Glossary

ITU

| Richard Haas

The International Telecommunication Union (ITU) is an agency of the United Nations responsible for information and communication technologies. The agency plays an important role in international spectrum management and coordination.

The ITU is separated into three main areas of activity organised by Sector. These are as follows:

  • the Radiocommunication Sector (ITU-R): Global management of radio-frequency spectrum and satellite orbits.
  • the Telecommunication Standardization Sector (ITU-T): Foster the development and use of international standards (known as ITU-T Recommendations).
  • the Telecommunication Development Sector (ITU-D): Foster cooperation in the creation and improvement of telecommunications in developing countries.

The ITU agency organises the World Radiocommunication Conference where its members coordinate spectrum internationally. The agency also maintains a register of global satellite orbit slots to coordinate satellite filings. Finally, the ITU is involved in the standardisation and development of communications technology, such as IMT-2020 (5G) and IMT-2030 (6G).

Headquartered in Geneva, Switzerland, the ITU is made up of 193 Member States (i.e. countries) and more than 1,000 companies, universities, research institutes and international and regional organizations.

Glossary Term