ITU, Google partner to provide free global technology statistics

The International Telecommunication Union (ITU) and Google have teamed up to provide free global statistics on information and communication technology (ICT), the UN specialized agency has announced.

The ITU said its highly regarded telecommunication and information and communication technology (ICT) statistics will now be available through the Google Public Data Explorer (PDE).

“With Google PDE users can now explore and visualize ITU’s key ICT statistical indicators from 1960 to 2011 (where data exists) for about 200 economies worldwide,” the Union said in a statement August 3, 2012.

The key indicators include fixed telephone, mobile cellular, fixed (wired) Internet, fixed (wired) broadband subscriptions and penetration, as well as the percentage of individuals using the Internet.

The Google Public Data Explorer platform enables quick search of statistics, and helps users quickly interpret data and statistics through rich visualizations.

The ITU explains that using PDE, users can ‘mash up’ data using line graphs, bar graphs, maps and bubble charts. Visualizations are dynamic, allowing users to track trends over time. In addition, charts can easily be shared with friends or even embedded on a website or a blog.

“Teaming up with Google Public Data Explorer will greatly expand the reach and usability of ITU’s ICT statistics, making them more accessible and allowing users to explore and visualize ITU’s rich datasets,” said ITU Secretary-General Dr Hamadoun Touré.

According to the ITU Boss, even non-experts for the first time will be able to “quickly and easily create compelling charts and trends analysis that will enhance their work, and will also benefit others working to further develop the ICT sector worldwide.”

By Ekow Quandzie