*** SPECIAL STUDIES & BACKSTOPPING - ENGINEERING SERVICES ***

	In addition to the field staff, a group of specialists at ITU headquarters 
is responsible for giving high-level advice and rendering short-term assistance 
to Member States upon request. These specialists work in areas such as demand 
forecasting, network planning, traffic engineering, transmission systems, radio 
and satellite communications, broadcasting, frequency management, cable 
networks, maritime mobile communications, as well as in the areas of 
restructuring and telecommunications policy. 

	This form of support may be provided either by short missions (not 
exceeding four weeks) to the requesting Member States or by correspondence, 
depending on the type of assistance required. The related activities may be 
undertaken either by BDT specialists based at ITU headquarters, or by outside 
experts if the required speciality cannot be covered by headquarters staff..

	Examples of engineering services include advice on the planning of 
telecommunication networks, preparation of specifications, evaluation of bids, 
operational aspects, and studies and analyses of existing systems and 
facilities, including the financial and economic aspects. If required, the 
engineers may also participate in meetings, conferences or seminars on specific 
technical subjects.

	These services are normally provided free of charge to the requesting 
Member administrations and have no effect on UNDP country allocations. Requests 
may be submitted to the BDT by letter, telex or telefax, with details of the 
type of assistance required.

	The BDT specialists are also available for consultation by the staff of 
administrations visiting ITU headquarters for conferences, meetings, etc.