Amongst the concepts for future large-scale facilities in astronomy is the next-generation ‘Square Kilometre (1KT)’ radio telescope. The purpose is to provide a facility with an order-of-magnitude increase in collecting area compared with that currently available. The requirement is based on the premise that significant new discoveries occur with each leap in effective collecting area. Groups in several countries (Australia, Canada, China, France, India and the Netherlands) are interested in constructing such a telescope operating in the cm to m wavelength range, and an URSI-IAU Working Group has been set up to coordinate the various interests. Although the project is science-driven, its realization will provide a great technological challenge. For instance, new concepts such as ‘flat-tile’ antennas will require consideration. The Canadian concept has flat elements which could be tilted by actuators, whereas the Indian concept is based on the antenna philosophy of the GMRT.