ITU Opens Global Conference With an Eye on Broadband

The International Telecommunications Union this week opened its three-week conference in Mexico with a call by its secretary general for delegates to be "bold and visionary" in reaching agreements providing a sound platform for the development of information and communications technologies.

The 18th quadrennial global conference is expected to address broadband access, cyber security and Internet addresses, among other things. On Oct. 12, it will host a special side session focusing on roadblocks to broadband for everyone. The event, which is taking place at the Guadalajara Expo, is hosted by Mexico's Ministry of Communications and Transport. It is expected to attract around 2,000 participants from some 190 ITU member states, sector members and observer organizations, including over 80 ministers, 40 deputy ministers and 40 ambassadors.