ITU Full Form: History, Objective, Member Countries etc.

ITU Full Form: The International Telecommunication Union (ITU) is the UN-specialized agency for information and communication technologies – ICTs. Founded in 1865 to facilitate international connectivity in communications networks, they allocate global spectrum and satellite orbits, develop the technical standards that ensure networks and technologies interconnect, and strive to develop access to ICTs in underserved communities.

The ITU was founded to assist countries in connecting telegraphic networks, but its mandate has steadily expanded with the introduction of new communication technologies; it adopted its current name in 1932 to reflect its expanded responsibilities over radio and telephone. Throughout this article, you will learn about ITU, its work, structure, history, etc.

ITU Overview

This section briefly summarises ITU (International Telecommunication Union). Let’s have a look.

ITU	International Telecommunication Union
Headquarters	Geneva, Switzerland
Formation	17 May 1865; 156 years ago
Parent organization	United Nations Economic and Social Council
Type	United Nations specialized agency
Website	https://www.itu.int/
Member	193 countries

What is ITU?

The International Telecommunication Union (ITU) is a specialised agency of the United Nations responsible for all issues concerning information and communication technologies. The ITU’s initial mission was to help connect telegraphic networks between countries, but its mandate has steadily expanded with the arrival of new communications technologies; it adopted its current name in 1934 to reflect its expanded responsibilities over the radio and, thus, the telephone. Based in Geneva, Switzerland, the ITU’s global membership includes 193 countries and approximately 900 business, academic, international, and regional organisations.

History

The International Telegraph Union inspired the establishment of the ITU in Paris in 1865. It was given its current name in 1932 and 1947 and became a specialised agency of the United Nations. Although it began with the telegraph, ITU’s work now spans the entire ICT sector, from digital broadcasting to the web and mobile technologies to 3D TV. A public-private partnership since its inception, ITU now has a membership of 193 countries and a few 700 private-sector entities. The International Telecommunication Union (ITU) is headquartered in Geneva, Switzerland, with twelve regional and area offices worldwide.

ITU Membership

ITU has three Sectors: Radiocommunication (ITU-R), Telecommunication Standardization (ITU-T), and Telecommunication Development (ITU-D). Each sector has its unique characteristics and activities. Companies or organizations may become members of one or more Sectors of ITU and may join as a Sector Member or Associate.

The strategic goal of the ITU Telecommunication Standardization Sector (ITU-T) is threefold and includes:
To develop interoperable, non-discriminatory international standards (ITU-T Recommendations)
To assist in bridging the standardization gap between developed and developing countries
To extend and facilitate international cooperation among international and regional standardization bodies

Objectives

Coordinating/International cooperation
Producing global standards
Bridging the standardization gap
Informing/Disseminating information

ITU Sectors

Becoming a Member State of the ITU

Procedures for joining the International Telecommunication Union (ITU) depend on whether a country is already a UN member or not:

To UN Member States

Follow the rules set by the International Telecommunication Union (Geneva, 1992) and its constitution.
Deposit the document of acceptance with the ITU Secretary-General at the same time. This should cover both the Constitution and the Convention.

For countries that aren’t UN members

Get two-thirds of the Union’s member states to agree to your entry.
Once approved, follow the same steps for joining as UN Member States and send a single paper to the ITU Secretary-General as the instrument of entry.

Governance of ITU

ITU members are as follows:

Region A (Americas) 9 Seats	Region B (Western Europe) 8 Seats	Region C (Eastern Europe and Northern Asia) 5 Seats	Region D (Africa) 13 Seats	Region E (Asia and Australasia) 13 Seats
Argentina	France	Azerbaijan	Algeria	Australia
Bahamas	Italy	Czech Republic	Burkina Faso	China
Brazil	Germany	Poland	Egypt	India
Canada	Greece	Romania	Ghana	Indonesia
Cuba	Hungary	Russia	Ivory Coast	Iran
El Salvador	Spain	–	Kenya	Japan
Mexico	Switzerland		Morocco	Kuwait
United States	Turkey		Nigeria	Pakistan
Paraguay			Rwanda	Philippines
			Senegal	Saudi Arabia
			South Africa	South Korea
			Tunisia	Thailand
			Uganda	United Arab Emirates

Source: Wikipedia

Administrative Regions

Region A – The Americas (35 Member States)
Region B – Western Europe (33 Member States)
Region C – Eastern Europe and Northern Asia (21 Member States)
Region D – Africa (54 Member States)
Region E – Asia and Australasia (50 Member States)

Conclusion

The International Telecommunication Union (ITU), which is part of the UN, is like the centre of new ideas in global communication. It has been on a journey since its start in 1865, including everything from telegraphs to cutting-edge tech like 3D TV. ITU works hard to make sure that everyone, everywhere can use the newest communication tools. It has 193 partner countries and a lot of private-sector players. In this modern age, it’s important that no one falls behind.

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)

What does ITU stand for?

International Telecommunication Union

What is the purpose or Objective of ITU?

The overall objectives of the International Telecommunication Union (ITU) are: Coordinating/International cooperation
Producing global standards Bridging the standardization gap informing/Disseminating information.

In which sector does ITU work?

The ITU is organized into three sectors – Radiocommunication, Telecommunication Standardisation and Telecommunication Development – ITU-R, ITU-T and ITU-D.