The development of telegraphy in the early 19th century brought about the need for standardization and cooperation across national borders. As soon as telegrams began to be exchanged between countries, agreements were needed to define the types of equipment and coding that should be used as well as the rates (tariffs) that should be charged. Between 1849 and 1865, a series of bilateral and regional agreements were established between and among the states of Western Europe. The International Telegraph Convention was signed by 20 States on May 17, 1865.