The road to G.729: ITU 8-kb/s speech coding algorithm with wireline quality

In November 1995 the International Telecommunication Union Telecommunications Sector (ITU-T) approved an 8-kb/s speech coding algorithm with wireline quality. This culminated the effort that the CCITT had set in motion in 1990. This article presents the methods for managing the project through its major milestones from setting the terms of reference to the selection, testing, optimization, and dissemination of the algorithm. While G.729 was being finalized, a new requirement for a low complexity 8-b/s speech coding arose. This article explains how the change in scope was accommodated without the unnecessary proliferation of incompatible algorithms.