Published Monday 30 Nov 2009
This month's Broadsheet provides a warm welcome from the TCF's new CEO, an update on the submissions received for the Premises Wiring Code, and information on the Emergency Services Calling Code and Community Engagement Guidelines which have both been recently endorsed by the TCF.
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In this issue of the broadsheet you will find information on:
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David Stone,
TCF Chief Executive Officer |
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This is my first piece in the Broadsheet and as today is day four in my new role, I am still coming to grips with the range of issues that the TCF is currently dealing with. There is no shortage of challenges as the telecommunications industry heads into a period of unprecedented change. Among the work streams we have in progress are:
- moving the management of telephone numbering under the auspices of the TCF
- developing draft standards in connection with the Government's UFB initiative
- development of IP interconnection standards
- monitoring and providing input into the development of Government copyright policy
- providing submissions on behalf of the industry on the Government's proposed TSO reforms
I am greatly looking forward to making a further contribution to this industry, an industry that I feel very passionate about. As New Zealand seeks to improve its productivity and move up the OECD rankings, telecommunications must play a critical role in breaking down the tyranny of distance. This will involve making bold investments in new technology and finding new ways of working. This can only happen if we have a vibrant and profitable telecommunications industry, an industry prepared to make the required investments because the prospect of an adequate return on that investment is real. If the industry does not believe that those returns can be achieved, there will not be investment. Achieving an appropriate balance that delivers an investment friendly climate is a major challenge for Government. If that balance is not right, New Zealand will slip even further behind our neighbour, Australia. The TCF has a key role in helping Government achieve this balance. |
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Draft Premises Wiring Code Submissions Received |
| Four submissions have been received on the draft Premises Wiring Code of Practice released for public consultation in October. The code is intended to assure occupiers of homes and small offices of access to the next-generation broadband services that will outstrip the capabilities of current wiring systems.
The code will set minimum requirements, acceptable practices, verification and qualification testing, and compliance certification, and is expected to be adopted by professional installers, such as electricians and satellite service companies.
The premises wiring working party was established in March 2009. Members include Chorus, Orcon, Telecom Retail, TelstraClear, Vector Communications, Vodafone, Telecom Wholesale and WorldxChange. Submissions on the draft code closed in mid-November, and may be read here. The draft version of the code may be read here. |
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Emergency Services Calling Code Endorsed |
The TCF board has endorsed the Emergency Calling Code designed to standardise emergency calls across the industry and give customers confidence in how calls are handled, regardless of their service provider and what technology they use. The Minister of Communications invited TCF to develop the code in 2006.
It applies from the moment a service provider receives an emergency call to when it is handed off to the emergency services initial call answering point. It sets out a number of standards on performance, on customer information passed to emergency services, and on informing customers about the availability of emergency calls and whether a voice service meets the code’s standards.
The code may be read here. |
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Board Endorses Community Engagement Guidelines |
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New Guidelines for Undertaking Community Engagement for Wireless Telecommunications Facilities are now available to wireless network operators, having been endorsed by the TCF board in November. The guidelines encourage operators to consult with communities early in the process of planning and constructing wireless networks in residential areas, and to address public concerns by providing information promptly.
Most operators already engage with communities, but the guidelines will make this engagement more consistent and comprehensive.
A working party of TCF wireless network operators – Vodafone, Kordia, Telecom and Woosh Wireless – developed the guidelines in consultation with the public, and central and local government. The guidelines are available here. |
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Contact Information |
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