RESTRICTED
WORLD TRADE S/GBT/W/2/Rev.1
16January 1997
ORGANIZATION(97-0173)
Group onBasic Telecommunications
Note bytheChairman
Revision
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 tosell
orleaseanytypeofnetwork capacity forthesupply ofservices listed inanyother basictelecom service
subsector 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 alltypes ofcable.