World Telecommunication Standardization Assembly

About World Telecommunication Standardization Assembly:

• It has been held every four years since 2002.
• It serves as the governing conference of the International Telecommunication Union (ITU) Standardisation Sector (ITU-T).
• It is one of the three world conferences organized by the International Telecommunication Union.
• It defines the work program, working methods, and structure of study groups” for ITU’s Telecommunication Standardization Sector 
• This event plays a pivotal role in setting global telecommunication standards, making India’s hosting of the WTSA a significant milestone.
  • WTSA 2024 will be preceded by the Global Standards Symposium (GSS) on October 14, 2024, at Bharat Mandapam, New Delhi.
  • The GSS is a high-level forum for policy debates on ICT standardization, addressing its evolving dynamics and technical implications.

Key facts about International Telecommunication Union (ITU)

• 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 specialised agency of the United Nations.
• It is an intergovernmental organization that coordinates between governments and private sector bodies to global telecommunication and information communication technology (ICT) services.
• Member countries: It has a membership of 193 countries and more than 1000 companies, universities and international and regional organizations.
• 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;
• 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.