INTERNATIONAL DAY

World Telecommunication and Information Society Day

On World Telecommunication and Information Society Day, we stretch our view past the state line and remember how connected all of this really is.

MAY17

Monday, May 17Every year on May 17

days to go

Roots: Established by the ITU in 2006
Vibe: Celebratory yet reflective of challenges
Also on May 17: Walnut Day · World Baking Day · World Hypertension Day
Hashtag: #WorldTelecommunicationAndInformationSocietyDay

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Ways to celebrate

Small, doable ways to celebrate World Telecommunication and Information Society Day.

Read or watch something made outside the U.S. today.
Cook a dish from a country you've been curious about.
Donate to an international organization doing good work.
Learn one word in a language you don't speak.
Send a message to a friend who lives elsewhere.

Make it your kind of celebration

Family
Eat, watch, or listen to something from another country tonight.
Kids
Pick a country to learn about this week — flag, food, language, one famous person.
Couples
Plan a trip — real or imagined — to someplace you've never been.
Office
Celebrate a team member's heritage — food, holiday, tradition.
School
Tie the day into a geography, language, or world history unit.
Community
Support an international nonprofit with a local presence.
Just me
Read long-form journalism from outside the U.S. today.

Plan ahead

World Telecommunication and Information Society Day is observed on May 17 every year. Here is where it lands for the next ten years, handy for planners, marketers and party people.

2026Sun, May 17this year

2027Mon, May 17

2028Wed, May 17

2029Thu, May 17

2030Fri, May 17

2031Sat, May 17

2032Mon, May 17

2033Tue, May 17

2034Wed, May 17

2035Thu, May 17

2036Sat, May 17

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Fast facts

Over 5.5 billionPeople use the internet worldwide

Mobile subscriptions number in the billions around the globe

The story

World Telecommunication and Information Society Day, first celebrated on May 17, 2007, was established by the International Telecommunication Union in 2006 to raise awareness of the importance of communication technologies. This observance reflects on how these technologies contribute to economic and social development, and it emphasizes the significance of ensuring that everyone can benefit from them.

Read the full story

Telecommunication has evolved dramatically over the past few decades, transforming from traditional landlines to mobile phones and high-speed internet. In the United States, the Federal Communications Commission (FCC) has been at the forefront, regulating and promoting access to communication services, ensuring that even the most rural areas have access to vital connectivity.

Globally, the digital divide remains a pressing issue. While many urban areas enjoy advanced internet services, rural communities often struggle with limited access. This day serves as a call to action for governments, organizations, and individuals to work together to bridge this gap and promote inclusivity in the digital age.

As we observe World Telecommunication and Information Society Day, it's essential to reflect on our role in promoting digital literacy and access. From advocating for policy changes to participating in community tech initiatives, each effort contributes to a more connected and informed society.

Did you know?

First Mobile Call

The first mobile call was made on April 3, 1973.

Internet Milestone

The first website was launched on August 6, 1991.

Global Internet Users

Internet usage has increased from 413 million in 2000 to over 4.9 billion in 2021.

5G Rollout

5G networks began rolling out in 2019, promising faster speeds.

Telecom Jobs

The telecommunications sector employs millions worldwide.

Communication Satellites

Thousands of satellites orbit Earth for communication purposes.

Social Media Growth

Social media platforms have billions of users globally.

Around the world

Every culture celebrates a little differently.

USUnited StatesHome to leading tech companies and innovations in telecommunication.
CACanadaPromotes digital inclusion through national initiatives.
GBUnited KingdomA leader in broadband connectivity and digital services.
INIndiaRapidly expanding internet access in rural areas.
BRBrazilFocuses on improving telecommunications for economic growth.
ZASouth AfricaWorking towards universal internet access as a national goal.