International Telecommunication Union (ITU)

About ITU
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.

Telecommunication Standardization Sector (ITU-T)

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.

"Join ITU-T and participate in shaping the future of global telecommunications."
Malcolm Johnson, DirectorBiography Speeches

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 fi xed, 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 fl exibility 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, fi nite 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.
Mr. Valery Timofeev, Director, ITU Radiocommunication Bureau (BR)