5.5 ITU-T

The International Telecommunication Union [9] is an international organisation established under the auspices of the United Nations, within which governments and companies co-ordinate global telecommunications networks and services. Within the ITU, the ITU Telecommunication Standardisation Sector (ITU-T) [10] studies technical, operating and tariff questions and publishes Recommendations about them with a view to standardising telecommunications globally. A distinguishing feature of the work of the ITU-T is therefore to establish and agree requirements and approaches to communications technology prior to implementation work commencing.

The ITU-T has a very formal structure, which reflects the formal participation of the countries of the world. The World Telecommunication Standardisation Assembly (WTSA), which takes place every four years, defines general policy for the Sector, establishes the study groups and approves their work programme for each study period of four years, and appoints the study group Chairmen and Vice-Chairmen.

The Telecommunication Standardisation Advisory Group (TSAG), reviews priorities, programmes, operations, financial matters and strategies for the Sector, follows up on the accomplishment of the work programme, restructures and establishes ITU-T study groups, provides guidelines to the study groups, advises the Telecommunication Standardisation Bureau (TSB) Director, and elaborates Recommendations on organisation and working procedures.

Fourteen ITU Telecommunication Standardization Study Groups (SG) and their Working Parties develop Recommendations by the study of 'Questions', i.e. areas for study.