparency, and technical excellence in the application of the Radio Regulations. Together, we continue to ensure that the global radio spectrum — one of humanity’s most valuable shared resources — serves all nations and peoples equitably, driving innovation and interference-free radio communications.”
Looking ahead
As the global digital landscape grows more complex — the Board’s role is becoming ever more critical. Countries, organizations, and individuals worldwide will continue to rely on this key ITU organ to ensure that radio spectrum usage remains efficient, equitable, and viable for the future.
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Header image credit: ITU
