PROBLEMS DUE TO LACK OF C&I IN GHANA

1. PROBLEMS DUE TO LACK OF C&I IN GHANA HIGHLIGHTS BACKGROUND CHALLENGES IN GHANA OPPORTUNITIES WAY FORWARD

2. Conformance & Interoperability • Authority for Action • WTDC-10, Res. 47, WTSA-08 Res. 76 and the PP-10 Res .177 have been adopted. • ITU Council-2009 endorsed those Res. • Res. mandate ITU to improve/assist • awareness • capacity building through workshops & training programmes • Help set up Conformance and Interoperability testing labs in DC • ITU has set-up C&I database • manufacturers must make visible declaration of conformity • Database experiencing slow patronage due to lack of • co-operation by manufacturers and vendors • Acceptance from some developed countries

3. Challenges in Ghana • 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

4. Challenges • 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

5. Challenges • 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

6. Some real-time problems

7. Network Integrator

8. Mobile Operator

9. Opportunities; C& I Testing • 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

10. Opportunities • 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

11. Opportunities • 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

12. ITU Conformity Database and Benefits DCs • 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

13. Way forward • 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

14. Way forward • 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.

15. Worldwide Lists of Certification, Testing and Accreditation bodies • 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

16. 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

17. 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.

18. Why not ITU?

19. Let’s Bridge the STD GAP