New Structure of PCC.I: Telecommunications

Taking into account the new mandate of the PCC.I received at the IV Assembly of CITEL by Resolution CITEL RES. 55 (IV-06); the Strategic Plan of CITEL for the period 2006-2010 approved by Resolution CITEL RES. 52 (IV-06) and the proposals received from the Administrations during the VIII meeting of the PCC.I (23 to 26 May, 2006, Santo Domingo, Dominican Republic). a new structure was approved for PCC.I as  described below.

Working Group on Technology (WGT)

Mandate:

The Working Group on Technology will review standards currently developed in support of next generation networks (NGN) and legacy networks, and consider the network infrastructure required to support secure, high-performance, network based delivery of personalized services (voice, data and multimedia) to end users – regardless of time and place. This group will make specific recommendations (Coordinated Standards Documents, Technical Notebooks, etc.) that best serve the current and future needs of the users of networks through the region.

Terms of Reference:

1.       To identify and evaluate technical issues relating to the protocol standards required for interconnection and interoperability of existing and future communications networks (wireline and wireless) across the region that will ultimately result in the emergence of a single, seamless network.

2.       To draw primarily on the work of existing standards-setting bodies, based on the Recommendations of the ITU, and taking into consideration the work of other bodies and fora  as appropriate.

3.       To develop a better understanding of the benefits associated with broadband technologies. 

4.       To study the development of new generation services, especially supported by IP, and their impact in the Americas Region; as well as providing information on these services to the countries of the Region.

5.       To establish liaisons with other standards bodies and industry fora as necessary to advance in the work.

Working Group on Policy and Regulatory Considerations (WGPRC)

Mandate:

The Working Group on Policy and Regulatory Considerations will provide a forum where CITEL Member States and Associate Members can discuss and exchange views and information on emerging telecommunications policy and regulatory matters arising from the existing and the evolving telecommunications environment.  This WG will prepare reports, proposals, and guidelines for consideration by CITEL members; and where appropriate; will coordinate common proposals to be presented at international fora.

Terms of Reference:

1.       To study security aspects of communication networks, governmental and non-governmental, their role in supporting other critical infrastructures, and domestic and regional approaches required in the Americas Region on this matter.

2.       To perform studies on government policies, including those associated with the management of ccTLD, as well as to elaborate comparative analysis on the experiences that identify the best practices in the countries of the Region.

3.       To continue the implementation of the Inter-American Mutual Recognition Agreement for conformity assessment of telecommunications equipment (MRA).

4.       To study the requirements for conformity assessment procedures for telecommunication equipment in the different CITEL countries, including analyses for the possible harmonization of such processes in the region.

5.       To develop studies on the economic aspects and tariff principles of the telecommunications systems and to examine the need for new or adapted charging and accounting mechanisms for the provision of such services in the region.

6.       To effect coordination of regional preparations for specific ITU events, as appropriate, such as the World Telecommunication Standardization Assembly, including the preparation of Inter-American proposals (IAP).

7.       To raise awareness among the Member States of the status of regulations on new telecommunication networks and services in order to promote discussion of the topic and provide recommendations on how to implement an efficient, fair, functional, and forward-looking regulatory framework that serves the countries of the Region and can be adapted to the constantly evolving technological conditions.

Working Group on Network Operation and Service Provisioning (WGNOSP)

Mandate:

This Working Group on Network Operation and Service Provisioning will focus on topics associated with the operations carried out by telecommunications service providers and the introduction of services on current networks  on next generation networks, and the convergence of networks and services, aimed at meeting the needs of the Members States of the Region and of the users in particular.

Terms of Reference:

1.       To consider topics related to the operation of networks and provision of services by operators including, in their case, the impact of added-value services.

2.       To develop studies on the impact of new services on convergent networks.

3.       To study aspects associated with the detection of fraud in the services.

4.       To study topics related to services, numbering systems and addressing.

5.       To investigate and prepare reports regarding Agreements on Interconnection and Interoperability of networks.

6.       To elaborate best practices guides regarding the relationship between users and Service Providers.

Working Group on Development (WGD)

Mandate: 

This Working Group on Development will identify specific actions oriented towards the solution of the digital gap and the universalization of the use of information and communication technologies (ICTs), that facilitate the development of a network infrastructure, the access to new services, the transference of technology and knowledge, especially for developing countries and taking into consideration primarily the needs of vulnerable groups and indigenous communities.

Terms of Reference:

 1.      Together with COM/CITEL Coordination for the Development of Human Resources, conduct studies that contribute to the development of human capabilities regarding subjects assigned to the Working Groups of the PCC.I.

2.       Promote topics related to the transference of technology, especially for developing countries and foster the cooperation between scientific investigation and telecommunications technology, in order to improve the competitiveness of national economies in the global market of the telecommunications industry.

3.       To conduct studies to foster the development of the network infrastructure and access to new services Member States.

4.       To study the access to services by vulnerable groups.

5.       To develop studies to facilitate the access to broadband by rural and remote populations.

Sergio Scarabino
Alternate Chair
PCC.I