Paris hosted last 29-30 April the second meeting of PT WTSA08, a CEPT project team (PT) set up to prepare the European positions and proposals for the 2008 World Telecommunication Standardisation Assembly (WTSA-08) of the International Telecommunication Union (ITU), scheduled for 21-30 October 2008 in Johannesburg. The meeting, chaired by Marie-Thérèse Alajouanine of France, was attended by 30 representatives and focused on studying possible issues of relevance for CEPT with respect to WTSA-08)
The main agenda points included the structure and chairmanship of the Standardisation Sector (ITU-T) study groups. To that end, a document was presented by various ITU European sector members proposing a new structure. Although not all those present entirely agreed with this proposal, it was decided that the document would be considered a first approach to the reorganisation issue, and would be disclosed in the co-ordination meetings of the other regional organisations. Some countries also announced that they would have candidates for the chairs and deputy chairs of the study groups.
The project team also analysed the revision of Resolution 1 - Rules of Procedure of the ITU Telecommunication Standardisation Sector of WTSA04, submitted by France. Given the extent and complexity of this revision, those attending were asked to submit comments for later discussion.
Likewise considered was the French proposal to increase the co-ordination of work concerning the internet in ITU-T by setting up a focus group. The participants welcomed this proposal, except creation of the group, as they held that ITU-T already has structures that can deal with such matters, namely Study Group 2 - Operational Aspects of Service Provision, Networks and Performance. France will modify its proposal in accordance with the expressed opinions, for analysis at the project team's next meeting.
Possible issues concerning the production of European common proposals were also identified. It was concluded that the structure of the study groups, the revision of Resolution 1 and climate change will be probable theme topics.
The next meeting will be held on 10-11 July 2008 in Geneva, soon after the meeting of the Telecommunications Standardisation Advisory Group.
