The need for telecommunication standards evolved as a result of the interconnection challenges among operators and the proliferation of equipment manufacturing in various countries. In order to enhance awareness in Africa regions concerning Telecommunication standards, AFRALTI, and the ITU’s Center of Excellence, in association with the ITU-T, organized a 3-day workshop on Telecommunications Standardization from 25th to 27th October 2006. The workshop took place at the TDM Training Centre in Maputo, Mozambique.

For more information please see: http://www.afralti.org/ts2006.htm

• To enhance African participants’ knowledge about technical aspects being addressed by various study groups dealing with Telecommunications Standardisation under the umbrella of ITU and other international organizations
• To enable participants identify the benefits and challenges of adopting telecommunications standards nationally and internationally
• To enable participants address regulatory issues relating to standards

1. Increase visibility of ITU and its standardization work;
2. Strengthen cooperation between ITU-T and ITU-D, particularly with regards to the African regional offices and Centres of Excellence (CoE);
3. Respond to WTSA Resolutions requirements concerning matters related to Developing Countries (DCs), particularly Res.17 and Res. 44.



• Res. 17 (support ITU-D activities; cooperate with the ITU regional offices; encourage and increase the participation of DCs in telecommunication standardization activities; launch a campaign to attract new Sector Members from DCs)
• Res. 44 and in particular the Action Plan for DCs:
  
  
  • Programme 1: Strengthening DCs standard-making capabilities
  • Programme 2: Assisting BDT in enhancing efforts in respect of standards applications
  • Programme 3: Human Resources Building in DCs

ITU was represented full time by Georges Sebek (TSB) and Stefano Polidori (TSB); they facilitated the smooth running of the workshop and gave 9 presentations available for download below. Mr Mike Nxele (ITU CoE Coordinator, AFRALTI, Kenya) attended all sessions and made an opening speech. Mr Lundoloca Garcia (Angola Telecom), Mr. Rankobane Mathule (Lesotho Telecommunication Authority) and Mr. Patrick Mutimushi (Communications Authority Regulator in Zambia) gave a presentation on telecommunications’ standardization in their countries. A representative of TDM (Training Centre in Maputo, Mozambique) provided an oral overview on the present status of Telecommunications in Mozambique. The workshop was attended by 25 participants.

The list of participants can be downloaded here.

Telecommunication Standardization Workshop Photos can be viewed here.