WORLD TELECOMMUNICATION STANDARDIZATION ASSEMBLY (WTSA) OF INTERNATIONAL TELECOMMUNICATION UNION (ITU)

9th October, 2024 International Relations

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Picture Courtesy: https://pib.gov.in/PressReleasePage.aspx?PRID=2062953

Context:

The World Telecommunication Standardization Assembly (WTSA) event will be organized by the International Telecommunication Union (ITU) in New Delhi from October 14 to 24, 2024.

About World Telecommunication Standardization Assembly (WTSA)

The WTSA is held every four years, with the first assembly being held in 2002.
It serves as the governing conference for the ITU Telecommunication Standardization Sector (ITU-T). The assembly defines the work program, working methods, and structure of study groups for the ITU-T.
The WTSA plays an essential role in setting global telecommunication standards, which are crucial for ensuring interoperability and encouraging innovation in the telecommunications sector.
The WTSA 2024 will be held in New Delhi, from October 14 to 24, 2024.
This marks the first time the event is being hosted in the Asia-Pacific region, highlighting India’s growing influence in the global telecommunications landscape.

The Global Standards Symposium (GSS) will precede the WTSA 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.

Significance of WTSA 2024

It highlights India’s growing role in the global telecommunications sector and its commitment to advancing ICT standards.
The assembly will focus on critical areas such as 6G, artificial intelligence (AI), the Internet of Things (IoT), big data, cybersecurity, machine-to-machine (M2M) communications, and quantum technologies. These discussions will shape the future of global telecommunications standards.
The event will bring together over 3,000 leaders and technology experts from more than 190 countries, fostering international collaboration and knowledge exchange.

About the International Telecommunication Union (ITU)

The ITU is a specialized agency of the United Nations responsible for information and communication technologies (ICT).
It was established in 1865 as the International Telegraph Union. It became a specialized agency of the United Nations in 1947.
It coordinates between governments and private sector bodies to ensure the global standardization and development of telecommunication and ICT services.
It has a membership of 193 countries and more than 1,000 companies, universities, and international and regional organizations.
It is headquartered in Geneva, Switzerland.

Source:

PIB

PRACTICE QUESTION

Q.Which of the following statements is/are correct about the International Telecommunication Union (ITU)?

1. Its headquarters is located in Geneva, Switzerland.

2. It organizes the World Telecommunication Standardization Assembly.

3. Its membership includes 193 countries.

Select the correct answer using the codes given below:

A) 1 and 2 only

B) 2 and 3 only

C) 1 and 3 only

D) 1, 2 and 3

Answer: D

Explanation:

Statement 1 is correct:

The headquarters of the International Telecommunication Union (ITU) is located in Geneva, Switzerland.

Statement 2 is correct:

The ITU organizes the World Telecommunication Standardization Assembly (WTSA). This assembly is held every four years and defines the work program and structure for the ITU Telecommunication Standardization Sector (ITU-T).

Statement 3 is correct:

The ITU has a membership of 193 countries. This includes a wide range of member states from around the world, making it a truly global organization.

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