Telecommunications Carriers’ Forum
Auckland - 21 October 2009
Draft code on premise wiring for residential and small offices released
A draft code of practice released today for public consultation aims at standardizing cable installation in homes and small offices to ensure access to increasingly sophisticated services, now being offered by the Telecommunications industry. Professional installers, such as electricians and satellite service companies, are expected to voluntarily adopt the code’s minimum requirements and its guidelines on acceptable practices, verification and qualification testing, and certifying compliance.
“The industry is taking the lead here. Most homes and small offices are already wired for voice and low- speed data services. But next-generation broadband services are going to outstrip the capabilities of current wiring systems,” said Telecommunications Carriers’ Forum (TCF) chair Richard Westlake.
“Sooner or later, end users are going to be dissatisfied if their cabling isn’t up to the job. The code is important because it will give them confidence that their home or office can support a range of new services.”
Expected challenges to current wiring include demand for integrated services, Ethernet LANs, increasing broadband line rates, and service providers wanting to deploy multiple services over a single telecommunications infrastructure.
“Setting a standardised framework for installation means a win-win for everyone,” Mr Westlake said. “Home-owners and small-businesses benefit through protecting their investment and minimising the direct and indirect costs of poorly performing networks. The industry gains by maximising service-provider investment, minimising lost revenues due to poorly performing networks, and encouraging uptake and use of next-generation (multi-play) services.”
The TCF Premises Wiring working party was established in March 2009, and its members include Chorus, Orcon, Telecom Retail, TelstraClear, Vector Communications, Vodafone, Telecom Wholesale and WorldxChange. The Code of Practice for Residential and SOHO Premises Wiring is expected to be finalised early in the New Year. Closing date for submissions on the draft code is 5pm, Wednesday 18 November 2009.
ENDS
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A copy of the TCF’s draft Premises Wiring Code can be obtained from www.tcf.org.nz/premwiring.
Submissions on the draft Code should be sent to submissions@tcf.org.nz, or by post to:
Telecommunications Carriers’ Forum
PO Box 302 469
North Harbour
Auckland
Submissions should be received by the TCF by no later than 5pm, Wednesday 18 November 2009.
ENDS
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For further information and comment contact:
Richard Westlake, TCF Independent Chair, 021 443 137
www.tcf.org.nz