UPDATE PAPER FOR CONSIDERATION AT APT PP02 PREPARATORY MEETING APT CORRESPONDENCE GROUP 3 ITU-T ISSUES 1. Purpose
This is an update paper from APT Correspondence Group 3 (CG3) which has been prepared for consideration at the 2nd APT PP02 Preparatory meeting to be held in Sydney on 29-30 October 2001. The purpose of this paper is to: (1) (2) (3) (4) summarise discussion so far in CG3; identify high priority ITU-T issues that are likely to be considered at PP02; identify ITU-T issues where APT consensus may be able to be reached, and where APT contributions to PP02 would be desirable; and recommend an approach to be adopted at the 2nd APT PP02 Preparatory meeting for identification of ITU-T issues that are appropriate for APT PP02 contributions and whether a common APT position can be developed.
This paper recommends that some ITU-T issues may be: 2. more appropriately considered in other ITU-T forums, including TSAG; or considered as an APT contribution to PP02 and in other ITU-T forums to provide an alternative mechanism for success of the contribution. Summary of consideration in CG3
Australia prepared an Input Paper (www.aptsec.org/PP-2002/CG3-input-paper-30-0601.doc) identifying ITU-T issues and inviting comment from CG3 members. This update paper should be read in conjunction with the CG3 Input Paper and the CG3 Summary of Comments Paper. Comments on the issues identified in the input paper were received from Japan, New Zealand, Indonesia and Vietnam. A paper summarising comments received was posted on the APT website and distributed to CG3 members (available at www.aptsec.org/PP2002/pp2002.htm). The comments from Vietnam were received after the summary paper was posted on the APT website, but are addressed in this update. CG3 has also benefited from discussions in the ASTAP ITU-T Reform Correspondence Groups. Convenors of ASTAP Correspondence Groups have provided summaries of activity in the groups to the Convenor of APT PP02 CG3 for incorporation in the outputs of CG3. Summary documents for the ASTAP Correspondence Groups are available at www.aptsec.org/astap/ITUTReform/default.htm
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Attachment A contains a summary of CG3 issues and comments received from CG3 members, as well as the outputs of discussions in the ASTAP ITU-T Reform Correspondence Groups. 3. Issues where APT contribution could be developed
Given CG3 considerations to date, this paper suggests that common APT views might be able to be developed at the preparatory meeting on the following issues: reform of ITU-T working methods (eg. project oriented working methods); improving the ITU-T environment and bridging the standardization gap between developing and developed countries; involvement of ITU-T beyond tariff and accounting issues; ITU-T strategic plan; relationship between ITU-T, industry forums and consortia; future role of the International Telecommunication Regulations (ITRs).
It might also be possible for APT common positions to be developed on: role of regional organizations; establishment of a Pilot Standardization Forum; role of TSAG and WTSA; reform of ITU-T and meeting the needs of telecommunications markets; restructuring of ITU Constitution and Convention; rights and financial responsibilities of Sector Members and Associate Members; and other issues identified at the 2nd APT PP02 Preparatory meeting in Sydney.
In respect of bridging the gap between developing and developed countries, Vietnam has developed a draft APT contribution for PP02 for consideration at the October 2001 APT preparatory meeting. The draft APT contribution is set out at Attachment B. Japan has indicated that it will be submitting a contribution to the November 2001 TSAG meeting on the topic of project-oriented working methods. Japan will also be inviting comment on the proposal from ASTAP members at the 5th ASTAP Forum (immediately following the 2nd APT PP02 Preparatory meeting), on whether an APT contribution to TSAG on this issue can be developed. Japan may also seek to have discussion on this issue at the 2nd APT PP02 meeting. This paper suggests that an APT contribution to PP02 on this issue not be considered until the after TSAG in November 2001. However, Australia supports Japan's push for an APT contribution to TSAG and suggests that APT members consider giving support to the Japanese contribution at TSAG.
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Indonesia has recommended that a sub-topic of discussion should be raised at PP-02 regarding the possibilities of ITU-T involvement beyond tariff and accounting rates. 4. ITU-T issues identified in CG3 and not subject of comment
This paper notes that one issue identified in the CG3 input paper was not subject of any comment. This was: linking strategic, operational and financial planning.
Australia seeks confirmation from CG3 members that the absence of comments on this issue indicates that there is no support among CG3 members for a contribution to PP02. Conversely, it may be that there is general support for this issue but no comments have yet been made by CG3 members. At the 2nd APT PP02 meeting it will be important to clarify this matter. 5. Recommended approach at the 2nd APT PP02 Preparatory Meeting
The 2nd APT Preparatory Meeting could attempt to identify whether there are any ITU-T issues that are appropriate for APT PP02 contributions, and whether a common APT position can be developed. A suggested approach for the 2nd APT PP02 Preparatory meeting is as follows: Plenary approves work plan of the ITU-T break-out groups; Plenary instructs CG3 break-out group to identify ITU-T issues that might be able to be the subject of an APT contribution(s); CG3 break-out group to report back to Plenary on issues identified for APT contributions to PP02; APT contributions be developed by correspondence through CG3 and the ASTAP ITU-T Reform Correspondence Groups after the 2nd APT PP02 Preparatory meeting; APT contributions to be finalised at the 3rd APT PP02 Preparatory meeting.
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ATTACHMENT A SUMMARY OF COMMENTS RECEIVED FROM CG3 MEMBERS AND ASTAP CORRESPONDENCE GROUPS The following is a summary of comments received on the Input Paper to date from: Japan; New Zealand; Indonesia; and Vietnam.
The outputs of ASTAP ITU-T Reform Correspondence Groups are also incorporated in the summary below. Only the issues in the Input Paper that have been commented on are listed below. General Comments Indonesia has given general agreement with the coverage of issues listed in the CG3 Input Paper. In respect of the future role of the ITU, Indonesia recommends that a subtopic of discussion should be raised at PP-02 regarding the possibilities of ITU-T involvement beyond tariff and accounting rates. Japan submitted comments on Issues 1, 3, 7, 8, 9 and the separation of powers between ITU Constitution and ITU Convention. It also intends to submit comment on the revised proposal on the separation of powers to be presented by Australia at the APT Preparatory Meeting in October 2001. Vietnam submitted comments on Issues 1, 2, 3, 6, 8 and 9. Vietnam also submitted a draft contribution to PP02 on the issue of ITU-T reform and the needs of telecommunications markets. Contributions were also received from the Convenors of ASTAP ITU-T Reform Correspondence Groups 1 (Voting and Vetoes), 2 (Role of regional organisations), 4 (Classification of work) and 5 (Working methods). Issue 1 - Establishment of Pilot Standardization Forum Working Group on Reform (WGR) Recommendation 6 deals with the establishment of a Standardization Forum. Australia acknowledges that there is much debate within the ITU on this proposal. Even the participants in the WGR had great trouble developing a consensus proposal. Australia supports the intent of the establishment of a Forum and put forward a contribution to Council 2001 (C01/46) suggesting a possible way forward that would allow the Forum to proceed while at the same time protecting the position of Member States in the ITU.
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In addition, the reform of the ITU Constitution and Convention proposed by Australia would, if accepted, create a framework to encourage the development of efficient and equitable processes. This could include the establishment of a Forum. Indonesia has given its endorsement to the establishment of a Standardization Forum comprising industry and consortia. It considers that such a Forum could become an ITU hub and would improve the efficiency of the standardization sector in meeting the needs of industry and strengthening the relationship for each party. Japan on the other hand has not yet reached a conclusion on whether or not it supports the establishment of a Pilot Standardization Forum. In reaching its decision Japan will take into account the result of the next TSAG meeting regarding, inter alia, working procedures and funding of the Pilot Forum. In relation to working methods Japan proposes a project-oriented approach which has been designed to improve the working methods of the entire ITU-T, but this may also be applicable to the Pilot Forum. Japan has some concerns with the CG3 Input Paper's proposal that the Forum should be largely funded by industry. Japan is concerned that this may require Sector Members or industry to pay an additional financial contribution. Japan believes that the attractiveness of the ITU lies with the fact that once a Sector Member pays its ITU contribution, it can participate in all the standardization activities within the ITU-T. Japan believes that it is not appropriate for the ITU to discard this attractiveness which industry forums or consortia do not have. Vietnam is ready to consider initiatives to ensure the ITU-T is able to meet the needs of telecommunications markets in a timely and efficient manner, subject to consideration of the human, financial and time resource implications of any initiative. Vietnam suggests that before a Standardization Forum is established, the ITU-T first explore fully the new opportunities and possibilities provided by WTSA 2000 to improve the ITU-T's work. Issue 2 - Reform of the ITU-T and meeting the needs of telecommunication markets Vietnam strongly supports any additional reform of ITU that will enable ITU to meet better the needs of developing countries. In this regard Vietnam suggests that the APT develops a common contribution to PP02, and prepares a resolution for adoption by PP02 on this matter. For this purpose, Vietnam has drafted a contribution and has invited APT members to comments on it. The contribution is at Attachment B to this paper.
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Issue 3- Relationship between ITU-T and industry forums and consortia Japan supports Australia's suggestion that the ITU-T strategic plan should propose that the ITU-T consider strengthening its relationship with industry and consortia, including considering outputs of those forums and consortia for adoption as ITU-T outputs. Japan also supports Australia’s suggestion that where particular forums or consortia are developing technical standards for competing technologies, the ITU-T has a crucial role in ensuring connectivity between users of the technologies. However, Japan is of the view that before the technical outputs of industry forums and consortia can be adopted as ITU-T outputs, it will be necessary to consider and decide on: what kind of industry forums and consortia would qualify for their outputs to be adopted as ITU-T outputs; and the IPR policy of those forums.
Japan also suggests that further consideration should be made as to the procedure of the adoption and nature of the outputs. Vietnam noted the experience and history of the ITU as a global standardization body, its wide representation of telecommunications stakeholders, and its crucial role in ensuring global connectivity and interoperability between diverse networks. Vietnam suggested that the ITU-T should not duplicate work being done in other standardization forums, but could take an important role in initiating and organising standards making activities, and coordinating the efforts of different standards making bodies. Vietnam also suggest that the ITU consider adopting outputs of industry standards bodies through appropriate procedures as ITU-T Recommendations. Vietnam supports the Australian proposal that an APT contribution be developed on this issue and that a resolution be prepared for adoption by PP02. Australia gives in principle support to this proposal, but suggests that the ITU-T only adopt recommendations of industry forums and consortia that are 'accredited' by WTSA (or TSAG). The criteria for accreditation of an industry forum or consortia could be developed through WTSA (or TSAG). Japan also sought clarification of Australia's proposal to consider "delegating standardization activity for unique requirements that arise in a particular region, with a view to soliciting candidate standardization material". Japan is of the view that this issue could be dealt with under the heading "Strengthening the role that can be played by regional organisations". Australia agrees with Japan that such an issue is appropriately placed in Issue 5. Australia also wishes to clarify its intention under Issue 3 that candidate standardisation
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material that is developed by forums and consortia within a region might be able to be adopted as an ITU-T output if it achieves regional acceptance. Issue 5 - Role of regional organizations ASTAP ITU-T Reform Correspondence Group 2 focused on the issue of the role of regional organizations. Australia notes and welcomes recent initiatives by the ITU to increase the ITU's regional presence, together with the ITU's encouragement of regional input into ITU conferences and assemblies. As a matter of principle Australia supports further initiatives by the ITU that have as an objective the strengthening of the role of regional organizations in developing input into ITU activities, and initiatives that encourage cooperation and dialogue between the ITU and regional bodies. Australia also notes that where unique standardization issues arise in a region, then it may be appropriate for the ITU to delegate standardization activity for that requirement to an appropriate body in the region concerned, with a view to soliciting candidate standardization material. India supports WGR Recommendation 38 that the ITU Council review the issue of regional presence with to enhancing it through: (i) (ii) (iii) increasing and strengthening the Regional offices; appropriate meetings which would enable participants from other regions to become more aware of the needs and concerns of developing countries; increased autonomy to regional offices in terms of their ability to disseminate information, provide expert advice, allocate their budgets, and host meetings, workshops, or seminars.
Australia suggests that a contribution to PP02 could be developed in relation to this issue. Australia suggests that APT members consider supporting a resolution that recommends the ITU: recognises the role of regional organizations in exchanging information in relation to standardization issues; encourages regional organizations to develop regional input into ITU-T Study Groups; and encourages regional organizations to identify regulatory and policy issues that should be taken into account in the development of ITU-T recommendations.
Issue 6 - Rights and financial responsibilities of Sector Members and Associate Members Vietnam supports the current delineation of Sector Members and Associate Members. Vietnam supports also the principle of the financial obligation of each category of
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membership should not be such to unduly discourage industry participation in ITU-T activities, while also providing some level of cost recovery of ITU-T activities in which Sector or Associate Member participates. Issue 7 Future role of International Telecommunication Regulations Japan supports the concept that the present International Telecommunication Regulations (ITRs) be streamlined and transferred to Constitution/Convention and ITU-T Recommendations. New Zealand is of the view that commercial activities should not be governed by the International Telecommunication Regulations and, accordingly, supports the extraction of commercial activities from treaty obligations so they can be reviewed and modified within the Standardisation Sector. Australia is submitting a separate contribution for discussion by APT members at the 2nd Preparatory meeting on reform of the ITRs. The Australian contribution will be posted on the APT website prior to the preparatory meeting and invites comments on it. Issue 8 Working Methods The Japanese position regarding working methods is shown in D.13 and D.14 of the March 2001 TSAG meeting. This includes the Japanese proposal for project-oriented work methods. The Japanese proposal for the project-oriented working methods was originally designed to improve the working methods of the entire ITU-T. However, as discussed under Issue 3, it is compatible with, and may be applicable to, the Pilot Forum. Vietnam and Australia support the Japanese proposal for project-oriented working methods. Vietnam suggests that this working method be applied to not only emerging standardisation issues, but also to all current standardisation issues. Study Groups should work continuously regardless of the WTSA cycle until the completion of the assigned tasks. Japan has indicated that it will be submitting a contribution to the November 2001 TSAG meeting on the topic of project-oriented working methods. Japan will also be inviting comment on the proposal from ASTAP members at the 5th ASTAP Forum (immediately following the 2nd APT PP02 Preparatory meeting), on whether an APT contribution to TSAG on this issue can be developed. Japan may also seek to have discussion on this issue at the 2nd APT PP02 meeting. This paper suggests that an APT contribution to PP02 on this issue not be considered until the after TSAG in November 2001. However, Australia supports Japan's push for an APT contribution to TSAG and suggests that APT members consider giving support to the Japanese contribution at TSAG.
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Issue 9 Role of TSAG and WTSA Australia and Japan agree with the approach proposed by Korea in its input paper for ASTAP Correspondence Group 6 on the role of WTSA. These three countries believe WTSA should focus on high-level issues such as longer term strategic and policy aspects of the ITU-T, while TSAG should be responsible for considering and providing advice on operational issues relevant to the ITU-T Sector. With respect to the role of TSAG and WTSA, the Japanese position is presented in D.15 of the March 2001 TSAG meeting. Japan has indicated that it is currently considering comments on Korea's proposed amendments to the Constitution and Convention and Resolution 22 and will submit these to the APT once completed. Vietnam suggests that the power of TSAG could be enhanced, provided that it only approves standardisation issues that are of a purely technical nature. Standardisation issues that have policy and regulatory implications should still be approved by WTSA. Vietnam supports the development of a proposal to PP02 on this issue, provided that the contribution reflects its comments. Separation of powers between ITU Constitution and ITU Convention
Indonesia considers that it is necessary for the ITU-T to be more autonomous by separating the powers between the ITU Constitution and Convention. Japan has indicated that it needs more time to
consider the Australian proposal. A revised Australian proposal has been developed and posted on the APT website prior to discussion at the 2nd PP02 Preparatory meeting. Australia invites comments on its revised proposal. Other issues considered by ASTAP CGs Reports were received from the Convenors of ASTAP ITU-T Reform Correspondence Groups 1 (Voting and Member State power of veto), 2 (Role of regional organizations), 4 (classification of the work of the ITU-T) and 5 (Working methods). The output of ASTAP Correspondence Groups 2 and 5 is included in the text above under 'Issue 2 Role of regional organizations' and 'Issue 8 - Working methods' respectively. Input to ASTAP Correspondence Group 6 (Role of WTSA and TSAG) is summarised in the text above under 'Issue 9 - Role of TSAG and WTSA'. ASTAP ITU-T Reform Correspondence Group 1 - Voting and Vetoes ASTAP ITU-T Reform Correspondence Group 1 focused on the issue of voting and Member States' power of veto. The issue of voting and vetoes remains an important aspect of ITU-T reform. For the ITU-T to remain relevant and able to respond effectively to the needs of industry, it must have workable mechanisms that allow for the development and approval of outputs in an efficient manner.
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It is arguable that such mechanisms should not include a Member State power of veto. ASTAP CG1 members have been asked to consider whether the development of an APT contribution to PP-02, that proposes a removal of the Member State power of veto for ITU-T Study Group outputs, is a necessary step toward ITU-T reform. In relation to the requirement for consensus, the Japanese contribution suggests that this is not impeding development of ITU-T outputs. Japan does acknowledge, however, that at the final stage of the AAP, opposition by one Member State may prevent finalisation of Recommendations in a timely manner. While Australia accepts that the requirement for consensus may not, in reality, be hindering ITU-T Study Group outputs, Australia is not convinced that industry forums do, in fact, utilise consensus to approve forum outputs. For example, ETSI has a process of voting for ETSI outputs. Australia agrees with the Japanese observation that AAP could be amended to relax the veto-power requirement of Member States in the final stage of AAP, particularly if the Recommendation is not regulatory or policy based. Australian seeks comment on whether a base-line level of agreement on this issue might be able to be established from an APT perspective. Australia also suggests that the issue of voting and vetoes should continue to be considered by APT member countries in the context of other ITU-T initiatives and proposals (eg. Pilot Standardization Forum). Australia notes that at the ITU-T SSG meeting in September 2001, Japan submitted a contribution proposing the development of 'technical specifications', which would be SSG outputs of a 'lesser' status than recommendations. One of the outstanding issues in relation to this proposal is the voting process for technical specifications. Australia also notes that TSAG in November 2001 may consider the issue of voting further, and that it may be prudent for APT members to have a preliminary view on such issues for TSAG. Australia suggests that voting issues be considered in the first instance at TSAG, with a contribution to PP02 being develop only if necessary. Australia proposes that these issues continue to be considered and monitored by ASTAP CG1 in the lead-up to PP02. ASTAP ITU-T Reform Correspondence Group 4 - Classification of ITU-T work ASTAP Correspondence Group 4 focused on the issue classification of work of the ITUT (ie. technical versus policy/regulatory). The distinction between purely technical issues, and issues with policy and regulatory implications, is still relevant to ongoing ITU-T reform discussions (eg. establishment of Pilot Standardization Forum). Although there does not appear to be justification or support at this time for a contribution to PP-02 on the topic, Australia believes that the existence of clear guidance
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to assist in identifying issues that are purely technical (ie. do not have policy or regulatory implications) is critical to the success of other ITU-T reform initiatives such as AAP and the proposed Standardization Forum. The success of AAP since its implementation in January 2001 indicates that there is a working understanding of the distinction among Member States and Sector Members. Japan commented that there would be no need for any additional guideline if it only gives examples of technical or policy/regulatory matters. However, Japan noted that a guideline that referred to the sequence in which Resolutions (ie. WTSA Resolution 1 and WTSA Resolution 40) should be referred to in determining whether a matter was purely technical could be useful. India believes there is no need to define additional guidelines. Australia agrees with Japan that a guideline that considers each Resolution in a particular order (ie. section 8, WTSA 2000 Resolution 1, then WTSA Resolution 40) could be developed. Comment is sought from ASTAP CG4 Members on whether a contribution to PP02 on the issue of additional guidelines should be developed. Should there be regional support for such additional guidelines, careful consideration should be taken to ensure that any guidelines that are developed assist in improving efficiency of ITU-T outputs and do not provide an opportunity for internal disagreement between ITU members regarding the identification of issues as purely technical (as opposed to policy/regulatory issues). ASTAP ITU-T Reform Correspondence Group 6 - Mission of the ITU-T The Korean contribution to ASTAP CG 6 proposes a preliminary APT position on the mission of the ITU-T. This preliminary position is: APT members note that digital convergence in telecommunications, both in technology and market, pose challenges and tasks for the ITU-T to tackle. The basic principles in this regard has been already well stipulated in the strategic plan for the Union 1999- 2003, and is being further developed in TSAG in the preliminary draft ITU-T strategic plan for 2003- 2006. While supporting the points already well reflected in these plans, APT members would like to specially emphasize the ITU-T’s role as a facilitator for collaboration among different standards bodies and industry forums, in emerging as well as traditional standardization areas based on its core competencies. Australia supports the Korean suggestion that the APT position encourage a greater role for the ITU-T in relation to industry forums so that it is more market-placed focussed at a regional and international level. In particular, Australia suggests that the APT input could encourage review of the ITU-T mission to embrace material from other standardization bodies and be strengthened to state clearly that the ITU-T may adopt the outputs of industry standardization forums (eg. ETSI, ASTAP and IETF). Australia has made additional comments on the 'accreditation' of particular industry forums and
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consortia under 'Issue 3- Relationship between ITU-T and industry forums and consortia' above. Australia agrees with the suggestion in the Korean contribution that APT members could seek to develop a preliminary position on the ITU-T mission at the June 2001 APT Preparatory meeting. This preliminary position could be discussed further at the second APT Preparatory meeting in Sydney on October 30 2001, and refined leading up to PP02. Consideration could also be given to whether ASTAP CG6 might wish at the 5th ASTAP Forum to develop a regional proposal to be submitted to the November 2001 TSAG meeting. This paper seeks comment from APT members on the preliminary Korean position and the Australian comments on the Korean proposal.
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INTERNATIONAL TELECOMMUNICATION UNION
Document -E
PP-2002
PLENIPOTENTIARY
CONFERENCE
Original: English
MARAKESH, 27 SEPTEMBER – 6 OCTOBER 2002
Asia-Pacific Telecommunity
TITLE: Improving the ITU-T environment and Bridging the standardisation gap between developing and developed countries
The Asia-Pacific Telecommunity (APT) submits this document to the PP-2002 for its consideration. The proposals contained in this document is commonly endorsed by the following APT members, who are members of ITU: The following APT members, who are not members of ITU, also support the proposals: ___________________________________________________________________ 1. Introduction ITU-T is the leading organisation in global telecommunication standardisation. It has an important effect in the development of global telecommunication network and wide use of telecommunication services. ITU-T plays also a key role in promoting standardisation activities both in developing and developed countries. The Plenipotentiary Conference (Minneapolis 1998) adopted Resolution 74 - Review and improvement of the management, functioning and structure of ITU. This Resolution recognises the need for ITU to respond to the needs of its memberships. While acknowledging the need for reform across all Sectors of ITU, this contribution focuses on ITU-T reform, on how this reform could contribute better to achieving the purposes of the Union and to the expectations of Members. 2. Background
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a) In order to reach the purposes of the Union stated in Article 1 the Constitution mentions, among others, that “the Union shall in particular facilitate the worldwide standardisation of telecommunication, with a satisfactory quality of service”. b) Defining the functions and structure of the Telecommunication standardisation sector in Article 17, the Convention of the Union indicates the need of “bearing in mind the particular concerns of the developing countries to fulfil the purposes of the Union...”. c) The Strategic plan for the Union period 1999-2003 instructs ITU-T to work “with special attention to telecommunication development in developing countries, and cooperating with other Sectors in the organisation of information meetings, seminars and workshops, and in the development of case studies, guidelines and handbooks. d) In considering ITU-T reform, WGR recognised only two fundamental underlying objectives. The first objective is to improve the overall effectiveness of the standardisation process in order to meet market requirements. The second highlights the need to achieve a partnership between State members and Sector members. To address these objectives WGR centered on two possible approaches: - Improve the existing ITU-T environment - Create a new ITU-T environment While fully recognise the mentioned ITU-T reform’s objectives and merits of the two approaches, Vietnam considers that ITU-T reform should also focus on the improvement of ITU-T environment for developing countries and its implementation should bridge more rapidly the gap between developing and developed countries in the field of telecommunication standardisation. e) To improve the effectiveness of the standardisation process and the partnership between State Members and Sector members is not an end by itself. - From the social point of view the ultimate objective of ITU-T reform is to contribute to the establishment of a global village where everyone can enjoy full range of telecommunication services and his connectivity to the rest of the world can be done anytime, anywhere. This could only be achieved if interests of every potential stakeholder, e.g., not only standard makers but also standard users, are taken into account so that everybody will fill “insiders” and will make more efforts for the common course of ITU. - From the business point of view, the ultimate objective of ITU-T reform is to contribute to the prosperity of the telecommunication sector. In other words, ITU-T Recommendations should be global technical standards. Both standard makers and standard users could then benefit from economy of scale. f) Considering the ITU-T reform approaches proposed by WGR one can easily see that developing countries will still remain the “outsiders”. The proposed enhanced or new ITU-T environment seems not to be designed for better and larger participation of developing countries while they represent a huge market. In the proposed enhanced or new environment they do not have better opportunity to understand and to formulate their
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market requirements to standard makers. The dream of “global village” could therefore be considerably delayed if no drastic measures are taken to improve the ITU-T environment in favour of developing countries. g) Another aspect of ITU-T environment that must be improved is the partnership between developed countries and developing countries. With the rapid pace of technological progress, the existing gap between them with regards to the standard making and standard application skills is widening. For long-term development of the sector at global scale, this situation will obstruct the mobilisation of more resources to global standardisation activities of ITU-T. Therefore it could be wise to strengthen as soon as possible the partnership between developed countries and developing countries. 3. Proposals APT members propose that the Plenipotentiary Conference: 1. Instruct WGR, TSB, TSAG to work on measures, approaches to improve the ITU-T environment in favour of developing countries 2. Instruct TSB to request rapporteurs of SGs to prepare explanatory note related to each Recommendation being drafted. The purpose is to assist developing countries to catch the technical essence of the drafted recommendation and the potential impacts. 3. Instruct TSB make more efforts to organise SG meetings in developing countries.
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