RESTRICTED
WORLD TRADE S/GBT/W/2
26November 1996
ORGANIZATION(96-5012)
Group onBasic Telecommunications
Note bytheChairman
Ithasbeensuggested byanumber ofdelegations thatitmight behelpful toproduce abrief
andsimple noteonassumptions applicable tothescheduling ofcommitments inbasic telecoms. The
purpose oftheattached noteistoassist delegations inensuring thetransparency oftheircommitments
andtopromote abetter understanding ofthemeaning ofcommitments. Thisnoteisnotintended to
haveoracquire anybinding legal status.
NOTES FOR SCHEDULING BASIC TELECOM SERVICES COMMITMENTS
1. Unless otherwise noted inthesector column, anybasic telecom service listed inthesector
column:
(a) encompasses local, longdistance andinternational services forpublic andnon-public
use;
(b) maybeprovided onafacilities-basis orbyresale; and
(c) maybeprovided through anymeans oftechnology (e.g., cable1,wireless, satellites).
2. Subsector (g)--private leased circuit services --involves theability ofservice suppliers tothe
sellorlease anytypeofnetwork capacity unless otherwise noted inthesector column. Thiswould
include capacity viacable, satellite andwireless network.
3. Inviewofpoints 1and2above, itshould notbenecessary tolistcellular ormobile services
asaseparate subsector. However, anumber ofMembers havedoneso,andanumber ofoffers have
commitments onlyinthese subsectors. Therefore, inorder toavoid extensive changes inschedules,
itwould seem appropriate forMembers tomaintain separate entries forthese subsectors.
1Including, forexample, copper, fibre optic andcable television cable.