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                    As the number of telecom operators in each country is growing
                    rapidly, the number of interconnections between their networks is growing even
                    faster. The standardization of designations of all the network interconnections
                    is therefore of great concern for the operators involved. Only then are they
                    able to do the provisioning and maintenance in a systematic and efficient way. 
                        Designation of interconnecting routes are of great importance for
                        identification and information. Technical
                        developments, especially those due to digital technology, have brought a much
                        greater variety of techniques and allow for a more efficient use of equipment.
                     
                    
                        Information on the equipment and techniques used is of great interest to
                        staff working in the field of maintenance and operation. Present operational
                        conditions can be more complicated than those previously, e.g. as a consequence
                        of greater competition in the field of telecommunication. Another consideration
                        is automated file handling which is often a necessity for network
                        operators/service providers and the standardization of designation is an
                        important factor to facilitate this.
                     
                    
                        The proper use of ITU-T Recommendation M.1400 â âDesignations
                        for interconnections among network operatorsâ requires the identification of
                        the operators sharing the interconnection. To that end an overall list of
                        operators working in a country, with an officially recognized and standardized
                        code for each of them, is of great help. It enables them to identify each other
                        in a comprehensive and unique way. This will eventually result in one integrated
                        database for all connections, in turn improving network operations and
                        administration to the benefit of both providers and clients.
                     
                    
                        A centralized List of ITU Carrier Codes (ICCs) has been created with the ITU/TSB
                        as the repository. All domestic and international carriers are
                        expected to register with ITU/TSB for a carrier code. Instead of individual
                        operators sending their ICCs to the TSB for registration, the national
                        regulatory authorities are requested to provide the validated codes and related
                        information of domestic network operators directly to the TSB. This list may be
                        used to identify the operators while completing layer 2 records, related
                        information, as explained in paragraph 8.3, 13.3 and 20.3 of ITU-T Recommendation M.1400.
                     
                    The national authority in each country is requested to:
                    
                        - 
                            inform the operators in that country on the need of using the carrier codes
                            for designations to be used in inter-operator communication
                        
 
                        - 
                            collect the filled-in form from each carrier/service provider/network
                            operator in that country,
                        
 
                        - ensure that the Carrier Codes are unique within that country,
 
                        - 
                            ensure that all information on the ICC Notification Form is
                            provided, and to submit the information to the TSB Director
                        
 
                     
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