European Telecommunications Standards Institute

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The European Telecommunications Standards Institute (ETSI) is an independent, non-for-profit, standardization organization of the telecommunications industry (equipment makers and network operators) in Europe, with worldwide projection. ETSI has been successful in standardizing the GSM cell phone system and the TETRA professional mobile radio system.

Significant ETSI standardisation bodies include TISPAN (for fixed networks and Internet convergence). ETSI inspired the creation of, and is a partner in 3GPP.

ETSI was created by CEPT in 1988 and is officially recognized by the European Commission and the EFTA secretariat. Based in Sophia Antipolis (France), ETSI is officially responsible for standardization of Information and Communication Technologies (ICT) within Europe. These technologies include telecommunications, broadcasting and related areas such as intelligent transportation and medical electronics. ETSI has 696 members from 62 countries/provinces inside and outside Europe, including manufacturers, network operators, administrations, service providers, research bodies and users — in fact, all the key players in the ICT arena.

In 2005, ETSI budget exceeded 20 million Euros, with contributions coming from members, commercial activities like sale of documents, plug-tests and fora hosting, contract work and partner funding. About 40% goes towards operating expenses and the remaining 60% towards work programs including competency centers and special projects.