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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