IEEE Gains Sector Membership in the ITU Radiocommunication Sector; Membership Opens Direct Route for IEEE Standards to Be Considered by ITU Member States.

Business Editors/High-Tech Writers

PISCATAWAY, N.J.--(BUSINESS WIRE)--March 15, 2004

The International Telecommunication Union has approved Sector Membership for the IEEE in its Radiocommunication Sector (ITU-R), which broadens IEEE's presence as a provider of standards for international use. Sector Membership means that the IEEE can be a direct contributor to standards and other documents developed by ITU-R.

ITU, through ITU-R, coordinates the global use of the radio-frequency spectrum, including the development of binding international treaties governing spectrum use. Its work is based on contributions from its membership towards activities that include developing protection criteria for radio services and allocating portions of the spectrum, including those to be shared among different services and applications.

"Over the years, the IEEE has worked with us to create practices and procedures for radio services," says Valery Timofeev, Director of ITU's Radiocommunication Bureau. "As one of the world's prestigious standardization organizations, the IEEE has offered many contributions that have influenced the development of ITU-R Recommendations. Approval of the IEEE as a Sector Member recognizes the role it has played and sets the stage for further collaboration."

According to Terry deCourcelle, Director of International Standards Programs at the IEEE-SA, "IEEE's ability to contribute as a recognized entity directly to the work of ITU-R is of benefit to those developing wireless standards at the IEEE. Sector Member-ship provides yet another route for IEEE wireless standards to enter the international community."

In addition to its new status with ITU-R, IEEE also works closely with the ITU Telecommunication Standardization Sector (ITU-T). In 2000, IEEE was recognized by ITU-T as an international organization whose work is referenced in ITU-T Recommendations following procedures developed by ITU-T.

About ITU and ITU-R

The ITU, headquartered in Geneva, Switzerland, is an international organization within the United Nations System where governments and the private sector coordinate global telecommunication networks and services. It is the leading publisher of telecommunication technology, regulatory and standards information.

ITU-R ensures rational, equitable, efficient and economical use of the radio frequency spectrum by all radiocommunication services. This includes allocating radio-frequency bands and registering frequency assignments and associated orbital positions of satellites. It also coordinates the use of the radio-frequency spectrum and assists in the elimination of interference between radio stations in various countries.

Additional information about the ITU can be found at http://www.itu.int.

About the IEEE

The IEEE has more than 380,000 members in approximately 150 countries. Through its members, it is a leading authority on areas ranging from telecommunications, aerospace and computers to biomedicine, electric power and consumer electronics. It produces nearly 30 percent of the world's literature in the electrical and electronics engineering, computing and control technology fields. It also sponsors or cosponsors more than 300 technical conferences each year.

The IEEE Standards Association, a globally recognized standards-setting body within the IEEE, develops consensus standards through an open process. It has a portfolio of over 870 completed standards. Its more than 15,000 IEEE members worldwide voluntarily participate in standards activities. Many of its standards are used globally in the telecommunications, information technology and other industries.

Additional information about the IEEE can be found at http://www.ieee.org.