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REGULATORY NEWS

ITU’s 160 Anniversary: ITU for Everyone, Everywhere
th

Every time you turn on your radio or
television, hop on a plane, call home,
access the internet, find your location
with your smartphone, tablet or personal
computer, watch a weather forecast or view
satellite images of the Earth, you use a vital
service coordinated by the International
Telecommunication Union (ITU) worldwide.
As ITU celebrates its 160 anniversary in
th
2025, see some of the benefits you get
through ITU’s work behind the scenes.
An Internet backbone
Interconnected networks built to ITU
standards facilitate communication,
information sharing and access to
knowledge and services. Today, an
estimated 68% of people are internet users.
But disparities exist: an estimated 84%
of people in high-income countries are
covered by a 5G network, while only 4% access to space. for people and businesses everywhere.
of the population in low-income countries Cutting-edge television standards Cyberthreats cross borders, and ITU
is. With partners, ITU develops standards, Did you know that ITU has won six Emmy works on related international technical
collects internet use statistics, and Awards for global technical standards for standards and with countries on the
promotes digital public infrastructure and broadcasting, video, and image coding? The Global Cybersecurity Index, Guidelines on
digital literacy to connect the unconnected. awards are a testament to ITU’s remarkable Online Child Protection, Women in Cyber
Mobile devices for development innovation and relentless pursuit of Mentorship Programme and Guidelines,
Mobile phones, laptops, and other excellence exemplifying successful regional and national cyber-drills and
devices have changed how we purchase, public-private sector collaboration to the Guide to Developing a National
study, socialize, and work. More than enhance the quality and accessibility Cybersecurity Strategy, and more.
95% of people over 10 years old own a of radiocommunication services and Robotics for humanity
mobile phone in high-income economies, technologies. Increasingly powered by Artificial
compared to 56% in low-income economies. Radio for all Intelligence, robots are designed to help
As mobile telephony rapidly expands, Broadcast radio remains the medium that humans – to walk, see and hear, to search
ITU is supporting developing countries in reaches the widest audience. The ITU Radio and rescue, and more. ITU’s AI for Good
upgrading their networks, integrating new Regulations cover all radiocommunication Global Summit – including a Robotics
technologies, and expanding to unserved services, systems, and applications – fixed for Good stream – is the annual global
and underserved areas. and mobile broadband, satellite systems, showcase for responsible, safe and
Satellite services broadcasting, maritime navigation, weather, inclusive AI, bringing together insights on
Earth’s orbital space is becoming more space research, earth observation, amateur AI innovation to address key challenges
crowded. ITU manages radio spectrum radio, and more. The Radio Regulations facing humanity, ethics and governance,
used in space ensuring multimillion-dollar enable countries to develop innovative and supporting standards and capacity
investments in satellite systems deliver terrestrial and satellite technologies and development.
connectivity and data worldwide. ITU services while preventing interference 160 years of ITU: Improving telecoms,
ensures frequencies allocated to satellite between different radiocommunication use of AI and robotics, cyber security and
systems are protected from harmful systems. connectivity in schools
interference. ITU supports administrations Cybersecurity for cross-border threats Maritime communications for safety at sea
as they coordinate satellite systems, and As digital tech access grows, so do With 80% of global trade transported
administer the Radio Regulations which cyber-risks – with potential to disrupt by sea, ITU enhances its safety and
contribute to sustainable and equitable infrastructure and compromise safety security by allocating and protecting radio

66 MAY 2025