ITU
Structure and activities description
International Telecommunication Union (ITU) is an international organization established to standardize and regulate international radio and telecommunications. It was founded as the International Telegraph Union in Paris on May 17, 1865. Its main tasks include standardization, allocation of the radio spectrum, and organizing interconnection arrangements between different countries to allow international phone calls — in which regard it performs for telecommunications a similar function to what the UPU performs for postal services. It is one of the specialized agencies of the United Nations, and has its headquarters in Geneva, Switzerland, next to the main United Nations campus.
ITU is the leading United Nations agency for information and communication technologies. As the global focal point for governments and the private sector, ITU's role in helping the world communicate spans 3 core sectors: radiocommunication, standardization and development. ITU also organizes TELECOM events and was the lead organizing agency of the World Summit on the Information Society.
ITU is based in Geneva, Switzerland, and its membership includes 191 Member States and more than 700 Sector Members and Associates.
ITU's mission is to enable the growth and development of telecommunications and information networks around the world, so that people everywhere can participate in the global information society. ICTs can generate economic growth, create jobs, sustain incomes, boost social and community development and build cultural identity. The ability to use ICTs is a key skill that now determines the employability and standard of living of a growing number of people.
The ITU is made up of three sectors:
- The Telecommunication Standardization Sector, ITU-T, whose secretariat is the Telecommunication Standardization Bureau or TSB, known prior to 1992 as the International Telephone and Telegraph Consultative Committee or CCITT (from its French name "Comité consultatif international téléphonique et télégraphique");
- The Radiocommunication Sector, ITU-R, whose secretariat is the Radiocommunication Bureau or BR, known prior to 1992 as the International Radio Consultative Committee or CCIR (from its French name "Comité consultatif international des radiocommunications");
- The Telecommunication Development Sector, ITU-D, whose secretariat is the Telecommunication Development Bureau or BDT, created in 1992.
A permanent General Secretariat, headed by the Secretary General, manages the day-to-day work of the Union and its sectors.
ITU-T Recommendations (standards), form the foundations of the information and communications technologies of today. Anytime you make a simple telephone call, send an SMS, or receive streaming video to your mobile phone or computer an ITU-T Recommendation will have played a fundamental role. Developed in study groups (SGs) made up of experts from the private and public sectors, ITU-T Recommendations help drive the global information society allowing social and economic development worldwide.
The ITU Radiocommunication Sector (ITU-R) plays a vital role in the global management of the radio-frequency spectrum and satellite orbits - limited natural resources which are increasingly in demand from a large and growing number of services such as fixed, mobile, broadcasting, amateur, space research, emergency telecommunications, meteorology, global positioning systems, environmental monitoring and communication services - that ensure safety of life on land, at sea and in the skies.
Our mission is to ensure the rational, equitable, efficient and economical use of the radio-frequency spectrum by all radiocommunication services, including those using satellite orbits, and to carry out studies and approve Recommendations on radiocommunication matters.
In implementing this mission, ITU-R aims at creating the conditions for harmonized development and effi cient operation of existing and new radiocommunication systems,taking due account of all parties concerned.
Our primary objective is to ensure interferencefree operations of radiocommunication systems. This is ensured through implementation of the Radio Regulations and Regional Agreements, and the effi cient and timely update of these instruments through the processes of the World and Regional Radiocommununication Conferences. Furthermore, radio standardization establishes ´Recommendations´ intended to assure the necessary performance and quality in operating radiocommunication systems. It also seeks ways and means to conserve spectrum and ensure flexibility for future expansion and new technological developments.
ITU-R manages the detailed coordination and recording procedures for space systems and earth stations. Its main role is to process and publish data and to carry out the examination of frequency assignment notices submitted by administrations for inclusion in the formal coordination procedures or recording in the Master International Frequency Register.
ITU-R also develops and manages space-related assignment or allotment plans and provides mechanisms for the development of new satellite services by locating suitable orbital slots.
ITU-R accommodates the launch of new satellites as quickly and efficiently as possible. It facilitates any new developments and the continuation of satellite services in a safe way. It also squeezes more into the frequency bandwidth, which is a limited, finite resource. Our main concerns centre on bringing high speed satellite networks into service as well as the regulatory steps required for registering satellite network frequency assignments.
Everywhere, at every moment, people need to communicate and to understand each other. Encouraging communication between nations through the harmonious development of the tools made available to them is our ultimate goal.
The mission of the Telecommunication Development Sector (ITU-D) aims at achieving the Sector's objectives based on the right to communicate of all inhabitants of the planet through access to infrastructure and information and communication services.
The mission encompasses ITU’s dual responsibility as a United Nations specialized agency and an executing agency for implementing projects under the United Nations development system or other funding arrangements.
The official web-site ITU is www.itu.int.
Main meetings list
|
Start |
End |
Group |
Meeting/Subject |
Location |
|
14.01.2014 |
15.01.2014 |
TSAG rapporteur group meeting |
First Meeting of TSAG Rapporteur Group on Strengthening Collaboration |
Switzerland [Geneva] |
|
15.01.2014 |
15.01.2014 |
Joint Coordination Activity on Child Online Protection |
Switzerland [Geneva] | |
|
15.01.2014 |
24.01.2014 |
Security |
Switzerland [Geneva] | |
|
16.01.2014 |
17.01.2014 |
Review Committee |
Switzerland [Geneva] | |
|
20.01.2014 |
20.01.2014 |
SG1/WP1B Workshop on White Spaces and CRS |
Switzerland [Geneva] | |
|
20.01.2014 |
28.01.2014 |
Spectrum Management Methodologies and Economic Strategies |
Switzerland [Geneva] | |
|
21.01.2014 |
21.01.2014 |
Joint Coordination Activity for Identity Management |
Switzerland [Geneva] | |
|
21.01.2014 |
24.01.2014 |
Spectrum Engineering Techniques |
Switzerland [Geneva] | |
|
27.01.2014 |
27.01.2014 |
Joint ITU-AICTO Regional Standardization Forum for Arab Region |
Tunisia [Tunis] | |
|
28.01.2014 |
28.01.2014 |
ITU Workshop on "ICT Innovations in Emerging Economies" |
Tunisia [Tunis] | |
|
29.01.2014 |
30.01.2014 |
Focus Group on Bridging the Gap: from Innovation to Standards |
Tunisia [Tunis] | |
|
05.02.2014 |
07.02.2014 |
Workshop |
Digital Broadcasting Technologies and Implementation |
India [New Delhi] |
|
05.02.2014 |
13.02.2014 |
Efficient Orbit/Spectrum Utilization for FSS and BSS |
Switzerland [Geneva] | |
|
10.02.2014 |
14.02.2014 |
Systems, air interfaces, performance and availability objectives for FSS, BSS and MSS, including IP-based applications and satellite news gathering |
Switzerland [Geneva] | |
|
12.02.2014 |
19.02.2014 |
IMT Systems |
Viet Nam [Ho Chi Minh City] | |
|
13.02.2014 |
19.02.2014 |
Efficient Orbit/Spectrum Utilization for MSS and RDSS |
Switzerland [Geneva] | |
|
18.02.2014 |
18.02.2014 |
ITU Workshop on "Internet of Things - Trends and Challenges in Standardization" |
Switzerland [Geneva] | |
|
19.02.2014 |
20.02.2014 |
Council Working Group on the World Summit on the Information Society (WSIS) |
Switzerland [Geneva] | |
|
19.02.2014 |
25.02.2014 |
Internet of Things – Global Standards Initiative |
Switzerland [Geneva] | |
|
19.02.2014 |
19.02.2014 |
Joint Coordination Activity for Software-Defined Networking |
Switzerland [Geneva] | |
|
20.02.2014 |
28.02.2014 |
Joint Task Group 4-5-6-7 |
Switzerland [Geneva] | |
|
21.02.2014 |
21.02.2014 |
Signalling requirements and protocol for emerging networks, Software-Defined Networking (SDN) and resource control & Attachment and service networking, including IoT and M2M |
Switzerland [Geneva] | |
|
24.02.2014 |
28.02.2014 |
Internet Protocol Television Global Standards Initiative |
Switzerland [Geneva] | |
|
24.02.2014 |
28.02.2014 |
Workshop |
Revenus, assurances et gestion de la fraude |
Senegal [Dakar] |
|
25.02.2014 |
25.02.2014 |
Joint Coordination Activity on internet of things |
Switzerland [Geneva] | |
|
26.02.2014 |
26.02.2014 |
Joint Coordination Activity on Cloud Computing |
Switzerland [Geneva] | |
|
28.02.2014 |
28.02.2014 |
Future networks including cloud computing, mobile and next-generation networks |
Switzerland [Geneva] | |
|
28.02.2014 |
28.02.2014 |
Multimedia services and accessibility |
Switzerland [Geneva] | |
|
03.03.2014 |
04.03.2014 |
Council working Group on international Internet-related Public Policy Issues |
Switzerland [Geneva] | |
|
03.03.2014 |
04.03.2014 |
Focus Group on Smart Water Management |
Switzerland [Geneva] | |
|
05.03.2014 |
05.03.2014 |
Council Working Group on the use of the six official languages of the Union |
Switzerland [Geneva] | |
|
05.03.2014 |
06.03.2014 |
Focus Group on Smart Sustainable Cities |
Switzerland [Geneva] | |
|
05.03.2014 |
06.03.2014 |
Symposium |
ITU Symposium on “The Future Networked Car” - Geneva International Motor Show (FNC-2014) |
Switzerland [Geneva] |
|
11.03.2014 |
14.03.2014 |
ITU/UNESCO Events on Smart Sustainable Cities |
Uruguay [Montevideo] | |
|
17.03.2014 |
21.03.2014 |
Radio Regulations Board (RRB) |
Switzerland [Geneva] | |
|
24.03.2014 |
04.04.2014 |
Networks, Technologies and Infrastructures for Transport, Access and Home |
Switzerland [Geneva] | |
|
24.03.2014 |
28.03.2014 |
Programme Production and Quality Assessment |
Switzerland [Geneva] | |
|
25.03.2014 |
25.03.2014 |
Objective models and tools for multimedia quality |
Switzerland [Solothurn] | |
|
25.03.2014 |
02.04.2014 |
Terrestrial Broadcasting Delivery |
Switzerland [Geneva] | |
|
31.03.2014 |
03.04.2014 |
Broadcast Service Assembly and Access |
Switzerland [Geneva] | |
|
04.04.2014 |
04.04.2014 |
Broadcasting Service |
Switzerland [Geneva] | |
|
14.04.2014 |
16.04.2014 |
BR Workshop on the efficient use of the spectrum / orbit resource |
Cyprus | |
|
28.04.2014 |
29.04.2014 |
ITU Workshop on "Counterfeit Products: Making ICTs a part of the solution" |
Ukraine [Kyiv] | |
|
06.05.2014 |
13.05.2014 |
Time Signals and Frequency Standard Emissions |
Switzerland [Geneva] | |
|
06.05.2014 |
13.05.2014 |
Space Radiocommunication Applications |
Switzerland [Geneva] | |
|
06.05.2014 |
13.05.2014 |
Remote Sensing Systems |
Switzerland [Geneva] | |
|
06.05.2014 |
13.05.2014 |
Radio Astronomy |
Switzerland [Geneva] | |
|
19.05.2014 |
23.05.2014 |
ICT and climate change |
Switzerland [Geneva] | |
|
19.05.2014 |
30.05.2014 |
Land mobile service above 30 MHz*(excluding IMT); wireless access in the fixed service; amateur and amateur-satellite services |
To be determined | |
|
19.05.2014 |
30.05.2014 |
Maritime mobile service including Global Maritime Distress and Safety System (GMDSS); aeronautical mobile service and radiodetermination service |
To be determined | |
|
19.05.2014 |
30.05.2014 |
Fixed wireless systems; HF and other systems below 30 MHz in the fixed and land mobile services |
To be determined | |
|
26.05.2014 |
30.05.2014 |
Economic and policy issues |
Switzerland [Geneva] | |
|
28.05.2014 |
06.06.2014 |
Operational aspects of service provision and telecommunications management |
Switzerland [Geneva] | |
|
03.06.2014 |
11.06.2014 |
Spectrum Engineering Techniques |
Switzerland [Geneva] | |
|
03.06.2014 |
11.06.2014 |
Spectrum Management Methodologies and Economic Strategies |
Switzerland [Geneva] | |
|
03.06.2014 |
11.06.2014 |
Spectrum Monitoring |
Switzerland [Geneva] | |
|
12.06.2014 |
12.06.2014 |
Spectrum Management |
Switzerland [Geneva] | |
|
16.06.2014 |
16.06.2014 |
Review Committee |
Switzerland [Geneva] | |
|
16.06.2014 |
20.06.2014 |
Broadband cable and TV |
Switzerland [Geneva] | |
|
17.06.2014 |
20.06.2014 |
Telecommunication Standardization Advisory Group |
Switzerland [Geneva] | |
|
18.06.2014 |
25.06.2014 |
IMT Systems |
To be determined | |
|
24.06.2014 |
27.06.2014 |
Radiocommunication Advisory Group (RAG) |
Switzerland [Geneva] | |
|
25.06.2014 |
01.07.2014 |
Efficient Orbit/Spectrum Utilization for MSS and RDSS |
Switzerland [Geneva] | |
|
30.06.2014 |
04.07.2014 |
Internet Protocol Television Global Standards Initiative |
Switzerland [Geneva] | |
|
30.06.2014 |
11.07.2014 |
Multimedia |
Japan [Sapporo] | |
|
30.06.2014 |
04.07.2014 |
Systems, air interfaces, performance and availability objectives for FSS, BSS and MSS, including IP-based applications and satellite news gathering |
Switzerland [Geneva] | |
|
02.07.2014 |
09.07.2014 |
Efficient Orbit/Spectrum Utilization for FSS and BSS |
Switzerland [Geneva] | |
|
07.07.2014 |
18.07.2014 |
Future networks including cloud computing, mobile and next-generation networks |
Switzerland [Geneva] | |
|
09.07.2014 |
16.07.2014 |
Protocols and test specifications |
Switzerland [Geneva] | |
|
10.07.2014 |
11.07.2014 |
Satellite Services |
Switzerland [Geneva] | |
|
21.07.2014 |
31.07.2014 |
Joint Task Group 4-5-6-7 |
Switzerland [Geneva] | |
|
23.07.2014 |
29.07.2014 |
Damage prevention and safety & Electromagnetic fields: emission, immunity and human exposure |
Switzerland [Geneva] | |
|
30.07.2014 |
05.08.2014 |
Radio Regulations Board (RRB) |
Switzerland [Geneva] | |
|
02.09.2014 |
11.09.2014 |
Performance, QoS and QoE |
Switzerland [Geneva] | |
|
15.09.2014 |
19.09.2014 |
SG 01 |
First meeting of ITU-D Study Group 1 (2014-2018 study period) |
Switzerland [Geneva] |
|
17.09.2014 |
26.09.2014 |
Security |
Switzerland [Geneva] | |
|
22.09.2014 |
26.09.2014 |
SG 02 |
First meeting of ITU-D Study Group 2 (2014-2018 study period) |
Switzerland [Geneva] |
|
20.10.2014 |
07.11.2014 |
Plenipotentiary Conference (PP-14) |
Busan (Rep. of Korea) | |
|
05.11.2014 |
07.11.2014 |
QSDG - Quality of Service Development Group |
United Arab Emirates [Dubai] | |
|
17.11.2014 |
21.11.2014 |
Internet Protocol Television Global Standards Initiative |
Switzerland [Geneva] | |
|
17.11.2014 |
21.11.2014 |
RRB-14.3 |
Radio Regulations Board (RRB) |
Switzerland [Geneva] |
|
24.11.2014 |
05.12.2014 |
Networks, Technologies and Infrastructures for Transport, Access and Home |
Switzerland [Geneva] | |
|
09.12.2014 |
18.12.2014 |
Environment and climate change |
Switzerland [Geneva] |