World Telecommunication Day

Rajnandini Roychoudhury
Dec 22, 2023 By Rajnandini Roychoudhury
Originally Published on Mar 08, 2022
Fact-checked by Amatullah Gulbargawala
World Telecommunication Day is celebrated by people all over the world.

Where is World Telecommunication Day celebrated?

World Telecommunication Day is celebrated globally. All nations celebrate this day to pay tribute to how far technology has advanced.

Who is World Telecommunication Day celebrated by?

Residents of all countries celebrate this day. People all over the world realize the effectiveness of telecommunication, the internet, and the innumerable possibilities they bring along with them.

When did World Telecommunication Day first start?

World Telecommunication Day was founded in March 2006. Since then, importance is given to this day on an annual basis.

Who started World Telecommunication Day?

The United Nations General Assembly (UNGA) announced May 17 as World Telecommunication Day.

History And Timeline

World Telecommunication Day plays a critical role in commemorating the history and events associated with different technologies, and the advancement of communication. Let's take a look at how different societies came up with different innovations relating to telecommunication.

International Telegraph Union Founded

The International Telegraph Union or the ITU was formed in 1865 to provide a backbone to the contemporary channels of communication that were blooming.

1865

Telephone Invented

The very first telephone was invented by Alexander Graham Bell in 1867. He also got the first American patent for this invention.

1867

First Satellite Launched

The first satellite named Sputnik was launched by the Soviet Union. This was the very first satellite made by man. This event marked the beginning of the Space Age.

1957

Internet Was Born

At first a data-based network for distribution was suggested. Then a data network was proposed that would be commercial and national. Later a network was built on these foundations.

'60s

First VoIP Made

The first Voice-over-Internet Protocol was invented in 1974. A company called VocalTec made the first application in 1995. This was called Internet Phone.

1974

Traditions And Customs

The tradition of World Telecommunication Day is to raise awareness about the different communication technologies of the world. People from all nations come together to do away with the digital divide on this day.

Ways To Observe Or Celebrate World Telecommunication Day

World Telecommunication Day can be celebrated in several ways. You can make use of all the technologies available to you and explore the world wide web.

You can also support advancements in technologies by raising awareness about them and their importance. A good idea to celebrate with your friends and family would be to create a topical theme for the day and share interesting facts.

Facts And Stats

  • The first-ever telephone line was established between San Francisco and New York. It took almost a year to install this line. This day is celebrated to cherish such efforts.
  • This day is celebrated to honor the founding of the International Telecommunication Union which happened in 1865.
  • This day is marked to raise awareness of the social changes caused by the internet and the new technologies that developed.

Who invented World Telecommunication Day?

The General Assembly of the UN founded this day.

What are some events related to World Telecommunication Day?

Various milestones can be tied or linked to the founding or celebrating of World Telecommunication Day. Some such events are the invention of the telephone, the launch of the first satellite, the first man-made satellite, the birth of the internet, the birth of the world wide web, and the making of the first VoIP.

What is the motto of World Telecommunication Day?

The motto of this day is to honor the evolution of the channels of communication over the years. In 2021 the theme to celebrate the day was, 'Accelerating Digital Transformation in Challenging Times.'

What is the history behind this day?

A series of innovations led to World Telecommunication Day being celebrated. The first International Telegraph Convention was signed on May 17, 1969. The first ITU was also founded.

Who is the founder of this day?

The UN created this day.

When Is This Day Celebrated

  • Sunday, May 17, 2020
  • Monday, May 17, 2021
  • Tuesday, May 17, 2022
  • Wednesday, May 17, 2023
  • Friday, May 17, 2024

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Written by Rajnandini Roychoudhury

Bachelor of Arts specializing in English, Master of Arts specializing in English

Rajnandini Roychoudhury picture

Rajnandini RoychoudhuryBachelor of Arts specializing in English, Master of Arts specializing in English

With a Master of Arts in English, Rajnandini has pursued her passion for the arts and has become an experienced content writer. She has worked with companies such as Writer's Zone and has had her writing skills recognized by publications such as The Telegraph. Rajnandini is also trilingual and enjoys various hobbies such as music, movies, travel, philanthropy, writing her blog, and reading classic British literature. 

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Fact-checked by Amatullah Gulbargawala

Bachelor of Arts specializing in English, Bachelor of Education specializing in the Language Arts

Amatullah Gulbargawala picture

Amatullah GulbargawalaBachelor of Arts specializing in English, Bachelor of Education specializing in the Language Arts

Amatullah is a passionate student pursuing a Bachelor of Arts and Bachelor of Education from Ashoka College of Education. With a keen interest in literature, she has excelled in elocution competitions and is an accomplished writer. She has completed courses like "History of English Language and Literature", "Introduction to Western Political Thought and Theory", and "Development of Soft Skills and Personality". In her free time, Amatullah enjoys reading books and writing poetry.

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