 must be made on how systems and networks should interoperate. Standardization within the industry is intended to perform three basic functions: Facilitate interconnection between different users Facilitate the portability of equipment within different regions and applica- tions, with the intent of increasing market size, resulting in reduced costs for all Ensure equipment interoperability so that different vendors' products work with each other Standards bodies that make such recommendations have traditionally been active in Europe, North America, Japan, and, more and more, China. In recent years, the Chapter 1 Telecommunications Technology Fundamentals Internet Society (ISOC; www.isoc.org) has also become an increasingly important organization. The ITU is a body of the United Nations that includes members from around the world. Three specific groups within the ITU are relevant to telecommunica- tions. The ITU-T (www.itu.int/ITU-T), the telecommunications standardization sector, develops recommendations for wireline networks. The ITU-R (www.itu.int/ ITU-R), the radio communications standardization sector, deals with the wireless arena. The ITU-D (www.itu.int/ITU-D) works on standards for developing nations. The ITU standards are followed throughout most of the world, including Africa, most of Asia-Pacific, Europe, Latin America, and the Middle East. Standards Organization Time Line The following time line shows some of the important dates in the history of standards organizations: 1865 The ITU was established by 20 European states at the first International Telegraph Convention. 1923 The CCIF was established in Paris, for the study of long-distance telephony. 1925 The CCITT (now the ITU-T) was established for the technical study of telephony problems. The CCIF and CCITT both became part of the ITU. 1927 The CCIR was formed in Washington, with the objective of concentrating on tech- nical issues surrounding radio communications. 1947 The ITU was recognized as an agency of the United Nations, specializing in tele-