6 March 1997
The WTO Negotiations on Basic Telecommunications:
Informal Summary of Commitments and M.f.n. Exemptions
The
following is background for information purposes only. It should not be cited or quoted as
an official document of the WTO.Overview
- The February 1997 deadline
for the negotiations on basic telecommunications resulted in the tabling of 55 offers,
covering 69 governments (counting individually the Member States included in the EC
schedule). This represented a substantial improvement over the April 1996 results which
produced 34 offers covering 48 governments. Also, many of the offers submitted in April
1996 were improved, both technically and substantively, by February. In the highlights of
individual schedules, some of the major substantive improvements are cited. The
commitments will be annexed to a one-page Protocol to the General Agreement on Trade in
Services and will represent modifications of the existing schedules of specific
commitments on services.
- Only the schedules themselves can provide authoritative and complete information on the
telecommunications services included, the scope of the commitments, and the degree (i.e.
full or partial) of market access permitted. It is not the intention, either in the
highlights of commitments or the overview table (annex 1), to name each and every service
included in a participant's schedule, nor are all of the limitations that may be listed
identified; the information is designed with a view to providing leading examples. Under a
very broad and essentially open-ended definition employed for the negotiations, basic
telecommunications were considered any telecommunications transport networks or services;
the resulting schedules cover a wide variety of services fitting this definition (annex
2).
- On voice telephone service, as illustrated in the overview table, 47 of the schedules
(covering 61 governments) commit to competitive supply (defined here as permitting two or
more suppliers). This compares favourably with April 1996 results when 44 governments
included voice services. Most of the commitments permit the supply of public voice
services, either immediate or phased-in, in at least one market segment. However, two of
the 61 governments commit to voice only over closed user groups in all market segments.
With respect to public voice services by market segment, 41 schedules (55 governments)
committed on local service, 38 (52 governments) offered domestic long distance, and 42 (56
governments) offered international service. Resale of public voice telephone is included
in the commitments in 28 schedules (42 governments) or more than 70% of the 59 governments
permitting a degree of competition in public voice service.
- In commitments on other services: 49 schedules (63 governments) include commitments of
data transmission services; 46 (60 governments) grant access for cellular/mobile telephone
markets; 41 (55 governments) commit to competition in leased circuit services (the supply
of transmission capacity); 45 (59 governments) include commitments on other types of
mobile services (such as PCS, mobile data or paging). For satellite-related
communications, 37 schedules (51 governments) committed on some or all types of mobile
satellite services or transport capacity and 36 (50 governments) commit on fixed satellite
services or transport capacity. In addition, 8 governments scheduled some commitments on
value-added telecommunications services (e.g. e-mail, on-line data processing or data base
retrieval).
- The formal entry into force of the commitments is scheduled to be 1 January 1998. But
where a participant's commitments for particular services are to be phased in, the actual
implementation would take place on the date specified in the schedule. About 40%, or 25 of
the 61 governments making offers on voice telephone services, subject these commitments to
phase in. In the highlights, phase-in-dates, where they exist, are usually mentioned along
with the services affected.
- Most participants, 63 of the 69 governments submitting schedules, included commitments
on regulatory disciplines. Of these, 57 committed to the Reference Paper in whole or with
few modifications. These commitments relate to such matters as competition safeguards,
interconnection guarantees, licensing and the independence of regulators. In April 1996,
44 governments had included regulatory commitments in their offers and only 31 had
inscribed the Reference Paper.
Highlights of Schedules of Commitments and M.f.n. Exemptions
ANTIGUA &
BARBUDA Offers to liberalize international voice telephony services by 2010; domestic
voice telephony is reserved to the exclusive operator. Also undertakes to liberalize other
basic telecommunication services such as data transmission and private leased circuit
services by 2012. Opens to full competition the provision of data transmission over closed
user groups, internet and internet access services (excluding voice), teleconferencing as
well as several value-added services. Allows the provision of terrestrial-based mobile
services (cellular, data, PCS, paging and trunked radio system) through commercial
presence. Commits to allow cross-border supply of satellite-based mobile services
(including voice, data, PCS, paging and trunked radio systems) and of fixed satellite
services through commercial arrangements with the exclusive operator. Commits to the
Reference Paper on regulatory principles.
Submitted an M.f.n. Exemption List to enable the Government to extend to nationals of
other Caricom-Member countries treatment equal to its own nationals with respect to joint
venture requirements.
ARGENTINA Phased-in commitment liberalizing voice telephony (local, long-distance and
international) and provision of other basic telecommunications services supplied on an
international basis by November 2000. Offers full competition in basic services other than
voice such as data transmission, etc. supplied in the national market and leased circuit
services (international and national) without phase-in. Offers open competition in mobile
telecommunications services such as data, paging, and trunking. Commits on duopoly in
mobile cellular services and undertakes to allow new entrants subject to an economic needs
test for the provision of mobile Personal Communication Services. Improved offer committed
to the Reference Paper on regulatory principles.
Submitted an M.f.n. Exemption List on telecommunications services involving the supply of
fixed satellite services by geostationary satellites.
AUSTRALIA Offers unrestricted competition in virtually all basic telecom services as of
July 1997. Commits on existing free markets for voice telephone on a resale basis and many
other basic services. Offers to end limits on the number of satellite service providers
(currently set at 2) and on primary suppliers of public mobile cellular telephony and
facilities-based carriers (both currently set at 3) as of July 1997. Offers no
limits on foreign equity for new carriers. Permits foreign equity up to 11.7% of the
government controlled carrier, TELSTRA, and requires majority Australian ownership of the
mobile carrier, Vodaphone. Improved offer removed foreign equity limitation of Optus.
Commits to the Reference Paper on regulatory principles.
BANGLADESH Licenses two operators, in addition to the Government operator, to supply
domestic long distance and local voice services as well as transmission facilities (leased
circuit services). Commits to full competition in voice and data transmission over closed
used groups and for internet access services. Licenses four suppliers of cellular mobile
voice telephone services. Indicates that it will review the possibility of adding
regulatory principles in the future.
Submitted an M.f.n. Exemption List to permit the Government or the Government-run operator
to apply differential measures, such as accounting rates, in bilateral agreements with
other operators or countries. (See also the related points made in the final Report on the
Group).
BELIZE Offers a phased-in commitment to allow open competition in trunked radio service
and teleconferencing by 2003 as well as paging and various value-added telecommunications
services by 2008. Commits to the Reference Paper on regulatory principles.
BOLIVIA Offers to phase in competition in all domestic long distance and international
basic services in November 2001. Local voice telephony provided by 16 exclusive local
suppliers while all other basic services for local market liberalized. Offers full
competition without phase in for the local, national and international supply of all basic
services (including voice) to closed user groups and for the supply of mobile services,
including cellular services, mobile data services, radio navigation, paging services, PCS
and mobile satellite services. No restrictions on foreign ownership. Includes some
regulatory principles.
BRAZIL Improved commitment offered to end the monopoly and introduce improved commitments
on public telecom services, and to submit commitments on regulatory principles within one
year, rather than two, from the date of passage of the new telecommunications law.
Commits, with no phase-in, to open markets for the paging services and the supply to
closed user groups of all basic telecom services (including voice). Commits to establish
cellular telephone duopolies in each of designated markets. Competition allowed in
satellite transport services, subject to the requirement that satellites with orbital
positions notified by Brazil must be used unless their services are not equivalent to
those of satellites notified by other countries. Improved offer also commits to phase-out
the 49% (direct and indirect) foreign equity limits on cellular telephony and satellite
transport services as of July 1999. Also commits to full competition in many value-added
services. Commits to introduce regulatory principles within one year after the enactment
of the new law.
Submitted an M.f.n. Exemption List on the distribution of radio or television programming
directly to consumers.
BRUNEI
DARUSSALAM Offers to undertake a policy review in 2010 on whether to allow additional
suppliers in local public voice telephone services (currently monopoly), international
public voice telephone services (currently duopoly) and in cellular telephone services
(currently monopoly). Commits on Reference Paper as additional commitments.
BULGARIA Phased-in commitments to liberalize public voice telephone, telegraph and telex
services on a non-facilities basis as of 2003 and on a facilities basis as of 2005. Offers
full liberalization without phase in of data transmission, paging and mobile data
non-public voice telephone services and of VSAT and other satellite services (excluding
voice service until 2003). Commits to liberalize digital and analogue cellular telephone
subject to a requirement, until 2003, that international traffic use network facilities of
the monopoly. Commits to the Reference Paper on regulatory principles.
CANADA In improvements made 14 February, certain routing restrictions and foreign equity
limits on many services were scheduled to be phased out by the year 2000 and advanced the
date for the elimination of Telesat's exclusive rights on satellite facilities and earth
stations serving the US/Canada market to March 2000. In other improvements, removed a
requirement that Canadian equity holding in mobile satellite systems must equal Canadian
usage levels. Also agreed to remove, as of October 1998, restrictions on obtaining
licenses to land submarine cables. Offers a liberalized regime for resale-based
competition in local telephone services and in most other basic telecom services. Limits
foreign equity in all facilities-based suppliers to 20% direct and 46.7% combined direct
and indirect foreign ownership. Teleglobe's monopoly on overseas (non-US) facilities-based
service will be eliminated and its foreign equity limits will be raised to the 46.7% in
October 1998. Telesat Canada's exclusive rights on satellite facilities and earth stations
serving US/Canada market will be eliminated as of March 2000. Maintains a few limitations
on market access for telephone service in certain cities or Provinces. Commits to the
Reference Paper on regulatory principles.
CHILE Offers full competition in the national long distance and international markets for
all basic telecom services, including mobile and satellite services. No commitment taken
on the provision of basic telecom services in local markets. Revised offer committed on
the Reference Paper on regulatory principles.
COLOMBIA Offers open competition in facilities based local voice telephony and data
transmission for public use as well as voice and other basic telecom services over closed
user groups. Public facilities based long distance and international voice telephony are
reserved to the public operator; further additional operators to be determined based on an
economic needs test. For cellular telephone service, the regional duopolies will be
liberalized in September 1999, after which new entrants permitted subject to technical
constraints. Commits to a limited number of suppliers by 2000 in personal communication
services, and by July 1997 for paging and facilities-based trunking. Also commits to the
provision of satellite transport capacity exclusively for geostationary satellite systems.
Foreign equity limit of 70% for all telecommunication service providers. Improved offer
committed on the Reference Paper on regulatory principles.
CÔTE D'IVOIRE Voice telephone service over fixed network infrastructure and telex are
reserved to monopoly provision for 10 years but will thereafter be opened to unrestricted
competition. Open market access (without phase-in) is offered for all other basic telecom
services including data transmission, all mobile networks and services, video transmission
services and satellite services, links, capacity, and earth stations. Commits to the
Reference Paper on regulatory principles.
CZECH REPUBLIC Full competition in all segments of voice telephone, leased circuit
services and satellite services after the year 2000. Commits to open markets with no phase
in for voice over closed user groups, data transmission, various mobile services
(excluding international voice until 2000), video transport and frame relay. The improved
offer included the Reference Paper on regulatory principles.
DOMINICA Offers full competition for data transmission over closed user groups, several
value-added telecommunications services as well as internet and internet access services
(excluding voice) and teleconferencing. Commits to allow cross-border supply of
satellite-based mobile (including voice, data, PCS, paging and trunked radio system) and
fixed satellite services through commercial arrangements with the exclusive operator.
Commits to the Reference Paper on regulatory principles.
DOMINICAN Commits to allow provision of all basic services including voice, data REPUBLIC
transmission, private leased circuits as well as mobile maritime and air to ground
communication s services through commercial presence. The improved offer included the
Reference Paper on regulatory principles.
ECUADOR Makes a commitment on market access for cellular telephony which is free of market
access restrictions.
EL SALVADOR Offers full competition of basic telecom services (facilities-based and
resale) for all market segments (local, long distance and international) including, for
example, voice telephony, data transmission, private leased circuits, paging and mobile
cellular services. Commits to the Reference Paper on regulatory principles.
EUROPEAN COMMUNITIES Improvements included: Portugal advanced the liberalization date for
public voice telephony to 2000 and facilities based services to July 1999 and undertook an
additional commitment to partially remove the foreign equity restriction (currently 25%)
by 1999 subject to parliamentary approval; Spain advanced the liberalization date to
December 1998 (one additional nation-wide licence in January 1998) and removed 25% foreign
equity restriction; and Belgium removed 49% foreign equity restriction. The EC offer
commits to complete liberalization of basic telecom services (facilities-based and resale)
across the EC for all market segments (local, long distance and international). Offer also
covers, for example, satellite networks and services and all mobile and personal
communications services and systems. Restrictions include foreign equity limits by France
(20%: radio-based services, direct investment only) and Portugal (25%). Full
liberalization of public voice telephony and facilities-based services to be implemented
on a delayed basis only by Spain in December 1998; by Ireland in 2000; by Greece in 2003;
and by Portugal in 2000 for public voice telephony and July 1999 for facilities based
services. Liberalization of internationally connected mobile and personal communications
services to be implemented on a delayed basis only by Ireland and Portugal in 1999.
Commits to the Reference Paper on regulatory principles.
GHANA Commits to maintain two facilities-based suppliers providing local, long distance
and international public voice telephone services and private leased circuit services.
Offers to licence additional suppliers of local voice services to underserved population
centres and to undertake a policy review possibly allowing new entrants to supply voice
telephony once the five-year exclusivity of the duopoly operators have expired. Offers
full competition in data transmission, internet and internet access (excluding voice) and
teleconferencing. Undertakes a commitment on mobile services (terrestrial and
satellite-based) including mobile data services, fixed satellite services, paging and
cellular with the reservation that cross-border voice services can only be supplied
through commercial arrangements with the duopoly operators. Commits to the Reference Paper
on regulatory principles.
GRENADA Offers to phase-in liberalization of most basic telecommunication services in all
market segments including voice telephony, data transmission, private leased circuits and
terrestrial mobile services by 2006. Commits to full competition in value-added telecom
services, trunked radio systems and internet and internet access service (excluding
voice). Permits the supply of satellite-based mobile services (including voice, data, PCS)
and fixed satellite services through commercial arrangements with the exclusive operator
until 2006; no restrictions thereafter. Commits to the Reference Paper on regulatory
principles.
GUATEMALA Offers full competition in basic telecom services (facilities-based and resale)
for all market segments (local, long distance and international) including voice
telephony, data transmission, private leased circuits, paging, mobile cellular and
satellite services. Commits to the Reference Paper on regulatory principles.
HONG KONG In a February revision committed on international simple resale for facsimile
and data transmission services. Already provided access to the local market for many basic
telecommunications services including voice and data transmission as well as mobile radio
telephone and mobile data services. For local fixed-network services, four licences
already issued and issuance of further licences will be given consideration in June 1998.
Commits to permit call back and other alternative international calling services, certain
satellite services, virtual private networks, and mobile satellite services. Commits to
the Reference Paper on regulatory principles.
HUNGARY In February revision, indicated that the reservation of land mobile services to 3
existing suppliers will end by 2004. Commits to competition in domestic long distance and
international public voice telephone as of 2003 and in local voice service as of 2004; 25%
Hungarian equity required for local and domestic voice services and facilities-based
international service; but not for international resale of voice. Services such as paging,
data transmission, and leased circuit services fully liberalized without phase-in. Commits
to the Reference Paper on regulatory principles.
ICELAND Liberalization of essentially all basic telecom services (facilities-based and
resale). This includes, for example, data transmission, voice telephone, satellite
communications, cellular mobile telephony and other mobile services. Commits to the
Reference Paper on regulatory principles.
INDIA Improvements included commitments to review in 1999 further opening of national
long-distance service and in 2004 of international services. For fixed networks providing
many basic services in the local markets and for long-distance service within each of a
number of service areas, commits to allow one new operator, in addition to MTNL, under
licenses to be valid for a period of 10 years; the licenses for these operators will be
issued as the need for the additional licenses is determined by the relevant authorities.
Foreign equity participation is limited to 25%. Improved offer committed to the Reference
Paper on regulatory principles.
Submitted an M.f.n. Exemption List to permit the Government or the Government-run operator
to apply differential measures, such as accounting rates, in bilateral agreements with
other operators or countries. (See also the related points made in the final Report on the
Group.
INDONESIA In the final days of the talks, improved the offer by deleting an economic needs
test for new entrants in domestic mobile cellular telephone services, personal mobile
cellular communication services, and regional and national paging services. Public voice
telephony, circuit switched public data network and teleconferencing services currently
supplied by a number of suppliers with exclusive rights. Commits to a policy review to
determine whether to admit additional suppliers upon the expiry of the exclusive rights:
exclusivity expires in 2011 for local service; in 2006 for long distance service, and in
2005 for international service. Offers competition for packed-switched public data network
services, telex, telegraph and internet access services, subject to use of networks of PT
Indosat and PT Satelindo for international traffic. Offers competition in domestic mobile
cellular telephone services, paging, public payphone services. Foreign equity limited to
35% for all services except personal communication services which require joint venture
with state-owned company. Commits to the Reference Paper on regulatory principles.
ISRAEL In the February revision, committed to three operators of international voice
services, removed limits on the number of operators for global satellite systems and
indicated that regulations on opening competition in domestic voice services and network
infrastructure will be published when the monopoly rights end in 2002. Will also
re-examine policy on competition in international voice services by 2001. Commits on
competitive market access in cellular telephone and paging, voice over closed user groups,
international private leased circuit services (excluding voice), and data transmission.
Foreign equity limits of 74% on all service providers except for wireless service
providers where 80% allowed. Commits to the Reference Paper on regulatory principles.
JAMAICA Offers to phase in domestic facilities based and international voice telephony and
other basic telecommunication services by 2013. Undertakes additional commitment to submit
an improved commitment on voice over closed user groups and voice over internet currently
reserved to exclusive supply until 2013 subject to the outcome of a policy review.
Terrestrial cellular mobile telephone and domestic satellite based mobile telephone
services to be provided by an exclusive operator under a five to ten year licence. Offers
international satellite based mobile telephone and fixed satellite services through
commercial arrangements with the exclusive operator until 2013. Commits to full
competition in data transmission, digital mobile data services, personal communication
services, paging, teleconferencing, internet and internet access (excluding voice),
trunked radio systems, video transport (excluding tele-conferencing) as well as several
value-added services. Also, commits to allow supply of international voice, data and video
transmission services to firms involved in information processing located within
freezones. Commits to the Reference Paper on regulatory principles.
JAPAN Latest improvement included the deletion of the reservation concerning international
simple resale of voice services. In April 1996, agreed to remove long-standing foreign
equity limits on Type I carriers and radio-based services, leaving only two companies, KDD
and NTT, with foreign equity limits (at 20%). Aside from these company-specific
restrictions, open market access is committed in all market segments for basic
telecommunications services (facilities-based and resale). Commits to the Reference Paper
on regulatory principles.
KOREA In February revision, increased foreign equity participation limit on facilities
based suppliers from 33% to 49% from 2001. Also increased foreign equity limit in the
national supplier (KT) from 20% to 33% from 2001. Permits competition in wire-based
telephone services never before opened to full competition. Full competition permitted in
supply by resale of all telecom services except voice without phase in. Permits market
access for domestic voice resale as of 1999 when it will allow foreign equity
participation up to 49%; rises raised to 100% as of 2001. In the latest revision phases in
international simple voice resale by 2001. Improved offer also committed on the Reference
Paper on regulatory principles.
MALAYSIA Offers the opportunity to acquire foreign equity in existing facilities-based
public telecommunications operators. Services supplied by the existing operators include
voice telephony (wire or wireless), data transmission, private leased circuit services,
domestic and international satellite services and satellite links/capacity, satellite
earth stations, terrestrial- and satellite-based mobile services and video transport
services. Foreign shareholding of up to 30% is permitted in these operators. Listed some
regulatory principles as additional commitments.
MAURITIUS The improved offer of February 1997 commits on competition in mobile
satellite-based services. Existing de facto monopoly and exclusive rights in all basic
telecom services to be eliminated by 2004. Commits on competition in paging and private
mobile radio services. Commits to introduce regulatory principles in the future.
MEXICO Improvem ents included raising the foreign equity limitation to 49% for all
telecommunications service suppliers (from the 40% listed in an earlier revision) and
ending the exclusivity of regional duopolies in cellular telephony. Commits to competition
in all market segments of public telecommunications services on a facilities and a resale
basis: voice telephone service, data transmission, private leased circuit services, paging
and certain cellular telephone services. For cellular telephony, allows more than 49%
foreign investment subject to prior authorization. Commits to the Reference Paper on
regulatory principles.
MOROCCO Offers phased-in supply of voice telephone services over fixed infrastructure by
December 2001. Foreign equity participation may be limited (level unspecified). Opens
market access for packet switched data transmission and frame relay services. Supply of
mobile telephone and mobile data services, personal communication services and paging
reserved for an unspecified number of operators yet to be licensed (one mobile telephone
operator licensed so far). Includes some regulatory principles.
NEW ZEALAND Commits to open markets for all basic telecommunication services for all
market segments (local, long-distance and international). A national treatment limitation
indicates that no single foreign entity is permitted to hold more than 49.9% of Telecom
New Zealand; this does not limit the overall foreign shareholding in that operator.
Commits to the Reference Paper on regulatory principles.
NORWAY Complete liberalization of all basic telecom services. This includes, for example,
data transmission, voice telephone, paging and other mobile services, and satellite
communications (including voice) in all market segments. Commits to the Reference Paper on
regulatory principles.
PAKISTAN In February revision, phased out the exclusivity on cross-border supply of voice
telephony and telegraph services as of 2004, with no commitment on commercial presence.
Commits on competition in private leased circuit services as of 2004. Allows competition
in satellite based services which do not impinge on services subject to the monopoly's
seven year period of exclusivity. Commits to open markets for data transmission, e-mail,
internet and intranet, videoconferencing, telemedicine and tele-education. Commits to the
Reference Paper on regulatory principles.
Submitted an M.f.n. Exemption List to permit the Government or the Government-run operator
to apply differential measures, such as accounting rates, in bilateral agreements with
other operators or countries. (See also the related points made in the final Report on the
Group.
PAPUA NEW GUINEA All telecommunications services are reserved until 2002 for an exclusive
service provider. Offers to review and announce the issuance of additional operating
licenses by the year 2000. Commits on the Reference Paper on regulatory principles.
PERU Voice telephone services (domestic, long distance & international) to be
liberalized in 1999. Other basic services would be liberalized in 1999 for long-distance
and international market segments and are liberalized without phase-in for supply in the
local market. Where scarce resources such as frequency availability are involved, licenses
will be issued through public tender. In its improved offer, committed on the Reference
Paper on regulatory principles.
PHILIPPINES In the February revision cellular mobile telephone services was included.
Offers competition through commercial presence in the following services on a facilities
basis for public use by means of all types of technologies except cable television and
satellite: voice telephone, data transmission services, and cellular mobile telephone
services in all market segments (local, long distance and international). Market access
for the new entrants to be determined by meeting the criteria of a public convenience and
necessity test. Foreign equity limited to 40%. Includes some regulatory principles.
POLAND The revised offer of January added commitments to liberalize international public
voice and facilities, telex and telegraph in 2003. Long distance public voice service and
facilities also to be liberalized by 2003. Liberalization of domestic telex and telegraph
permitted by 2000. Market access with no phase-in for local public voice and facilities
(in geographic areas assigned by license), voice over closed user groups in all market
segments, and data transmission. Commits to allow cellular mobile telephone services and
networks subject to use, until 2003, of international monopoly network facilities. Commits
to permit mobile satellite services and networks in 2003. Foreign equity limited to 49%
for all international and domestic long distance services and networks, and public
cellular telephone services. Commits to the Reference Paper on regulatory principles.
ROMANIA Liberalization of public voice telephone services (local, long distance and
international) and leased circuit services in 2003. With no phase-in, offers competition
in data transmission, telex, telegraph, facsimile and paging services, and in the supply
of both VSAT services and voice telephone offered to closed user groups. Commits to bind
the two existing licenses for digital cellular mobile telephony. Analogue cellular mobile
telephony is liberalised as of 2002. Commits to the Reference Paper on regulatory
principles.
SENEGAL Offers to review policy with respect to licensing additional operators when
existing monopoly rights expire between 2003 and 2006 in voice telephony, data
transmission, private leased circuit services and fixed satellite services. The number of
operators is limited to three in the following services: paging and trunked radio systems.
Up to two cellular mobile operators (including mobile data) will be licensed during 1997.
Authorities will establish in 1997 the maximum number of licenses for mobile satellite
services. Commits to the Reference Paper on regulatory principles.
SINGAPORE In an improved offer committed to phase-in of competition in facilities-based
telecommunication services in April 2000 when up to two additional operators will be
licensed; indicates that additional licenses will be granted thereafter. Offers open
markets for mobile data, cellular telephony and trunked radio services and for paging
services as of April 2000. Commits to the provision of domestic and international resale
of public-switched capacity (not including the connection of leased lines to public
network) for most basic services, including voice, data and ISDN. Foreign equity limited
to 49% for facilities based supply. Commits to the Reference Paper on regulatory
principles.
SLOVAK REP Offers competition in public voice services and network infrastructure as of
2003. Offers competition, not subject to phase-in, for voice telephony within closed user
groups and data transmission. Competition in private leased circuits services permitted
without phase in with no connection to the public network; permitted with connection to
public network in 2003. Commits to competition all mobile and personal communication
services (excluding analog cellular voice services), except that mobile supply of
international voice not permitted until 2003. Commits to the Reference Paper on regulatory
principles.
SOUTH AFRICA Commitment to end monopoly supply and introduce a second supplier by the end
of 2003 in public-switched, facilities-based services including voice, data transmission,
telex, facsimile, private leased circuits and satellite-based services. Commits to review
the feasibility of allowing additional suppliers of public switched services by the end of
2003. Also commits to duopoly supply of mobile cellular telephony. No limitations on the
number of suppliers of paging, personal radio communication and trunked radio systems.
Foreign investment in telecom suppliers is limited to 30%. Offers to liberalize resale
services sometime between 2000 and 2003. Commits to the Reference Paper on regulatory
principles.
SRI LANKA Offers duopoly in international basic voice services as from 2000,
subject to satisfactory progress by the monopoly on tariff rebalancing. Foreign equity
participation of up to 35% permitted for a strategic partner in the government owned
operator SLT. For local and domestic long distance mobile cellular services, four
operators licensed; will review the number of licences permitted in 2000. Commits to two
licenses (in addition to SLT) for supply by wireless local loop of basic voice telephony,
data transmission, payphones, voice mail and facsimile; the two licensees are guaranteed
exclusivity for five years.Commits to five licenses for public payphones services and for
paging services licenses with possible additional suppliers of each to permitted subject
to economic needs tests. Commits to six operators of data communication services. For
GMPCS services supplied through own gateways, indicates that issuance of licenses is under
consideration. For all suppliers other than SLT, foreign equity permitted up to 40%
with investments over 40% subject to case-by-case approval. Commits to the Reference Paper
on regulatory principles.
Submitted an M.f.n. Exemption List to permit the Government or the Government-run operator
to apply differential measures, such as accounting rates, in bilateral agreements with
other operators or countries. (See also the related points made in the final Report on the
Group.
SWITZERLAND Offers to revised commitments and open markets upon the implementation of the
new telecom law removing monopoly rights on network facilities and public voice telephone
services. Commits on competitive market access for voice supplied over closed user groups
(with single end breakout), data transmission, telex, facsimile and private leased circuit
services. Commits to the Reference Paper on regulatory principles.
THAILAND In its revised offer of February 1997 undertook to introduce revised commitments
in public local, long distance and international voice telecommunications services in
2006, conditional upon the passage of and consistent with the provisions in proposed new
communications acts. Also commits on some regulatory principles conditional upon the
passage and entry into force of new telecommunications acts. Commits to introduce
regulatory principles in the future.
TRINIDAD &
TOBAGO Offers competition in voice telephone, data transmission, telex, telegraph and
private leased circuit services for public use as from 2010. Commits on mobile satellite
based services for public use including mobile telephone services, mobile data, fixed
satellite services and personal communication services as well as several value added
services. Other mobile services, internet and internet access and teleconferencing for
private use are unconfirmed offers to be negotiated. Commits to the Reference Paper on
regulatory principles.
TUNISIA Offers competition telex and packed switched data transmission from 1999; in
mobile telephone, frame relay, paging and teleconferencing from 2000; and in local
telephone services from 2003. For all services, foreign equity limited to 49%. From 2002,
foreign participation in the capital of Tunisie Telecom will be allowed up to 10%.
TURKEY In its revised offer undertook a commitment to end the monopoly's exclusive rights
on voice telephony and other basic telecom services by 2006 and opened to competition
cellular mobile services and paging. Commits market access for data transmission services
without phase in. Includes some regulatory principles.
Submitted an M.f.n. Exemption List with two entries: one relating to two neighbouring
countries with respect to fees for transit land connections and the usage of satellite
ground stations; and the other to permit the Government or the Government-run operator to
apply differential measures, such as accounting rates, in bilateral agreements with other
operators or countries. (See also the related points made in the final Report on the
Group.
UNITED STATES Commits to open markets for essentially all basic telecom services
(facilities-based and resale) for all market segments (local, long distance and
international), including unrestricted access to a common carrier radio licenses for
operators that are indirectly foreign owned. Offer also covers, for example,
satellite-based services, cellular telephony and other mobile services. Limitations on
market access include no issuance of radio licenses to operators with more than 20% direct
foreign ownership and Comsat retains exclusive rights to links with Intelsat and Inmarsat
satellite capacity. Commits to the Reference Paper on regulatory principles.
Submitted an M.f.n. Exemption List on telecommunications services involving the one-way
satellite transmission of DTH and DBS television services and digital audio services.
VENEZUELA Commits to open markets for facilities based voice telephone services in all
market segments (local, long distance and international) as of November 2000. Offers full
competition in facilities based telecommunication services such as mobile telephony, data
transmission, teleconferencing and paging without phase-in. The improved offer included
some additional commitments on regulatory principles.
ANNEX 1 - [ OVERVIEW TABLE]
ANNEX 2
Indicative examples of basic telecommunications subject to the negotiations
(a) Voice telephone services
(b) Packet-switched data transmission services
(c) Circuit-switched data transmission services
(d) Telex services
(e) Telegraph services
(f) Facsimile services
(g) Private leased circuit services
(o) Other
- Analog /digital cellular/mobile telephone services
- Mobile data services
- Paging
- Personal communications services
- Satellite-based mobile services (incl. e.g. telephony, data, paging, and/or PCS)
- Fixed satellite services
- VSAT services
- Gateway earthstation services
- Teleconferencing
- Video transport
- Trunked radio system services
Categories used, as needed, to help clarify the scope of the services
subject to commitments:
- local
- long distance
- international
- wire-based (including, e.g. all types of cables and, usually, radio portions of fixed
infrastructure)
- radio-based (all forms of wireless, including satellite)
- on a resale basis (non-facilities based supply)
- facilities-based supply
- for public use (i.e., services made available to the public generally)
- for non-public use (e.g. closed user groups)