OEA/Ser.G
CP/doc. 3269/00
11 February 2000
Original: Spanish

ANNUAL REPORT OF THE INTER-AMERICAN TELECOMMUNICATION COMMISSION TO THE GENERAL ASSEMBLY

This document is being distributed to the permanent missions and will be presented to the Permanent Council of the Organization.

Organization of American States

Prepared by the Executive Secretariat
Inter-American Telecommunication Commission

THE 1999 Annual Report of CITEL

Executive Summary

CITEL enjoyed its most successful year during 1999, and its accomplishments are a reflection of the cooperation that exists between the members, associate members and the secretariat. The majority of CITEL activities during the year were focused on fulfilling the mandates received from the Second Summit of the Americas and the results obtained are a significant step forward in achieving the objectives established for the telecommunications community.

The report describes the activities of the four permanent committees of CITEL and their individual accomplishments and their plans for the year 2000. Two additional items also give credence to the success CITEL has been experiencing, and these are:

a) the number of associate members (244 as of 15 Nov 99); and

b) the interest being expressed by international and regional telecommunication organizations to enter into cooperative working agreements with CITEL.

The Executive Committee of CITEL (COM/CITEL) adopted a resolution, to be sent to the General Assembly of the OAS, detailing the commissions accomplishments during 1999. The resolution is included as an attachment to the report. Among the most significant achievements are: the adoption of a reference book on Universal Service in the Americas; the approval of the Inter-American Mutual Recognition Agreement on the Conformity Assessment Processes of Telecommunication Equipment; approval of an updated version of the Blue Book (a reference book containing recommendations on telecommunications policies for the Americas; the adoption of guidelines and practices for interconnection regulations; development of common proposals from the Americas for the World Radiocommunication Conference, the World Telecommunication Standardization Assembly which will be held in 2000; completion of a pilot project on Tele-education; and approval of Coordinated Standards Documents in the areas of Intelligent Networks, Wireless Communications, and Signaling System Number 7.

CITEL, in recognizing that the Information Age has arrived, also approved a recommendation that encourages member states to declare the INTERNET a priority for providing all citizens with equal opportunity for accessing information and knowledge.

  Table of Contents

2.1 Objectives of CITEL

2.2 Membership and participants

2.3 Structure of CITEL

3.1 Permanent Executive Committee (COM/CITEL)
3.1.1 Meeting of the Ad Hoc Group about CITEL’s Structure and Performance
3.1.2 Work Group Meeting to prepare ITU Council Meetings
3.1.3 VIII COM/CITEL Meeting
3.2 Coordination Committee
3.3 Permanent Consultative Committee I: Public Telecommunication Services (PCC.I)
3.3.1 Telecommunications Forum
3.3.2 X Meeting
3.3.3 XI Meeting
3.3.4 Ad Hoc Group Certification processes
3.3.5 Some Activities Foreseen for the Year 2000
3.4 Permanent Consultative Committee II: Broadcasting (PCC.II)
3.4.1 V Meeting
3.4.2 VI Meeting
3.4.3 Activities Foreseen for 2000

3.5.1 XII Meeting

3.5.2 XIII Meeting

3.5.3 XIV Meeting

3.5.4. Coordination of Activities with other Regional Organisms
3.5.5. Foreseen Activities for 2000

5. Activities of the EXECUTIVE Secretariat

5.1 General Activities

5.2. CITEL’s representation in other forums

8.1 Lima Convention

8.2 Inter-American Convention on the International Amateur Radio Permit (IARP)

9.1 Budget And Execution For 1998
9.2 Budget for 1999
9.3 Fellowships
9.4 External Funding

10. IMPLEMENTATION of the Strategic Plan of CITEL
11. Schedule for Meetings of CITEL for 1999
12. RESOLUTIONS, RECOMMENDATIONS TO BE SEND TO THE OAS GENERAL ASSEMBLY.
ANNEXES
A. ASSOCIATE MEMBERS
B. RESOLUTIONS, RECOMMENDATIONS AND DECISIONS TITLES APPROVED ON 1999
C. ANNEX: COM/CITEL/RES.88 (VIII-99) NOTIFICATION TO THE OAS GENERAL ASSEMBLY OF CITEL´s ACCOMPLISHMENTS IN 1999

10. IMPLEMENTATION of the Strategic Plan of CITEL
11. Schedule for Meetings of CITEL for 1999
12. RESOLUTIONS, RECOMMENDATIONS TO BE SEND TO THE OAS GENERAL ASSEMBLY.
ANNEXES
A. ASSOCIATE MEMBERS
B. RESOLUTIONS, RECOMMENDATIONS AND DECISIONS TITLES APPROVED ON 1999
C. ANNEX: COM/CITEL/RES.88 (VIII-99) NOTIFICATION TO THE OAS GENERAL ASSEMBLY OF CITEL´s ACCOMPLISHMENTS IN 1999

1. Introduction

This Annual Report has been prepared in conformity with the provisions of Article 90 (f) of the Charter of the Organization of American States and Article 17 of the CITEL Statute. The contents of this Report follow the guidelines set by the OAS General Assembly in resolution AG/RES.1452 (XXVII-O/97) for preparation of the annual reports on the activities of the organs, agencies, and entities of the Organization.

This report covers the period extending from January through December 1999.

2. Origin and structure of CITEL

The Inter-American Telecommunication Commission (CITEL) is an entity of the Organization of American States established by the General Assembly resolution AG/RES.1224 (XXIII-O/93), in accordance with Article 52 of the Charter of the Organization. CITEL has been granted technical autonomy in the performance of its functions, within the limits of the Charter of the Organization, the mandates assigned by the General Assembly of the Organization and its own Statute.

2.1 Objectives of CITEL

a) To serve as the principal advisory body of the Organization in all matters related to telecommunications.

b) To facilitate and promote, by all means available to it, the continuing development of telecommunications in this hemisphere.

c) To organize and sponsor the periodic holding of meetings of technicians and experts to study planning, financing, construction, operation, standardization, technical assistance, maintenance and other matters related to the use and operation of telecommunications in the Americas.

d) To promote the adoption of uniform technical standards within the framework of global standardization of the International Telecommunication Union (ITU).

e) To recommend studies and promote the adoption of official agreements between the governments of the member states of the Organization in connection with the planning, installation, maintenance and operation of telecommunications systems in the hemisphere

f) To study the legal aspects of telecommunications, including the legal problems related to direct transmission via satellite, in order to prepare draft Inter-American conventions or agreements on these matters and to formulate a common position for the Member States of CITEL to take in this connection when dealing with the pertinent international agencies.

g) To consider any other matter relating to Inter-American cooperation in the field of telecommunications as requested by the General Assembly or the Councils of the Organization.

2.2 Membership and participants

All the Member States of the Organization are Members of CITEL.

The following organizations and entities may participate as Observers:

Permanent Observers to the OAS;

Subject to COM/CITEL’ s approval, those American States which are not members of the Organization and which have asked to participate in the meeting;

Subject to COM/CITEL’ s approval, those non-American States that are members of the United Nations or its specialized agencies and which have asked to participate in the meeting;

Inter-American specialized organizations and entities of the Organization; and inter-American intergovernmental regional organizations;

The United Nations and its specialized agencies;

International and national organizations that are parties to agreements or arrangements establishing relations of cooperation with the Organization, with its organs or agencies when COM/CITEL so decides;

Subject to COM/CITEL’ s approval, those international, regional, sub-regional and national agencies and organizations that are involved in telecommunications activities in the region and have asked to participate in the meeting.

The CITEL Statute adopted in 1993 any recognized operating agency or scientific or industrial organization or any financial or development institution that is related to the telecommunications industry with the approval of the corresponding member state of CITEL, to become an associate member of a Permanent Consultative Committee. Associate members contribute to the support of the Commission through a minimum annual contribution of US$ 2,000 (CITEL/ RES.21 (II-98)). Associate members may fully participate in all the activities of that Permanent Consultative Committees, with voice but without vote. They may participate, present technical papers and receive the documents of the committee to which they are an associate member and its working and ad hoc groups. See the Annex, part A, for a list of Associate members, up to December 1, 1999. As of December 1, 1999, there are 217 associate members in the CITEL.

2.3 Structure of CITEL

The CITEL structure is shown below.

The CITEL Assembly

The Permanent Executive Committee, COM/CITEL

The Steering Committee

The Permanent Consultative Committees, PCCs:

Permanent Consultative Committee I: Public Telecommunication Services (PCC.I)

Permanent Consultative Committee II: Broadcasting (PCC.II)

Permanent Consultative Committee III: Radiocommunications (PCC.III)

The Secretariat

The function of the Steering Committee is to assist in the management and strategic planning of the Commission. The Permanent Committees establish, when necessary, Working Groups to analyze subjects of special interest. At present, there are 23 Working Groups and Ad Hoc Working Groups that cover various aspects of telecommunications and radiocommunications. Chapter 3 has a detailed explanation of their activities during this year.

3. Activities of CITEL

The Telecommunications industry is going through a technological development process and unprecedented growth, which has changed our lives in an impressive way. However, the change demands that CITEL adapts rapidly to the transformations occurring in the telecommunications environment and to be receptive to the needs of those it represents, so that it may prosper.

The Telecommunications industry’s structure is suffering a transformation from the national and international points of view due to privatization, free competition, alliances, mergers, and acquisitions. Also, the distinction amongst the different industry segments and the market is disappearing as a result of a technological convergence, which magnifies the forces that transform the industry.

These changes are creating new needs and new expectations in CITEL. Among other things the Administrations in general wish that CITEL could help them resolve policy and regulation problems due to globalization and convergence while the associated members wish CITEL would follow the rhythm of market evolution and render its services with the greatest efficiency and economy possible. They also desire a voice when it comes to decision making about what CITEL should do and how their financial contributions should be used.

As a consequence of these tendencies, CITEL’s work (documents, resolutions, recommendations, decisions, etc.), have been increasing gradually and we foresee that this process will continue during the year 2000. One of the most important problems that CITEL will have to face in the future is to answer this increasing demand and to insure that OAS will continue as a forum that congregates telecommunications experts from the public and private sectors in the Americas region to examine and resolve multiple difficult questions posed by the present telecommunications environment. CITEL should continue to help establish the initial debate which allows an authentic comprehension of the questions, and definitely, shall set solid foundations for the decision adoption process being a debate catalyst and definitely, of the consensus to finally achieve regional interconnection.

The most important themes considered by CITEL in 1999 include:

Finalizing the book: "Universal Service in the Americas"

Text approval for the Agreement on Mutual Recognition (MRA) to evaluate conformity in telecommunications equipment.

Approval of the guidelines for the development of the Agreement on Mutual Recognition (MRA) to evaluate conformity in telecommunication equipment for the Americas.

Approval of the model for the creation of a tele-education System developed within the First Teleeducation Pilot project for the Americas.

An increase in cooperation with regional and international organizations, reducing possible effort duplication.

An increase in the participation and support for the preparation of common proposals of the Americas in telecommunications and radiocommunications meetings worldwide.

Approval of CITEL’s Guidelines and Practices for Interconnection Regulation.

Recommendation for spectrum allocation for telecommunication services with the objective of harmonizing and to achieve a more efficient use of spectrum in the region.

During 1999 CITEL organized 9 meetings, has approved 50 Resolutions, 12 Recommendations and 11 decisions.

In what is left of this report’s chapter we provide a summary of the more outstanding achievements and activities corresponding to 1999.

3.1 Permanent Executive Committee (COM/CITEL)

Chairman: Mr. Juan Hidalgo (Ecuador)

Vice-chairman: Mr. Antonio Name (Argentina)

3.1.1 Meeting of the Ad Hoc Group about CITEL’s Structure and Performance

Washington, D.C. United States, May 18 and 21, 1999

Mexico, D.F., Mexico, September 6 and 10, 1999

The group prepared a consolidated report considering the results of a survey on CITEL’s Structure and Performance that was presented during CITEL’s restructuring meeting which took place concurrent with the XIII PCC.III meeting. Among the themes considered we highlight:

Associate members. To encourage the administrations to integrate Associate Members into their National Delegations to participate in CITEL’s works, as well as in the COM/CITEL meetings and the Assembly.

New preparation of terms of reference for the Steering Committee.

3.1.2 Meeting of the Working Group to prepare ITU Council Meetings

Washington, D.C., May 20, 1999

Three meetings during ITU’s Council Meeting, June 1999

Guayaquil, Ecuador, December 15, 1999

CITEL is aware that ITU’s Council considers many items that affect the countries of the Americas and this working group insures that the countries in the Americas have the opportunity to examine the Council’s agenda and to coordinate their position before the annual meeting.

Among the results achieved we highlight that the countries on the Americas regions which participate in the ITU Council are now part of the Council’s Working Group in charge of restructuring ITU and expense analysis of the sector members, as also from the Expert Group which studies telecommunications regulations.

The accepted work methodology was to examine each document presented, to arrive at conclusions and define lines of action parameters to be executed by CITEL members which are part of ITU’s Council and CITEL Members not part of the Council but who attend their meetings as Observers and dependent working groups.

3.1.3 VIII COM/CITEL Meeting

Guayaquil, Ecuador, December 13 to17, 1999

The VIII Meeting of COM/CITEL was held from December 13-17, 1999. The meeting approved revisions of the Strategic Plan, the Blue Book on Telecommunications Policies, a calendar of events for the year 2000, the annual report and decided on the budget ceilings for next year. It also decided that the working on the rearrangement and revision of the regulations should be sent to the Legal Department for their review. The progress made toward fulfilling the mandates received from the second Summit of the Americas was reviewed and a resolution adopted informing the OAS General Assembly of the achievements made. Two ad hoc groups were established; one to initiate preparations for the 2002 ITU Plenipotentiary Conference, and the other to initiate preparation of the telecommunications section of the Action Plan for the third Summit of the Americas.

3.2 Steering Committee

Washington, D.C., United States May 19 to 21, 1999

According to their mandate, the Committee reviewed the program of activities, the budget, and the draft calendar for the VIII meeting of COM/CITEL and CITEL’s criteria for representation in meetings of other international and regional organizations and the role of the regional organizations in ITU’s world conferences. Likewise, it was analyzed and resolved to send for COM/CITEL’s approval the framework agreement between the Inter-American Telecommunication Commission of the Organization of American States and other intergovernmental and semi-official international organizations. In case of non-government organizations the agreement would have slight differences, and for government agreements it is a totally different procedure since it is done through OAS’ representatives.

Regarding to the evident need of improving CITEL’s communication with the missions before the OAS, it was resolved:

To prepare an information document to send to the Permanent Missions before the OAS, in which CITEL’s activities are indicated. This will allow them to have better judgment when dealing with CITEL issues;

To make a presentation for the representatives of the members states missions when the next Steeringn Committee Meeting takes place.

3.3 Permanent Consultative Committee I: Public Telecommunication Services (PCC.I)

President: Mrs. Claudia de Francisco Zambrano (Colombia)

Alternate President: Mr. Félix Castro Rojas (Colombia)

Vice-President: Mr. Edmundo Matarazzo (Brazil)

This year, the Committee focused its attention in high priority issues for the region, such as the approval of the Mutual Recognition Agreement for Conformity Assessment of Telecommunication Equipment (MRA), approval of guidelines and best practices of CITEL and Practices for Interconnection Regulaton, the ending of the book "The Universal Service in the Americas" and the approval of a Model for the creation of a distance education system developed within the First Tele-education Pilot Project for the Americas.

3.3.1 Telecommunications Forum

Foz de Iguacu, Brazil, March 15-17, 1999.

The Telecommunications Forum, where 275 Participants attended, was given in a series of 6 seminars. The issues presented were Interconnection Regulation, electronic commerce, the IP telephony, tele-medicine, tele-education and the resolution of the Y2K problem. The Seminars of Interconnection, IP telephony and electronic commerce were particularly popular.

Below we present some of the details that were dealt with in the Seminars.

IP Telecommunication Seminar. This Seminar established some of the issues that need to be considered, such as technology convergence, present Internet situation, customers´ form of payment, services to be offered, standards, service quality, infrastructures, impact on operators and regulators.

Year 2000 Seminar. The procedures implemented in some countries and the status of plan were analyzed. Several procedures were presented, most of them recommending the establishment of an inventory for the year 2000 to verify, test and classify all the elements of the inventory, developing and implementing corrections. The date change in the year 2000 represents a significant technological and administrative challenge. The Seminar concluded by recognizing that this change requires a total commitment from every government and sector of the industry.

Interconnection Regulations Seminar. Different points of view were considered by Argentina, Brazil, Peru, and Dominican Republic and, in general, international tendencies which try to assure a fair competition. Different cost methods and practical improvements were analyzed.

Electronic Commerce Seminar. During the last years the electronic commerce has emerged as a new and dramatic business model. There were discussions on new technology developments and their implications as well as technological issues that need to be considered in order to encourage the effectiveness and efficiency of electronic commerce.

Tele-medicine and Tele-education Seminars. There were analyzed different technologies and the benefits that come from their implementation. Different pilot projects were presented which are being considered in Argentina and another one in Brazil.

3.3.2 X Meeting

Cartagena de Indias, Colombia, June 29 – July 3rd, 1998.

In that meeting, the PCC.I had fantastic progress in compliance with the mandates that were assigned to it in the Americas Summit in 1998. Among the topics that were discussed and examined are the following:

To prepare a framework agreement to encourage telecommunication equipment commerce (Mutual Recognition Agreement).

To prepare the interconnection guidelines for the Americas’ region

To gather information for the book of the Americas’ Universal Service

To consider the strategic analysis of the PCC.I

To coordinate the PCC.I working groups that are in charge of the issues related with IP networks.

To approve the coordinated standards for low power PCS in the 1910-1930 MHz band.

To finalize the activities of the working group on the Development of Human Resources

3.3.3 XI Meeting

Buenos Aires, Argentina, October 25 – 29, 1999.

In this meeting, PCC.I complied with OAS’ mandate of developing an Agreement for Mutual Recognition on telecommunications equipment, established the guidelines of interconnection regulations for the region; provided information on practices in use in the Americas on universal service; prepared a contribution to the World Telecommunication Standardization Assembly 2000; and defined a new strategy to allow the PCC.I to carry out a leadership role developing recommendations to guide the Americas in how to respond to technological changes that reconfigure telecommunications. The different issues considered were:

To prepare a framework agreement to facilitate telecommunication equipment commerce (Mutual Recognition Agreement).

To adopt interconnection guidelines for the Americas’ region.

To approve the Book on Universal Service in the America’s Region.

To adopt a new strategic plan for the PCC.I

To create a working group in order to consider issues related to IP networks.

To analyze a different cost methodology to establish prices for international accounting rates.

To update the Blue Book on Telecommunication Policies in the Americas

3.3.4 Ad Hoc Group on Certification procedures

Washington, DC, United States, February 1999.

Foz do Iguaçu, Brazil, March 18, 1999.

Washington, DC, United States, October 1999.

With the objective of drafting the Mutual Recognition Agreement for Conformity Assesment of telecommunication equipment, three meetings independent from the usual PCC.I meetings were held. The MRA’s purpose is that a product is tested just once in order to reduce commercialization time and costs. The MRA has two phases.

In phase I, the member countries will agree on mutual recognition of the test laboratories of the others, and will mutually agree in accepting the test results from their laboratories.

In phase II, the member countries will agree on mutual recognition of the certification organisms and the telecommunication equipment certification by these organisms.

The purpose of the MRA is encouraging commerce and investment, to guarantee access to markets, to reduce costs and delays and improve regulatory efficiency.

The final text was made during the XI PCC.I meeting held in Buenos Aires, Argentina.

3.3.5 Some Activities Foreseen for the Year 2000

Studies and recommendations on issues relating to IP networks

To verify each working group’s mandates

To present PCC.I’s position before the ITU’s World Telecommunication Standardization Assembly.

Third CITEL/PCC.I Telecommunications Forum on issues such as convergence of Switched Public Network and IP networks.

To analyze the benefits of IP technology in the region.

To advise the Americas to implement a Mutual Recognition Agreement for Conformity Assessment of Telecommunication Equipment.

To prepare policy proposals and recommendations on the development and deployment of infrastructure for the information of the Americas, as an integral part of the globalization of the society of information.

3.4 Permanent Consultative Committee II: Broadcasting (PCC.II)

President: Mr. Diego Souto (Uruguay)

Vice-Presidents: Mr. Miguel Pesado (Argentina)

Mr. Winston Hay (Jamaica)

3.4.1 V Meeting

Montevideo, Uruguay, June 14 - 18, 1999.

The V Meeting of the Permanent Consultative Committee II considered several issues of high priority and a new interest was presented for the development of activities. During the next millennium, the word that defines technology might be "convergence" and the committee has worked so as to meet the expectations of the Member States and of the associate members in this sense.

On June 14, a Seminar was held on "Digital Sound Broadcasting" coordinated by Mr. Mauro Assis (Brazil). This was an opportunity to gather several entities related to broadcasting and to be able to share information and experiences. Several system and implementation methods were discussed. Some of the principles considered fundamental for a successful introduction of digital sound broadcasting were: effective use of the spectrum, the harmonization of spectrum allocation policies for CITEL’s Member States, the compatibility of new and existing systems and a guarantee of free access high quality services for the population.

Likewise, an analysis was made of the broadcasting issues for the World Radiocommunication Conference, in particular concerning to Appendix 30 and 30A and the comparison between FSS and FSS no-GSO services. In particular, we must emphasize that the main issue relating to broadcasting for Region 2 under Agenda Item 1.13 is whether to review or not, and how to review the provisional pfde and pfda limits in a way that total interference in the uplinks and downlinks produced by a multiplicity of non-GSO FSS systems does not significantly degrade the performance of existing and future BSS systems.

3.4.2 VI Meeting

San Diego, CA, United States, December 8 and 9, 1999.

The objective of this meeting was to study and prepare CITEL’s common proposals on broadcasting issues for the World Radiocommunication Conference in the year 2000. ITU’s work results and also the corresponding approved text were discussed in the Conference Preparatory Meeting.

3.4.3 Activities Foreseen for 2000

Some of the activities foreseen for the year 2000 are:

A Report on Digital Sound Broadcasting System, which will contain a description of existing and future technologies, the use of spectrum bands allocated to the broadcasting service and issues related to frequency sharing.

Finalizing the analysis of broadcasting issues of the World Radiocommunication Conference in the year 2000.

A Forum on broadcasting policies that involve public and private sectors. This Forum will help satisfy the Broadcasting service’s development needs in the area and promote the efficient use of the radio-electric spectrum.

To organize a Seminar on Digital TV that will gather the ITU, the organisms that generate standards and technology, as well as the different administrations of the Region who wish to talk about the advancements on the issue.

3.5 Permanent Consultative Committee III: Radiocommunications (PCC.III)

President: Mrs. Salma Jalife (Mexico)

Vice-President: Mr. Amadeu Castro Neto (Brazil)

All efforts addressed the compliance with the Committee’s mandate regarding the guarantee of a rational, equitable, effective and economic utilization of the radio-electric frequency spectrum in the region. This year the cooperation between other worldwide and regional organizations was reinforced. In particular, we highlight the development and preparation of over one hundred common proposal drafts from CITEL to the WRC-2000.

3.5.1 XII Meeting

San Jose, Costa Rica, April 12 – 17, 1999.

As it has been happening in the last meetings, on April 12, 1999, a seminar took place on the cost involved for the use of the radio-electric spectrum in the Americas, by the different radio-communication services. This was an opportunity to know the experiences of Brazil, Canada, Mexico, El Salvador, United States and Costa Rica.

As it was foreseen, a first draft of CITEL Report with the proposals for WRC-2000, and prepared and was circulated to all administrations for analysis.

Likewise, it was we resolved to establish a CITEL page with information on license procedures for VSAT’s in the Member States of CITEL. These procedures will facilitate VSAT license allocations and its deployment in the region.

The need of efficient and harmonic spectrum use resulted in several bands recommendations:

Utilization of the 360-390 MHz band for medical equipment, which utilizes a high frequency spectrum modulation with no less than 16 modulation states.

Frequency allocations for MSS NO-GSO networks which fulfill the notifying procedure’s requirements established in Regulation S9.11 formerly Resolution 46 (Rev. WRC-95) and the dispositions regarding ITU’s Radio Regulations.

3.5.2 XIII Meeting

Mexico, D.F., Mexico, September 6-10, 999.

On September 6^th a Seminar was celebrated on cellular infrastructure utilization to offer wireless access services in the Americas where governments and private sector explained their realities.

A special preparation was made for the Conference Preparatory Meeting for the World Radiocommunications Conference, CPM, and work continued to prepare the document that includes the first draft common proposals for WRC-2000.

3.5.3 XIV Meeting

San Diego, United States, December 6 – 10, 1999.

In this Meeting a Seminar took place to inform about the test results of the Demonstration Satellite for MSS non-GSO non-voice applications in frequencies below 1 GHz. Several administrations have actively participated in these studies and have prepared reports regarding the technical and operative experiences and about frequencies sharing with MSS no-GSO systems, which operate below 1 GHz. The satellite operator of the United States, which made a demonstration, has an authorization with an experimental license issued by USA’s pertinent authorities and in coordination with the ITU. A Seminar on Broad Band Fixed Services Above 20 GHz was also held.

During the meeting were approved the first common proposals of CITEL for the WRC-2000, which have the support of five or more administrations.

3.5.4. Coordination of Activities with other Regional Organisms

CITEL continued its coordination with other regions, so CITEL has participated in:

CPG-2000-5 of CEPT that was celebrated in Balantofured, Hungary, on May 17 - 20, 1999.

CPG 2000-6 of CEPT that was celebrated in Rhodes, Greece, from September 27 - October 1, 1999.

Third Preparatory Meeting Group for the APT Conference that took place in Gold Coast, Australia from October 3 to 8, 1999.

The WRC-97 proved the high efficiency of interregional cooperation in order to achieve to conciliatory solutions in difficult issues. If it is established a similar cooperation among the different regions it could develop into a harmonization of the frequencies allocations of the services at a global scale. The PCC.III has increased its coordination activities with other regional organisms with the following benefits.

3.5.5. Foreseen Activities for 2000

The XV Meeting of the PCC.III will take place in Mar del Plata, Argentina, from March 6 to 10, 2000. In this Meeting CITEL’s common proposals will be concluded for the ITU’s World Radiocommunication Conference.

4. Americas’ Summit

During the Second Americas´ Summit a new mandate was approved for the telecommunications issue in which emphasizis is given to the need to make a greater effort regarding the implementation of a Regional Information Infrastructure throughout the Americas and to achieve an economic access to telephone services and Internet.

These issues are being developed by CITEL, as it is evident from the issues discussed in the Permanent Consultative Committees I, II and III.

Summit Follow-up Activities

In 1999, CITEL has participated in many different activities regarding the Americas Summit’s 1998 Action Plan, especially in the following areas:

A Mutual Recognition Agreement for Conformity Assessment of telecommunication equipment;

Guidelines for interconnection regulations;

Universal Service;

Standards Coordination; and,

Updating the "Blue Book" of Telecommunication Policies for the American’s Countries.

MRA

The Permanent Consultative Committee I, Public Telecommunication Services, finished and approved, in October, the Inter-American Mutual Recognition Agreement for Conformity Assessment of Telecommunication Equipment (MRA). This agreement has been forwarded to CITEL’s Permanent Executive Committee for support, requesting that the MRA be forwarded to the General Assembly of the OAS as well as requesting that the Assembly encourages its members to implement MRA in their countries.

Guidelines for Interconnection Regulation

In October, the Permanent Consultative Committee I also created and approved a group of guidelines for interconnection regulations. These guidelines cover terms, principles and instruments that CITEL’s member countries may utilize to introduce an interconnection system, which promotes competition and other important regulation objectives.

Universal Service

CITEL’s PCC.I, working with ITU and AHCIET, has concluded the Book on Universal Service in the Americas.

Standards Coordination

In this area, CITEL approved in October two Coordinated Standards documents for: Low Mobility Wireless Access Systems and Fixed Wireless Access Systems (FWA) in the 1910-1930 Band. This resolution will help member countries in the introduction of new systems and services, which could benefit all the countries in the region.

Up-date of the "Blue Book" On Telecommunication Policies for the Americas’ Countries.

Up-dating this publication will keep the member countries informed about the latest advancements related to the introduction of new technologies and benefits that can result from these new systems and advancements in regulation matters. The updated version was submitted to the consideration of CITEL’s Permanent Executive Committee in December. In addition, at the beginning of next year, the publication of another volume was planned. This documentt will deal exclusively with the application of administrative procedures in member countries. This publication will be a joint activity between CITEL, the American Attorney Association and the Inter-American Attorney Association.

Implementation of the Americas’ Information Sharing Network (AISN)

PCC.I has established Americas Information Sharing Network. The proposal’s main elements for the AISN network are based on the following:

To extend to all the Americas the availability of Internet access.

An increased interest in the Americas to show the value of Internet and Web technologies through practical implementation.

To extend the use of network technologies by organizations dedicated to create and coordinate standards so that they can present and divulge information via Internet,

The progress achieved, as indicated before, added to the greatest information available via Internet and the Web,

An agreement by CITEL’s PCC.I so that the working group on the Promotion of the Global Information Infrastructure continues ahead with implementation plans for AISN, and

CITEL’s own agreement, in principle, to facilitate AISN’s incorporation to CITEL’s server.

Likewise, the Committee T1 is willing to support the implementation of AISN through its participation as an associate member and through its’ Secretariat based in Washington, D.C.

5. Activities of the Executive Secretariat

5.1 General Activities

During the past year, the main Secretariat activities included:

To prepare, plan and send all invitations to COM/CITEL’s meetings, PCC’s, Working Groups and Ad Hoc Groups.

To receive contributions, to prepare and organize documents for each meeting.

To send the information resulting from the meetings to the Permanent Missions, the Permanent Observer Missions, representatives of the Member States before the OAS, associate members and international organizations. Documents include: final report, list of documents, list of participants, and summary minutes the plenary sessions in the event that there were any.

To prepare presentations on CITEL’s activities

To verify that the information sent via e-mail has been received. A constant verification and updating of contact points information takes place.

To answer all information requests coming from member countries, Permanent Observer Missions before the OAS, associate members, organizations and international and regional organizations, people and entities interested in CITEL’s activities.

To prepare CITEL’S activities bulletin containing information about the most remarkable CITEL activities.

To prepare and update CITEL’s INTERNET page.

To update information on CITEL’s electronic forum.

To maintain CITEL’s electronic forum.

To prepare the budget.

To prepare reports requested by the OAS General Secretariat.

To control the associate member’s contributions and to prepare the corresponding documents in the event of new affiliations.

To prepare different brochures to inform about CITEL.

To updating and maintain CITEL’s physical and electronic files.

5.2. CITEL’s representation in other forums

The Secretariat participated in additional meetings, which were not within the regular schedule of CITEL’s activities. Following find a brief explanation of the main activities:

Trade Ministries Meeting (Miami).

Trade Ministries Meeting (Costa Rica).

Americas Regulators and Operators Regional Meeting (Caracas, Venezuela, September 14 - 17,1999).

Meeting of the Caribbean Telecommunication Union (CTU) (Caiman Islands).

General Assembly of the OAS (Guatemala City, Guatemala, June 6 – 8, 1999).

TELECOM-99.

CITEL/ITU Joint Meeting on Centers of Excellence (Buenos Aires, Argentina, November 1 - 3, 1999, and Quito, Ecuador, December 9 - 10, 1999).

During these meetings the ITU, Centers of Excellence structure and working methods was defined. These Centers will allow for training in telecommunication matters.

The purpose is to establish a mechanism at the regional level for the provision of specialized services – high level – training, assistance, advising and information in priority areas of telecommunications. The latter, by means of a systematic identification of existing resources and the availability of different integrating parts of the telecommunication sector in the countries of the region.

Some of Centers of Excellence responsibilities are:

- Finding the priority needs of training, advising, development, etc., from governments, regulators and telecommunication operators of the Region, with special emphasis in the following areas:

Development of telecommunication policies

Regulation

Radio-electric spectrum management

New technologies

Telecommunication management

Economic-financial aspects.

- Performing a catalytic roll in the movement of resources and training opportunities.

- Planning and executing training, assistance and development activities to be undertaken maximizing their utilization at the regional level.

- Promoting the usage of information technologies and telecommunications in tele teaching, tele-commuting, tele-medicine, etc., as well as other initiatives tending to integrate the region into a Global Information Society.

- Develop capacity and necessary infrastructure for the production and implementation of long distance training programs in the countries of the region.

- Preparatory conference for the ITU World Radiocommunication Conference (Geneva, Switzerland, November 15 to 26, 1999).

This conference was analyzed with detail and was updated based on contributions to the CPM text, which includes works performed related to each of the WRC-2000 agenda items. CITEL presented a common proposal, which was partly included in the text of the report to be presented at the WRC-2000.

6. Training activities sponsored by CITEL/OAS

CITEL training activities were provided by the funds granted by the General Assembly of US$ xxx (this cost has not been yet given by the fellowships department due to problem in the accounting system), which allowed for the coverage of 28 fellowships. The fellowships provide with funds to finance air travel (roundtrip) between the fellow’s place of residence and the course location, registration for training (including study materials) accommodation, subsistence expenses and local transportation.

The OAS fellowship department, early in the year, approached CITEL with a proposal to expand their support for overall training activities that could be supported by the OAS. It involved joint activities between the OAS and training facilities that are jointly sponsored by a member country in conjunction with their private sector. Each entity under these activities contribute to the overall cost of the training provided.

The OAS established a procedure whereby entities that desired to participate in the program were required to submit an application by the end of August. The applications were then evaluated by the Fellowship Department and resources were allocated for the year 2000. Prior to the deadline, the following entities were contacted, because they claimed to meet the criteria established, to determine if they desired to submit an application:

CTU,

TEMIC of Canada,

INETRO of Brazil, and

USTTI of the USA

Only USTTI submitted an application. The Fellowship Department will jointly participate with USTTI in four training activities during the year 2000 under this program.

7. Cooperation Relationship with regional and international Organizations

Cooperation between CITEL and regional and international organizations has increased during the last year. Improvements in work efficiency avoiding effort duplication and reducing problem solving time when debating many of the matters in advance.

The main cooperation work was accomplished with the Hispanic-American Association of Research Centers and Telecommunication Companies, AHCIET and with the International Telecommunication Union, ITU.

AHCIET and ITU jointly prepared the book "Universal Service in America" which is an excellent reference manual for the different possibilities implemented or planned for the universal service in the area.

With the ITU the development of the second stage for a database on frequency allocations in the area was continued. Likewise, a meeting was held on the definition of ITU Centers of Excellence and by the year 2000 the creation of a database on telecommunication matters not included in the existing indicator database is foreseen.

We must not forget that there has been an increase in work coordination with other regional organizations related to the preparation of ITU World Radiocommunication Conference in the year 2000. There will be mutual participation in the meetings of the Postal and Telecommunications European Conference, CEPT, of the Asian-Pacific Telecomm Unity, APT and of the Pan-African Telecommunications Union, PATU.

8. Status of International conventions sponsored by CITEL

8.1 Lima Convention

The Inter-American Convention on Amateur Service was adopted in Lima, Peru, 1987 during the Fifth Inter-American Telecommunication Conference (CITEL/RES.130 (V-87)) and was amended to facilitate the full participation of CITEL Member States during the First Extraordinary Meeting of CITEL in 1988 (CITEL/RES.141 (I/E-88)). This Convention provides for the use of the amateur radio service for nationals of a Member State in the territory of another Member State.

The Lima Convention came into force on February 21, 1990. The General Secretariat of the OAS is the depository of the original instrument, ratification and adhesions.

RA= ratification

AC= acceptance

AD= adhesion

The signatures not subject to ratification, approval or acceptance: According to articles 7 (a) and 10 of the Convention these countries are parties of the convention: Argentina, Bolivia, Brazil, Colombia, Chile, Haiti, Peru and Surinam. .

The signatures subject to ratification, approval or acceptance according to Article 7 (b) of the convention: United States and Uruguay.

8.2 Inter-American Convention on the International Amateur Radio Permit (IARP)

The second meeting of CITEL’s Permanent Executive Committee in December 1994 (COM/CITEL/RES.5 (II-94) approved it. Afterwards it was adopted in Montrouis, Haiti during the twenty-fifth ordinary period of sessions of the General Assembly (AG/RES.1316 (XXV-O/95)).

This convention provides for temporary amateur station operations of under its authority to persons licensed with an IARP by another member state without further review. Any member state may exclusively grant licenses to its citizens to operate in other member state. The IARP Convention came into force on February 23, 1996. The depository is the General Secretariat of the OAS for RA, AC and AD.

9. CITEL’s Budget

9.1 Budget And Execution For 1998

9.2 Budget for 1999

During the OAS General Assembly held on June 1999, the latter approved for the year 2000 an allocation of US$678,7 from its Regular Fund for CITEL.

Column (1) shows CITEL estimated budget on November 26, 1997, based on which an estimated budged was prepared for the COM/CITEL V Meeting (December 1-2, Punta del Este, Uruguay) which is shown in column (2).

(3) Shows another reduction and a distribution revision due to employees’ salary increases in the General Services class.

(4) Shows a reduction made the OAS Budgetary and Administrative Matters Commission on June 1998.

(5) Shows the CITEL approved budget for the OAS Extraordinary Assembly held on November 1998.

9.3 Fellowships

CITEL was assigned US$ xxx (value not yet given by the OAS Fellowship Department) in 1999, see detail on chapter 6 of this report.

9.4 External Funding

Any recognized operating agency, scientific or industrial organization, with the approval of the corresponding member state of CITEL, may become an associate member of a Permanent Consultative Committee. Applications from entities wishing to become Associate Members of a PCC are forwarded by the Member State together with an indication of the selected number of units. The value of a contributory unit, from January 1, 1999, is of US$2,000.

As of November 15, 1999, CITEL has collected from the associate members US$348,779 in total, amount distributed as follows:

Overdue 1999 contributions is US$149,173:

CITEL counts with 241 associate members contributing with 257 units. We would like to point out that there is some delay in the payment of contributions from 1994 to 1998:

Following is the Usage of External Funds by each PCC, expressed in US dollars, as of November 15, 1999:

10. IMPLEMENTATION of the Strategic Plan of CITEL

During the CITEL Permanent Executive Committee, VIII Meeting (Guayaquil, Ecuador December 13-17, 1999), CITEL’s strategic plan update was approved resolving to perform a periodic revision.

Within the strategic priorities approved for the 1999-2003 period, a summary of the situation of the most outstanding matters is presented as follows:

1. To consolidate CITEL as a recognized regional organization in the telecommunications world context.

2. To accelerate telecommunication development of Member States.

3. To consolidate the administrative aspect of CITEL geared towards efficiency and effectiveness.

4. To improve CITEL’s broadcasting mechanisms.

5. To promote training and technology transference between Member States.

6. To promote economic, social and cultural development of Member States.

11. Schedule for Meetings of CITEL for 1999

The schedule for meetings in the year 2000 was approved during the VIII Meeting of COM/CITEL. The only available dates when preparing this document (November 24, 1999) were:

PCC.I Third Forum February 14-16 Place to be assigned

PCC.III XV Meeting March 6-10 Mar de Plata, Argentina

PCC.II VIII Meeting and

Forum on Broadcasting

Policies in the Americas August Place to be assigned.

12. Resolutions, Recommendations to be sent to the OAS General Assembly.

Draft Resolution: "The response of the Inter-American Telecommunication Commission to the mandate received from the Summit of the Americas".

ANNEXES

A. Associate Members.

B. Resolutions, recommendations and decisions titles approved on 1999.

C. COM/CITEL/RES.88 (VIII-99) Notification to the OAS General Assembly of CITEL’s accomplishments in 1999

A. ASSOCIATE MEMBERS

Date: November 15, 1999.

B. RESOLUTIONS, RECOMMENDATIONS AND DECISIONS TITLES APPROVED ON 1999

Note: The resolutions, recommendations, and decisions of the XIV Meeting of the Permanent Consultative Committee III (PCC.III) and of the VIII Meeting of the Permanent Executive Committee of CITEL (COM/CITEL) were not included.

B.1 PERMANENT CONSULTATIVE COMMITTEE I: PUBLIC TELECOMMUNICATION

SERVICES

RESOLUTIONS

PCC.I/RES.58 (X-99) SEMINAR ON INTERNATIONAL TELEPHONE SERVICE COST METHODOLOGIES AND SCHEMES

PCC.I/RES.59 (X-99) SURVEY ON THE PROCESS FOR EVALUATING CONFORMITY, CERTIFICATION AND MUTUAL RECOGNITION AGREEMENTS APPLIED BY CITEL MEMBERS TO TELECOMMUNICATIONS EQUIPMENT

PCC.I/RES.60 (X-99) INFORMATION FOR THE BOOK ON UNIVERSAL SERVICE IN THE AMERICAS

PCC.I/RES.61 (X-99) FORMATION OF AN AD HOC GROUP ON THE STRATEGIC ANALYSIS OF PCC.I

PCC.I/RES.62 (X-99) ESTABLISHMENT OF COORDINATION ON THE SUBJECT OF TELECOMMUNICATIONS OVER IP

PCC.I/RES.63 (X-99) UPDATING OF THE BLUE BOOK ON TELECOMMUNICATION POLICIES IN THE AMERICAS

PCC.I/RES.64 (X-99) CREATION OF A WORKING GROUP TO PROMOTE GLOBAL INFORMATION INFRASTRUCTURE IN THE AMERICAS (CTPIGIA)

PCC.I/RES.65 (X-99) INTELLIGENT NETWORKS Capability Set 2

PCC.I/RES.66 (X-99) NEW VISION OF TELECOMMUNICATIONS WITHIN CITEL

PCC.I/RES.67 (X-99) REQUEST FOR INFORMATION ON TELE-EDUCATION

PCC.I/RES.68 (X-99) USE OF SIGNALING SYSTEM No. 7 FOR NATIONAL APPLICATION

PCC.I/RES.69 (X-99) LOW POWER PCS IN THE 1910 - 1930 MHz BAND THAT CONFORM TO THE TECHNICAL AND PROCEDURAL FRAMEWORK DEFINED IN PCC.III/REC.33/97(IX-97)

PCC.I/RES.70 (X-99) AGENDA OF THE XI MEETING OF THE PERMANENT CONSULTATIVE COMMITTEE I: PUBLIC TELECOMMUNICATION SERVICES

PCC.I/RES.71 (XI-99) COORDINATED STANDARDS DOCUMENT FOR LOW MOBILITY WIRELESS ACCESS SYSTEMS IN THE 1910 – 1930 MHz BAND

PCC.I/RES.72 (XI-99) COORDINATED STANDARDS DOCUMENT FOR FIXED WIRELESS ACCESS SYSTEMS (FWA) IN THE 1910 – 1930 BAND

PCC.I/RES.73 (XI-99) CITEL GUIDELINES ON CERTIFICATION

PCC.I RES.74 (XI-99) APPROVAL OF THE DEVELOPMENT GUIDELINES FOR A MUTUAL RECOGNITION AGREEMENT (MRA) ON ASSESSMENT OF THE CONFORMITY OF TELECOMMUNICATIONS EQUIPMENT FOR THE AMERICAS

PCC.I/RES.75 (XI-99) APPROVAL OF THE WORDING OF THE INTERAMERICAN MUTUAL RECOGNITION AGREEMENT FOR THE ASSESSMENT OF CONFORMITY (MRA) OF TELECOMMUNICATIONS EQUIPMENT

PCC:I/RES.76 (XI-99) APPROVAL OF THE BOOK ON UNIVERSAL SERVICE IN THE AMERICAS

PCC.I/RES.77 (XI-99) CITEL GUIDELINES AND PRACTICES FOR INTERCONNECTION REGULATION

PCC.I/RES.78 (XI-99) CREATION OF THE RAPPORTEUR GROUP "APPLICATIONS DEVELOPED ON GLOBAL INFORMATION INFRASCTRUCTURE"

PCC.I/RES.79 (XI-99) ESTABLISHMENT OF AN AD HOC WORKING GROUP TO STUDY THE APPROACH TO TELECOMMUNICATIONS SERVICES THAT USE IP TECHNOLOGY

PCC.I/RES. 80 (XI-99) AGENDA OF THE XII MEETING OF THE PERMANENT CONSULTATIVE COMMITTEE I: PUBLIC TELECOMMUNICATION SERVICES

PCC.I/RES.81 (XI-99) ORGANIZATION OF THE THIRD FORUM OF THE CITEL/PCC.I OF THE CITEL "CONVERGENCE OF SERVICES, INFRASTRUCTRE AND REGULATORY FRAMEWORK INTENDED TO GUARANTEE ACCESS TO IP NETWORKS" "A NEW VISION OF TELECOMMUNICATIONS IN THE AMERICAS"

PCC.I/RES.82 (XI-99) FOR APPROVAL AND DISTRIBUTION OF COORDINATED PROPOSALS TO THE ITU-T WTSA-2000

RECOMMENDATONS

PCC.I/REC.4 (X-99) IDENTIFICATION OF INTERNET TELEPHONY STANDARDS

PCC.I/REC.5 (XI-99) IMPROVEMENTS TO THE ACCESS TO INFORMATION IN THE AMERICAS

PCC.I/REC.6 (XI-99) COMMON CHANNEL SIGNALING Nº 7 FOR INTERCONNECTION BETWEEN NATIONAL TELECOMMUNICATION NETWORKS

PCC.I/REC.7 (XI-99) FIRST PILOT PROJECT ON TELE-EDUCATION FOR THE AMERICAS

DECISIONS

PCC.I/DEC.18 (X-99) TERMINATION OF ACTIVITIES OF THE WORKING GROUP ON HUMAN RESOURCES DEVELOPMENT

PCC.I/DEC.19 (X-99) PREPARATION OF THE CITEL ANNUAL REPORT

PCC.I/DEC.20 (X-99) REITERATION OF QUESTIONNAIRES FROM THE RAPERTEURS ON INTERCONNECTION REGULATIONS AND ELECTRONIC COMMERCE AND COMMUNITY DEVELOPMENT

PCC.I/DEC.21 (X-99) FORWARDING OF QUESTIONNAIRE REQUESTING INFORMATION ABOUT ECONOMIC AND TELECOMMUNICATIONS INDICATORS FROM CITEL COUNTRIES

PCC.I/DEC.22 (XI-99) TERMINATION OF THE TASK OF THE RAPPORTEUR GROUP FOR MUTUAL RECOGNITION AGREEMENTS (MRA)

PCC.I/DEC.23 (X-99) TERMINATION OF THE ACTIVITIES OF THE AD HOC GROUP ON THE STRATEGIC ANALYSIS OF PCC.I

PCC.I/DEC.24 (XI-99) STRATEGIC PLAN OF PCC.I

PCC.I/DEC.25 (XI-99) THE MODEL OF AGREEMENT FOR COOPERATION BETWEEN THE OAS INTER-AMERICAN TELECOMMUNICATION COMMISSION AND OTHER INTER-GOVERNMENTAL AND SEMI-OFFICIAL BODIES.

B.2 PERMANENT CONSULTATIVE COMMITTEE II: BROADCASTING

RESOLUTIONS

PCC.II/RES.22 (V-99) NEW MANDATE OF THE WORKING GROUP ON DIGITAL SOUND BROADCASTING

PCC.II/RES.23 (V-99) AGENDA OF THE VI MEETING OF THE PERMANENT CONSULTATIVE COMMITTEE II: BROADCASTING

PCC.II/RES.24 (V-99) UPDATING OF THE BLUE BOOK ON TELECOMMUNICATION POLICIES FOR THE AMERICAS

PCC.II/RES.25 (V-99) REPRESENTATION OF THE PCC.II IN BROADCASTING FORA

PCC.II/RES.26 (V-99) CALENDAR OF ACTIVITIES OF PCC.II

PCC.II/RES.27 (V-99) WORKING PLAN FOR THE DIGITAL SOUND BROADCASTING SYSTEM

PCC.II/RES.28 (V-99) CREATION OF THE FORUM ON BROADCASTING POLICIES IN THE AMERICAS

PCC.II/RES.29 (V-99) COMMON VIEWS OF CITEL ON TERRESTRIAL BROADCASTING ISSUES

PCC.II/RES.30 (V-99) CREATION OF A WORKING GROUP FOR STUDYING THE IMPLEMENTATION OF A DIGITAL TELEVISION SERVICE

PCC.II/RES.31 (V-99) NEW DESIGNATION AND TERMS OF REFERENCE FOR THE WORKING GROUP ON THE LOCAL MULTIPOINT DISTRIBUTION SYSTEM

DECISIONS

PCC.II/DEC.13 (V-99) COMPLIANCE WITH INTERNATIONAL STANDARDS AND CONTROL OF THE RADIOELECTRIC SPECTRUM

PCC.II/DEC.14 (V-99) BROADCASTING MATTERS IN WRC-2000

PCC.II/DEC.15 (V-99) DISSEMINATION OF CITEL ACTIVITIES

B.3 PERMANENT CONSULTATIVE COMMITTEE III: RADIOCOMMUNICATIONS

RESOLUTIONS

PCC.III/RES.80 (XII-99) SEMINAR ON "USE OF CELLULAR INFRASTRUCTURE INSTALLED TO OFFER FIXED WIRELESS SERVICES IN THE AMERICAS"

PCC.III/RES.81 (XII-99) PROCEDURE FOR PCC.III REPRESENTATION IN THE WORKING GROUPS OF OTHER REGIONAL ORGANIZATIONS FOR THE PURPOSE OF SHARING THE PROGRESS OF COMMON PROPOSALS IN PREPARATION FOR THE ITU’s WORLD RADIOCOMMUNICATIONS CONFERENCES (WRCs)

PCC.III/RES.82 (XII-99) ESTABLISHMENT OF AN AD-HOC GROUP TO EXAMINE PROCEDURES FOR SUBMITTING JOINT PROPOSALS TO THE ITU-R

PCC.III/RES.83 (XII-99) AGENDA, VENUE AND DATE OF THE PCC.III THIRTEENTH MEETING

PCC.III/RES.84 (XII-99) PROPOSAL TO CREATE A DATABASE FOR EARTH STATIONS
IN THE AMERICAS

PCC.III/RES.85 (XII-99) ESTABLISHMENT OF AN AD-HOC GROUP TO UNIFY THE WORKING GROUPS RELATED TO SATELLITE SYSTEMS

PCC.III/RES.86 (XII-99) CONCERNING PROCEDURES FOR THE ORGANIZATION OF SEMINARS

PCC.III/RES.87 (XIII-99) SEMINAR ON BROADBAND FIXED WIRELESS ACCESS ABOVE 20 GHz

PCC.III/RES.88 (XIII-99) PROCEDURE FOR PCC.III REPRESENTATION IN THE WORKING GROUPS OF OTHER REGIONAL ORGANIZATIONS FOR THE PURPOSE OF SHARING THE PROGRESS OF COMMON PROPOSALS IN PREPARATION FOR THE ITU’s WORLD RADIOCOMMUNICATIONS CONFERENCES (WRCs)

PCC.III/RES.89 (XIII-99) METHODOLOGY FOR IDENTIFICATION OF SPECTRUM FOR FIXED WIRELESS ACCESS SYSTEMS IN THE AMERICAS

PCC.III/RES.90 (XIII-99) BROADBAND WIRELESS SYSTEMS OPERATING IN THE 24 GHz FREQUENCY RANGE

PCC.III/RES.91 (XIII-99) CREATION OF WORKING GROUP RELATIVE TO SATELLITE SYSTEMS TO PROVIDE FIXED AND MOBILE SERVICES

PCC.III/RES.92 (XIII-99) AGENDA, VENUE AND DATE OF THE FOURTEENTH MEETING

PCC.III/RES.93 (XIII-99) CREATION OF A DATABASE ON THE POLICIES, CRITERIA, ADMINISTRATIVE PROCEDURES, STANDARDS AND RANGES THAT THE CITEL MEMBER STATES APPLY IN ORDER TO AWARD GRANTS AND AUTHORIZATIONS FOR THE USE OF THE RADIOELECTRICAL SPECTRUM AND ORBIT POSITIONS OF THE SATELLITE NETWORKS.

PCC.III/RES. 4 (XIII-99) DEVELOPMENT OF A CITEL PCC.III COMMON PROPOSAL INPUT DOCUMENT TO THE CPM IN NOVEMBER 1999, ON CHAPTER 1 – IMT-2000

RECOMMENDATIONS

PCC.III/REC.42 (XII-99) RADIO FREQUENCY CHANNEL ARRANGEMENTS FOR DIGITAL POINT-TO-POINT RADIO SYSTEMS OPERATING IN THE 360 – 390 MHz RANGE

PCC.III/REC.43 (XII-99) USE AND SHARING OF 1610-1626.5 MHZ FREQUENCY BANDS FOR THE SMS/NOSG

PCC.III/REC.44 (XII-99) SHARING OF SATELLITE SYSTEMS

PCC.III/REC.45 (XII-99) LOW POWER RADIO DEVICES OPERATING IN VARIOUS FREQUENCY RANGES

PCC.III/REC.46 (XII-99) LOW POWER RADIO DEVICES GENERAL OPERATING CONDITIONS

PCC.III/REC.47 (XII-99) FREQUENCY BAND PLAN FOR FWA SYSTEMS IN THE RANGE 3400-3700 MHz

PCC.III/REC.48 (XII-99) SPECTRUM PRINCIPLES FOR THE SATELLITE COMPONENT OF IMT-2000, IN RELATION TO WRC-3000

PCC.III/REC.49 (XII-99) FACILITATING THE TRANS-BORDER CIRCULATION OF GMPCS TERMINALS IN THE AMERICAS

PCC.III/REC.50 (XIII-99) VSAT NETWORK TECHNOLOGIES

PCC.III/REC.51 (XIII-99) USE OF THE 401- 406 MHz BAND BY MEDICAL IMPLANT COMMUNICATION SYSTEMS

PCC.III/REC.52 (XIII-99) MANDATES OF THE SUMMIT OF THE AMERICAS AND THE ACTIVITIES PERFORMED BY CITEL IN COMPLIANCE WITH THOSE MANDATES

PCC.III/REC.53 (XIII-99) BROADBAND WIRELESS SYSTEMS OPERATING IN THE 38 GHz FREQUENCY RANGE

PCC.III/REC.54 (XIII-99) COORDINATION OF FSS GSO SATELLITE NETWORKS ON THE C AND KU BANDS

DECISIONS

PCC.III/DEC.29 (XIII-99) REQUEST FOR COMMENTS ON THE COORDINATION OF STANDARDS CONTAINED IN DOCUMENT 1332 REV.1 RELATING TO LOW POWER SYSTEMS AND PUBLIC FIXED WIRELESS ACCESS SYSTEMS IN THE 1910-1930 MHz

PCC.III/DEC.30 (XIII-99) IMPLEMENTATION OF THE GMPCS MoU-ARRANGEMENTS IN THE AMERICAS

PCC.III/DEC.31 (XIII-99) COLLECTION OF INFORMATION ON CHARACTERISTICS OF LOW POWER DEVICES AND NATIONAL APPROACHES TO REGULATING SUCH DEVICES

C. ANNEX

COM/CITEL/RES.88 (VIII-99)

NOTIFICATION TO THE OAS GENERAL ASSEMBLY OF CITEL´s

ACCOMPLISHMENTS IN 1999

The Eighth Metting of the Permanent Executive Committee of CITEL, COM/CITEL.

CONSIDERING:

The extensive results achieved in response to the mandate received from the Summit of the Americas

RESOLVES:

To include the attached draft resolution in the CITEL Annual report which is to be sent to the OAS General Assembly.

DRAFT RESOLUTION

THE RESPONSE OF THE INTER-AMERICAN TELECOMMUNICATION COMMISSION TO THE MANDATE RECEIVED FROM THE SUMMIT OF THE AMERICAS

THE GENERAL ASSEMBLY:

HAVING SEEN,

CITEL’s 1999 Annual Report, COM/CITEL/doc. 479/99cor. 1

CONSIDERING,

a) That the Second Summit of the Americas of Heads of State and Government, held in Santiago de Chile, in April 1998 ("the Summit"), entrusted CITEL and the governments of the OAS Member States with mandates for strengthening telecommunications in the hemisphere;

b) That the mandates entrusted to CITEL by the Summit include: (1) the development and fostering, together with the private sector, of applications over electronic networks to support, education, health, agriculture and sustainable rural development, electronic commerce, and other applications; (2) studies of standards coordination aspects of telecommunications infrastructure to satisfy the network’s interconnection requirements and to support the implementation of new applications in the regional context; and (3) the development of consistent regulatory approaches among member countries for the promotion of greater commonality in the certification process for telecommunications equipment through the establishment of a framework for a Mutual Recognition Agreement;

c) That during 1999, CITEL made great strides towards compliance with those mandates by implementing the following activities: (1) adoption of a reference book on Universal Service in the Americas, developed jointly with the ITU and AHCIET; (2) the endorsement of an Inter-American Mutual Recognition Agreement on the Conformity Assessment Processes; (3) approval of an updated version of the Blue Book (a reference book produced in conjunction with the ITU and containing recommendations on telecommunications policies for CITEL Member States); (4) adoption of a recommendation that encourages CITEL Member States to declare the INTERNET a priority for providing all citizens with equal opportunity for accessing information and knowledge; (5) the development of guidelines and practices for interconnection regulations; (6) the adoption and submission to the ITU of common proposals for the World Radiocommunication Conference, the World Telecommunication Standardization Assembly, the Plenipotentiary Conference and the World Telecommunication Development Conference; (7) completion of a pilot project on Tele-education; (8) initiation of a program for stimulating and facilitating the deployment of E-Commerce in CITEL’s Member States; (9) development and adoption of a framework of enhanced cooperation with other regional and international telecommunications organs; and (10) development of Coordinated Standards Documents in the areas of Intelligent Networks, Wireless Communications, and Signalling System Number 7.

RESOLVES:

1. To take note of and congratulate CITEL for its progress in advancing the Summit’s telecommunications mandates, as described in CITEL’s 1999 Annual Report.

2. To encourage CITEL to continue to enhance its programs and activities for completing the Summit mandates.

3. To urge the OAS Member States to participate in CITEL’s program of activities in relation to the Summit mandates.