INTUG was founded in 1974 and celebrates its fiftieth anniversary in 2024. It now consists of a network of national ICT groups which span the ICT industry, and maintains active participation in ITU and OECD.

During its long existence, INTUG has led initiatives to open telecommunications markets to competition. In recent years, the growth of the internet, the explosion of broadband and high speed wireless technology, the introduction of new communication services including collaborative tools for remote and home working, and the development of new international service providers, has transformed the communications world.

The needs of private enterprises of all sizes and of the public sector have developed rapidly, increasing the importance of user representation in decision making in Government and Regulatory processes for online strategy and policy for cloud, data protection, privacy, security and safety, as well as communications.

Engagement with service providers is critical for all sizes of business, and connectivity with end consumers drives growth and improves service quality. This must be forward looking. ICT’s impact on climate change and sustainability for materials, and the challenge of waste disposal are also critical considerations.

INTUG continues to contribute to these issues, acknowledging that mass market solutions are not always sufficient or appropriate for the large enterprise and SME markets, and private networking still has a role.

INTUG as an organization is based in the Netherlands and is hosted by BTG, the Dutch user organization representing the interests of Dutch enterprises and organizations on IT & communication technology.

INTUG plans to achieve the mission and communication goals through:

• Active maintenance of its website content, email alerts, newsletters and policy papers.

• Regular virtual INTUG meetings involving participating organisations globally.

• Presentations at international conferences, responses to consultative papers.

• Input of future user requirements to ITU, OECD, European Commission and others.

• Support of participant organisations in lobbying national governments and regulators.