ITU Development Sector Members may freely decide on their class of contribution (1/16, 1/8, 1/4, 1/2, 1 unit, etc.). The effective amount of the contributory unit is determined every two years when the biannual budget is established by the ITU Council
(1 unit: 63 600 Swiss francs, paid annually).

The 1/16 unit contribution is reserved for ITU-D Sector Members based in developing / transition economies only.

• Example:

  An entity based in a developed country would be entitled to join the ITU Development Sector for a modest minimum annual contribution of 7 950 Swiss francs (1/8 unit), but it could decide to pay a higher class of contribution (1/4, 1/2, etc.), whereas an entity based in a developing country would be entitled to join the ITU Development Sector for a minimum contribution of 3 975 Swiss francs (1/16 unit).

The Council may exempt organizations of an international character from payment in defraying the expenses of ITU conferences and meetings, subject to reciprocity, if the request meets the following criteria and procedure:

• be an organization of international character dealing with telecommunications;

• be non-profit-making;

• have members whose participation in ITU activities would be beneficial to the aims of the Union;

• allow ITU to be represented at and participate in the organization's meetings free of charge;

• allow ITU access to relevant documentation.

The request will have to be submitted in writing to the Secretary-General.

The Council will consider the applications for exemption, together with views expressed by the Secretary-General, in its annual sessions. The exemption is valid only until the following plenipotentiary conference. Organizations already exempted will need to resubmit an application for a new period of exemption prior to the following plenipotentiary conference.