APEC Telecommunications & Information Working Group

Best Practices for Implementing the WTO Telecommunications

Reference Paper

Bill Scott

Director, Trade Policy

bill.scott@dcita.gov.au

background

background

March 2002 (TEL25) – Proposal was submitted to assist TEL members to strengthen members’ common understanding of the WTO Agreement on Basic Telecommunications, including the Reference Paper.

TEL established a drafting committee (Australia, Canada, Chinese Taipei, Hong Kong, China, Indonesia, Philippines, Japan and United States) to develop the “Best Practices for Implementing the WTO Telecommunications Reference Paper”

The draft guide was discussed at TEL 30 (September 2004).

Final guide to be presented to APEC Telecommunications Ministers for endorsement mid-2005.

Objective

Objective

Provide APEC member economies with a better understanding of the commitments made in the WTO Telecommunications Reference Paper by:

Providing real world examples to illustrate the meaning and principles contained in the paper; and

Showcase best practices in implementing the commitments made in the reference paper to guide effective implementation.

Guide Format

Outline

Introduction

Chapter 1 – Definitions Chapter 2 – Competitive Safeguards Chapter 3 – Interconnection Chapter 4 – Universal Service Chapter 5 – Licensing Criteria Chapter 6 – Independent Regulators Chapter 7 – Allocation and Use of Scarce

Resources

Appendix

Example - Interconnection

Example – Universal Service

Example – Independent Regulation

Other APEC Trade Initiatives

Trade Projects

Best Practices for Regional Trade Agreements & Free Trade Agreements (APEC wide)

Progress Towards Implementing the WTO Telecommunications Reference Paper (APEC TEL)

Thank you