ITU-T Recommendations and other publications

The main products of ITU-T are normative Recommendations. Recommendations are standards that define how telecommunication networks operate and interwork. ITU-T Recommendations are non-binding, however they are generally complied with due to their high quality and because they guarantee the interconnectivity of networks and enable telecommunication services to be provided on a worldwide scale.

Non-normative outputs include Appendices to Recommendations, ITU-T Handbooks, Implementer's guides and Supplements.

Another ITU-T product is the Operational Bulletin, which is a fortnightly detailed update containing information that is required to maintain the global interconnection of the world's telecommunication networks.

ITU-T Recommendations

There are over 4000 ITU-T Recommendations in force on topics from dial-up modems to Gbit/s optical transmission systems, next-generation networks, future networks, web services, cloud computing, ubiquitous sensor networks, e-health, climate change and IP-related issues.

Free download of ITU-T Recommendations

Technical reports and technical papers

Technical reports and technical papers contain non-normative information on various topics addressed by the ITU-T Study Groups. They are freely available and published, with small editorial overhead, in a light, electronic-only format for quick consumption. These publications cover varied areas of study, such as accessibility in standards, e-health, mobility, objective video quality assessment and outside plant installation.

Regulations and Resolutions

Outputs from the World Telecommunication Standardization Assembly (WTSA) held in Geneva, Switzerland, from 1 to 9 March 2022.

Handbooks

ITU-T Handbooks on operation, network planning, quality of service, implementation guidelines, outside plant, protection against electromagnetic effects, measurement methods, security, mobile systems and formal languages.

ITU Operational Bulletin

The ITU Operational Bulletin is a fortnightly publication containing administrative and operational information exchanged between administrations and recognized operating agencies (ROAs) and other service providers, entities and organizations, in respect to international telecommunication services.

CLIMATE CHANGE

As part of its research activities, ITU-T contributes to increase the body of knowledge in the area of ICTs, smart sustainable cities, ICTs, the environment and climate change. These publications cover varied areas of study, such as smart water management, smart cities, human exposure to electromagnetic fields, climate change adaptation and mitigation and e-waste management.

Bureaufax Table

The Bureaufax Table, published in collaboration with the Universal Postal Union (UPU) in pursuance of the provisions of Recommendation ITU-T F.170 (03/98), is now published in electronic version only.

Focus Groups Technical Specifications

Focus Group Technical Specifications (FGTS) are non-normative texts containing technical specifications that result from ITU-T Focus Group activity. They reflect work that complements the activity of the parent Study Group, "focusing" on specific aspects of the work programme and hence can usually be produced and published under a short time frame. In many cases, FGTS are input into the parent Study Group for progression of these specifications as ITU-T Supplements or Recommendations.

TECHNOLOGY WATCH

Technology Watch reports provide an up-to-date assessment of new technologies in a language that is accessible to non-specialists. The reports assess the impact of new technologies, both on developed and developing countries, and analyse relevant standardization activities with a view to identifying areas for new work in ITU-T.
Technology watch reports are no longer produced as WTSA-20 suppressed WTSA Resolution 66.

Latest Publications

How to order

How to order ITU-T Recommendations and other Publications online, on DVDs or Printed Copies.

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