International Telecommunication Union

About International Telecommunication Union

• It is the United Nations specialized agency for information and communication technologies.
• It was established in 1865 as the International Telegraph Union.
• In 1947 the ITU became a specialized agency of the United Nations.
• It is an intergovernmental organization that coordinates between governments and private sector bodies with respect to global telecommunication and information communication technology (ICT) services.
• Headquarters: Geneva, Switzerland.
• Member countries: It has a membership of 193 countries(including India)
• India and ITU: India has been an active member of the ITU since 1869 and has been a regular member of the ITU Council since 1952.

Objective: 

• To coordinate and regulate international telecommunications.
• To promote the development of ICTs worldwide.

Functions:

• Allocate global radio spectrum and satellite orbits.
• Coordination and setting of technical standards related to telecommunication/ICT.
• Work to improve access to ICTs in underserved communities worldwide.