ITU-T is charged with coordinating the development of the systems and technologies which constitute the global information infrastructure. Areas under study include broadband ISDN, Internet Protocol-based networks and ground-breaking technologies related to new multimedia systems, including special protocols and signal processing systems, high-speed modems, digital subscriber line systems (xDSL) and new types of multimedia terminal.

World telecommunication standardization assemblies determine the priorities, urgency and time-frame for completion of work relating to the preparation of standards that ultimately underpin national economies. They review and decide on working methods including approval process, structure of study groups, work programme and develop procedures for cooperation with external organizations. This output of the Assembly is reviewed on an ongoing basis by the Telecommunication Standardization Advisory Group in the interval between two Assemblies.