The new ITU: round-up

Produced by the Press and Public Relations Service
August 1993
The Changing Environment in Telecommunications has been a central preoccupation of the ITU for almost four years now, ever since the publication of an ITU report under that title in February 1989.
The members of the ITU were so convinced of the importance of this theme that they also passed a special resolution on the subject of The Changing Telecommunications Environment at the Plenipotentiary Conference in Nice that same year. In the many clauses and sub-clauses of this resolution, ITU members were invited to take action in response to factors such as technological convergence, globalization, competition, product and service innovation, and the widening telecommunications gap between developed and developing countries.
As well as passing this general resolution, the Nice Plenipotentiary also decided to set up a High-Level Committee to examine how the structure and functions of the ITU could be adapted to the changing telecommunications environment. On the basis of 96 recommendations for reform issued by the High-Level Committee, Member States met at a Plenipotentiary Conference to decide on the scope and timing of structural changes and associated functioning and modify the ITU Constitution and Convention accordingly. The provisions applicable to the new structure and related working methods are applicable as from 1 March 1993. The rest of the Constitution and Convention will enter into force on 1 July 1994.
Structure and functioning
The Union now comprises: a plenipotentiary conference which is the supreme authority of the Union, the Council which acts on behalf of the Plenipotentiary Conference, world conferences on international telecommunications, a General Secretariat, the Radiocommunication Sector (including world and regional radiocommunication conferences, radiocommunications assemblies and a Radio Regulations Board), a Telecommunication Standardization Sector (including world telecommunication standardization conferences), a Telecommunications Development Sector (including world and regional telecommunication development conferences).
Plenipotentiary Conferences
Plenipotentiary Conferences adopt the fundamental policies of the organization and decide on the organization and activities of the Union in a treaty known as the International Telecommunication Constitution and Convention. The Plenipotentiary Conference is composed of delegations representing all Members and is convened every four years. 
Plenipotentiary conferences focus on long-term policy issues. In this respect, plenipotentiary conferences take decisions on draft Strategic Plans submitted by the Council outlining the objectives, work programmes and expected outcome for each constituent of the Union until the following Conference. After the Kyoto Conference, the duration of plenipotentiary conferences will normally be limited to four weeks.
They are open to ITU Member countries, the United Nations and its specialized agencies, the International Atomic Energy Agency, regional telecommunications organizations and intergovernmental satellites operators.
World Conferences on International Telecommunications
World Conferences on International Telecommunications are empowered to revise Telecommunications Regulations. They establish the general principles which relate to the provision and operation of international telecommunications services offered to the public as well as the underlying international telecommunication transport means used to provide such services. They also set the rules applicable to administrations and operators in respect of international telecommunications.
World Conferences on International Telecommunications are open to all ITU Member Administrations and to the United Nations and its specialized agencies, regional telecommunication organizations, intergovernmental organizations operating satellite systems and the International Atomic Energy Agency. 
The ITU Council
The ITU Council is composed of forty-three Members of the Union elected by the Plenipotentiary Conference with due regard to the need for equitable distribution of the seats on the Council among all five regions of the world (Americas, Western Europe, Eastern Europe and Northern Asia, Africa, Asia and Australasia).
The role of the Council is to consider, in the interval between two plenipotentiary conferences, broad telecommunication policy issues in order to ensure that the Union’s policies and strategy fully respond to the constantly changing telecommunication environment. In addition, the Council is responsible for ensuring the efficient coordination of the work of the Union and for exercising an effective financial control over the General Secretariat and the three Sectors. 
Finally, the Council takes all steps to facilitate the implementation by Members of the provisions of the Constitution, the Convention, the Administrative Regulations (International Telecommunications Regulations and Radio Regulations), of the Plenipotentiary conferences and, where appropriate, of the decisions of other conferences and meetings of the Union.
Radiocommunications
Regulating the use of frequencies is an essential aspect of the work of ITU. To carry this work, it was decided to separate the standards-setting activities of the former International Consultative Radio Committee (CCIR) from its activities related to the efficient management of the radio-frequency spectrum in terrestrial and space radiocommunications. The standards-setting functions have been merged with those of the former International Consultative Telegraph and Telephone Committee (CCITT) to form a telecommunication standardization sector; the other technical activities were integrated into a new radiocommunication sector along with the regulatory activities formerly carried out by the International Frequency Registration Board (IFRB).
The role of the Radiocommunication Sector is to ensure the rational, equitable, efficient and economical use of the radio-frequency spectrum by all radiocommunication services, including those using the geostationary-satellite orbit and carry out studies without limit of frequency range on the basis of which recommendations are adopted. Subjects covered include:
-	Spectrum utilization and monitoring
-	Inter-service sharing and compatibility
-	Science services
-	Radio wave propagation
-	Fixed-Satellite service
-	Fixed service
-	Mobile services
-	Sound broadcasting
-	Television broadcasting
The Radiocommunication Sector operates through:
-	Radio Conferences and Radiocommunication Assemblies supported by study groups (legislative functions)
-	an Advisory Group (strategic advice) and 
-	a Bureau headed by a Director (administrative functions)

Radiocommunication Conferences
Radiocommunication Conferences are held every two years along with a Radiocommunications Assembly. The main function of radiocommunication conferences is to review and revise, as necessary, the Radio Regulations on the basis of an agenda adopted by the ITU Council following consultation of the membership. The Radio Regulations can be revised partially, or exceptionally, completely. 
The general scope of this agenda is established four years in advance and the final agenda is established by the ITU Council preferably two years before the conference, with the concurrence of a majority of the Members of the Union.
Radiocommunication conferences may also recommend to the Council items for inclusion in the agenda of a future conference and give its views on forthcoming agendas for at least a four-year cycle of radiocommunication conferences. 
Radiocommunication conferences are open to all ITU Member Administrations and to the United Nations, international organizations, regional telecommunication organizations, intergovernmental organizations operating satellite systems, the specialized agencies of the United Nations and the International Atomic Energy Agency. In addition, operators authorized by their country to participate in the work of the sector are admitted to radio conferences.
Radiocommunications Assemblies 
Radiocommunications Assemblies provide the technical basis for the work of world radiocommunication conferences, approve the programme of work of radiocommunication study groups and decide on the priority, urgency and time-scale for the completion of their study. Radiocommunication study groups are groups of experts in which administrations and public/private sector entities participate. They study technical questions relating to radiocommunication issues and adopt recommendations. The focus of study is on the use of the radio-frequency spectrum in terrestrial and space radiocommunications (including the geostationary-satellite orbit), the characteristics and performance of radio systems, the operation of radio stations and the radiocommunication aspects of distress and safety matters.
Radiocommunications Assemblies also approve, modify or reject the draft recommendations contained in the reports of study groups which have not been the object of approval under the accelerated procedure, decide which study groups to maintain, set up or abolish and allocate the questions to be studied in the next study period. The accelerated procedure provides for the adoption of recommendations in the interval between Assemblies through a vote by correspondence of ITU Member Administrations.
Radiocommunication Assemblies, Telecommunication Standardization Conferences and Development Conferences are open to all ITU Member Administrations and to the United Nations, intergovernmental organizations operating satellite systems, authorized operators, scientific and industrial groups, telecommunication entities and financing or development institutions, international (including regional) standardization organizations, international (including regional) financing and development organizations, international (including regional) telecommunication organizations, the specialized agencies of the United Nations, the International Atomic Energy Agency and international (including regional) organizations dealing with matters of interest to the conference or assembly.
Radio Regulations Board
A part-time 9-Member Radio Regulations Board approves the Rules of procedure which are used in the application of the Radio Regulations to register frequency assignments, considers any matter which cannot be resolved through the application of the Rules of procedure and performs any duties related to the assignment and utilization of frequencies and to the equitable utilization of the geostationary-satellite orbit. It also considers the reports of the Director of the Radiocommunication Bureau on investigations, at the request of one or more ITU Members, of cases of harmful interference and formulate recommendations for their resolution. 
The Board does not exercise management functions over the Bureau. The Board members serve as custodians of an international public trust and not as representatives of their respective Member States or region. Hence, Members of the Board are not be authorized to be part of national delegations at conferences or meetings of the Union where they participate as representatives of the Board. In the case of plenipotentiary conferences where only the chairman and vice-chairman are entitled to participate, members of the Board are authorized to be part of their respective national delegations. They are elected by plenipotentiary conferences.
The first part-time 9-Member Radio Regulations Board will be elected at Kyoto Plenipotentiary Conference. In the interim, the full time 5-Member International Frequency Registration Board will discharge the duties of the Radio Regulations Board, will assist in the on-going work of the simplification of the Radio Regulations and will carry out any special task entrusted to it by the Secretary-General.
Radiocommunication Bureau 
The Radiocommunication Bureau is headed by an elected Director. In particular, the Bureau:
·	coordinates the preparatory work of the study groups and the Bureau
·	prepares and submits draft Rules of Procedure for approval by the Radio Regulations Board, including calculation methods and data required for the application of the provisions of the Radio Regulations
·	processes information received from administrations in application of the Radio Regulations and regional agreements  
·	applies the Rules of Procedure approved by the Board, prepares and publishes findings based on those Rules, and submits to the Board any review of a finding which is requested by an administration and which cannot be resolved by the use of those Rules of Procedure
·	in accordance with the Radio Regulations, effects an orderly recording and registration of frequency assignments and, where appropriate, the associated orbital characteristics, and keeps up to date the Master International Frequency Register; it reviews entries in that Register with a view to amending or eliminating those which do not reflect actual frequency usage, in agreement with the administration concerned
·	assists in the resolution of cases of harmful interference, at the request of one or more of the interested administrations, and where necessary, makes investigations and prepares, for consideration by the Board, a report including draft recommendations 
·	carries out studies to furnish advice to members with a view to the operation of the maximum practicable number of radio channels in those portions of the spectrum where harmful interference may occur, and with a view to the equitable, effective and economical use of the geostationary-satellite orbit, taking into account the needs of members requiring assistance, the specific needs of developing countries, as well as the special geographical situation of particular countries
·	provides technical support, as necessary, to the Telecommunication Development Sector
The Director of the Radiocommunication Bureau acts as executive secretary to the Board, coordinates the work of the radiocommunication study groups and be responsible for the organization of that work. The Director also submits to world radiocommunication conferences reports on the activities of the Radiocommunication Sector since the last conference; if a world radiocommunication conference is not planned, such a report covering the two-year period since the last conference is submitted to the Council and to the Members of the Union. The Director participates as of right, but in an advisory capacity, in the deliberations of the radiocommunication assembly and of the radiocommunication study groups. 
Standardization
Major improvements were initiated in 1988, as a result of the Melbourne Plenary Assembly of the CCITT, to speed up the standards-setting process, improve working methods and procedures, streamline the structures, and eliminate overlapping. One of the main decision was to create a mechanism through which standards can be adopted as they are ready without delaying their approval until a standardization conference takes place. The new wave of reforms aims at keeping the momentum of change and at giving more attention to strategic planning and management functions.
The duties of the Telecommunication Standardization Sector are to study technical, operating, and tariff questions and to issue recommendations on them with a view to standardizing telecommunications on a world-wide basis, including recommendations on interconnection of radio systems in public telecommunication networks and on the performance required for these interconnections. Technical or operating questions specifically related to radiocommunication come within the purview of the Radiocommunication Sector.
Technological change in telecommunications is rapid and continuing and further boundary changes are likely to take place as radiocommunications become even further integrated in public networks with developments such as radiocommunication technology develops. Some work on radio systems which are now dealt with by the Radiocommunication Sector, could be transferred in the future to the Standardization Sector as technology develops and in the light of experience.
The Telecommunication Standardization Sector operates through:
-	World Telecommunication Standardization Conferences supported by study groups (legislative)
-	an Advisory Group on Standardization (strategic advice) and 
-	a Standardization Bureau headed by a Director (administrative).
Telecommunications Standardization Study Groups are groups of experts in which administrations and public/private sector entities participate. Their focus of work is on standardization of telecommunication services, operation, performance and maintenance of equipment, systems, networks and services, tariffs principles and accounting methods. 
Although they are not binding, ITU Recommendations are generally complied with because they guarantee the interconnectivity of networks and technically enable services to be provided on a world-wide scale.
Activities of the telecommunication standardization sector cover:
-	telecommunication services and network operation
-	telecommunication tariffs and accounting principles
-	maintenance
-	protection of outside plant
-	data communication
-	terminal for telematic services
-	switching, signalling and man-machine language
-	transmission performance, systems and 
	equipment
-	ISDN
The administrative functions of the Telecommunication Standardization Sector are carried out through a Bureau.
Telecommunications Standardization Conferences
Telecommunications standardization conferences are held every four years. An additional conference may be held at the request of one quarter of the membership, provided a majority of the Members agree. Telecommunications Standardization Conferences approve, modify or reject draft standards called Recommendations because of their voluntary character and approve the programme of work. On that basis, they also decide which study groups to maintain, set up or abolish and on the allocation of questions to be studied. 
Telecommunication Standardization Bureau
The role of the Telecommunication Standardization Bureau, headed by an elected Director, is to make all necessary preparations for conferences and meetings of the Telecommunication Standardization Sector in consultation with the General Secretariat and, as appropriate, with the other Sectors of the Union, process information received from administrations in application of the relevant provisions of the International Telecommunication Regulations or decisions of the world telecommunication standardization conference and prepare it, where appropriate, for publication. The Bureau is also responsible to exchange with members data in machine-readable and other forms, prepare and, as necessary, keep up-to-date any documents and databases of the Telecommunication Standardization Sector, and arrange where appropriate, for their publication. Technical support is also provided by the Bureau to the Telecommunication Development Sector as necessary. 
The Director of the Bureau:
·	updates annually the work programme approved by the world telecommunication standardization conference, in consultation with the Chairmen of the telecommunication standardization study groups
·	participates, as of right, but in an advisory capacity, in the deliberations of the world telecommunication standardization conferences and of the telecommunication standardization study groups. 
·	submits to the world telecommunication standardization conference a report on the activities of the Sector since the last conference and also submits to the Council and to the Members of the Union an activity report covering the two-year period since the last conference, unless a second conference is convened
As a number of standardization and radiocommunication questions dealt with by the ITU spans several study groups or the two sectors simultaneously, joint coordination groups have been established. These cover subjects such as future land mobile telecommunication systems and universal personal telecommunications, ISDN via satellite and low earth orbiting satellites.
Development
Given the restructuring of the ITU development machinery in 1990, the new structure remained unchanged to enable sufficient time to elapse in order to assess whether any further reforms were required. 
It was however decided that cooperation with international, regional and national development and investment agencies be increased and that even greater attention be given to the requirements of the developing countries to close the telecommunications gap. To this end, one of BDT's crucial activity will be to present to developing countries the range of policy and structural options that should lead to greater resources for telecommunications development.
The role of the Telecommunication Development Sector is to discharge the Union’s dual responsibility as a United Nations specialized agency and executing agency for implementing projects under the United Nations development system or other funding arrangements. The aim is to facilitate and enhance telecommunications development by offering, organizing and coordinating technical cooperation and assistance activities.
The objectives of the Telecommunication Development Sector are to:
-	raise the level of awareness of decision-makers concerning the important role of telecommunications in the national economic and social development programme, and provide information and advice on possible policy and structural options
-	promote the development, expansion and operation of telecommunication networks and services, particularly in developing countries
-	enhance the growth of telecommunications through cooperation with regional telecommunications organizations and with global and regional development financing institutions
-	activate the mobilization of resources to provide assistance in the field of telecommunications to developing countries by promoting the establishment of preferential and favourable lines of credit, and cooperating with international and regional financial and development institutions
-	promote and coordinate programmes to accelerate the transfer of appropriate technologies to the developing countries in the light of changes and developments in the networks of the developed countries
-	encourage participation by industry in telecommunication development in developing countries, and offer advice on the choice and transfer of appropriate technology
-	offer advice, carry out or sponsor studies, as necessary, on technical, economic, financial, managerial, regulatory and policy issues, including studies of specific projects in the field of telecommunications
The legislative function of the Telecommunication Development Sector are carried out by conferences and the administrative functions  through a Bureau.
Development Conferences
The Development Conferences are convened at regular intervals to encourage international cooperation with a view to harmonizing and enhancing the development of telecommunication services and facilities. They fix the objectives and strategies for the balanced worldwide and regional development of telecommunications, giving particular consideration to the expansion and modernization of the networks and services of the developing countries as well as the mobilization of the resources required for this purpose. They also serve as a forum for the study of policy, organizational, operational, regulatory, technical and financial questions and related aspects, including the identification and implementation of new sources of funding.
In principle, one world conference and, subject to availability of resources, one conference in each of the regions (Africa, Asia/Pacific, Americas, Europe, Middle East) are held in the four-year period between Plenipotentiary Conferences. The output of Development Conferences take the form of resolutions, decisions, recommendations or reports. They do not produce Final Acts which have a binding character on Member States. 
World Development Conferences also provide guidance and direction to the BDT (setting guidelines for defining development priorities and planning of BDT activities as well as establishing work programmes). Moreover, Development Conferences set up project-oriented Development Study Groups and Working Groups to undertake studies on specific aspects of issues of benefit to developing countries. The results of such studies are submitted to Development Conferences for consideration. The subjects deal with telecommunications questions of interest to developing countries including development policy and financing, network planning, operation and new services. 
Telecommunication Development Bureau
The role of the Telecommunication Development Bureau, headed by an elected Director, is to:
·	process information received from administrations in application of resolutions and decisions of the Plenipotentiary Conference and telecommunication development conferences;
·	exchange with members data in machine-readable and other forms, prepare and, as necessary, keep up to date any documents and databases of the Telecommunication Development Sector
·	assemble and prepare for publication both technical and administrative information that might be especially useful to developing countries in order to help them to improve their telecommunication networks;
·	at the request of Members, study and offer advice concerning their national telecommunication problems.
The Director of the Bureau works collegially with the other elected officials in order to ensure that the Union’s catalytic role in stimulating telecommunication development is strengthened. He participates as of right, but in an advisory capacity, in the deliberations of the telecommunication development conferences and of the telecommunication development study groups. He also submits to the world telecommunication development conference a report on the activities of the Sector since the last conference; the Director also submits to the Council and to the Members of the Union such a report covering the two-year period since the last conference.
General Secretariat
In addition to handling all the administrative and financial aspects of the Union’s activities, including provision of computer services, the work of the General Secretariat essentially covers:
·	the publication and distribution of information on telecommunication matters;
·	the organization and provision of logistic support to the Union’s conferences;
·	the coordination of the work of the Union with the United Nations and other international organizations;
	public relations
	relations with Members, industry and users
	organization of the World and Regional TELECOM Exhibitions and Forums
·	actions connected with the dissemination of information to the press, corporate and individual users of telecommunications, academic circles and the general public
·	electronic information exchange and access to ITU documents, publications and databases
 
Advisory groups
The Director of each Bureau is assisted by an advisory group (called Advisory Group in the Radiocommunication and Telecommunication Standardization Sectors and Advisory Board in the Development Sector) whose role is to:
·	review priorities and strategies in the Sector’s activities
·	review progress on the implementation of the work programme
·	provide guidelines for the work of the Study Groups
·	recommend measures to foster cooperation and coordination with other organizations and within the various constituents of the Union
The advisory groups are open to representatives of administrations, of organizations authorized to participate in the work of the Union and of representatives of Study Groups of the Sector. 
The ordinary budget includes expenditure pertaining to the Administrative Council, common Headquarters expenditures (staff, social security, premises, mission expenses, office expenses) and ITU conferences and meetings; the Technical Cooperation Special Accounts Budget includes administrative expenditure of projects for technical assistance to developing nations, financed by the United Nations Development Programme and funds-in-trust; the Publications Budget includes production costs of all publications, and is financed by the sale of publications. 
Financing of the Union
ITU Member countries
At each Plenipotentiary Conference, ITU Member countries choose their class of contribution between 1/16 to 40. However, the classes and 1/16 and 1/8 are reserved for Least Developed Countries as listed by the United Nations and to other countries as listed by the ITU Council.
The contribution of ITU Member countries covers participation in all sectors and all activities except regional radio conferences. The value of the contributory unit is calculated by dividing the ordinary budget of the Union by the number of units contributed by Members. Participation in regional radio conferences requires an additional financial contribution calculated by dividing the total budget of the conference by the number of units contributed by Members of that region. 
Other organizations
All other organizations admitted to participate in the work of the Union, may choose a class of contribution between 1/2 and 40 except in the Development sector where classes of contributions may range from 1/16 to 40. The class of contribution is multiplied by 1/5th the value of the contributory unit of Member countries. 
The contribution covers participation in all activities of the Sector including its conferences and/or assemblies, except radio conferences. For Plenipotentiary Conferences, World Conferences on International Telecommunications (which are not part of any Sector), radio conferences and the Sector’s conferences or assembly of which the contributor is not a member, a separate contribution is required. In those cases, the value of the contributory unit is calculated dividing the total budget of the conference/assembly by the number of units contributed by Members to the ordinary budget of the Union and multiplied by 1/5.
Each Member, non-exempted international organization, operating agency and scientific or industrial organization chooses the class of contribution in which it wishes to be included and pays in advance its annual contributory share calculated on the basis of the ordinary budget.