World Telecommunication and Information Society Day

World Telecommunication and Information Society Day

The Observance of World Telecommunication and Information Society Day (WTISD) is a significant annual event that celebrates the importance of communication and information technologies (ICTs) and their impact on societies worldwide. The purpose of this occasion is to foster awareness about the critical role that telecommunication plays in modern life, bridging the digital divide, and pursuing global development through technology. As a country rapidly advancing in digital infrastructure and ICT innovations, India has been instrumental in using this day as a platform to showcase its progress and highlight the potential for greater development in the coming years.

Initially established by the International Telecommunication Union (ITU) in 1969 as World Telecommunication Day, the event was expanded in 2006 to encompass the broader theme of Information Society. WTISD seeks to address the global challenges posed by the digital divide and promote digital inclusion. Over the years, this observance has focused on various important aspects such as cybersecurity, e-waste management, and artificial intelligence, bringing together experts, policymakers, and enthusiasts to discuss and collaborate on technological advancements and their societal implications.

World Telecommunication and Information Society Day is celebrated every year on 17th May, coinciding with the founding of ITU in 1865. This date serves as a reminder to people all over India, and the world, about the power of communication and information technologies to improve lives and create a more connected, equitable, and sustainable society.

Facts about World Telecommunication and Information Society Day

• The theme for World Telecommunication and Information Society Day in 2024 was Digital Innovation for Sustainable Development. The theme in 2022 was Digital technologies for Older Persons and Healthy Ageing.
• The first ever theme for World Telecommunication and Information Society Day in 1969 was The role and activities of the Union.
• India is currently the world's second-largest internet user base, with over 700 million internet users as of 2022 – only behind China.
• India ranks among the top countries for the number of mobile application downloads, with more than 28 billion apps downloaded in 2022 alone.

In the News and Trending in India for World Telecommunication and Information Society Day

Top things to do in India for this observance

• Explore the World Telecommunication and Information Society Day's 2021 advocacy toolkit. The toolkit focuses on digital transformation which is about improving people's expereinces and wellbeing.
• Watch a Documentary to learn more about Telecommunication and Information Society in India:
  1) India Connected: How the Smartphone is Transforming the World's Largest Democracy - This is a book, but it provides an insightful exploration of how smartphones and the internet are changing India's culture and economy.
  2) The Great Indian Telecom Story - This documentary provides a high-level view of the rise of India's telecom industry, including the role of policy, business, and technology.
• Visit Telecommunication Museums: India has a few telecommunication museums like the BSNL Telephone Museum in Kolkata that can offer insights into the history and advancements in telecommunication technology.