HIGHLIGHTS

BACKGROUND

CHALLENGES IN GHANA

OPPORTUNITIES

WAY FORWARD

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Identified problems high cost of proprietary equipment

Core and backhaul networks

Problem of end user affordability

non interoperable hardware devices and software applications core network Poor QoS delivery

proliferation of sub-standard ICT devices and terminals as a result of lack of testing labs in developing markets, Lack of adequate of monitoring of the influx of ICT equipment Lack of understanding of the test reports and different interpretations capacity building challenges (personnel) regulatory non compliance

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Silent policy and regulatory framework Not even MRAs exist

Lack of conformance, hence less probability of systems

interoperability Increases in OPEX. Lack of efficiency Increase equipment incompatibility

Poor market surveillance capabilities Regulatory vacuum

Difficulty in Type approving and certifying equipment due to different interpretations of specification by manufacturers Lack of Mutual Recognition Agreements

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Increase in ICT digital divide and standardisation gap; counter productive to ITU-T Res. 44

Inadequate technical and financial capabilities

Absence of C& I testing do not facilitate the uptake of technology and services

Less consumer confidence in Regulatory bodies

Some obsolete and legacy ICT equipment Interfaces and protocols of such systems are incompatible with modern

(NGN) systems

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Equip.

Category (1)Description of the problem (2) Main Reasons (3)

Analog Voice Gateway Can’t forward dialed digits to next devise.

Feature not supported and not mentioned on Data Sheet although it is basic requirements for operation.

Voice interface CardCaller ID feature is not working on certain mode of operation although it is globally mentioned on Spec. Sheet that it is supported.

New hardware interface card should be used.

Data SwitchPer Packet load sharing on multi-trunk lines is not working although it is mentioned in the Spec. Sheet

Function not available in current software release.

Wimax BasestationAntenna diversity should be supported... It is available on the configuration menu but not working.

The diversity is actually not working when it was enabled on the software

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Equip. Category (1)Description of the

problem (2)Reasons (3)

OMC Signaling no conformity to standards

Announcement Machine for subscribers

Signaling no conformity to standards

IN Partial/Total non conformity for expected functionalities

no conformity to standards

NGN (RNC/MGW) Softwarepoor interoperability equipment different vendors

Mobile Switching Center Signalingpoor interoperability equipment different vendors

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Guarantee and ensure availability of open standard equipment good QoS delivery by service providers device affordability

Addresses concerns of users by instilling confidence on products they buy

ITU and donors organisations could assist developing markets to set up test centres and build capacity

The case of Tanzania

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Give regulators confidence that product requirements/specifications are met

Regulators could facilitate suppliers products to gain more market acceptance

Provides level playing field, encourages competition and ensures transparency

Remove technical barriers to trade Agreement

Easy type approval and certification processes Increases efficiency and reduce OPEX

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ITU C&I database could encourage conformance assessment

Conformity assessment scheme would check non-compliance

DC spend huge amount of money for national ICT programmes to; Bridge the digital divide Build capacity in ICT enhance national ICT growth

Governments are Committed to implementing ITU Res that could make above a reality

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Better exposure for vendors

Opportunity for small and emerging vendors

Higher probability of interoperability

Assist better interpretation and understanding of standards, testing and test results

Facilitate MRAs, Regulatory and Policy framework

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The need to intensify and accelerate efforts to realise resolutions established

Work must be simultaneous Robust Studies must be parallel with practical implementation

Vendors need to support TSB efforts in bridging the digital divide through adopted resolutions

Res. 76, 44 etc.

May require network and equipment security implementation. a recommendation for further investigation

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Africa group supports the TSB efforts for implementing C&I database program

to guide our national standards development

The group would collaborate with the Director TSB to implement the recommended actions on

Resolution 76 (Johannesburg, 2008) and as endorsed by ITU Council in 2009;

Ghana requests ITU to support Establishment of test labs Training and Workshops Development of MRAs, Policy and Regulatory framework

We shall continue to dialogue until a time that Res. 76, 44 and 177 become fully implemented at least for the benefit of DC.

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A number of private and government entities provide voluntary

certification, testing laboratory and accreditation database schemes

Global Certification Forum GCF operates a certification scheme for mobile phones and wireless devices

based on 3GPP standards.

CTIA – The Wireless Association administers: PTCRB scheme for GSM and UMTS devices in the USA CDMA Certification Forum for CDMA2000 devices for the global market CTIA Battery Certification Program for IEEE 1725 – 2006 and IEEE 1625 – 2008

rechargeable batteries Bluetooth Compatibility Certification Program

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WiFi Alliance operates certification programs for products based on IEEE 802.11 standards.

WiMAX Forum certifies interoperability of IEEE 802.16e products.

Metro Ethernet Forum (MEF) manages certification programs for Carrier Ethernet equipment and services .

Broadband Forum (BBF) test specifications for DSL and TDM services over MPLS, accredits independent DSL testing laboratories administers an MPLS certification program. MPLS in mobile backhaul certified products

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HomeGrid Forum develops a G.hn compliance and interoperability programme.

IEEE Conformity Assessment Programme (ICAP) offers a Product Conformance Registry for manufacturers to register products that

conform to IEEE specifications and a Test Lab Registry for testing laboratories.

IEEE 1588 Conformity Alliance ensures conformance to the IEEE 1588 "Standard for a Precision Clock Synchronization

Protocol for Networked Measurement and Control Systems".

CableLabs produce specifications with the aim of developing interoperable cable devices such as

cable modems, set-top boxes, digital TVs and telephony devices.

SIPForum has established a programme for supplier declaration of compliance with the

SIPconnect technical specification.

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