Context:

The Radio Frequency Spectrum bands identified for International Mobile Telecommunications (IMT)—used for mobile services like 4G and 5G—are internationally standardized by the ITU and national regulators. These bands support global harmonization, efficient spectrum use, and widespread mobile connectivity.

Globally Identified IMT Bands

The major frequency bands identified for IMT by ITU across all world regions are:

• 450 – 470 MHz

• 790 – 960 MHz

• 1710 – 2025 MHz

• 2110 – 2200 MHz

• 2300 – 2400 MHz

• 2500 – 2690 MHz

India and several Asia-Pacific countries also commonly use:

• 698 – 790 MHz

• 3400 – 3600 MHz

Additional bands include higher mid-band and millimeter wave spectrum, such as:

• 4400 – 4800 MHz

• 7125 – 8400 MHz

• 14,800 – 15,350 MHz (for future IMT development)

Importance for Mobile Networks

These bands support key technologies:

• 2G, 3G, 4G (LTE), and 5G networks

• Broadband internet, IoT, and next-gen communication services

• Harmonized bands enable global device compatibility and economies of scale

Table of Primary IMT Bands

These spectrum ranges are periodically updated and auctioned by national agencies (like India’s DoT and TRAI) to mobile operators for expanding network capabilities and services.

International Telecommunication Union (ITU)

Key Takeaway: The International Telecommunication Union (ITU) is the world’s oldest international organization and the United Nations’ specialized agency for information and communication technologies, established in 1865 as the International Telegraph Union. Under Secretary-General Doreen Bogdan-Martin’s leadership, the ITU coordinates global telecommunications standards, manages radio spectrum allocation, and promotes digital development across 194 member states and over 1,000 private sector organizations.

Historical Foundation and Evolution

The ITU’s origins trace back to May 17, 1865, when twenty European states signed the first International Telegraph Convention in Paris, creating the International Telegraph Union—the world’s first formal international organization. This predates the United Nations by 82 years, making the ITU the oldest surviving international organization.

Key evolutionary milestones include:

• 1906: Establishment of the International Radiotelegraph Union following the Berlin conference, introducing the first Radio Regulations and the universal “SOS” distress signal

• 1932: Merger into the International Telecommunication Union, combining telegraph and radio functions

• 1947: Became a UN specialized agency while maintaining its autonomous structure

• 1948: Headquarters moved from Berne to Geneva, Switzerland

Leadership and Governance Structure

Doreen Bogdan-Martin serves as the ITU’s 20th Secretary-General since January 1, 2023, making history as the first woman to lead the 160-year-old organization. She was elected at the 2022 Plenipotentiary Conference in Bucharest with 139 out of 172 votes. Her leadership emphasizes digital transformation, gender equality, meaningful connectivity, and alignment with UN Sustainable Development Goals.

The ITU’s supreme governing body is the Plenipotentiary Conference, held every four years, which:

• Sets general policies and strategic direction

• Elects the Secretary-General, Deputy Secretary-General, and sector directors

• Adopts four-year strategic and financial plans

• Elects the 48-member ITU Council and Radio Regulations Board members

The ITU Council, with representatives from all global regions, guides the organization’s work between conferences, approves budgets, and provides administrative oversight.

Three-Sector Organizational Structure

ITU-R (Radiocommunication Sector)

The ITU-R manages the global radio-frequency spectrum and satellite orbits, developing technical standards and ensuring efficient spectrum use. It oversees the Radio Regulations—the international treaty governing spectrum allocation from 8.3 kHz to 3000 GHz across more than 40 radiocommunication services. The sector conducts crucial World Radiocommunication Conferences (WRC) every 3-4 years to review and revise these regulations.

ITU-T (Telecommunication Standardization Sector)

The ITU-T develops global technical standards for telecommunications and ICT systems through its World Telecommunication Standardization Assembly (WTSA) held every four years. Its 11 study groups create ITU-T Recommendations covering diverse technologies from cybersecurity (X.509) to video compression (H.264) and emerging areas like artificial intelligence and Internet of Things.

ITU-D (Telecommunication Development Sector)

The ITU-D promotes digital development in developing countries, focusing on capacity building, policy frameworks, infrastructure development, and bridging the digital divide. It serves as both a UN specialized agency and executing agency for development projects.

Study Groups and Technical Work

The ITU’s technical work operates through study groups—specialized committees of subject matter experts from administrations, industry, and academia. Each sector maintains multiple study groups addressing specific technical domains:

• ITU-R study groups focus on spectrum management, broadcasting, mobile communications, and satellite systems

• ITU-T study groups develop standards for networks, protocols, security, and emerging technologies

• ITU-D study groups address development priorities, policy frameworks, and ICT applications

Over 5,000 specialists globally participate in ITU-R study group work alone, contributing to Recommendations, Reports, and technical standards.

Membership and Global Reach

The ITU maintains a unique membership structure among UN agencies, encompassing:

• 194 Member States with equal representation and voting rights

• Over 1,000 private sector companies, universities, and regional organizations as Sector Members or Associates

• More than 150 academic institutions participating across all three sectors

This diverse membership spans traditional telecom operators, satellite companies, Internet providers, AI platforms, IoT services, and specialized technology firms, reflecting the converging digital ecosystem.

Global Impact and Future Initiatives

The ITU’s work enables ubiquitous mobile communications, international roaming, satellite coordination, and emerging technologies including 5G, Internet of Things, and artificial intelligence standards. Key flagship initiatives include:

• Partner2Connect: Mobilizing connectivity pledges for developing countries

• Giga: Connecting every school worldwide to the Internet (partnership with UNICEF)

• AI for Good Global Summit: Promoting responsible AI development

• EQUALS Partnership: Advancing gender equality in digital technologies

The organization continues evolving to address 21st-century challenges while maintaining its foundational mission of connecting the world through coordinated telecommunications development and standardization.