The Communications Regulatory Authority (CRA) of the State of Qatar, represented by its President, Engineer Ahmad Abdulla AlMuslemani, signed a Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) with the International Telecommunication Union (ITU) to enhance global efforts in addressing harmful interference to space services. The signing ceremony took place in Geneva, Switzerland, in the presence of H.E. Mrs. Dr. Hend Abd Al-Rahman Al-Muftah- Permanent Representative of the State of Qatar to the United Nations Office in Geneva. The MoU establishes a framework for cooperation in radio-frequency monitoring and interference resolution to support international telecommunications.
Under the MoU, CRA’s Space Radio Monitoring Centre (SRMC) will provide technical assistance to ITU in performing measurements related to cases of harmful interference affecting geostationary and non-geostationary satellite networks and systems. This initiative aligns with ITU’s Constitution and Radio Regulations, which mandate the coordination of global efforts to eliminate harmful interference between radio stations of different countries.
“This MoU reflects Qatar’s continuous efforts to ensure an interference-free environment for space communications,” said Engineer Ahmad Abdulla AlMuslemani, President of CRA. “Through our Space Radio Monitoring Centre, CRA is well-positioned to assist ITU in detecting and resolving harmful interference, which is crucial for maintaining the reliability of global telecommunications services. This partnership strengthens Qatar’s role in international spectrum management and reinforces our dedication to upholding ITU’s regulatory standards,” he added.
“These enhanced space monitoring capabilities will continue to ensure the high reliability of satellite communications and other space services in real world,” noted Mario Maniewicz, Director of the ITU Radiocommunication Bureau. “This supports the interference-free operation of not only current systems but also of future innovative systems that will be launched thanks to the 2023 World Radiocommunication Conference decisions adopted in Dubai in 2023 and effective from this year”.
Mr Maniewicz said this agreement is “another example of excellent cooperation between the Member States and ITU in the field of satellite monitoring”.
Qatar’s SRMC, inaugurated on October 10, 2024, is a cutting-edge facility spanning 20,000 square meters, equipped with a state-of-the-art control center, a mobile monitoring station, and a drone monitoring unit. The SRMC is one of only 16 such centers worldwide and the second in the region, reinforcing Qatar’s role as a leader in global space spectrum monitoring. The facility plays a vital role in ensuring compliance with international radio regulations by monitoring both terrestrial and space transmissions and mitigating harmful interference. The establishment of the SRMC and Qatar’s active role in global spectrum management align with CRA’s future strategy and Qatar National Vision 2030, which aims to position the country as a leader in technological innovation, infrastructure development, and regulatory excellence.
One of SRMC’s most significant innovations is Mobile Very Small Aperture Terminal (VSAT) Geolocation tool, making CRA the first regulatory body globally to own this tool. This advanced tool strengthens Qatar’s ability to detect, analyse, and resolve interference issues efficiently, providing critical support to ITU and international telecommunications stakeholders.
The MoU sets out a clear mechanism through which CRA will assist ITU in mitigating harmful interference. CRA will support ITU in resolving interference cases that impact critical space services, particularly those related to distress and safety communications. Upon ITU’s request, CRA will also conduct radio-frequency measurements to verify interference reports and facilitate resolution efforts in coordination with ITU.
This cooperation fosters a stronger international regulatory framework, ensuring the efficient and interference-free use of the radio spectrum for space services. This collaboration benefits service providers, regulators, and satellite operators, reinforcing interference detection and resolution mechanisms that enhance the integrity and security of global telecommunications networks. Through this MoU, Qatar further strengthens its position as a global leader in spectrum management while contributing to the global protection of satellite communications.
