​​​What is ITU?

The International Telecommunication Union (ITU) is the United Nations specialized agency for telecommunications and information and communication technologies (ICTs), and has its headquarters in Geneva, Switzerland.

Founded in 1865, ITU is an intergovernmental organization in which governments (Member States) and the private sector (Sector Members) have well-defined rights and obligations and work together to coordinate the operation of telecommunication networks and services and advance the development of communications technology worldwide.

ITU is committed to improving people's lives and making the world a better place through the use of telecommunications/ICTs. At present, ITU has a membership of 193 countries and around 800 private-sector entities and academic institutions.

ITU has three main areas of activity organized in three Sectors: 

• the Radiocommunication Sector (ITU-R);
• the Telecommunication Standardization Sector (ITU-T); and
• the Telecommunication Development Sector (ITU-D).

ITU-R plays a vital role in the global management of the radio-frequency spectrum and satellite orbit resources, with the mission to ensure their rational, equitable, efficient and economical use by all radiocommunication services.

ITU-T provides a unique forum for industry and government to work together to foster the development and use of interoperable, non-discriminatory and demand-driven international standards (known as ITU-T Recommendations).

ITU-D fosters international cooperation and solidarity in the delivery of technical assistance and in the creation, development and improvement of telecommunication/ICT equipment and networks in developing countries.