following global regulations.
Iran has been jamming foreign satellite broadcasts. Broadcasters such as BBC, Deutsche Welle of Germany, Voice of America and Radio Farda had major transmission problems starting after the June elections.
France notified the International Telecommunication Union’s 12-member experts board that interference to the Eutelsat satellite originated from the Islamic Republic of Iran. This determination was made “based on measurements provided by the Administration of France” and the ITU board said they have “confidence in the measurement techniques and technologies used.”
ITU spokesman Sanjay Acharya told a news briefing, “Iran has not admitted it is sending out these signals that are interfering with Eutelsat. They have said they will investigate.”
Nearly 70 foreign radio and television stations that transmit via the Eutelsat satellite to Iran were jammed on February 11, the 31st anniversary of the Islamic revolution, the EU said.
Acharya told Reuters this “deliberate attempt to block a signal” has caused the radio regulations board “for the first time” to request that a country stop jamming foreign satellite broadcasts. The board admits it cannot enforce its request and the ITU cannot really impose any sanctions against Tehran before the next world congress, which will take place in about two years. However, the ITU will continue bilateral talks with Iran and hope that Iran, which is one of 191 ITU member states, will take heed.
“Iran is a member of the ITU and has to adhere to treaties that have been signed on radio regulations,” Acharya said. “No one is allowed to block signals, that is clear.”
