About International Telecommunication Union:
- It is the United Nations specialized agency for information and communication technologies.
- Historical Background
- 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.
- Member countries: It has a membership of 194 countries and more than 1000 companies, universities and international and regional organizations.
- 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.
- Headquarters: Geneva, Switzerland.
- Functions of International Telecommunication Union:
- 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;
- Governance:
- ITU Council: It acts as the governing body of the ITU and comprises 48 elected Member States.
- It meets annually in Geneva to oversee the organisation’s strategy, policy, budget and financial control.
- India has been a member of the ITU Council since 1952.
