ITU evolves with telecoms to standardize digital transformation

Switzerland’s International Telecommunication Union (ITU) has, in a move to adapt to the changing times, extended itself to include digital transformation, digital identity, AI, fintech and quantum computing.

“It’s these technologies that are now driving the evolution of telecoms,” said Dr Bilel Jamoussi, chief of the ITU’s Study Groups Department. “So whatever is happening in the industry and in the government’s is reflected in the work of the ITU.”

Dr Jamoussi noted that apart from connectivity being an important factor of economic growth, digital transformation is vital as well. There are many other parts that blur the lines between the standards bodies and the regulatory sectors that govern them, including the ITU.

“You need the telecom regulator to talk to the central bank and provide a an enabling environment for digital finance,” he said. “You need the Minister of ICT (Information, Communication and Technology) to talk to the health minister to create a platform for digital health. The transportation minister and the ICT Minister are working on connected cars. So … the digital platform is a horizontal platform. It cuts across the ICT sector – which is the bread and butter of the ITU – with the other sectors, health care, transportation, banking and so on.”

CT Bureau