The First Plenary Meeting of the World Telecommunications Assembly (WTSA) 2012 has concluded with the approval of five crucial standards that relate to the operations of maintenance telecommunication network infrastructure, smart power grid, as well as the time-scale for settlement of accounts for international telecommunication services.
WTSA 2012 was convened in the 20th of November and will conclude its activities on the 29th of November, 2012, at the Dubai World Trade Center, and has seen record participation of over 800 participants, reflecting the importance of the Assembly in the field of global telecommunication standardization.
“During the opening ceremony we were hoping for the same spirit we are celebrating these days in the UAE, the spirit of union and unity. We were able to draw on that spirit and overcome all the obstacles we faced, and the differences in opinion, to achieve a public good and approve these important standards,” Mohammed Gheyath, Chairman of WTSA 2012, said.
“These standards are important because they are in line with requirements of technological advancement and the quantum leaps the ICT sector has witnessed. They also reflect our commitment to the end consumer as operators with regards to internet access, quality and cost.”
“The standards we approved through consensus pave the way for modern and flexible networks that allow operators to switch to new generations in a seamless and more cost-effective manner. This in turn reflects on the experiences of end users who, because of these standards, will be able to get better broadband and high-speed internet services that meet their ever-growing needs,” Gheyath added.
“This standard will play a key role in resolving conflict between parties with regards to international telecommunication services accounts, resulting in more balanced procedures amongst debtors and indebted operators and reduced settlement periods,” commenting on the standard on the time-scale for settlement of accounts for international telecommunication services, Gheyath, added.
“The standard relating to smart power grids presents a quantum shift in the field of ICTs. It will enable the transmission of telecommunication and internet services to people through existing power lines, without the need to fit new wires. The standard took into consideration the need to maintain the integrity of electrical, telecommunications, and broadcast services.”
A series of plenary sessions will take place during WTSA that will approve and recommend more standards for the ICT sector.