ITU Radio Regulations Board

100th meeting and 30 year anniversary

The ITU Radio Regulations Board (RRB) is celebrating its 100th meeting and 30-year anniversary.

The RRB is responsible for the application and interpretation of the Radio Regulations – the international treaty governing the use of the radio-frequency spectrum and satellite orbits.

The RRB ensures that these regulations are consistently and fairly applied to all ITU member states.

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Celebrating the 100th Meeting

By helping to ensure the fair and equal use of spectrum, the RRB promotes innovation, safeguards critical services, and supports sustainable digital transformation for all.

Doreen Bogdan-Martin
Secretary-General
ITU

The 100th meeting of the RRB reflects decades of global cooperation and technical excellence—building a stable regulatory environment that empowers innovation and connects billions.

Mario Maniewicz
Director, Radiocommunication Bureau
ITU
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Guardians of the Airwaves

The ITU Radio Regulations Board (RRB) is a panel of elected 12 radiocommunication experts who ensure fair and interference-free access to the radio-frequency spectrum—a vital resource for everything from satellites and mobile networks to emergency broadcasts.

Current Board Members

Chair and Vice-Chair

Agostinho Linhares De Souza

Agostinho Linhares De Souza

Brazil

Elected to the RRB: 2022
Chair: 2025
Vice-Chair: 2024
Sahiba Hasanova

Sahiba Hasanova

Azerbaijan

Elected to the RRB: 2018, 2022
Vice-Chair: 2025

Members

Edmund Y. Fianko

Edmund Y. Fianko

Ghana

Elected to the RRB: 2022
Elsayed Azzouz

Elsayed Azzouz

Egypt

Elected to the RRB: 2018, 2022
Chair: 2023
Vice-Chair: 2021, 2022
​Hassan Talib

​Hassan Talib

Morocco

Elected to the RRB: 2018, ​2022
Jianjun Cheng

Jianjun Cheng

China

Elected to the RRB: 2022
Majed Alkahtani

Majed Alkahtani

Saudi Arabia

Elected to the RRB: 2022
Mauro Di Crescenzo

Mauro Di Crescenzo

Italy

Elected to the RRB: 2022
Revathi Mannepalli

Revathi Mannepalli

India

Elected to the RRB: 2022
​Rizat Nurshabekov

​Rizat Nurshabekov

Kazakhstan

Elected to the RRB: 2022
Yvon Henri

Yvon Henri

France

Elected to the RRB: 2018, 2022
Chair: 2024
Vice-Chair: 2023
Chantal Beaumier

Chantal Beaumier

Canada

Elected to the RRB: 2018, 2022
Chair: 2020
Vice-Chair: 2019

RRB Secretariat

Mario Maniewicz

Mario Maniewicz

Executive Secretary
from 2019 to today 

Karlis Bogens

Karlis Bogens

Meeting Secretary
from 2025 to today

​Karine Gozal

​Karine Gozal

Administrative Assistant
from 2011 to today

Former Executive Secretaries

Robert W. Jones

Robert W. Jones

Executive Secretary
1995 – 2002

Valery Timofeev

Valery Timofeev

Executive Secretary
2003 – 2010

François Rancy

François Rancy

Executive Secretary
2011 – 2018

Former Meeting Secretaries

Nangapuram Venkatesh

Meeting Secretary
2010 – 2013
2003 – 2008

Nelson Malaguti

Meeting Secretary
2009

David Botha

Meeting Secretary
2014 – 2024

Former Administrative Assistants

Carmen Revenga

Administrative Assistant
1999 – 2000

Dolores Gavard

Administrative Assistant
1998

Merle McMahon

Administrative Assistant
1995 – 1997

Pamela Type

Administrative Assistant
2001 – 2010

Former Board Members

Radio Regulations Board 2018-2022

T. Alamri

T. Alamri

Saudi Arabia

Elected to the RRB: 2018
Chairman: 2022
Elsayed Azzouz

Elsayed Azzouz

Egypt

Elected to the RRB: 2018, 2022
Chair: 2023
Vice-Chair: 2021, 2022
Chantal Beaumier

Chantal Beaumier

Canada

Elected to the RRB: 2018, 2022
Chair: 2020
Vice-Chair: 2019
Yvon Henri

Yvon Henri

France

Elected to the RRB: 2018, 2022
Chair: 2024
Vice-Chair: 2023
​Hassan Talib

​Hassan Talib

Morocco

Elected to the RRB: 2018, ​2022
S. Mchunu

S. Mchunu

South Africa

Elected to the RRB: 2018
​A. Hashimoto

​A. Hashimoto

Japan

Elected to the RRB: 2018
​D. Q. Hoan

​D. Q. Hoan

Vietnam

Elected to the RRB: 2018
​L. F. Borjón

​L. F. Borjón

Mexico

Elected to the RRB: 2018
​L. Jeanty

​L. Jeanty

The Netherlands

Elected to the RRB: 2014, 2018
Chairman: 2016, 2019
Vice-Chairman: 2015
​N. Varlamov

​N. Varlamov

Russia

Elected to the RRB: 2018
Chairman: 2021
Vice-Chairman: 2020

Radio Regulations Board 2014-2018

A. Magenta

A. Magenta

Italy

Elected to the RRB: 2010; 2014
I. Khairov

I. Khairov

Ukraine

Elected to the RRB: 2014
Chairman: 2017
Vice-Chairman: 2016
J. Wilson

J. Wilson

United States

Elected to the RRB: 2014
Vice-Chairman: 2018
M. Bessi

M. Bessi

Morocco

Elected to the RRB: 2010​, 2014
Chairman: 2018
Vice-Chairman: 2017
N. A. Al Hammadi

N. A. Al Hammadi

United Arab Emirates

Elected to the RRB: 2014
R.L. Terán

R.L. Terán

Argentina

Elected to the RRB: 2010​, 2014
S. Kibe

S. Kibe

Kenya

Elected to the RRB: 2010, 2014
Chairman: 2014
Vice-Chairman: 2013
S. Koffi

S. Koffi

Côte d’Ivoire

Elected to the RRB: 2010​, 2014
V. Strelets​

V. Strelets​

Russia

Elected to the RRB: 2010, 2014
Chairman: 2012
Vice-Chairman: 2011
Y. Ito

Y. Ito

Japan

Elected to the RRB: 2010, 2014
Chairman: 2015
​D. Q. Hoan

​D. Q. Hoan

Vietnam

Elected to the RRB: 2018
​L. Jeanty

​L. Jeanty

The Netherlands

Elected to the RRB: 2014, 2018
Chairman: 2016, 2019
Vice-Chairman: 2015

Radio Regulations Board 2010-2014

A. Magenta

A. Magenta

Italy

Elected to the RRB: 2010; 2014
A. R. Ebadi

A. R. Ebadi

Malaysia

Elected to the RRB: 2006, 2010
Vice-Chairman:​ 2008
B. Nurmatov

B. Nurmatov

Kyrgyz Republic

Elected to the RRB: 2006
J.N. Zoller

J.N. Zoller

United States

Elected to the RRB: 2006, 2010
Chairman: 2008, 2011
Vice-Chairman: 2007
M. Bessi

M. Bessi

Morocco

Elected to the RRB: 2010​, 2014
Chairman: 2018
Vice-Chairman: 2017
M. Zilinskas

M. Zilinskas

Lithuania

Elected to the RRB: 2006
Chairman: 2010
Vice-Chairman: 2009
P.K. Garg

P.K. Garg

India

Elected​ to the RRB: 2006, 2010
Chairman: 2013
Vice-Chairman: 2012
R.L. Terán

R.L. Terán

Argentina

Elected to the RRB: 2010​, 2014
S. Kibe

S. Kibe

Kenya

Elected to the RRB: 2010, 2014
Chairman: 2014
Vice-Chairman: 2013
S. Koffi

S. Koffi

Côte d’Ivoire

Elected to the RRB: 2010​, 2014
V. Strelets​

V. Strelets​

Russia

Elected to the RRB: 2010, 2014
Chairman: 2012
Vice-Chairman: 2011
Y. Ito

Y. Ito

Japan

Elected to the RRB: 2010, 2014
Chairman: 2015

Radio Regulations Board 2006-2010

A. R. Ebadi

A. R. Ebadi

Malaysia

Elected to the RRB: 2006, 2010
Vice-Chairman:​ 2008
A. Zourmba

A. Zourmba

Cameroon

Elected to the RRB: 2002
Chairman: 2007
B. Nurmatov

B. Nurmatov

Kyrgyz Republic

Elected to the RRB: 2006
H. Lebbadi

H. Lebbadi

Morocco

Elected to the RRB: 2002, 2006
Vice-Chairman: 2010
J.N. Zoller

J.N. Zoller

United States

Elected to the RRB: 2006, 2010
Chairman: 2008, 2011
Vice-Chairman: 2007
M. Limodin

M. Limodin

France

Elected to the RRB: 2006
M. Zilinskas

M. Zilinskas

Lithuania

Elected to the RRB: 2006
Chairman: 2010
Vice-Chairman: 2009
P.K. Garg

P.K. Garg

India

Elected​ to the RRB: 2006, 2010
Chairman: 2013
Vice-Chairman: 2012
R.W. Jones

R.W. Jones

Malaysia

Elected to the RRB: 2006, 2010
Vice-Chairman:​ 2008
S. Taylor

S. Taylor

Nigeria

Elected to the RRB: 2002, 2006
Chairman: 2005
Vice-Chairman: 2004
S.A. Malik

S.A. Malik

Pakistan

Elected to the RRB: 2006
W. Moron

W. Moron

Poland

Elected to the RRB: 2002, 2006

Radio Regulations Board 2002-2006

A. Zourmba

A. Zourmba

Cameroon

Elected to the RRB: 2002
Chairman: 2007
A.A. Bajwa

A.A. Bajwa

Pakistan

Elected to the RRB: 2001
C. Merchan Escalante

C. Merchan Escalante

Mexico

Elected to the RRB: 1998, 2002
Vice-Chairman: 2006
G. Kovacs

G. Kovacs

Hungary

Elected to the RRB: 1998, 2002
H. Lebbadi

H. Lebbadi

Morocco

Elected to the RRB: 2002, 2006
Vice-Chairman: 2010
J.R. Carroll

J.R. Carroll

United States

Elected to the RRB: 1998, 2002
Chairman: 2002
Vice-Chairman: 2001
K.S. Lee

K.S. Lee

Korea

Elected to the RRB: 2002
M.R. Simic

M.R. Simic

Serbia

Elected to the RRB: 2002
Chairman: 2004
Vice-Chairman: 2003
P. Aboudarham

P. Aboudarham

France

Elected to the RRB: 1998, 2002
Chairman: 2001, 2006
Vice-Chairman: 2000, 2005
R. Agarwal ​

R. Agarwal ​

India

Elected to the RRB: 1998, 2002
Chairman: 2000, 2003
Vice-Chairman: 1999
S. Taylor

S. Taylor

Nigeria

Elected to the RRB: 2002, 2006
Chairman: 2005
Vice-Chairman: 2004
W. Moron

W. Moron

Poland

Elected to the RRB: 2002, 2006

Radio Regulations Board 1998-2002

A. Toumi

A. Toumi

Morocco

Elected to the RRB: 1998
C. Merchan Escalante

C. Merchan Escalante

Mexico

Elected to the RRB: 1998, 2002
Vice-Chairman: 2006
G. Kovacs

G. Kovacs

Hungary

Elected to the RRB: 1998, 2002
H. Railton

H. Railton

New Zealand

Elected to the RRB: 1998
J. Tandoh

J. Tandoh

Ghana

Elected to the RRB: 1998
J.R. Carroll

J.R. Carroll

United States

Elected to the RRB: 1998, 2002
Chairman: 2002
Vice-Chairman: 2001
K.J.B. Yao

K.J.B. Yao

Côte d’Ivoire

Elected to the RRB: 1994, 1998
Chairman: 1999
Vice-Chairman: 1998
M. Javed

M. Javed

Pakistan

Elected to the RRB: 1998
P. Aboudarham

P. Aboudarham

France

Elected to the RRB: 1998, 2002
Chairman: 2001, 2006
Vice-Chairman: 2000, 2005
R. Agarwal ​

R. Agarwal ​

India

Elected to the RRB: 1998, 2002
Chairman: 2000, 2003
Vice-Chairman: 1999
R.G. Struzak

R.G. Struzak

Poland

Elected to the RRB: 1994, 1998
Vice-Chairman: 2002
V. Timofeev

V. Timofeev

Russia

Elected to the RRB: 1994, 1998
Chairman: 1998
Vice-Chairman: 1997

Radio Regulations Board 1994-1998

G.L. Mutti

G.L. Mutti

Zambia

Elected to the RRB: 1994
H. Kieffer​

H. Kieffer​

Switzerland

Elected to the RRB: 1994
Chairman: 1996
Vice-Chairman: 1995
J.C.F. Albernaz​

J.C.F. Albernaz​

Brazil

Elected to the RRB: 1994
K.J.B. Yao

K.J.B. Yao

Côte d’Ivoire

Elected to the RRB: 1994, 1998
Chairman: 1999
Vice-Chairman: 1998
M. Miura

M. Miura

Japan

Elected to the RRB: 1994
Chairman: 1995
R.G. Struzak

R.G. Struzak

Poland

Elected to the RRB: 1994, 1998
Vice-Chairman: 2002
S. Zhu

S. Zhu

China

Elected to the RRB: 1994
Chairman: 1994
T. Boe

T. Boe

Norway

Elected to the RRB: 1994
V. Timofeev

V. Timofeev

Russia

Elected to the RRB: 1994, 1998
Chairman: 1998
Vice-Chairman: 1997

Reflections from the Chairpersons

This week marks a milestone in our history and a celebration of global cooperation. The RRB remains committed to fairness, transparency, and technical excellence—ensuring the radio spectrum serves all nations equitably and drives innovation.

Mr. Agostinho Linhares De Souza
Chair: 2025 – Vice-Chair: 2024

After 40 years in telecom, I’m proud of the work we’ve done at the ITU RRB—especially this past year as Chair. Tackling satellite harmful interference, including the alarming increase in interference cases affecting safety services receivers in the radionavigation-satellite service (RNSS), the delicate issue of unauthorized transmitting earth stations, supporting Member States to identify viable frequencies in the Appendix 30 and 30A Plans (Resolution 559 (WRC-19)), enhancing equitable access to the frequency bands subject to RR Appendix 30B (Resolution 170 (Rev.WRC-23)), drawing up rules for frequency assignments to stations situated on disputed territories and adapting rules to a fast-changing space industry. It’s been a journey of grit, teamwork, and purpose.

Mr. Yvon Henri
Chair: 2024 – Vice-Chair: 2023

The RRB provided crucial inputs and rulings that directly influenced several key decisions and resolutions at WRC-23, particularly regarding satellite systems and the rational use of orbital and spectrum resources. WRC-2023 ratified the RRB recommendation that allowed 41 countries to acquire new and usable orbital resources for satellite broadcasting.

Mr. Elsayed Azzouz
Chair: 2023 – Vice-Chair: 2021, 2022

As Chair of the RRB ahead of the 2022 @ITUPP,  I was proud to see the Board uphold its commitment to professionalism, transparency, and international cooperation—advancing ITU’s mission in a rapidly evolving spectrum landscape. Today, the Board continues to play a vital role in ensuring fair, interference-free access to spectrum and satellite orbits, despite the growing complexity of regulatory challenges.

Mr. Tariq Alamri
Chair: 2022

Since joining the RRB in 2019 and chairing in 2020, it’s been a journey of resilience and teamwork. We adapted to the pandemic constraints, faced new and complex issues and made landmark decisions and recommendations that were endorsed by the Conference.  Particularly proud we helped 45 administrations—mostly in Africa—restore access to BSS spectrum after WRC-19, paving the way for 41 to secure new assignments at #ITUWRC.

Ms. Chantal Beaumier
Chair: 2020 – Vice-Chair: 2019

The work in the RRB during and after a WRC is complex and the successful outcome is based on the excellent cooperation between the Board members.  
One of the main issues, in the year after a conference, is the update of the Rules of Procedure to reflect decisions of the conference. The rules are important for both administrations and the Bureau in the application of the RR. In the year of the conference an important issue is the preparation of the report in which the Board raises issues it faced since the previous conference and provides recommendations regarding improvements to the Radio Regulations. This report is now a key reference for WRCs.  Over the years, the RRB’s role has grown. Cases are more complex, the technological changes faster and greater and decisions more impactful. 
 
I am sure that the Board will remain a vital part of the global spectrum governance.

Ms. Lilian Jeanty
Chair: 2016, 2019 – Vice-Chair: 2015

It is a great pleasure to extend my congratulations on this milestone anniversary of the Radio Regulations Board. One hundred meetings over the years reflect the Board’s vital role in shaping global access to radio frequencies and advancing equitable spectrum management. The RRB’s mandate remains essential. Its potential to safeguard fair and peaceful use of frequency resources contributes meaningfully to global progress.

Mr. Ievgen Khairov
Chair: 2017 – Vice-Chair: 2016

Since its first session in February 1995, the RRB has played a vital role in ensuring equitable and interference-free access to radio frequency (RF) spectrum—a resource now central to modern telecommunications, strategic operations, and public services. RRB members have consistently acted with neutrality and professionalism, supporting developing countries and upholding the principles of the ITU Constitution and Convention.

Mr. Pawan K. Garg
Chair: 2013 – Vice-Chair: 2012

In 2012, I had the privilege of chairing the RRB during a pivotal year shaped by the outcomes of WRC-12. Serving on the Board is a profound responsibility—requiring impartiality, technical expertise, and sound judgment. I extend my best wishes to all current and future RRB members as they continue this vital work.

Mr. Victor Strelets
Chair: 2012 – Vice-Chair: 2011

It was a true privilege to chair the Radio Regulations Board (RRB), working alongside a close-knit group of experts dedicated to managing the radio-frequency spectrum and geostationary orbit—both limited natural resources vital to global communications. As emerging technologies drive even more demand for spectrum, managing this growth while preventing interference underscores the increasing complexity and importance of the RRB, BR, and ITU.

Mr. Momcilo Simic
Chair: 2004 – Vice-Chair: 2003

The RRB has long been a trusted guardian of global spectrum governance—valued for its objectivity, neutrality, and integrity. Its decisions consistently earn international respect, with no challenges at World Radiocommunication Conferences—a testament to the Board’s professionalism and fairness.

Mr. R.N.Agarwal
Chair: 2003, 2000 – Vice-Chair: 1999

Having served the Board in various capacities over the years, I am pleased to see the current RRB rising to meet both longstanding and emerging challenges. I wish the Board continued success in navigating the increasing demands of global spectrum management.

Mr. Valery Timofeev
Chair: 1998 – Vice-Chair: 1997

RRB and blog

RR and RoP

What Does the RRB Do?

  • approving new or revised Rules of Procedure in cases where there are difficulties and inconsistencies in the application of the ITU Radio Regulations and regional agreements, and to convert Bureau’s practices in the application of the Radio Regulations and regional agreements into Rules of Procedure; 
  • consideration of cases dealing with the review of findings by the Bureau, following a request by an administration, which cannot be resolved by the use of the Rules of Procedure;  
  • consideration of any appeal against a Bureau decision or any other request submitted by an administration;  
  • consideration of reports on harmful interference and reports of alleged contravention or non-observance of the Radio Regulations;  
  • consideration of any other matters which cannot be resolved by the Bureau;  
  • identification of matters which should be referred to the radiocommunication conferences;  
  • the examination of any item for assistance in the application of the Radio Regulations requested by any administration or any item requested by any member of the Board or the Director of the Radiocommunication Bureau. 
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The voting process for RRB membership 

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Frequently Asked Questions

on the ITU Radio Regulations Board

What is the ITU Radio Regulations Board (RRB)?

The ITU Radio Regulations Board (RRB) is responsible for the application and interpretation of the Radio Regulations, the international treaty governing the use of the radio-frequency spectrum and satellite orbits. The RRB ensures that these regulations are consistently and fairly applied to all ITU member states.

What are the main functions of the Radio Regulations Board?

The RRB has several main functions:

  • Considers reports of harmful interference investigations carried out by ITU’s
  • Radiocommunication Bureau (“the Bureau”) at the request of one or more Administrations (Member States) and formulates Recommendations to resolve such disputes between Administrations.
  • Approves Rules of Procedure, which provide guidelines for the application of the Radio Regulations by the Bureau and for registering frequency assignments to Member States.
  • Addresses matters referred by the Bureau that cannot be resolved through application of the Radio Regulations and Rules of Procedure.
  • Considers appeals against Decisions made by the Radiocommunication Bureau regarding frequency assignments.  
  • Advises the ITU Radiocommunication Assembly (RA) and the World Radiocommunication Conference (WRC) on matters related to the Radio Regulations.
  • Performs any additional duties prescribed by a competent conference or by the ITU Council.

How is the Radio Regulations Board composed?

The Radio Regulations Board consists of twelve members who are experts in the field of radiocommunications with practical experience in the assignment and utilization of radio frequencies. RRB members are elected by ITU’s principal governing body, the quadrennial ITU Plenipotentiary Conference. Seats are allocated as follows: The Americas (2 seats); Western Europe (2 seats); Eastern Europe and Northern Asia (2 seats); Africa (3 seats); Asia and Australasia (3 seats). Board members serve on a part-time basis and may serve up to two four-year terms.

Are RRB Members independent?

Although Board members are elected from different regions, they serve as independent custodians of the radio-frequency spectrum as an international public trust. Board members do not represent their respective Member States or regions.

Who participates in RRB meetings?

The twelve elected members of the RRB participate in meetings alongside representatives of the Secretariat staff. To support the RRB’s aim to resolve matters impartially and fairly, RRB sessions are not open to outside participation.

What is the role of the Director of the ITU Radiocommunication Bureau? 

The Director of the Radiocommunication Bureau acts as Executive Secretary of the RRB. In this position, the Director leads the Secretariat effort to provide services to the RRB, that include:

  • Prepares and submits draft Rules of Procedure for consideration and approval by the Radio Regulations Board.  
  • Reports to the Board information received from Administrations in the application of the Radio Regulations, Regional Agreements, and their associated Rules of Procedure.
  • Applies the Rules of Procedure approved by the Board, prepares and publishes findings based on those Rules, and submits to the Board any review of a finding requested by an Administration that cannot be resolved using those Rules of Procedure.
  • Assists in resolving cases of harmful interference at the request of one or more

Administrations. When necessary, investigates and prepares a report including draft Recommendations to the Administrations concerned for the Board to consider.

The Executive Secretary does not have voting rights on the RRB.

Who sets the RRB agenda, and how can the agenda be accessed?

The Agenda is set according to Submissions received from Member States and is adopted by the RRB at the beginning of each meeting. Submissions to Board sessions can refer to instances of harmful interference, unauthorized use of radio frequencies, and other matters within the RRB’s purview. The full RRB Agenda is not a public document. While ITU can confirm what Submissions have been received, the organization is not in the position to specify the details of the Submissions, characterize the Submissions, or provide information that is not in the Submission title.

How can I follow meetings of the Radio Regulations Board?

RRB meetings are attended by Board members and relevant Secretariat staff. RRB sessions are not open to outside participation. A Summary of Decisions is usually published and made publicly available on the RRB website within two working days after the conclusion of each full session. The minutes of Board sessions are usually published within six to eight weeks after the conclusion of a full session and are also publicly available on the RRB website.

What is harmful interference?

Harmful interference is defined as interference that endangers the functioning of a radionavigation service or other safety services, or seriously degrades, obstructs or repeatedly interrupts a radiocommunication service, including from satellites, operating in accordance with the Radio Regulations.

Harmful interference, blocking, jamming or degradation of service can take place for a wide range of reasons, which can be either accidental or intentional. In general, all stations, whatever their purpose, must be established and operated in such a manner as not to cause harmful interference to radio services or communications that operate in accordance with the Radio Regulations.  

The application of the ITU Radio Regulations is the best instrument to keep interference levels under control and to prevent harmful interference. The Radio Regulations also contain other corrective measures to be applied when harmful interference occurs.  

Additional information is available on this ITU Backgrounder:

How does the RRB handle cases of harmful interference?

In cases where concerned Administrations are unable to bilaterally resolve a case of harmful interference, it may be communicated to ITU’s Radiocommunication Bureau with a request for assistance.  

In cases of harmful interference referred to the Radiocommunication Bureau, the Bureau supports efforts to resolve matters between Administrations based on the Radio Regulations. In part, the Bureau can contact the Administration on the territory of which the radio station responsible for harmful interference is located or which is responsible for the space station in case of satellites and request the Administration to take prompt action to eliminate it.

In cases that remain unresolved despite the assistance provided by the Bureau, matters are referred to the RRB.  

When a case of harmful interference is referred to the Radio Regulations Board, the RRB examines the investigation details and seeks to obtain a resolution based on the Radio Regulations. The Board aims to resolve the issue impartially and fairly, often through coordination and cooperation between the affected parties  

What actions can the RRB take to settle a case of harmful interference? 

In cases of harmful interference, the objective of the RRB is to resolve the matter to allow for the operation of radiocommunication services free of harmful interference in accordance with the rights and obligations of Administrations under the Radio Regulations. 

The Board’s Decisions can take different forms depending on each case and to fit the context of the situation, such as calling for cooperation from all concerned administrations in resolving the case, activating the international monitoring system to locate the source of the interference, or other technical measures. Typically, these Decisions address the Administration on the territory of which the radio station, which may be causing harmful interference, is located or which is responsible for the space station in case of satellites. The Board endeavours to reach its Decisions unanimously. If it cannot do so, a Decisioncan be taken if at least two-thirds of the members of the Board vote in favour thereof. Those Decisions are for the Bureau to implement.

Past Summaries of Decisions from RRB sessions are available here: https://www.itu.int/en/ITUR/conferences/RRB/Pages/RRBArchives.aspx  

What can the RRB do to enforce its Decisions?

The RRB relies on Administrations to act on its Decisions in accordance with their rights and obligations under the Radio Regulations. RRB Decisions are specific to each individual matter brought before the Board and, when implemented, should resolve the case of harmful interference being addressed. If left unresolved, Administrations may bring the matter back to the attention of the RRB.

In cases of harmful interference that remain unresolved or contested, the Board’s Decisions and technical guidance are the tools available to the RRB and ITU to ensure radiocommunications operate free from harmful interference. The RRB cannot impose sanctions or other measures.  

Can RRB Decisions be appealed?

RRB Decisions may be appealed to the subsequent World Radiocommunication Conference.  

What are the RRB Rules of Procedure?

The Rules of Procedure are detailed guidelines that the RRB approves and the Radiocommunication Bureau uses to apply the provisions of the Radio Regulations. They provide additional details, as necessary, for applying various provisions of the Radio Regulations to ensure their correct and uniform application across all ITU member states.

How do Member States or other stakeholders contact the RRB?

Only Member States can make submissions to the RRB. They can submit their queries or cases of interference to the Bureau, which will then forward the relevant information to the RRB for consideration.

What is the relationship between the RRB and the World Radiocommunication Conference (WRC)?

The RRB supports World Radiocommunication Conferences by providing expert advice, as requested, on matters before the Conference. Also, the RRB reports to each WRC on the results of its studies on how the application of the radio regulations promotes efficient use and equitable access to the radio spectrum. These reports, along with RRB Recommendations and prior Decisions, can influence the outcomes of the WRCs, ensuring that the Radio Regulations remain effective and up to date. Decisions by the RRB may be appealed to the WRC.  

What role does the RRB play in the assignment of radio frequencies to satellite systems and orbits?

The RRB oversees the application of the Radio Regulations, including the process through which Member States assign frequencies to specific satellite networks along with their associated orbits.  

How often does the RRB meet?

The RRB normally meets three times a year to address matters brought to it by the

Radiocommunication Bureau, via the BR Director’s Report to the RRB, or through the submissions of ITU Member States.