Secretary General-elect, José Miguel Insulza, of Chile, took office on May 26. The swearing-in ceremony took place during a special session of the Permanent Council. The new Secretary General of the Organization of American States (OAS) called for "renewed political resolve" to make the OAS "a more effective institution with a targeted agenda, whose priorities are decided by consensus arrived at through a more participatory process that welcomes input from civil society and the private sector."

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By Alvin Lezama, Chair of PCC.II
The V Meeting of Permanent Consultative Committee II: Radiocommunications including Broadcasting, held April 26-29, 2005, was a remarkable success, particularly in connection with the consideration given therein to the following topics:

• Harmonized frequency channels and/or applications for the protection of property using data communication;

• Technical and regulatory aspects regarding the effects of non-ionizing electromagnetic emissions;

• Procedures for authorizing Earth Stations on Vessels (ESV);

• Procedures and guidelines for generic or block earth station licensing;

• Recommendation on use of the 410-430 MHz and 450-470 MHz bands for fixed and mobile services for digital communications, especially in low population density areas.

In addition, the first draft of the digital terrestrial television broadcasting implementation guide was approved. At upcoming meetings, the corresponding information will be updated and further information provided.

The final report will be available shortly on CITEL’s web page.

The XV Meeting of the Permanent Executive Committee of CITEL, COM/CITEL, will be held in Washington, DC, United States of America, from June 1 to 3, 2005. We also wish to announce that the meeting for organization of the texts of the Blue Book on Telecommunications Policies for the Americas was held in Washington, D.C., United States of America, from May 25 to 27, 2005. Subsequently, the book will be presented at the COM/CITEL meeting.

Please be reminded that during the COM/CITEL meeting the Conference Preparatory Working Group will meet, and will consider:

• Preparation of CITEL for the 2006 Plenipotentiary Conference (October 30 to November 17, 2006). There will be a review of the issues and consideration will be given to the development of potential Inter-American proposals and positions for the Conference in view of the deadline of 8 months prior to the opening of the conference for the submission of any proposals to amend the ITU Constitution and Convention.

• Preparation of the World Telecommunications Development Conference (Doha, Qatar, March 7 to 15, 2006). It will examine in detail the results of the questionnaire circulated by the Working Group in collaboration with the ITU Regional Office, to identify initiatives and priorities in the region, in view of the ITU Regional Preparatory Meeting (Lima, Peru, August 9 to 11, 2005), and for the possible development of inter-American proposals. As a reminder, a WTDC-06 discussion group was set up on CITEL’s electronic forum to facilitate these preparations.

Also, there will be a meeting of the Working Group to Prepare for the Meetings of the Council of the International Telecommunication Union (ITU), where it will be possible to consider among others: 

• ITU activities relevant to the World Summit on the Information Society (WSIS) (Resolution 1222).
• Update of prices for satellite notifications.
• Resolutions of Marrakech:

  • Resolution 102 (Rev. Marrakech, 2002) (Management of Internet domain names and addresses);

  • Resolution 133 (Marrakech, 2002) (Role of administrations of Member States in the management of internationalized (multilingual domain names);

  • Resolution 121 (Marrakech, 2002) (Review of the International Telecommunication Regulations)

  • Resolution 108 (Improvement of the functioning of the Coordination Committee, including the tasks of the Deputy Secretary-General and the role of the other elected officials);

  • Resolution 109 (Marrakech, 2002) (Review and consolidation of provisions regarding observers)

  • Resolution 25 (Rev. Marrakech, 2002) (Strengthening the regional presence);

  • Resolution 110 (Marrakech, 2002) (Review of the contribution of Sector Members towards defraying the expenses of the International Telecommunication Union).

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The Seminar on "Cybersecurity for the Information and Communications Networks" organized by the Telecommunication Development Bureau (BDT) of the International Telecommunication Union (ITU) with the sponsorship of the Ministry of Transport and Communications of Peru (MTC) and the National Institute of Research and Training in Telecommunications of Peru (INICTEL), and in close collaboration with the Association of Telecommunication Enterprises of the Andean Community (ASETA). This event will take place in Lima, Peru, 20 to 21 June, 2005. The Seminar will bring together Member States from the sub-region and is aimed, among others, at achieving an increasing awareness amongst countries of the region concerning the need for developing secure IP infrastructure for e-services/applications and providing a forum for the exchange of views on national Cybersecurity policies, strategies, legislation and other initiatives.

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The Preparatory Meeting for the Americas Region for WTDC-06 will be held in Lima, Peru, from 9 to 11 August 2005. The objective of these meetings is to adopt appropriate development strategies at regional and subregional level. These will be based on initiatives and projects on one hand, and on questions and topics related to them on the other.

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By Belkys Díaz and Silvia Fernández CANTV- Venezuela
Over the years, different types of fraud or deceptive practice have evolved in mobile telephony, designed to be financially damaging to their victims who, in this case, are cellular subscribers or customers, and sometimes the operators themselves.

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By Alonso Arturo Picazo Díaz, ViceChair WG Relative to Satellite Systems to Provide Fixed and Mobile Services
Is well known that communications systems are sensitive to different types of interference. In the case of systems utilizing spectrum as a transmission medium, the sources of interference range from those of natural origin, such as cosmic noise, solar interference, etc. to those caused by caused by manmade systems, radar systems, or communications systems that share the same frequency band.

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By Fabimar Franchi, CONATEL-Venezuela
In the framework of the most recent meeting of Permanent Consultative Committee I: Telecommunication Standardization, a document was presented entitled “Theoretic-practical Approach in the Determination of Capital Cost.” The first part of this document is a theoretical review of methodological elements to be taken into account and distinguished in financial analysis from the regulatory standpoint. This generally involves determining a reasonable rate of return based on the necessary economic costs of providing a given service, especially if that service is offered by a monopolist or a company in a dominant position.

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By Rodrigo Robles, Coordinator of Planning and Development, SIT - Guatemala
In March 2005, a Memorandum of Understanding (MOU) was signed by the Ministry of Economy and the Ministry of Communications, Infrastructure, and Housing to bring together efforts to protect users and consumers of telecommunication services in Guatemala.

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In 1996, Guatemala pursued a sweeping reform program in radio spectrum policy. As a result, the country has emerged as one of the world’s most liberal environments for wireless telecommunications.

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Convergence, the need for cooperation, new technologies and the importance of broad band as a driving force in the development of multimedia content, were some of the issues considered in the event that commemorated the World Telecommunications Day in Chile.(SUBTEL, 17 May 2005)

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The board of the Agência Nacional de Telecomunicações (ANATEL) approved in the last meeting (26 and 27 April), modifications to the General Regulations of Authorizations of the Specialized Mobile Service (SME), the General Plan of Authorizations of SME and the Rule of criteria of remuneration for the use of Networks to provide SME. The modifications are the result of the proposal that was in public notice   (nº 570) between October 26 and November 29, 2004.(ANATEL, 3 May 2005)

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The Under Secretary indicated that it would also be feasible to increase connection speeds at the same tariff. "This is a commercial, rather than technical, decision as, in technical terms, today’s networks could provide faster connection speeds without increasing the cost to users."  (SUBTEL, May 3, 2005)

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The Ministry of Transport and Communications (MTC) has published a draft provision establishing the criteria to be taken into account in determining the country’s priority social interest areas with a view to making telecommunications services available in these areas. (OSIPTEL, May 3, 2005)

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Telefónica Argentina, the public basic telephony, Internet access, and telephone book business line of the Telefónica Group, has announced the installation of Wi-Fi (Wireless Fidelity) wireless technology in the civic center where, from today, tourists and visitors will have broadband Internet access via wireless connection using a notebook computer or electronic agenda. (Telefónica Argentina, May 3, 2005)

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The daily raft crossing made by brave Carolina Tiare Pate Peña, aged 10, to go to school has fired public opinion.  This extreme practice of the child from Puerto Gala, Aysén region, reflects the difficult living conditions of Chileans in remote areas.  To address their isolation, the Government of Chile is putting its stakes on rural connectivity, providing broadband Internet access to 667 rural schools in the country, including the Mother of Divine Providence School attended by little Carolina. (SUBTEL, May 2, 2005)

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Canada: Industry Canada Announces Release of New Spectrum Resources to Accommodate Increasing Demand for Wireless Products

The Honourable David L. Emerson, Minister of Industry, today announced the opening of new spectrum in the 5 GHz range, and the improvement of existing frequency bands to accommodate the increasing demand for broadband wireless products by consumers and businesses. The new spectrum will support existing needs as well as a new generation of wireless products for use by Canadians in their homes and offices, and at public access sites. It will also be fully aligned globally, providing an international market for Canadian products. (Industry Canada, April 29, 2005)

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On May 9, 2005, the company Intel Semiconductores do Brasil. with venue in Brazil, became a new associate member of PCC.II.

For over 35 years, Intel Corporation has developed technology enabling the computer and Internet revolution that has changed the world. Founded in 1968 to build semiconductor memory products, Intel introduced the world's first microprocessor in 1971. Today, Intel supplies the computing and communications industries with chips, boards, systems, and software building blocks that are the "ingredients" of computers, servers and networking and communications products. These products are used by industry members to create advanced computing and communications systems. Intel's mission is to do a great job for our customers, employees, and stockholders by being the preeminent building block supplier to the worldwide digital economy.

On May 2, 2005, the company iBiquity Digital Corporation with venue in United States, became a new associate member of PCC.II.

iBiquity Digital Corporation (iBiquity Digital) has created the technology that will allow radio broadcasting to digitally enter the 21st century. HD Radio technology, a breakthrough in radio broadcasting, allows digital radio signals to ride the same airwaves as analog AM/FM radio, bringing CD-like sound from any radio station to the listening public along with integrated wireless data services that will put news and entertainment at your fingertips. Unlike other technologies, this is the only FCC-approved system that provides for true, end-to-end digital broadcasting within the existing spectrum in conjunction with continued analog broadcasts to legacy receivers.

On April 8, 2005, Camara Nacional de la Industria de TV por cable (CANITEC) with venue in Mexico, became a new associate member of PCC.I and PCC.II.

The Chamber of the National Cable Television Industry [Cámara Nacional de la Industria de Televisión por Cable] (CANITEC) is the business organization that brings together licensees of public telecommunication networks (PTN) that provide cable television, Internet, and data transmission services in the Republic of Mexico.

CANITEC was established in 1975, initially operating as an association bringing together a group of PTN sector entrepreneurs.  Subsequently, it was decided to define this organization in law as an industrial chamber.

On March 28, 2005, the company Huawei Technologies Co., Ltd. with venue in Mexico, became a new associate member of PCC.II.

Huawei Technologies specializes in the R&D, production and marketing of telecoms equipment, providing customized network solutions in mobile network, fixed network, optical network, service & software, data communications network and terminals. As a fast growing global telecommunication network solutions provider, Huawei has successfully become one of the major players in the global telecommunication markets.

On February 22, 2005, the company TT&C with venue in United States, became a new associate member of PCC.II.

TT&C brings a plethora of experience in the telecommunications world to the table. From working knowledge of world-wide complex communication systems, through the necessary regulatory and policy jungle, to the all-important negotiating and political skills needed to satisfy demanding technological requirements in this modern fast-changing telecommunications environment, TT&C excels. Established in 1995, based on unique technical, political and operational experience, TT&C has become a recognized power in the telecommunications regulations field. The company is small, motivated and takes advantage of modern information technology (IT) techniques to maintain a low overhead. TT&C company leadership believes in the value of face-to-face negotiations and problem resolution, but uses IT to maximize preparation for and productivity of such meetings.

On February 28, 2005, the company Satélites Mexicanos S.A. de C.V.. with venue in Mexico, became a new associate member of PCC.I.

Satmex is the leading satellite telecommunications provider in Latin America, operating the Solidaridad II, Satmex 5 and Morelos II Mexican satellites. Its satellite fleet offers regional and continental coverage in C and Ku Bands spanning from Canada to Argentina.

Unless otherwise indicated, the materials published on this web site, including opinions expressed therein, are the responsibility of the individual authors/compilers and not those of the Organization of American States (“OAS”), GS/OAS, CITEL and the OAS Member States or its member countries.

Assumption of Office by the Secretary General, Dr. José Miguel Insulza
V meeting of PCC.II was held with outstanding success
XV meeting of COM/CITEL
Subregional Seminar on Cybersecurity for the Information and Communications Networks
Preparatory Meeting for the Americas Region for WTDC-06
Mobile Telephony Fraud
Interference on satellite communications
A theoretical approach to capital cost determination
Protection of telecommunication service users