WORLD TELECOMMUNICATION STANDARDIZATION ASSEMBLY (WTSA)

TAG: GS-2: POLITY

THE CONTEXT:  Indian Prime Minister will again inaugurate the International Telecommunication Union – World Telecommunication Standardization Assembly (WTSA) 2024 on 15 October 2024 at Bharat Mandapam, New Delhi.

EXPLANATION:

Key Highlights on World Telecommunication Standardization Assembly (WTSA) 2024:

  • India will host ITU’s prestigious World Telecom Standardization Assembly 2024 (WTSA 2024) in New Delhi from 15th to 24th Oct 2024.
  • Minister of Communications, Ashwini Vaishnaw also launched India Mobile Congress (IMC 2024) & also revealed the Spectrum Regulatory Sandbox policy, which has the capacity to enhance India’s telecommunications sector and promote international cooperation in the field.
  • Additionally, the Minister declared the full elimination of the Wireless Operating License (WOL), thereby streamlining telecom licensing procedures even further.

About World Telecommunication Standardization Assembly (WTSA): 

  • The WTSA is held every four years, with the first assembly being held in 2002.
  • It serves as the governing conference for the ITU Telecommunication Standardization Sector (ITU-T). The assembly defines the work program, working methods, and structure of study groups for the ITU-T.
  • The WTSA plays an essential role in setting global telecommunication standards, which are crucial for ensuring interoperability and encouraging innovation in the telecommunications sector.
  • The WTSA 2024 will be held in New Delhi, from October 14 to 24, 2024.
  • This marks the first time the event is being hosted in the Asia-Pacific region, highlighting India’s growing influence in the global telecommunications landscape.

Significance of World Telecommunication Standardization Assembly:

  • It highlights India’s growing role in the global telecommunications sector and its commitment to advancing ICT standards.
  • The assembly will focus on critical areas such as 6G, artificial intelligence (AI), the Internet of Things (IoT), big data, cybersecurity, machine-to-machine (M2M) communications, and quantum technologies. These discussions will shape the future of global telecommunications standards.
  • The event will bring together over 3,000 leaders and technology experts from more than 190 countries, fostering international collaboration and knowledge exchange.

About the International Telecommunication Union (ITU) 

  • The ITU is a specialized agency of the United Nations responsible for information and communication technologies (ICT).
  • It was established in 1865 as the International Telegraph Union. It became a specialized agency of the United Nations in 1947.
  • It coordinates between governments and private sector bodies to ensure the global standardization and development of telecommunication and ICT services.
  • It has a membership of 193 countries and more than 1,000 companies, universities, and international and regional organizations.
  • It is headquartered in Geneva, Switzerland.

o   Report: Global Cybersecurity Index

Source:

https://pib.gov.in/PressReleasePage.aspx?PRID=2064716

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