Due to changes in the way telecommunication services are delivered and the ongoing convergence of communication, computing and audiovisual entertainment industries, the telecommunication industry has grown from a tool that focuses mainly on person-to-person communication to becoming an enabling infrastructure platform that underpins a large number of human activities, from international trade to health, public services and education. ICT applications can also support sustainable development and help to achieve the Millennium Development Goals.

Within the framework of its mandate ITU's aims are :

• To foster the implementation of value-added applications and Internet protocols in economic and social sectors

• To extend the social and economic benefits of ICTs to all segments of society

• To ensure sustainability in the development of telecommunication/ICT networks

• Support to inter-ministerial networks developments

• Enhancement of  government services through the use of secure and trusted Internet Infrastructure and applications

• Increase of government efficiency and transparency by providing Internet based services and applications to citizens

• Connection of hospitals and clinics

• Development of the access to health information in rural areas

• Development of national standards for health information management and information technology

• Publication of relevant studies on application of tele-communication in health care

• For more information on e-applications projects

• ICT Success Stories pages

Working with other UN organizations, Industry Partners and Member States, ITU provides :

• Assistance in the formulation of e-strategies

• Relevant studies

• Expertise in advance technologies and convergence

Many ITU study groups are working on e-services related issues :

• Integrated broadband cable networks and television and sound transmission

• Multimedia services, systems and terminals

• IMT 2000 and beyond

ITU intervenes in :

• Disaster preparedness through standards for public telecommunications services and interoperability of telecom networks

• Disaster mitigation through radio-communication, establishment of globally/regionally harmonized frequency bands, application of satellite services, support to emergency broadcasting maritime and public safety signals

• Capacity building activities

• Relief and reconstruction operations

• For more information