About Us

ITU-APT Foundation of India (IAFI) is a non-profit, non-political, non- partisan registered foundation. IAFI is working for last 20 years with the prime objective of encouraging involvement of professionals, corporate, public/private sector industries, R&D organizations, academic institutions, and such other agencies engaged in development of ICT sector, in the activities of the International Telecommunication Union (ITU) and the Asia Pacific Telecommunity (APT). Further details of IAFI are available on our website https://iafi.in

The Foundation has been recognized as an International/Regional Telecommunications Organization by the ITU and is a sector member of ITU-R, ITU-D and ITU-T. Over the last three years, IAFI has submitted over 100 contributions for the work of all the three sectors of the union, In particular in the Spectrum Area.

IAFI has acquired credibility and reputation as a specialized stakeholder group in “spectrum innovation” in the country and also in the region. It is a key driving force in spectrum discussions in the country especially on spectrum as a key resource for digital transformation through IMT, Wi-Fi, Satellite services.

IAFI also carries out capacity building activities in the region. Our key participants include government and industry. It is critical to note that different government agencies have competing demands in spectrum viz. defence, broadcasting, public, space services. These stakeholders are key for any fruitful discussions on spectrum enablement. The Government has come out with an innovative policy on spectrum regulatory sandboxes. IAFI could play an important role in building awareness, capacities in SMEs and Start-ups in exploiting the government initiatives and spreading these best practices in the other countries in the region.

The ITU-APT Foundation of India is a prominent organization at the forefront of promoting and advancing the field of telecommunications in India. Established with the aim of bridging the gap between policy makers, industry professionals, and academia, the foundation plays a crucial role in shaping the future of information and communication technologies (ICT) in the country. By fostering collaboration, knowledge exchange, and innovation, the ITU-APT Foundation of India is actively contributing to the development and implementation of cutting-edge technologies, standards, and regulatory frameworks in the telecommunications sector. With its strong emphasis on research, education, and advocacy, the foundation continues to be a driving force in empowering India's digital transformation and ensuring a connected and inclusive society for all.

ITU-APT Foundation of India is sector Member of the ITU Radiocommunication Sector (ITU-R), ITU Development Sector (ITU-D) and ITU Telecommunication Standardization Sector (ITU- T) and affiliate Member of Asia Pacific Telecommunity (APT) which manifests its usefulness to the Indian Telecom industry. The Foundation members are entitled to participate and contribute to the activities of ITU-R, ITU-D, ITU-T and APT.

IAFI key roles and activities include:

1. promotion of ICT Development: The foundation actively promotes the development and deployment of ICT infrastructure and services across India. By collaborating with various stakeholders, including government bodies, industry leaders, and academic institutions, it strives to create an enabling environment for the growth of the ICT sector.
2. Standards Development and Implementation: IAFI actively contributes to the development and implementation of international standards in telecommunications. It plays a key role in representing our interests in global forums, such ITU, APT, UNO, WTO, etc and ensures that our perspective is effectively incorporated into the standards-setting process.
3. Research and Development: The foundation fosters research and development activities in the field of telecommunications. By supporting innovative research projects, it aims to address emerging challenges, explore new technologies, and promote cutting-edge solutions that can benefit both the industry and society at large.
4. Capacity Building and Training: Recognizing the importance of human capital in driving the growth of the telecommunications sector, the foundation organizes capacity-building programs and training workshops. These initiatives aim to enhance the skills and knowledge of professionals working in the field, enabling them to stay abreast of the latest advancements and best practices.
5. Policy Advocacy: IAFI actively engages in policy advocacy to influence decision-making processes related to ICT. It works closely with regulatory bodies and government agencies to provide inputs on policy formulation, regulatory frameworks, and spectrum management, ensuring that they align with the evolving needs of the industry and society.
6. Industry Collaboration: The foundation facilitates collaboration and networking among industry players, academia, and research organizations. It organizes conferences, seminars, and industry forums where stakeholders can exchange ideas, share experiences, and explore opportunities for partnership and cooperation.
7. Digital Inclusion and Empowerment: With a focus on promoting digital inclusion, the foundation works towards bridging the digital divide and ensuring that the benefits of ICT reach all sections of society. It supports initiatives that empower marginalized communities, promote digital literacy, and leverage technology for social and economic development.

Through its diverse range of activities, IAFI remains committed to driving the growth and development of the telecommunications sector in India. By fostering collaboration, advocating for sound policies, and promoting innovation, the foundation is playing a pivotal role in shaping India's digital future and contributing to the country's socio-economic progress.