The ITU-R Region 1 is by far the largest region of the Union in terms of number of countries that are part of this region. In addition to the over 100 countries that are part of Europe and Africa, the Region 1 also includes Arabic speaking countries that are represented officially by the Arab Spectrum Management Group “ASMG” which comprises in total 22 countries. Most of the ASMG countries are developing countries and ASMG plays an important role in the decision making process at the World Radio Conferences. A significant number of countries in the ASMG are already either host to regional and international satellite operators or planning and working to launch their own national and regional satellite networks in the near future.
Most of the countries in the ASMG already has established national telecom regulatory agencies. Satellite services are widely available and are an important and critical part of the national communication network and architecture. The ASMG meets annually to discuss and develop its position on different items on the agenda of WRC-19 and currently in the process of finalizing its position.
