World Telecommunication and Information Society Day

World Telecommunication and Information Society Day

World Telecommunication and Information Society Day (WTISD) serves as an important occasion for raising awareness about the impact that modern communication technologies have on society. Focusing on the overarching significance of bridging the digital divide , this observance seeks to ensure equitable access to information. This day highlights the importance of information and communication technology (ICT) for social, economic, and sustainable development.

Established by the International Telecommunication Union (ITU) - a United Nations specialized agency - World Telecommunication and Information Society Day has been observed annually since 1969. Over the years, ICT has influenced our lives through the introduction of cybersecurity, smart cities, and sustainable development. The United Kingdom has always been a supporter of WTISD initiatives and uses this day as an opportunity to discuss the challenges that the nation needs to overcome to achieve further digital empowerment.

Marked annually on the 17th of May, World Telecommunication and Information Society Day underlines the need for ongoing collaboration between governments, industry, and academia in order to develop sustainable pathways for harnessing the potential of ICT. In the United Kingdom, this is an ideal opportunity to reaffirm the commitment to advancing the digital revolution and fostering an equitable information 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.
• The first mobile network in the UK, Vodafone, was launched in 1985, followed by Cellnet (now O2) in the same year.
• The UK government has invested heavily in improving broadband infrastructure across the nation. According to an Ofcom report in 2020, over 95% of UK homes and businesses have access to broadband speeds of 30Mbps or more.

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

Top things to do in the UK 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 United Kingdom:
  1) The Century of the Self - It's a BBC documentary series that delves into how mass communication has influenced our society and sense of self.
  2) The Men Who Made Us Spend - Another BBC documentary that explores how marketing and advertising shaped our consumption habits in the telecommunication sector.
• Visit a Tech Museums - The UK is home to various museums such as the National Museum of Computing in Bletchley Park, the Museum of Communication in Burntisland, Scotland, and the Centre for Computing History in Cambridge, that document the history of technology and telecommunication.