Welcome to the TCF.  We have a number of significant projects and activities in our programme this year including:

• A review of our strategy, constitution and membership;
• Developing a submission to government on the future of the TSO (aka Kiwi Share);
• Sub-loop unbundling and the closely linked issues of unbundled ports, dual-feed and line-sharing;
• A review of numbering administration in association with the parties to the Number Administration Deed; and
• Development of a number of codes, including in relation to disconnection practices for residential customers, the unauthorised use of cell phones in prisons, and emergency calling services. 

We have also commenced a piece of work on IP interconnection – a project that will traverse issues that are directly relevant to New Zealand’s transition to all-IP converged networks.  A new IP Interconnect working party has been established to develop an industry code of practice for IP Interconnection and to facilitate the consultation process between Telecom and Service Providers in regard to the approach of IP interconnection services. The consultation will cover, at a minimum, the process for transitioning from fixed PSTN interconnection for voice services to IP interconnection for voice services and the introduction of IP interconnection for virtual private network services.  On this matter, we will be working very closely with the Commerce Commission as they undertake their NGN study.

If you are active in the industry and interested in becoming a member, please feel free to give me a call.