The International Telecommunications Union (ITU) has launched an initiative that aims to get the feedback of various regions and attain the highest level of harmonization of positions on important topics to be discussed during the World Conference of the International Telecommunications (WCIT-12) and World Telecommunication Standardization Assembly (WTSA-12 ) (which will be held in Dubai, in November and December 2012 respectively).

Within the framework of this initiative, the NTRA is organizing the Arab States Regional Preparatory Meeting for WTSA-12 and WCIT-12 organized by ITU, during the period from 28th April to 1st May 2012. This Preparatory Meeting will be followed by the second meeting of the Arab Working Group for the preparation of the WCIT-12 that will be held on 2nd May 2012 and the fifth meeting of the Arab Working Group for Standardization to be held on 3rd May 2012 at the Intercontinental City Stars Hotel, Cairo.

It is worth mentioning in this respect that the World Telecommunication Standardization Assembly (WTSA) convenes regularly every four years to discuss many of the decisions related to the interests of the developing countries, especially the African and Arab countries.

As for WCIT-12, it aims to consider and review the International Telecommunication Regulations (ITRS).  In fact, ITRs are considered one of the most important international treaties issued under ITU’s umbrella. They include the principles and basic rules for the provision of telecommunications services at the international level, and which have not been amended since 1988.

Owing to the tremendous developments and advancements in ICT sector, ITU member states have decided to hold a world conference to review the ITRs. This conference will discuss the topics to be added to the ITRs and the new important topics that should be included therein. It is noteworthy to mention that these topics will have direct economic benefits and returns on the Egyptian market, in many aspects. Chief among these topics are the international transmission prices regulation, roaming services policies (especially Data Roaming), prevention of the misuse and requisition of numbering resources, cyber security, and Caller Line Identity Display (CLIP).

The Arab Regional Preparatory Meeting aims to issue a joint Arab working paper to be discussed during these important conferences by the end of 2102.