International Telecommunication Union (ITU)
Review of the International Telecommunication Regulations (ITRs)
2012 World Conference on International Telecommunications (WCIT-2012)
Canadian Preparatory Committee (CPC/ITU-WCIT)

Background

The International Telecommunication Regulations ( ITR s) are a treaty-binding instrument of the ITU that establishes the general principles and the provisions governing international telecommunication services.

The ITR s and the Radio Regulations ( RR ) form the Administrative Regulations of the ITU and complement the Constitution and Convention of the ITU . The ITR s were adopted at the 1988 World Administrative Telegraph and Telephone Conference ( WATTC -88) held in Melbourne, Australia. The ITR s have remained unchanged since coming into force on July 1, 1990.

A World Conference on International Telecommunications ( WCIT ) to review and update the ITR s is to be convened by the ITU . It will be held either in Dubai, United Arab Emirates, or in Geneva, Switzerland, in November 2012, immediately following the ITU World Telecommunication Standardization Assembly ( WTSA ).

The matters contained in the ITR s, such as accounting principles, are largely dealt with in the ITU Telecommunication Standardization Sector. However, the WCIT is a full ITU treaty conference.

Preparatory Process and Engagement of Canadian Stakeholders

 

A Canadian Preparatory Committee for WCIT ( CPC / ITU - WCIT ) is being established to enable inclusive and effective participation by Canada in the activities associated with the preparations for the ITU - WCIT and in negotiations at the conference.

The objective of the CPC/ ITU - WCIT is to promote and coordinate Canada’s participation in the preparatory and regional meetings of the ITU - WCIT , so that an effective, consistent, agreed viewpoint is expressed by Canada. The establishment of the CPC / ITU - WCIT will also allow the Government of Canada to follow the preparatory meetings of regional telecommunication organizations, such as the Inter-American Telecommunication Commission (CITEL), the European Conference of Postal and Telecommunications Administrations ( CEPT ) and the Asia-Pacific Telecommunity ( APT ), among others.

The CPC / ITU - WCIT will be made up of representatives of Industry Canada, other government departments and representatives of Canadian entities incorporated in Canada that express an interest in the work concerning the ITR s. Canadian experts in the telecommunications field representing telecommunication providers, user groups, manufacturers, universities or other organizations are invited to participate. Consultants and lobbyists participating in the CPC / ITU - WCIT are responsible for ensuring full compliance with the terms and conditions of The Lobbying Act.

Contact

For further information on the CPC / ITU - WCIT and upcoming meetings, please contact Ms. Wennin Chiu, Policy Advisor, International Telecommunications Policy and Coordination, Industry Canada, at wennin.chiu@ic.gc.ca, telephone: 613-960-0139.

ITU WCIT
ITR s
The Lobbying Act