The Union Minister of Communications and the Secretary General of International Telecommunication Union (ITU) recently inked the Host Country Agreement (HCA) endorsing the establishment of an ITU Area Office & Innovation Centre in New Delhi. This event also marked the recognition of 5Gi, the Indian developed standards for 5G technology, by the ITU. This domestically developed telecommunication network, 5Gi, is a brainchild of intensive research at IIT Hyderabad.
Understanding the Host Country Agreement
The HCA underpins the legal and financial architecture essential for the establishment and function of the Area Office. The endorsement of this agreement unfurls a new chapter in India’s telecommunication industry, with New Delhi being the host to the Area Office and Innovation Centre of the ITU.
This office is prospectively expected to serve several South Asian nations including Afghanistan, Bangladesh, Bhutan, Iran, Maldives, Nepal, Sri Lanka, and notably, India. Besides serving as the main administrative unit, the Area Office will house an Innovation Centre. This centre aims to stimulate and fuel research and development in telecommunication technologies across South Asia, paving the path for many technological breakthroughs.
Digging Deeper Into ITU’s Identity
A specialized agency of the United Nations, the International Telecommunication Union (ITU), shoulders the responsibility for issues related to Information and Communication Technologies (ICTs). Established in 1865, the primary objective behind the inception of ITU was to streamline international connectivity across communication networks.
Headquartered in Geneva, Switzerland, ITU regulates the global allocation of radio spectrum and satellite orbits. An integral part of its responsibilities includes developing technical standards that solidify the seamless interconnectivity of networks and technologies. Underprivileged communities worldwide are focused on by ITU to enhance their access to ICTs.
With a membership comprising 193 countries, the ITU also includes over 900 private-sector entities along with several academic institutions. The year 2019 witnessed India getting elected as a member of the ITU Council, thus marking the beginning of another 4-year term that lasted up to 2022. A regular participant since 1952, India has maintained an unbroken membership record.
Highlighting ITU’s Global Cybersecurity Index (GCI)
Among various important initiatives taken by the ITU, the publication of the Global Cybersecurity Index (GCI) is noteworthy. This index provides a comparative analysis of the commitment of nations towards cybersecurity at a global level. In 2020, India clinched the 10th spot in the Global Cybersecurity Index, demonstrating its commitment towards secured cyberspace.
This newly inked Host Country Agreement between India and ITU is a significant step towards bolstering the nation’s telecommunication sector. It brings in new possibilities of innovation and research, weaving a path of technological advancements not only for India but for other South Asian countries as well.