graphy 22/27 This page intentionally left blank The growth of telecommunication standards 22/3 22.1 The growth of telecommunication The United Kingdom could not join since, unlike the rest of Europe, standards its telegraph service was not under control of the state. It was not until 1871 that the service was nationalised and the UK joined the Telecommunications is a major industrial sector for two reasons. ITU. Key dates in the formation of the major international standards bodies are as follows: Firstly it is vast in terms of revenue generated per annum, and secondly it impacts on all aspects of commercial and domestic life. Standardisation within telecommunications is intended to perform 1865 The ITU was established by 20 European states meeting three basic functions: in Paris. 1923 The CCIF was established in Paris, for the study of long 1. Facilitate interconnection between different users. After all distance telephony. communications cannot be said to occur unless the parties 1925 The CCITT was established for the technical study of involved can understand each other. problems into telephony, and both it and the CCIF became part 2. Facilitate the portability of equipment within different applica- of the ITU. tions and regions, such that the market size is increased, result- 1927 The CCIR was formed in Washington, with the mandate ing in reduced cost due to economies of scale. This benefits the to concentrate on technical issues concerned with radio com- supplier. munications. 3. Ensure that equipment bought from one vendor can interface to 1947 In Atlantic City, USA, the ITU was recognised as an that from another. This benefits the user in enabling competi- agency of the United Nations, specialising in telecommunica- tive procurement. tion matters. 1959 The CCIF and the CCITT were combined, in Geneva, to Telecommunications standards were spurred by the growth in form the CCITT, which continued to be part of the ITU. technology. The invention of the electric telegraph, and its use in civil and military appli