TCF Broadsheet - October

• Richard's Message
• TCF Annual Report Out
• Co-siting Code up for Review
• Draft Premises Wiring Code Released
• TDR Review Scheduled
• Customer Transfer Under Review

Richard Westlake, TCF Chair

Richard's Message

I am delighted to have announced that the TCF Board has appointed David Stone as CEO of the Telecommunications Carriers’ Forum.

Previously Vodafone New Zealand’s Head of Industry Affairs, and for the past two years a TCF Board member, David’s background spans more than a decade in the telecommunications industry, starting at CLEAR Communications Limited.

David, who will take up the CEO role in November 2009, plans to work with all of the industry stakeholders to develop consensus and ensure the New Zealand telecommunications industry prospers.

I believe the industry organisation will benefit greatly from having a recognised industry specialist at the helm and am delighted David can represent our entire industry and help us prosper in challenging times.

Welcome to the new role David.

TCF Annual Report Out

Perhaps the most notable highlight was July 2008’s milestone for number portability, with the 100,000^th number ported.  By the end of our new financial period at March 2009, nearly 180,000 numbers had been ported. 

The TCF also focused on developing recommendations for the TSO (Kiwi Share), governance of New Zealand’s numbering regime and a perspective on the government’s broadband policy. It also worked on implementing the controversial section 92a of the Copyright (New Technologies) Amendment Act 2008, which made ISPs responsible for terminating the accounts of repeat copyright law infringers.

The full report is available here: TCF Annual Report for 2008/09

Co-siting Code up for Review

The TCF is seeking feedback on its voluntary Co-siting code, endorsed in December 2007, in line with its general policy on two-yearly code reviews.  

Please send all feedback and comments to the Forum Administrator by 20 November 2009.

The code applies to situations where an operator wants to place equipment in premises or on property, such as a rooftop, already being used by another operator, but where the original operator doesn’t control, own or lease the property. The property owner may need the original operator’s consent before allowing the second operator to locate and operate its equipment on the site.

Co-siting is designed to maximise the use of valuable properties well-suited to radio facilities, thereby increasing network coverage and reducing provider costs.

The full code can be found here.

Draft Premises Wiring Code Released

A draft code of practice was released this month for public consultation. It covers cable installation in homes and small offices so occupiers can be assured of access to increasingly sophisticated services. 

The finalised code will lay out minimum requirements, guidelines on acceptable practices, verification and qualification testing, and certifying compliance. It is expected to be voluntarily adopted by professional installers, such as electricians and satellite service companies. 

Most homes and small offices are already wired for voice and low- speed data services, but next-generation broadband services will outstrip the capabilities of current wiring systems. The industry is taking the lead in a situation where, sooner or later, end users will be dissatisfied if their cabling is not up to the job.  The code will give them confidence that their home or office can support a range of new services.

The Premises Wiring working party was established in March. Members include Chorus, Orcon, Telecom Retail, TelstraClear, Vector Communications, Vodafone, Telecom Wholesale and WorldxChange. Closing date for submissions on the draft code is 5pm, Wednesday 18th November 2009.

The full draft code can be read here. Code workshops will be held at the following times and places:

Auckland           Thursday 5th November 9.30 – 11.30am, Telecom, Hereford Street

Wellington         Monday 9th November 3 - 5pm, Chorus, L3 Deloitte House, 10 Brandon St

Christchurch      Tuesday 10th November 10 – 12pm, Chorus, L1 52 Oxford St

If you would like to attend any of these workshop's can you please rsvp by Monday 2 November.

TDR Review Scheduled

 
Main questions to be answered are whether the scheme meets internationally recognised standards of best practice and the needs of New Zealanders and telecommunications carriers by providing effective, efficient, independent dispute resolution. It will also look at whether there are other models might better deliver the scheme’s purpose.

The scheme will be measured against six benchmarks set by the Australian Department of Industry Science and Tourism in 1987. They cover accessibility, independence, fairness, accountability, efficiency and effectiveness.

The scheme was designed to encourage members to promptly resolve customer complaints themselves according to the services set out in the code plus any legal requirements. It also aims to educate the industry about systemic issues arising from disputes and determinations.

The scheme is governed by an eight-member council, four of whom represent industry interests, and four represent end-users. It is chaired by David Russell.

Customer Transfer Code Under Review

Contact Information

If you require further information please contact the Forum Administrator. 

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