TRA launches NGN Industry Forum framework.

WAM Abu Dhabi, July 5th, 2011 (WAM) -- The TRA has launched the Next Generation Network (NGN) Industry Forum in order to accelerate the transition of the telecommunications sector in the UAE . Commenting on the importance of the transition to NGN and the launch of the Industry Forum, Mohamed Nasser Al Ghanim, TRA Director General said: "Technical evolution in the last few years has brought drastic changes to the telecommunications industry throughout the world, which in turn has led predominantly towards IP-based NGNs. The convergences of telephony, data, and internet technologies have provided the licensees with the ability to offer their customers many new services. As a result of the transition to NGN, certain countries, regulators have established expert groups to discuss and analyze issues relating to NGN implementation; hence we in the UAE are launching our NGN Industry Forum." He continued: "As the TRA's intention is to play a vital role in promoting the migration to NGN and IMS infrastructure, the TRA established the industry forum to discuss and analyze issues pertaining to NGN interconnection, interoperability and other issues related to NGN Transition with the purpose of creating an improved framework for the industry and ensuring that it is in accordance with the Telecom Law Article 13." The TRA's main objectives from such a transition are to encourage, promote, and develop the telecommunications and information technology industries in the UAE, promote and enhance the telecommunications systems in the UAE as indicated by the development and the establishment of industry-related training institutions, through the availability of the latest equipment, and by facilities provided by telecommunications technology, and develop NGN framework with the involvement of the industry. The TRA will take the lead in establishing the industry forum, and the membership of the forum will consist of representatives from the following organizations: the TRA, who shall act as the chairperson of the industry forum, Emirates Telecommunications Corporation (Etisalat), Emirates Integrated Telecommunication Company PJSC (Du), and any other entities which may become licensees by the TRA while this forum exists, and additionally some telecom equipment vendors may get invited to the forum for specific issues if deemed necessary. Referring to the objectives the TRA is seeking to achieve through establishing the NGN Industry Forum, Director General said: "We are establishing this forum in order to provide the licensees an opportunity to contribute and share their views on NGN regulations framework, enhance the ICT sector in the country, achieve clear and transparent NGN regulations, promote broadband and advanced services for users, promote innovations, and ensure customer security and protection, offering the licensees the chance to exchange experience and knowledge, express their views and challenges to migrate to NGN, and develop the technical framework and standards required for NGN." Stressing the results sought by this Forum, Al Ghanim said: "The Forum shall propose to the TRA several recommendations, findings and decisions for NGN regulations framework, provide proof of concept trial for IP interconnections and generate other recommendations on challenges and issues raised by the TRA or licensees that are related to NGN." The Forum meetings shall be held as, when, and where scheduled by the chairperson, and the chairperson shall circulate a meeting agenda to all members no later than one week prior to each forum meeting. Members shall attend all meetings; however, any member that fails to attend any of the meetings may lose opportunity to express his views or recommendations on the item discussed during his absence. The chairperson will update TRA management about the proceeding of the forum.

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