Paris, 1865: the Birth of the Union

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PARIS, 1865: THE BIRTH OF THE UNION

This volume is being published on the occasion of the 150th anniversary of the International Telecommunication Union

Published by the International Telecommunication Union Geneva, 2015 ACKNOWLEDGMENTS

This publication was edited by Kristine Clara, (Head of Library and Archives, International Telecommunication Union), in collaboration with Anthony Drummond for the text in English and Ahone Njume-Ebong for the graphic design and page layout. We also wish to thank Lucy Spencer and Hélène Eckert for their critical reading and editing of the text.

All rights reserved. No part of this publication may be reproduced, stored in a retrieval system, or transmitted in any form or by any means, electronic, mechanical, photocopying, recording, or otherwise, without the prior permission of the International Telecommunication Union.

Denominations and classifications employed in this publication do not imply any opinion on the part of the International Telecommunication Union concerning the legal or other status of any territory or any endorsement or acceptance of any boundary.

ISBN: 978-92-61-15681-7 CONTENTS

05 PREFACE 06 INTRODUCTION

08 THE ELECTRIC TELEGRAPH: THE FIRST NATIONAL NETWORKS 12 INTERNATIONAL TELEGRAPHY: THE COMPLEX PRE-1865 DIPLOMATIC AGREEMENTS 15 Central and Eastern Europe

16 Western Europe

17 Efforts to harmonize the two European Unions

18 THE INTERNATIONAL TELEGRAPH CONFERENCE (PARIS, 1865) 24 THE NEW CONVENTION AND ITS REGULATIONS AND TARIFFS TEXTS IN FRAMES 08 The pre-electric telegraph: Chappe’s Semaphore

10 The first European electric telegraph lines

11 Reuter’s telegrams

15 The first International Telegraph Agreement

19 ‘Modern’ Paris in 1865

25 Creation of the Bureau, not in 1865 but in 1868

26 The significance of the 1865 conference and its international treaty

27 ENDNOTES AND ILLUSTRATIONS 28 BIBLIOGRAPHY 29 CONVENTION TÉLÉGRAPHIQUE INTERNATIONALE DE 1865 (FACSIMILE) 84 PARTICIPANTS 86 TIMELINE SINCE 1865 Quai d’ Orsay 1850 05

For a century and a half since 1865, ITU has been at the centre of advances in FOREWORD communications – from telegraphy, BY THE SECRETARY-GENERAL telephony, radio and television through to satellites, mobiles, Internet and broadband. This year marks the 150th anniversary of the ITU’s 150th anniversary is not only a International Telecommunication Union. celebration of the founding of ITU, but also Since the first International Telegraph a tribute to the incredible engineering feat Convention was signed in 1865 to the which is today’s ICT and telecommunication present, our membership has grown from its ecosystem; the ecosystem which now original 20 to the current 193 Member States underpins societies and economies around and over 700 Sector Members, Associates the world, and which will be the foundation and Academia members. of an environmentally sustainable future. The story of ITU is This publication describes the environment PREFACE one of international that led to the founding of ITU back cooperation and in 1865, and provides a fascinating collaboration amongst governments, look at the world of communications private companies and other stakeholders technologies 150 years ago and how many in the information and communication of the challenges that led to its creation technology (ICT) sector. remain today. I trust that readers will In 2015, we celebrate both the vision of find it interesting and informative. ITU’s founding members and the ongoing commitment of ITU Membership towards the principle of global collaboration and harmony that helped to found ITU back in 1865. Indeed, these are values that as Secretary-General I am determined to uphold firmly at ITU – to ensure that the collaboration and unity of purpose which Houlin Zhao marked the beginnings of ITU continue Secretary-General to underpin its work in radio-spectrum International management, telecommunication Telecommunication Union standards and connecting the world. April, 2015

06 INTRODUCTION

The International Telecommunication A century and a half later, the Union (ITU) has developed and thrived fundamental objectives of the organization in an era of unprecedented discovery are basically unchanged. ITU has developed and innovation. Throughout its 150 year with the rapidly changing landscape of history, ITU has promoted international telecommunications throughout this period, cooperation, working to achieve as reflected in its rich 150 year history. practical solutions to integrate new communications technologies as they develop and to spread their benefits to all. The historic signing of the first International Telegraph Convention and the creation of the International Telegraph Union has had a profound influence on the global communications landscape. In the mid-19th century, telegraph lines did not cross national frontiers because each country used a different system and equipment. Messages had to be transcribed, translated and handed over at borders before being retransmitted over the telegraph network of the neighbouring country. It is therefore not surprising that countries decided to conclude agreements to interconnect their networks. On 17 May 1865, after two and a half months of arduous negotiations, the first International Telegraph Convention was signed in Paris by its twenty founding members, and the International Telegraph Union (the first incarnation of ITU) was created. This first international convention created a framework to standardize telegraphy equipment, set uniform operating instructions, and lay down common international tariff and accounting rules. 07

Morse key. 08 THE ELECTRIC TELEGRAPH: THE FIRST NATIONAL NETWORKS

Electricity’s use in technology began in ways to communicate over distance had the mid-19th century, greatly expanding reached a life-changing new level. mankind’s capacity and scope for practical This exciting new medium superseded achievement. Nowhere was this seen more and largely outperformed all previous dramatically than through the invention means of long-distance communications. of the electric telegraph. Experiments Long gone were the days of smoke signals, were conducted in sending electric signals homing pigeons, post riders and the mail and telegraph lines soon linked major coach, which had been the mainstay towns in many countries; man’s age- methods humans used to communicate for old quest for more rapid and effective millennia. Nor was the optical telegraph

THE PRE-ELECTRIC TELEGRAPH: CHAPPE’S SEMAPHORE

Introduced by French a distance” and drawbacks was télégraphiste and engineer Claude “graphien,” meaning the need for good instructed him to Chappe (1763-1805) “to write”. weather conditions establish a line of in 1792, the visual to deliver messages semaphore stations telegraph system Chappe’s system – the system was between Paris and was widely used consisted of a set disrupted by rainy or Lille. The military throughout Europe of moveable arms misty weather, and victory of French until the 1850s before mounted on the top messages could not troops at Quesnoy it was phased out of a tower or hill. The be sent at night. in 1794 was the first by the advent of position of the arms news transmitted electric telegraphy. indicated a letter of There was a over that line. It was the first the alphabet, a word desperate need for genuine ‘organized or an idea. Messages swift and reliable The visual telegraph communication were relayed from communication in was by no doubt system’ in history. one signal tower to France during the the fastest means When naming his another – placed at revolutionary years of communication system, Chappe used roughly 10 kilometres from 1790-1795. In at the time. Various the word ‘telegraph’ apart – and the response, in the sources indicate for the first time: the messages were summer of 1793, the that the duration of term comes from read with the aid of French government transmission was the Greek words a telescope. One of appointed Chappe at best about 20 “tele,” meaning “at the systems major Ingénieur- to 30 seconds per

Portrait of Claude Chappe. 09

semaphore system, the immediate • A desire to have a rapid and reliable predecessor of the electric telegraph, a means of communications for diplomatic match for this promising new medium. correspondence and state affairs, Almost immediately after it was • The recognition that the telegraph was proven practical, nations began an indispensable asset for the safe and installing electric telegraph networks. rapid functioning of the railroads which For the most part, European lines were were introduced in the same period, nationalized in the beginning, while those • The interest of private enterprise to use in North America were left to private the telegraph for commercial purposes. enterprises. However, the incentives to expand the networks were the same:

symbol per station ensure efficient and telegraphy called the Semaphore signalling in good weather secure transmission ‘Lord Murray’ system, is still in use today conditions. The speed between networks. and Prussia adopted with sailors using at which messages the ‘Bergstraesser’ flags to communicate were received over By 1844 France system, and some between ships, or long distances is possessed a other European on the railways more difficult to telegraph network countries had similar where station assess as data is not (Chappe system) installations. signals change the always consistent. of more than 5 angle of inclination It appears that in 000 kilometers Claude Chappe’s of a pivoted ‘arm’ Paris, signals were connecting 29 French telegraph was in use to communicate received from Lille in cities with Paris. for 61 years. with train drivers. two minutes, from Although coloured Brest in six minutes, The other major In France, the first light signals and from Toulon in European countries electric telegraph was have replaced twelve minutes. These also recognized installed between semaphore signals are very probably the usefulness of Paris and Rouen in in most countries, the best results the “telegraph” 1845, followed by a some mechanical obtained in good for consolidating line between Paris semaphore arms are weather. Another government power and Lille in 1846. Only still in use today. major contribution and a valuable asset in 1855 the electric made by Chappe was to national defence. telegraph replaced Semaphore on the roof of the Louvre, 1799. his development of England adopted the semaphore a universal code to a system of visual system in France. 10

THE FIRST EUROPEAN ELECTRIC TELEGRAPH LINES

In 1837, the first In 1850, John Watkins electric telegraph Brett and his brother line was in operation Jacob laid the first in England between telegraph cable London and between England and Birmingham, and in France, only to replace the United States it with a more robust from Washington to cable a year later after Baltimore in 1844. a French fisherman Despite its vast mistook it for a new network of visual kind of seaweed and telegraphy, the French cut it to pieces. The king recognized the first transatlantic advantages of the cable was laid in electric telegraph 1858, reducing and ordered a special communication time commission to study between Europe and its application in North America from 1844. The first line was ten days – the time completed in France it took to deliver a in 1845, in Austria- message by ship – to a Hungary and Belgium matter of minutes. in 1846, in Italy in 1847, in Switzerland in 1852 and in Russia in 1853. 11

Paul Julius Reuter (1816-1899), German entrepreneur, media pioneer and founder of the Reuters news agency.

REUTER’S TELEGRAMS

Newspapers were based his fame among the first and fortune on customers of the the distribution of John Watkins Brett telegraph once it ‘Reuter’s telegrams’: (1805-1863), engineer became open to the political, financial responsible for submarine public. Paul Julius and economic news telegraph links across the Reuter (1816-1899) by telegraph. Channel and Mediterranean. 12 INTERNATIONAL TELEGRAPHY: THE COMPLEX PRE-1865 DIPLOMATIC AGREEMENTS

Soon after national telegraph networks Some kind of international system were built, the need to interconnect the was needed to make use of the potential lines of neighbouring countries became of telegraphy to develop political and obvious. International collaboration trade relations. This set off a flurry could begin. However, each country had of negotiations throughout Europe its own system and without international between the end of the 1840s and the standardization, sending messages from one mid-1860s, culminating in a plethora of country to another proved cumbersome. To bilateral and multilateral agreements send messages across borders, they had to aimed at setting common international be transcribed, translated into the language telegraph equipment standards, of the transit or destination country, handed regulations and agreements on tariffs. over to the opposite border post, and forwarded from there over the telegraph network of the neighbouring country.

Telegraph operators in the border office at Strasbourg in 1850. It was here that the telegraph network of Baden was connected to that of France. Telegrams sent to the Grand Duchy of Baden were received at Strasbourg by a French telegraphy operator, who transcribed them and handed them to his colleague from Baden. He then translated them and sent them to Kehl, from where they were retransmitted over the Grand Duchy’s network.

Map of Europe in 1865. 15

CENTRAL AND EASTERN EUROPE

Before its unification in 1871, Germany 1849 and between Austria and Bavaria in was made up of 27 constituent states. 1850. At a meeting in Dresden in 1850, these These states consisted of kingdoms, grand four States went a step further, creating the duchies, duchies, principalities, free Austro-German Telegraph Union (AGTU). Hanseatic cities and one imperial territory. Other countries joined AGTU soon after: The Kingdom of Prussia was the largest Württemberg, Hannover, the Netherlands, of the constituent states, covering two- Baden, and Mecklenburg-Schwerin. thirds of the empire’s territory. However, The aim of the AGTU was to provide its territories were scattered over many both official and private international provinces often without common borders. traffic with the advantages of one telegraph In 1848, when Prussia decided to link its system based on uniform rules. capital Berlin with places on the borders At a meeting in Vienna in 1851, the AGTU of the kingdom, it had to conclude no less decided that the international telegraph than 15 conventions with the German lines of its members should be physically States to obtain the rights of passage interconnected, thus removing the need necessary for the construction of the lines, for border telegraph offices and operators and these conventions were only effective and speeding up international telegraph within Germany itself. The convention traffic. Morse telegraph apparatus was on “The establishment and use of electro- recognized as the accepted standard for magnetic telegraphs for the exchange of all international lines, tariff zones were State dispatches” signed in 1849 by Prussia established, and the cost of international and Austria, was the first such agreement telegrams calculated according to distance. with any claim to be international. In a landmark decision at the 1857 Many similar agreements followed, for Stuttgart meeting, AGTU members ruled example between Prussia and Saxony in that the international provisions of

THE FIRST INTERNATIONAL TELEGRAPH AGREEMENT

The first treaty on common station exist at the time, record designed to was constructed in telegrams from link the telegraph Oderberg, Austria Austria were given lines of two states (today “Bohumín” in priority on even was signed on the Czech Republic), days, and those from 3 October 1849 where telegraph Prussia took priority between Prussia and operators of the two on odd days. Austria. It connected contracting countries Berlin and Vienna exchanged telegrams. by a telegraph line, Government running along the messages were given then existing Trieste- priority, followed Vienna-Oderberg by the railway Map of the unified electric (frontier)-Berlin- service messages, telegraph system connecting Hamburg railroad. and lastly by public Austria, Bavaria, Hannover, To complete the correspondence. As Prussia and Saxony (1852). connecting link, a duplexing did not 16

telegraph agreements most likely to remain by constantly evolving scientific progress that would be adopted later by the fixed, such as those concerning the legal without altering the provisions of the International Telegraph Union, AGTU relations between contracting States and Convention, which could only be changed by opened up its agreements to a number tariff-setting procedures, were to be placed the contracting parties at diplomatic level. of private companies. These included in the Convention. On the other hand, Today, more than 150 years later, the “International and Electric Telegraph provisions most subject to change were to this visionary system continues to be Company”, the “Submarine Telegraph be embodied in “Regulations” or “Service applied by ITU and has been adopted as Company”, and the “Compagnie des lignes Instructions” annexed to the Convention. a standard approach by various other télégraphiques des îles de la Méditerranée”. The Regulations were to deal primarily international organizations dealing with with technical issues. This dual system was regulatory issues in various sectors. designed to enable AGTU members to make Between the late 1850s and early the technical modifications necessitated 1860s, introducing another measure

WESTERN EUROPE

It was not long before the Western European States followed the lead of the Central European states. Bilateral treaties were signed between France and Belgium in 1851, between France and Switzerland in 1852, between France and Sardinia in 1853, and between France and Spain in 1854. The success of AGTU inspired the creation of the West European Telegraph Union (WETU) in 1855, composed of Belgium, France, Sardinia, Spain and Switzerland. At their inaugural meeting that year in Paris, the States signed a convention which, apart from applying lower telegraph rates and agreeing on the languages1 to be used in telegraph dispatches, was virtually identical to provisions agreed to by members of the the Austro-German Union. In 1856, the Netherlands and Portugal adhered to this convention, followed in 1860 by the Vatican State and the Kingdom of the Two Sicilies; and two entities called “les Iles de la Méditerranée” and “les Iles Britanniques” also agreed to be bound by the WETU convention.

Facsimile of the record of the first meeting of the International Telegraph Commission, Berne, 24 August 1858. 17

EFFORTS TO HARMONIZE THE TWO EUROPEAN UNIONS

Beside the two major Unions, other The foundations of international international agreements existed for telegraphy appealed to many countries, the exchange of correspondence in and a further 11 independent states Europe. Indeed, arrangements were signed the convention between 1859 and made for the exchange of correspondence 1861. In chronological order they were between countries in the Western and Switzerland, Spain, Sardinia, Portugal, the Central parts of Europe from the Turkey, Denmark, Sweden and Norway, the start of electrical telegraph exchanges. Papal Government, Russia, the Kingdom To align the positions of the two groups of the Two Sicilies, and Luxembourg. in West and Central Europe, a convention Despite these efforts by members of was signed in Paris in 1852 by Belgium, the two telegraph unions to conclude France and Prussia2. The agreement better working agreements, there was addressed a wide number of issues: the still a wide difference in the provisions of construction of direct telegraph lines to their respective Conventions. The flow permit international messages to travel of telegraphic dispatches from country across frontiers without interruption to country was still hampered by the lack (eliminating the need for common border of interconnectivity, standardization stations); the right of all individuals to use and common operational regulations. the international service upon payment of The advances of science, the extension charges at the point of origin; and a refund of telegraph lines and the multiplicity of in case of dispatch loss or undue delay. telegraph communications had clearly The secrecy of telegraph dispatches was revealed that the existing agreements no guaranteed, but only governments were longer satisfied the needs and conditions authorized to cipher their dispatches. of the time. It became increasingly evident The three signatory countries extended that the existing telegraph agreements the basic provisions of the convention at should be consolidated under one banner. two further meetings held in Berlin (1855) and in Brussels (1858). The aim of these conferences was to further enhance and speed up international traffic by providing sufficient lines between their capitals and standardizing the use of the Morse telegraph apparatus. States were allowed to police all traffic and to block or refuse any telegrams considered to be contrary to good morals or a threat to public security. For the first time, telegram texts containing numbers were allowed provided they concerned commercial matters; transmission rates were lowered for these communications.

Morse key. 18 THE INTERNATIONAL TELEGRAPH CONFERENCE (PARIS, 1865)

Louis Napoléon Bonaparte, the future Emperor Napoléon III, was open to new technologies and in favour of the modernization of France and its industry. He opened the French telegraph to private and commercial use. He believed that a modern economy needed speedy communications which should cross borders without interruption. In 1864, the French Imperial Government sent out invitations to all European countries3 – not only the signatory States to previous telegraph conventions – to attend a conference in Paris starting on 1 March 1865 to negotiate a general treaty which would create a uniform international telegraph system. Twenty countries4 confirmed their participation, setting the stage for a historic event that would leave an indelible stamp on the communications sector and its place in society worldwide. 19

Georges-Eugène Haussman (1809-1891), Prefect of the Seine Department, town planner for the Paris of Napoléon III.

‘MODERN’ PARIS IN 1865

The delegates to connect and unify produce market in the are the blocks converging on Paris the different parts center of the city. of apartment in the spring of 1865 of the city into one buildings which must have noticed whole, and to make it Haussmann used line the boulevards the fundamental more beautiful. the 250 million franc of Paris designed changes of the French loan he received for as homogeneous capital. Soon after In the middle of the the reconstruction architectural wholes. he came to power nineteenth century, of Paris to build He treated buildings Napoléon III launched the centre of Paris the city’s network not as independent a massive programme was overcrowded, of boulevards, a structures, but as to renovate the city. dark, dangerous, new water supply component parts Tens of thousands and unhealthy. structure, and a of a unified urban of workers were The population gigantic sewerage landscape. hired to improve the density in some system, where the sanitation, water neighbourhoods wires of the early supply and traffic was extremely telegraph lines were circulation of the high. In these laid. city. To direct this conditions, disease task, Napoléon III spread very quickly. He worked with a appointed Georges Cholera epidemics highly efficient team Eugene Haussmann ravaged the city to “embellish, enlarge as the new Prefect of in 1832 and 1848. and sanitize Paris”: the Seine department Traffic circulation Baltard et Davioud and gave him was another major (architecture) Eugène extraordinary powers problem. Wagons, Deschamps, (Paris to rebuild the city carriages and carts planning director), centre. He installed a could barely move Eugène Belgrand large map of Paris in a through the streets. (water and sewage) central position in his Under Napoleon and Jean-Charles office, and together III, two new train Adolphe Alphand with Haussmann, stations were built: (gardens, parks and planned the ‘new’ the Gare de Lyon promenades). Paris. Haussmann (1855) and the Gare was instructed to du Nord (1865). He The most famous and “aérer, unifier, et completed Les Halles, recognizable features Louis Napoléon, embellir” Paris: to give the great cast iron of Haussmann’s the future Napoléon III. it air and open space, and glass pavilioned renovation work 20

The French Government supervised be carried out by a Special Committee the Conference. In the opening address, (“Commission des Délégués spéciaux”) the Chairman, French Minister of Foreign comprising senior officials from the Affairs, Mr Edmond Drouyn de Lhuys, various telegraph administrations stated that France was present. This Committee was chaired primarily interested by the Director of the French Telegraph in drafting of a single Administration, Viscount H. de Vougy. Convention to bridge Each delegation was given a single the gap between the vote, and it was agreed that decisions two existing major would be made by a simple majority. Conventions and The Conference Special Committee replacing the system met 16 times between 4 March and 11 April of tariffs by zones 1865 and finalized the draft Convention. with a single uniform On 17 May, after two and a half months of telegraph rate. For arduous negotiations, the first International this purpose the Telegraph Convention was approved French Government and signed by the 20 participating had prepared a countries, and the International Telegraph complete draft of a Union was set up to enable subsequent new Convention and amendments to this initial agreement. a set of Telegraph This marked the birth of ITU. Regulations. The draft was accepted as a basis for discussion. Most of the distinguished delegates had Ambassador Extraordinary and Plenipotentiary status, reflecting the importance

Edmond Drouyn de Lhuys (1805-1881), their governments French diplomat and politician, Minister attached to the Paris conference. However of Foreign Affairs under the Second it was decided that the actual work on the Republic and Second Empire, senator. final convention and regulations would 21

Special delegates to the International Tele- graph Conference, Paris, 1865. Source: Historical archives of the International Telecommunication Union. 22 23

Interior view, Salon de l’Horloge (Clock Room) at the Ministry of Foreign Affairs, Quai d’Orsay, Paris, where the first International Telegraph Convention was signed in 1865. 24 THE NEW CONVENTION AND ITS REGULATIONS AND TARIFFS

The Paris Telegraph Convention which instructions, and common international was signed on 13 and 17 May 1865, achieved tariff and accounting rules. The French most of the French Government’s aims and franc was accepted as the monetary unit created the International Telegraph Union. for all international accounts, and private The Convention and its annex, Regulation telegraph companies in member States of of International Service to supplement the the new International Telegraph Union provisions of the Telegraph Convention in were asked to conform to the treaty and Paris, closely followed the provisions of its rules and regulations. Tariff rates were previous telegraph conventions: of the to be uniform with two exceptions; Russia 63 articles, only 11 were innovations. The and Turkey were allowed to charge more new treaty was applicable to all countries for telegrams to the far-flung easternmost and advocated a framework to standardize parts of their immense territories. telegraphy equipment, uniform operating

Monument commemorating the founding of the International Telegraph Union, inaugurated in Berne on 16 December 1922. 25

The significance of the new Convention the directors-general of the telegraph Before closing the conference, the was perhaps best conveyed by the closing services throughout the Continent would, French Foreign Minister thanked the remarks of French Foreign Minister in practice, foster official relations and plenipotentiaries for electing him their and Conference Chairman, Drouyn de help to overcome the difficulties that Chairman and added: “Thanks to your Lhuys: “We have met here as a veritable could not always be avoided even with the kindness and co-operation, my task was Peace Congress. Although it is true that most carefully-designed regulations”. a sinecure that I was happy to fulfil”. war is frequently caused by a mere In thanking the delegates for the part The Convention and its Regulations misunderstanding, is it not a they had played in preparing the came into effect for all contracting states fact that the destruction of International Telegraph on 1 January1866. In order to bring private one of the causes makes Code, the Minister added telegraph companies into agreement with it easier for nations that his only desire the new regulations, the contracting states to exchange ideas was that they should agreed to impose, to the extent possible, the and brings within take home with them provisions of the Convention on all private their reach this the same happy companies operating under their authority prodigious means impression that their and to negotiate a reciprocal reduction of communication, visit to France would of tariffs with them where necessary. this electric wire leave in his country. Countries that were not among the first 20 which conveys thoughts The spirit of signatory states could also adhere to it by through space at peace and cooperation notification, through diplomatic channels, lightning speed, providing a which characterized the to the French Government. In order to keep speedy and unbroken link for the conference is also reflected up with administrative and technological scattered members of the human race?” in the exchange between the Director- changes, the Convention was to be The French Foreign Minister further General of the Prussian telegraph, General periodically revised by conferences held stated: “There were mutual advantages Chauvin and his Danish counterpart, in the capitals of the contracting nations. to be gained from the meeting together of Mr Faber, representing two countries After months of negotiations, the men of the highest rank, responsible for the that had been at war from 1848 till 18645: delegates had created an international great public services in their countries and “I can understand that it may not be pleasant regulatory framework that has representing every corner of Europe, who for you to be seen with me,” said General transformed the way people and nations could pool the results of their experience Chauvin, “but I owe it to you - here in this communicate around the world. and form a sort of supranational instruction gathering - to state that nowhere have I centre. It could truly be said that the found such a beautiful and so rationally personal relationships established among organized telegraph system as in Denmark.”

CREATION OF THE BUREAU, NOT IN 1865 BUT IN 1868

Only one proposal and addressing task of drawing administrative work Commemorative medal struck in 1866 from the French specific telegraph up the map of of the Union. The by the Paris Mint to commemorate the administration was service issues. The international Vienna Conference first conference of the International Telegraph Union, held in Paris in 1865. not approved by the commission was to telegraph networks. approved, and the Paris Conference: have its seat in the However, the idea of “Bureau international the creation of capital of the country creating a permanent des administrations a permanent which had hosted administrative body télégraphiques” was commission for the the last telegraph resurfaced again at created based in new Telegraph Union, conference. the 1868 International Bern and headed by a composed of one Telegraph Conference permanent Director. delegate from each The Paris Conference in Vienna. This The Bureau can be member country, was not willing to go time the Swiss considered as the charged with drawing that far and limited administration predecessor of the up a general map itself to giving the proposed to establish current General of the international French telegraph a permanent bureau Secretariat of the telegraph networks administration the to handle the Union. 26

To give a proper be held in Paris, in of the previous idea of the scope of 1865, between a Administration of our Union, I should group of countries this Empire, namely like to take a look in the centre of Messrs Chauvin, back over the period Europe, to request, Meydam, Budde and preceding our through diplomatic Gumbart. present gathering. channels, that I be When the heads allowed to attend; to Individuals may pass of the telegraph which the personal away, but they remain administrations, response from the dear in our memory! having organized head of the French their domestic Administration was: Gentlemen, let us networks, turned to “But I shall invite all remain faithful to their neighbours to of you.” our tradition. At the request the right of first conference, only way for international Those words, a limited number of correspondence, inspired by a feeling States had accepted what did they of hospitality and the invitation, find themselves friendship towards and not even the facing? Borders his colleagues, were whole of Europe that were veritable like the inauguration was represented; barriers, with each of the gracious and but the circle has administration magnificent welcome widened with each facilitating domestic that has been new conference, correspondence by extended to us by all and today, at the means of a minimum the governments in opening of the tariff, while seeking to whose capital cities sixth conference, balance its budget by we have held our our network imposing the highest successive meetings, encompasses almost Carsten Tank Nielsen (1818-1892), first possible charges on and which has given the entire planet. We director of the Norwegian telegraph no longer shrink back network. international and rise within us to the transit traffic. It was spirit of conciliation from the remotest even a requirement that has always countries or from the that transit traffic be underpinned our depths of the ocean subject to the rules discussions, enabling as we extend our THE SIGNIFICANCE OF THE 1865 CONFERENCE governing domestic us to assimilate the magic wire, which AND ITS INTERNATIONAL TREATY correspondence in interests of each has just become the each of the countries of the Contracting first item for which it crossed. States with those of international law Addressing the I have the honour, in the constituent the wider world. extends beyond the International in my capacity as conference. You It was an intolerable bounds of territorial Telegraph Conference dean, and on behalf are all aware of situation, especially In my mind’s eye, I can waters. of 1885 in Berlin, of my colleagues, the benefits that for countries still see the faces of Carsten Tank to address Your have resulted from like, for example, those dear colleagues Today, surrounded Nielsen, Director- Excellency. I have our Union, the first Norway, which lay who are no longer as I am by the General of the taken part in all body of a universal on the very edges of with us but who delegates of States Norwegian telegraph the international international nature. Europe. For my part, made a fundamental and representatives administration telegraph You are also aware I took advantage contribution to of companies from all spoke about the conferences, and that from within this of a newspaper developing and corners of the globe, importance of the it was exactly 20 Union, other similar announcement to nurturing that spirit, it is on their behalf 1865 Convention on years ago this year and no less important the effect that a among whom I would that I greet Your its 20th anniversary6: that I participated unions have emerged. conference was to mention the heads Excellency. 27

ENDNOTES

1. The contracting countries agreed to accept invited because her telegraph services were 6. Extract from the “Documents of the telegrams drafted in French, English still in the hands of private companies. International Telegraph Conference (despite the fact that Great Britain was not 4. Austria, Baden, Bavaria, Belgium, Denmark, (Berlin, 1885)”. Historical archives of the a member), German, Italian, and Spanish. France, Greece, Hamburg, Hanover, International Telecommunication Union. Later Dutch and Portuguese were added. Italy, the Netherlands, Portugal, Prussia, History of ITU Portal. [http://handle.itu. 2. The Prussian delegate signed on Russia, Saxony, Spain, Sweden-Norway, int/11.1004/020.1000/4.21.51.fr.200] behalf of both his own country and the Switzerland, Turkey and Wurttemberg. Austro-German Telegraph Union. 5. The military conflict between Denmark and 3. England, the only other European state with Prussia over the Schleswig-Holstein question an important telegraph network, was not ended in 1864 with the defeat of Denmark.

ILLUSTRATIONS

Cover: Façade of the building housing the Page 15: Map of the unified electric telegraph Page 22-23: Interior view, Salon de l’Horloge Ministry of Foreign Affairs, Quai d’Orsay, Paris. system connecting Austria, Bavaria, Hannover, (Clock Room) at the Ministry of Foreign Affairs: Press photograph / Agence Rol. 1912. Prussia and Saxony (1852). [press photograph] / Agence Meurisse. Paris, Source: gallica.bnf.fr / French National Library, Source: Roberts, Steven. Distant writing: A history 1928. Print and Photograph Department of the telegraph companies in Britain between 1838 Source: gallica.bnf.fr / French National Library, and 1868. London: http://distantwriting.co.uk/ , Print and Photograph Department Page 4: Quai d’Orsay [drawing]. 1850. 2012 Source: gallica.bnf.fr / French National Library, Page 24: Monument commemorating the Print and Photograph Department Page 16: Facsimile of the record of the first founding of the International Telegraph Union, meeting of the International Telegraph inaugurated in Berne on 16 December 1922. Pages 6-7: Morse key. 1872-1873. Commission, Berne, 24 August 1858. Source: [Photo] Published in: Inauguration du monument Source: Wikimedia Commons Historical archives of the International commémoratif de la fondation de l’Union Telecommunication Union, Geneva télégraphique. Journal télégraphique 46, No.12 Page 8: Portrait of Claude Chappe. (1922): 238-244. Source: Wikimedia Commons Page 17: Morse key. Source: Historical archives of the International Source: Wikimedia Commons Telecommunication Union, Geneva. Page 9: View of the Louvre interior, real life, fourth year [drawing] / Charles Norry, 1799. Page 18: De Vinck. Louis Napoléon, President of Page 25: Commemorative medal struck in 1866 Source: gallica.bnf.fr / French National Library, the Republic: [drawing]. In: Collection de Vinck. Un by the Paris Mint to commemorate the first Print and Photograph Department siècle d’histoire de France par estampe, 1770-1870. conference of the International Telegraph Union, Vol. 125, République de 1848. held in Paris in 1865. [photo] Page 10: John Watkins Brett (1805-1863), Source: gallica.bnf.fr / French National Library, Source: Historical archives of the International engineer responsible for submarine telegraph Print and Photograph Department Telecommunication Union, Geneva. links across the Channel and Mediterranean. Source: Wikimedia Commons Page 19: Georges Eugène Haussman (1809-1891) Page 26: Carsten Tank Nielsen (1818-1892), first Prefect of the Seine Department, town planner for director of the Norwegian telegraph network. Page 11: Paul Julius Reuter (1816-1899), German the Paris of Napoléon III (1853-1870). [photo] entrepreneur, media pioneer and founder of the Source: Wikimedia Commons Source: Det Norske Telegrafvesen i 75 År 1855- Reuters news agency. 1929. Oslo: Telegrafstyret, 1929. Source: Wikimedia Page 20: Edmond Drouyn de Lhuys (1805- 1881), French diplomat and politician, Minister Pages 29: Facsimile of the manuscript of the Page 12: Telegraph operators in the border office of Foreign Affairs under the Second Republic International Telegraph Convention (Paris, 1865). at Strasbourg in 1850. and Second Empire, senator. Engraving from The original is preserved in the Treaty Room of Source: Michaelis, Anthony R., ed. From Almanach du voleur, almanach biographique / by the Diplomatic Archives of the French Ministry of Semaphore to Satellite. Geneva: International Etienne Boucourt. Foreign Affairs and International Development, Telecommunication Union, 1965. Source: Bibliothèque municipale de Bordeaux. Paris. Fonds Delpit. Page 13: Map of Europe 1865. Published in Colton’s General Atlas, Containing One Hundred Page 21: Special delegates to the International And Eighty Steel Plate Maps And Plans, On One Telegraph Conference, Paris, 1865. Hundred And Eight Imperial Folio Sheets, Drawn By Source: Historical archives of the International G. Woolworth Colton. New York: J.H. Colton, 1865. Telecommunication Union, Geneva. Source: David Rumsey Map Collection, www. davidrumsey.com 28

BIBLIOGRAPHY

Balbi, Gabriele, Calvo, S., Fari, S. and Richeri, G. Bringing Inauguration du monument commémoratif de together the two large electric currents that divide la fondation de l’Union télégraphique. Journal Europe: Switzerland’s role in promoting the creation télégraphique, 46, No. 12 (1922): 238-244. [Article] of a common European telegraph space (1849-1865). [http://handle.itu.int/11.1004/020.1000/3.1.57.fr] [Article] [http://www.academia.edu/2140169/] International Telecommunication Union. 1865-1965: Balbi, Gabriele, Fari, S., Richeri, G., Calvo, S. Swiss A Hundred Years of International Cooperation. Geneva: specialties: Switzerland’s role in the genesis of the ITU, 1965. [Booklet] Telegraph Union, 1855-1875. Journal of European [http://handle.itu.int/11.1004/020.1000/3.17.57.en] integration history, 19, No. 2: 183-330 (2013). [Article] [http://www.eu-historians.eu/Journal] La télégraphie internationale avant la création de l’Union télégraphique. Journal télégraphique, 48, Nos 11-12 Beauchamps, Ken. History of telegraphy: its (1924): 205-211 ; 221-226. [Article] technology and application. (IEE history of technology [http://handle.itu.int/11.1004/020.1000/3.29.57.fr] series; No. 26). London: IEE, 2001. [Book] Lyall, Francis. International Communications: Bertho Lavenir, Catherine. Les grandes The International Telecommunication découvertes: les télécommunications. Union and the Universal Postal Union. Romain Pages Editions, 1991. [Book] Burlington, VT: Ashgate, 2011. [Book]

Bertho, Catherine, ed. Histoire des télécommunications Meyer, Victor. Union internationale des en France. Toulouse: Eres, 1984. [Book] télécommunications et son bureau. Unpublished manuscript, Berne, 1946. [Manuscript] [http:// Bureau international de l’Union télégraphique. L’Union handle.itu.int/11.1004/020.1000/3.15.57.fr] télégraphique internationale: 1865-1915. Berne: Bureau international de l’Union télégraphique, 1915. [Book] Michaelis, Anthony R., ed. From Semaphore to [http://handle.itu.int/11.1004/020.1000/3.18.57.fr] Satellite. Geneva: International Telecommunication Union, 1965. [Book] [http://handle.itu. Codding, George Arthur, Jr. The International int/11.1004/020.1000/3.25.57.en.100] Telecommunication Union: An Experiment in International Cooperation. Leiden: Brill, 1952. [Book] Overview of ITU’s history. [Manuscript] [http:// handle.itu.int/11.1004/020.1000/3.28.57.en] Frey, Emile. Les quatre bureaux internationaux à Berne. Conférence donnée à Berne aux étudiants Standage, Tom. The Victorian Internet. de l’Ecole supérieure de commerce de Berlin, New York: Walker, 1998. [Book] Berne, Suisse, août 17 1909. [Speech] [http:// handle.itu.int/11.1004/020.1000/3.12.57.fr] Wenzlhuemer, Roland. Connecting the nineteenth- century world: the telegraph and globalization. Huurdeman, Anton A. The worldwide history of Cambridge: Cambridge University Press, 2013 [Book] telecommunications. (A Wiley Interscience publication) Hoboken, N.J.: John Wiley, 2003. [Book] Further documents on the history of ITU are available via the History of ITU Portal [www.itu.int/history]

Facsimile of the manuscript of the International Telegraph Convention (Paris, 1865). E_Participants_chronologie_376949.indd 1

Country in 1865 84 Special delegates Special 2. delegates Plenipotentiary 1. today Countries PARIS, 1865 CONFERENCE, TELEGRAPH INTERNATIONAL PARTICIPANTS IN Layout

Austrian Empire Director of Telegraphs of Director VON BRUNNER WATTENWYL, Mr 2. Austria of Emperor the H.M. of Extraordinary Ambassador WINNEBURG, VON METTERNICH- Prince H.E. 1. Hungary & Austria

Grand Duchy of Baden Inspector of Telegraphs of Inspector SCHWERD, Mr and Ministry, POPPEN, Mr 2. Baden of Duke Grand the H.R.H. of Plenipotentiary andEnvoy Minister Extraordinary VON SCHWEIZER, Baron 1. Germany

Counsellor of the the of Counsellor

THE THE

Kingdom of Bavaria Lines Telegraph of VANMr DYCK, Director and Affairs, Foreign of Ministry the of Counsellor VON WEBER, Mr 2. Bavaria of King the H.M. of Plenipotentiary andEnvoy Minister Extraordinary VON WENDLAND, Baron 1. Germany

Kingdom of Belgium Chief, Director of Telegraphs of Director Chief, in VINCHENT, Engineer Julien Mr and Telegraphs, and Posts Railways, of Director-General FASSIAUX, Mr 2. Belgians the of King the H.M. of Plenipotentiary Minister and Envoy Extraordinary BEYENS, Baron 1. Belgium

French Empire Affairs, Ministry of Foreign Affairs Foreign of Ministry Affairs, for Consulates and Commercial JAGERSCHMIDT,Mr Under-Director and Lines; Telegraph of VOUGY, DE Director-GeneralViscount Affairs; Foreign of Ministry the in HERBET,Mr State Councillor, Director 2. Foreign Affairs of Department State, of Secretary Minister LHUYS, DE DROUYN Mr H.E. 1. France

Kingdom of Denmark Telegraph Lines FABER, Director-GeneralMr of 2. Denmark of King the H.M. of Plenipotentiary andEnvoy Minister Extraordinary VON MOLTKE-HVITVELDT, Léon Count 1. Denmark

Kingdom of Spain Mr DE HAKAR, HAKAR, DE Mr and Telegraphs, of Director SANZ, Mr 2. Majesty Catholic His of Plenipotentiary and Minister Extraordinary Ambassador MON, Alexander Mr H.E. 1. Spain District Inspector

Kingdom of Italy Department, Ministry of Public Works Public of Ministry Department, of Head MINOTTO, DI Cavaliere 2. Italy of King H.M. the of Plenipotentiary Minister and Envoy Extraordinary NIGRA, Cavaliere 1. Italy

Kingdom of Greece of the Interior the of Ministry Section, of Head MANOS, Mr 2. Hellenes the of King the H.M. of Plenipotentiary ROQUE, PHOCION Mr 1. Greece

Free City of Hamburg Free Cities of Germany of Cities Free HEEREN, Mr 1. Germany Minister Resident for the the for Resident Minister

Kingdom of Prussia Director of Telegraphs of Director CHAUVIN, DE Mr 2. Prussia of King the H.M. and ofPlenipotentiary Extraordinary VON GOLTZ, Ambassador Count H.E. 1. Germany Lieutenant-Colonel,

Kingdom of the Netherlands of the Interior the of STARING,Mr counsellor, Department 2. Netherlands the of King the H.M. of Plenipotentiary Minister and LIGHTENVELT,Mr 1. Netherlands

Kingdom of Portugal Envoy Extraordinary Envoy Extraordinary Director-General of Telegraphs Artillery, of DAIMASIO,Mr Colonel 2. Portugal of King the H.M. of Plenipotentiary and Minister Extraordinary PAÏVA, DE Envoy Viscount 1. Portugal

United Kingdoms of Sweden and Norway Norwegian TelegraphsNorwegian Director-General NIELSEN, Mr of and Telegraphs, Swedish of Mr BRÄNDSTRÖM, 2. Norway and Sweden of King the M. H. of Plenipotentiary andEnvoy Minister Extraordinary ADELSWARD, Baron Nicolas Georges 1. Norway and Sweden Director-General

Russian Empire Engineer and Director off off Telegraphs Director and Engineer VON GUERHARD,Mr Major General, 2. Russia of Emperor the H.M. of Plenipotentiary and Ambassador Extraordinary VON BUDBERG, Baron H.E. 1. Federation Russian

Kingdom of Saxony Railways of the State of Saxony of State the of Railways of Director VON WEBER, Baron 2. Saxony of King the H.M. of Plenipotentiary and Minister Extraordinary VON SEEBACH, Envoy Baron 1. Germany

Kingdom of Württemberg of the Kingdom of Württemberg of Kingdom the of VON KLEIN,Mr 2. Württemberg of King the H.M. of Plenipotentiary and Minister Extraordinary Envoy VON WAECHTER, Baron 1. Germany Director of Telegraphs Telegraphs of Director

Swiss Confederation Telegraphs of Director Central CURCHOD, Mr 2. Confederation Swiss the of Plenipotentiary Minister and Envoy KERN, Mr Extraordinary 1. Switzerland

Ottoman Empire Turkey of AGATHONMr EFFENDI, Delegate 2. Sultan the H.M. of Extraordinary DJÉMIL-PACHA,H.E. 1. Turkey

Kingdom of Hannover the Kingdom of Hannover of Kingdom the of Delegate Counsellor, GAUSS, Mr 2. Hannover of King the H.M. of Plenipotentiary and Minister Extraordinary VON LINSINGEN, Baron 1. Germany Ambassador Envoy Envoy 06/05/2015 09:16:01 85

Country in 1865 84 Special delegates Special 2. delegates Plenipotentiary 1. today Countries I PARIS, 1865 CONFERENCE, TELEGRAPH IN PARTICIPANTS Layout NTERNATIONAL

Austrian Empire Director of Telegraphs VON BRUNNER WATTENWYL, Mr 2. Austria of Emperor the H.M. of Extraordinary Ambassador WINNEBURG, VON METTERNICH- Prince H.E. 1. Hungary & Austria

Grand Duchy of Baden Inspector of Telegraphs SCHWERD, Ministry, and Mr POPPEN, Mr 2. Baden of Duke Grand the H.R.H. of Plenipotentiary E SCHWEIZER, VON Baron 1. Germany nvoy Extraordinary and Minister nvoy Extraordinary

Counsellor of the

THE THE

Kingdom of Bavaria L Telegraph of VANMr DYCK, Director and Affairs, Foreign of Ministry Counsellor VON of WEBER, Mr the 2. Bavaria P and Minister Envoy Extraordinary VON WENDLAND, Baron 1. Germany ines lenipotentiary of H.M. the King of of King the H.M. of lenipotentiary

Kingdom of Belgium Chief, Director of Telegraphs in VINCHENT, Engineer Julien Mr and Telegraphs, and Posts Railways, FASSIAUX, Mr 2. Belgians the of King the and of Minister H.M. Plenipotentiary Envoy Extraordinary BEYENS, Baron 1. Belgium Director-General of

French Empire Affairs, Ministry ofAffairs, Foreign Ministry Affairs f JAGERSCHMIDT,Mr Under-Director and Lines; Telegraph of VOUGY, DE Director-GeneralViscount Affairs; Foreign of Ministry the in HERBET,Mr State Councillor, Director 2. Foreign Affairs of Department State, of Secretary Minister LHUYS, DE DROUYN Mr H.E. 1. France or Consulates and Commercial

Kingdom of Denmark Telegraph Lines FABER, Director-GeneralMr of 2. Denmark of King the H.M. of Plenipotentiary and Minister Envoy Extraordinary VON MOLTKE-HVITVELDT, Léon Count 1. Denmark

Kingdom of Spain Mr DE HAKAR, District Inspector HAKAR, DE Mr and Telegraphs, of Director SANZ, Mr 2. Majesty ofPlenipotentiary His Catholic and Minister Extraordinary Ambassador MON, Alexander Mr H.E. 1. Spain

Kingdom of Italy Department, Ministry of Public Ministry WorksDepartment, of Head MINOTTO, DI Cavaliere 2. Italy of King H.M. the and of Minister Plenipotentiary Cavaliere Envoy NIGRA, Extraordinary 1. Italy

Kingdom of Greece of the Interior Ministry Section, of Head MANOS, Mr 2. Hellenes the of King the H.M. of Plenipotentiary ROQUE, PHOCION Mr 1. Greece

Free City of Hamburg Free Cities of Germany of Cities Free HEEREN, Mr 1. Germany Minister Resident for the the for Resident Minister

Kingdom of Prussia Director of Telegraphs Lieutenant-Colonel, CHAUVIN, DE Mr 2. Prussia of King the H.M. of and Plenipotentiary Extraordinary VON GOLTZ, Ambassador Count H.E. 1. Germany

Kingdom of the Netherlands of the Interior STARING,Mr counsellor, Department 2. the King of the Netherlands and of Minister H.M. Plenipotentiary LIGHTENVELT, EnvoyMr Extraordinary 1. Netherlands

Kingdom of Portugal Director-General of Telegraphs DAIMASIO,Mr Colonel of Artillery, 2. Portugal of King the H.M. of Plenipotentiary and Minister Extraordinary PAÏVA, DE Envoy Viscount 1. Portugal

United Kingdoms of Sweden and Norway N Director-General NIELSEN, Mr of of Telegraphs, Swedish and Mr BRÄNDSTRÖM, Director-General 2. Norway and Sweden of King the M. H. of Plenipotentiary and Minister Envoy Extraordinary NicolasGeorges Baron ADELSWARD, 1. Norway and Sweden orwegian Telegraphsorwegian

Russian Empire Engineer and Director off off Telegraphs Director and Engineer VON GUERHARD,Mr Major General, 2. of Russia Emperor the H.M. of Plenipotentiary and Extraordinary Ambassador VON BUDBERG, Baron H.E. 1. Federation Russian

Kingdom of Württemberg of the Kingdom of Württemberg of Kingdom the of VON KLEIN,Mr Director of Telegraphs 2. Württemberg of King the H.M. of Plenipotentiary and Minister Extraordinary WAECHTER, VON Baron 1. Germany Envoy Envoy

Swiss Confederation Telegraphs Central Director CURCHOD, ofMr 2. Confederation ofMinister the Plenipotentiary Swiss and Envoy KERN, Mr Extraordinary 1. Switzerland

Ottoman Empire Turkey of AGATHONMr EFFENDI, Delegate 2. of the H.M. Sultan Extraordinary DJÉMIL-PACHA,H.E. Ambassador 1. Turkey

Kingdom of Hannover the Kingdom of Hannover Counsellor, of GAUSS, Delegate Mr 2. Hannover of King the H.M. of Plenipotentiary and Minister Extraordinary Envoy VON LINSINGEN, Baron 1. Germany 85 1876 1973 1947 1927 1957 2010 2012 1880 1906 1925 1932 1969 1989 2014 2003

TELEPHONE SOS ITU TAKES ITU JOINS UN INTERNET NEW 3-SECTOR THE FUTURE IS A GLOBAL SHAPE FAMILY STRUCTURE BROADBAND MIND The next leap forward The 1906 International It started in 1969 in communications Radiotelegraph The huge technological Under a 1947 with a packet- Against a background ITU, together with In today’s increasingly after the creation Conference advances of the agreement with the switched network of of increasing UNESCO, formed interconnected world, of the International established the early 20th century United Nations, ITU computers – ARPANET globalization and the Broadband ITU is the single Telegraph Union international maritime meant that a unified became a specialized – in the US Defence the liberalization of Commission for global organization occurred with the distress call “SOS” - approach was needed agency. ITU harbored Department. Then, telecommunication Digital Development in embracing all players patenting of the one of the first steps in in 1989, a distributed INVENTION OF AS SEEN ON TV for communications NEW NAME, four permanent SATELLITES GO MOBILE! markets, the 1989 BRIDGING THE 2010. The Commission in the dynamic and telephone in 1876. the field of emergency - from telegraph to organs at the time: the hypertext system that Plenipotentiary believes that NEXT GENER- fast-growing sector of At the International RADIO communications. radio. In 1925, dealing NEW MANDATE General Secretariat; AND ORBITS became known as Conference, held DIGITAL DIVIDE expanding broadband ATION MOBILE telecommunications. Television’s first The first Telegraph Conference But the sinking of with telephone the International the World Wide Web in Nice, decided access to the Internet ITU’s areas of public demonstration demonstration call PLATFORMS held in Berlin in 1885, Limited by the length Titanic in 1912 showed services, as well as In 1932, at a Frequency Registration Since the beginning of was developed at that ITU’s structure A 1982 ITU report, will better facilitate action are all- ITU began to draw the need for further happened in CERN. The worldwide with a handheld cell of their wires, it telegraphy, officially conference in Madrid, Board (IFRB); and the Space Age and the and working entitled “The Missing economic and social ITU’s encompassing and up international improvements. Just London in 1925, and expansion of the phone was made in was impossible for became part of ITU’s it was decided that two International launch of the world’s methods needed to Link”, revealed unequal progress everywhere. Radiocommunication include: Accessibility, legislation and a few months after TV broadcasting Internet owes much to 1973. In the following the telegraph and remit. Then in 1927, a new name would Consultative first artificial satellite, be reviewed. As a access in ICT between It defines practical Sector laid the Broadband, Climate regulations governing the tragedy, the boomed after WWII. technical standards decades, mobile telephone to reach an International be adopted to reflect Committees, one Sputnik-1, in 1957, ITU result, an Additional developed and ways in which ground work for a Change, Cybersecurity, telephony. 1912 International ITU’s inaugural from ITU. Hardly services went through certain places, e.g. Radio Consultative ITU’s full range of for telephone and has played a leading Plenipotentiary developing countries. countries can achieve global platform on the Digital Divide, Radiotelegraph technical standards anyone would be able several generations on a ship. “Wireless Committee was responsibilities, i.e. telegraph and the role in regulating Conference (Geneva, Since then, ITU and its this, in cooperation which to build the Emergency Conference agreed on for television were to use this powerful and ITU has been telegraphy”, or radio, established. not only telegraphy, other for radio. Also, use of orbital slots. 1992) streamlined ITU Development Sector with the private next generations Telecommunications, additional measures released in 1949, resource without ITU- at the heart of its was therefore a Coordination of but also all aspects of ITU headquarters At its first Space into three Sectors: strengthened its sector. of mobile services Internet as well as for safety at sea. with more than 150 brokered and approved spectacular progress. welcome innovation technical studies telecommunications. moved from Berne to Conference in 1963, ITU-T, ITU-R and ITU-D. technical assistance – fast data access, Women and Girls in standards following global standards for When mobile phone in 1880. This led to could now begin The new name, Geneva. ITU has ensured that and policy guidance to unified messaging ICT.

1865 thereafter. In systems existed in a the first International in all fields of “International geostationary orbit the critical transport developing countries. recognition of ITU’s fragmented market, and broadband Radiotelegraph telecommunications, Telecommunication is shared fairly and layers and access Bridging the Digital important role in ITU helped to achieve multimedia – in the Convention (Berlin, as well as the drawing Union”, came into in a way that avoids technologies. Divide was a priority broadcasting, the US full interoperability form of exciting new 1906) and, later in 1927, up of international effect on 1 January interference. of the World Summit National Academy with “IMT-2000” laying interactive services. In the first allocation of standards and the 1934. on the Information of Television Arts & the foundation for 2012 a consensus was frequency bands for monitoring of how Society (WSIS), held in Sciences (Hollywood) high-speed wireless reached on the IMT- various radio services. radio-frequency 2003 & 2005, where ITU gave Emmy Awards to devices capable of Advanced Standard spectrum was used. played a leading role. the Union in 1983 and handling voice, data and additional AFTER 2012. In 2008 ITU was and Internet, and spectrum was awarded a “Primetime later “IMT Advanced” allocated for mobile Emmy Award” from the – requirements for applications. This was Academy of Television 4G-- providing a global a big achievement and essential to the TIMELINE TIMELINE Arts & Sciences platform for next (New York) for work generations of high success of the industry with ISO and IEC on quality mobile services it paved the way for an advanced video and a significant 4G mobile networks, coding standard (ITU improvement in enabling mobile Recommendation performance and broadband speeds H.264). quality of service. to be up to ten times faster. 2015 1876 1973 1947 1927 1957 2010 2012 1880 1906 1925 1932 1969 1989 2014 2003

E_Participants_chronologie_376949.indd 2 06/05/2015 09:16:01 150TH ANNIVERSARY PARTNERS

GOLD PARTNERS

“ITU has played a great role in the development of global telecommunications and formation of the information society in the world. Therefore, the 150th anniversary of ITU should be considered a great achievement in the history of telecommunications. SILVER PARTNERS The application of modern technology in people’s everyday lives has improved their living standards and stimulated the development of education and science. After being elected to the ITU Council we are even more eager to share our triumphs and success stories with the ITU community. Hence we The Republic of Azerbaijan continue to represent Azerbaijan at the highest level and we are proud to be a Gold Partner of the 150th anniversary of ITU.”

Ministry of Communications and High Technologies, Azerbaijan Côte d’Ivoire Republic of Ghana Republic (Republic of ) of Zimbabwe

“ITU has a world leading role in the ICT sector and is an essential pillar for the progress of nations. As a longtime member of ITU and its Council, Saudi Arabia continues to be fully committed to ITU.”

Ministry of Communications and Information Technology, Saudi Arabia Kingdom of Saudi Arabia BRONZE PARTNERS

Kingdom of Saudi Arabia

“I am pleased to convey my congratulations on the 150th anniversary of ITU, an organization which is the principal organ of the United Nations on ICT and telecom related matters. ITU which started  modestly with 20 participating members, now proudly stands firm with the support of 193 Member States in addition to Sector Members, Associates and Academia. The organization which was founded Central African as International Telegraph Union have Republic emerged as a multi-faceted specialized UN agency which facilitates saving lives, assists developing countries in their ICT projects, develops standards for ICT services and facilitates the United Arab Emirates management of scarce resources. As we mark the sesquicentennial of ITU, let us pledge to work even harder to further the vision and mission of ITU and build a future where all members of the human family are connected and enjoy access to ICT services.”

H.E. Mr Hamad Obaid Al Mansoori, Director General of the Telecommunications Regulatory Authority (TRA) of the United Arab Emirates

ISBN 978-92-61-15681-7

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Price: 142 CHF

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International Telecommunication Union Place des Nations CH-1211 Geneva 20 Switzerland