ITU Full Form: Check History, Objective, Members 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.

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.

Read also:

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.

Strategic Goal

• 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

Governance of ITU

ITU members are as follows:

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)

Read also:

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)