Space Security and Frequency Management

Abstract

The International Telecommunication Union (https://www.itu.int) (ITU) is unique among UN-specialized agencies in having a mix of public and private sector members. In addition to the 193 Member States, the organization includes also over 800 members comprising the world’s leading ICT operators, equipment manufacturers, software developers, service providers, RandD organizations, and local, regional, and international ICT bodies which are approved by the Member State concerned. ITU has three main areas of activity organized in “sectors” which work through conferences and meetings. The Radiocommunication Sector (ITU-R) coordinates this vast and growing range of radiocommunication services, as well as the international management of the radio-frequency spectrum and satellite orbits. The Telecommunication Standardization Sector (ITU-T) is in charge of developing ITU standards (called Recommendations), fundamental to the operation of today’s ICT networks. Last but not least, the Telecommunication Development Sector (ITU-D) is in charge of initiatives for ITU’s internationally accorded mandate to “bridge the digital divide.” For over 150 years, ITU has worked alongside the industry, building global consensus, reconciling competing interests, and forging the new technical standards that have served as the platform for the development of what is now the world’s most dynamic business sector.