– 140 – (5.4 – ITU-D) ANNEX A (to Resolution 1143) Generic activities expected of the regional presence a) Coordinate or carry out any regional task not listed below and falling within the context of Annex 1 to Resolution 71 (Minneapolis, 1998). b) Inform policy-makers, regulatory bodies and telecommunication operators about world trends in telecommunication policy and management (e.g. organization of the regulatory framework and regulation of the telecommunication market, GMPCS, trade in services, electronic commerce, IMT-2000, impact of IP protocols, GATS, general management, etc.). c) Help telecommunication operators develop a better understanding of the administrative regulations (Radio Regulations, International Telecommunication Regulations). d) Sensitize policy-makers, regulatory bodies, appropriate institutions and organizations and telecommunication operators on issues related to the management of critical resources (e.g. radio-frequency spectrum, numbering plan, etc.). e) In collaboration with the Sectors concerned, provide policy-makers regulatory bodies, appropriate institutions and organizations and telecommunication operators with regular information on the foreseeable evolution of telecommunication services and their possible repercussions. f) Promote more widespread use of new technical standards in appropriate institutions and organizations that may have an effect on telecommunication network development (e.g. ATM, IP, IMT-2000, etc.). g) Draft and regularly update standard general specifications to serve as a guide for developing countries in their procurement process, without however jeopardizing the interests of consultancy and engineering firms. h) Support telecommunication operators in the planning and the technical and commercial development of telecommunication networks and services, inter alia, by promoting technology transfer and promoting progressive industrialization; inform financial institutions with a view to their providing the necessary support for telecommunication projects which have social benefits. i) Support the efforts of regulatory bodies, appropriate institutions and organizations and telecommunication operators in introducing accounting and tariff systems for telecommunication services (e.g. separating accounts, cost allocation, universal service, etc.). j) Promote operating and maintenance standards for new telecommunication networks (e.g. IP, ATM, etc.) among telecommunication operators and appropriate institutions and organizations. k) Prepare the best possible statistics on the evolution of telecommunication networks and services in the relevant region for submission to policy-makers, regulatory bodies and telecommunication operators.