6. Standardization issues

6.1 The complexity of linking ICT to the world of networks

The evolution of networks is leading to the gradual merging of circuit-switched networks with packet-switched networks, and the combination of terrestrial wireline networks with radio networks for high-speed mobile communications. The digitization of access to wireline and radio networks and the computerization of society are combining to facilitate the opening up of new services and data applications. In response to proposals from industry, the ITU, which represents the States, must propose an acceptable consensus for the construction of next-generation networks (NGN), meeting the criteria required for these multimedia services, demanded by a range of social and commercial applications.

However,...