South Sudan has become the 193rd Member State of the United Nations International Telecommunications Union (ITU), the agency announced yesterday.
The country, which gained its independence on ?July 9, has already been allocated the international dialling code +211 by ITU, following the country’s recognition by the General Assembly. The dialling code became active on September 28.
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“We are delighted to be able to welcome South Sudan as an ITU Member State so soon after attaining full nationhood,” Hamadoun Touré, the ITU Secretary-General said.
“The Government of South Sudan clearly recognises the importance of information and communication technology (ICT) as an engine room of social and economic development. We will work alongside the national authorities to leverage the power of technology, to help lift the country to new levels and fulfill the national motto of ‘Justice, Liberty, Prosperity’.”
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The accession of South Sudan as an ITU Member State means that it will adhere to the Radio Regulations, the international treaty which governs the use of radio communications among States, giving them full access rights to the frequency spectrum and satellite orbit resources managed by ITU.
A high-level ITU delegation led by ?the Director of ITU’s Telecommunication Development Bureau, Brahima Sanou, recently met with Government ministers in South Sudan to gather information on the country’s needs and challenges in the area of ICT development.
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The first of such visits by ITU mission paved the way for the delivery of focused assistance to the country as it embarks on its development path.
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