IMT-2000
3.2 ITU and IMT – 2000
IMT-2000, or International Mobile Telecommunications, was created by the International Telecommunications Union, or ITU, and governs what exactly is included in the 3G spectrum. It is a set of standards that regulates what is included. It helps to provide a framework for worldwide wireless access by linking diverse systems of both satellite and terrestrial based networks.
In 1999 the ITU approved five radio interfaces for IMT-2000 and recently approved a sixth in 2007. These interfaces are
• WCDMA, used in UMTS
• CDMA2000
• TD-CDMA
• EDGE
• DECT
• WiMAX
WiMAX is the most recent technology added (Presentation, 2007).
The ITU is the leading United Nations agency for information and communications technologies. Its role within the UN is to provide a focal point for governments and the private sectors communications and regulations of those communications. There are three main divisions; radio communication, standardization, and development.
The ITU spearheads telecommunications development on a global scale. It fosters the deployment of information and telecommunication technology in developing countries by consulting on development strategies and frameworks. It also provides technical assistance in security, management, financing, and installation and management.
In Paris in 1865 was when the International Telecommunications Union was founded, but did not actually become a part of the United Nations until 1947. The ITU now numbers 191 members and over 700 public and private sector companies as well as international and regional telecommunications entities. It gives acknowledgement and voice to all of its members and its mission is to provide efficient telecommunications worldwide (ITU, 2007).
http://www.itu.int/net/home/index.aspx