The International Telecoms Union (ITU) will take a leading role in the standardisation and specifications process for next-generation mobile technologies amid growing concern that development of 4G networks could be hampered by duplication of work by various standards groups and forums.

 The World Summit on the Information Society held in Geneva, Switzerland, in December 2003 was used to address the issue of 4G communications and information technology.

Over 30 chief technology officers from leading mobile communications manufacturers and operators worldwide set a deadline of April 2004 for updating outdated processes.