International Mobile Telecommunications-2000 (IMT-2000) is the global standard for third generation (3G) wireless communications, defined by a set of interdependent ITU Recommendations. IMT-2000 provides a framework for worldwide wireless access by linking the diverse systems of terrestrial and/or satellite based networks. It will exploit the potential synergy between digital mobile telecommunications technologies and systems for fixed and mobile wireless access systems.

ITU activities on IMT-2000 comprise international standardization, including frequency spectrum and technical specifications for radio and network components, tariffs and billing, technical assistance and studies on regulatory and policy aspects.

The main areas of ITU activities on IMT-2000 are:

• Telecommunication Development (ITU-D)
  Responsible for studies, activities and direct assistance relating to the implementation of IMT-2000 in developing countries.

• Radiocommunications (ITU-R)
  The ITU-R Working Party 8F is responsible for the overall radio frequency spectrum and radio system aspects of IMT-2000 and systems beyond. It has the prime responsibility within ITU-R Study Group 8 for issues related to the terrestrial component of IMT-2000 and systems beyond; it works closely with Working Party 8D on issues related to the satellite component.

• Telecommunication Standardization (ITU-T)
  ITU-T Study Group 19 "Mobile Telecommunication Networks" is responsible for studies relating to network aspects of mobile telecommunications networks, including International Mobile Telecommunications 2000 (IMT-2000) and beyond, wireless Internet, convergence of mobile and fixed networks, mobility management, mobile multimedia functions, internetworking, interoperability and enhancements to existing ITU-T Recommendations on IMT-2000.

• Research and Analysis (SPU), General Secretariat
  The SPU (Strategy and Policy Unit) of the General Secretariat provides research, analysis and statistics on the telecommunications sector as a whole. One of its main activity areas is mobile communications, including IMT-2000 (3G). In this context, the Unit produces publications that track changing trends in the global telecommunication environment. In the area of mobile communications, reports include "Internet for a mobile generation" and "The Portable Internet" www.itu.int/portableinternet/. It also conducts workshops and research projects, licensing policy for 3G or the Regulatory Environment for Future Mobile Multimedia Services www.itu.int/multimobile.