Agostinho Linhares De Souza
Brazil
Chair: 2025
Vice-Chair: 2024
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.

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.

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.


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.

Brazil

Azerbaijan

Ghana

Egypt

Morocco

China

Saudi Arabia

Italy

India

Kazakhstan

France

Canada

Executive Secretary
from 2019 to today

Meeting Secretary
from 2025 to today

Administrative Assistant
from 2011 to today

Executive Secretary
1995 – 2002

Executive Secretary
2003 – 2010

Executive Secretary
2011 – 2018
Meeting Secretary
2010 – 2013
2003 – 2008
Meeting Secretary
2009
Meeting Secretary
2014 – 2024
Administrative Assistant
1999 – 2000
Administrative Assistant
1998
Administrative Assistant
1995 – 1997
Administrative Assistant
2001 – 2010


Saudi Arabia

Egypt

Canada

France

Morocco

South Africa

Japan

Vietnam

Mexico

The Netherlands

Russia


Italy

Ukraine

United States

Morocco

United Arab Emirates

Argentina

Kenya

Côte d’Ivoire

Russia

Japan

Vietnam

The Netherlands


Italy

Malaysia

Kyrgyz Republic

United States

Morocco

Lithuania

India

Argentina

Kenya

Côte d’Ivoire

Russia

Japan


Malaysia

Cameroon

Kyrgyz Republic

Morocco

United States

France

Lithuania

India

Malaysia

Nigeria

Pakistan

Poland


Cameroon

Pakistan

Mexico

Hungary

Morocco

United States

Korea

Serbia

France

India

Nigeria

Poland


Morocco

Mexico

Hungary

New Zealand

Ghana

United States

Côte d’Ivoire

Pakistan

France

India

Poland

Russia


Zambia

Switzerland

Brazil

Côte d’Ivoire

Japan

Poland

China

Norway

Russia
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.

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.

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.

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.

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.

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.

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.

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.

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.

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.

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.

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.

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.
The RRB has several main functions:
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.
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.
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.
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:
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.
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.
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.
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:
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
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/RRB–Archives.aspx
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.
RRB Decisions may be appealed to the subsequent World Radiocommunication Conference.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.