International Communications: The International Telecommunication Union and the Universal Postal Union

by Francis Lyall

Overview

The International Telecommunication Union (ITU) and the Universal Postal Union (UPU) are the two major international organisations that are involved in the regulation of international communications. The ITU deals with electronic communications including radio. The UPU deals with mail. As such, both organisations are of major importance in modern life. This volume provides an up-to-date analysis of their development from inception to the present as they have responded to technical and political change. It also makes suggestions for the future. The volume will be an invaluable resource for researchers and students, policy-makers, government officials and administrators, and legal staff in telecommunication and postal organisations.

Product Details

ISBN-13:	9781409408697
Publisher:	Taylor & Francis
Publication date:	11/28/2011
Edition description:	1
Pages:	340
Product dimensions:	6.20(w) x 9.30(h) x 0.90(d)

About the Author

Francis Lyall is Emeritus Professor of Public Law, University of Aberdeen. He was a Board Member of the European Centre for Space Law, and is a Director of the International Institute of Space Law. He was a member of the INTELSAT Panel of Legal Experts and was on the ITU Reform Group. Professor Lyall retired from the Chair of Public Law in 2005, but continues to be active in teaching and scholarship. His main areas of research are Space Law, International Telecommunications (especially the International Telecommunication Union and radio matters) and Church and State relations. He has published extensively on these and related areas. He is also the author of nine collections of science fiction and has published five crime novels.

Table of Contents

Preface, Abbreviations and Acronyms, 1 Introduction: A General Survey, 2 The International Telegraph Union, 3 The International Radio Union, 4 The ITU – 1932-1992: Fusion, Reconstruction, Sclerosis, 5 The Modern ITU, 6 The Future of the ITU, 7 The Universal Postal Union: to 1964, 8 The Modern Universal Postal Union, Appendix 1: Telecommunication Technologies, Appendix 2: Restricted Postal Unions, Index

Editorial Reviews

'...provides excellent background material... the book meets its main goal admirably, which is to provide the reader with a historical perspective and discussion of the two oldest international institutions in the modern world that have helped organise modern communications.' Telecommunications Policy 'Francis Lyall has written a fascinating book detailing the ITU and the UPU right from their roots to the present day. The book contains a wealth of information as a result of extensive and well documented research. This volume is a must read for anyone with an interest in how these two organizations have evolved in order to facilitate communications among all citizens of the world.' Robert W. Jones, Former Director, ITU Radiocommunication Bureau, Former Member, ITU Radio Regulations Board, Former Director General of the Broadcasting and Radiocommunications Regulatory Branch of Industry, Canada 'In his Preface, Professor Lyall aptly observes that "you do not understand the present without knowing the past". His excellent book not only describes the past and the present of international communications, including the origin, evolution and current roles of ITU and UPU, but it also offers interesting insights into the future of the two oldest international organizations still operational. It is indeed a very useful work for both legal scholars and practitioners in the area of global communications.' Andrei D. Terekhov, International Academy of Astronautics, International Institute of Space Law Board of Directors (1994-2006)

From the Publisher