TELECOM ACCESS STANDARDS NEWSLETTER NO. 116 AUGUST/SEPTEMBER 1999 CONTENTS 1. PARALLEL-IMPORTED AND SECOND-HAND CELLPHONES 2. GENERAL CELLPHONE TEST REQUIREMENTS 3. INTRODUCTION OF CDMA 4. ACCESS STANDARDS STAFFING RETURN TO MAIN INDEX 1. PARALLEL-IMPORTED AND SECOND-HAND CELLPHONES The pre-paid cellphone business is growing rapidly, with a number of competing re-sellers now using the Telecom cellular network. This sector of the market seems to be very price conscious and there have been several enquiries regarding parallel-imported new cellphones, as well as various proposals to import second-hand units from overseas. As outlined in Newsletters 112, 113 and 115, the lack of support from the recognised New Zealand agent and, in some cases the actual manufacturer, complicates our regular Telepermit assessment process. This becomes even more complicated with second-hand cellphones. As a result, our current specifications, PTC 252 and PTC 254, are inadequate to cover the special arrangements necessary to deal with such products. In view of the level of interest expressed by suppliers, a Supplement has been prepared for PTC 252 and PTC 254. The usual 3 months minimum notice of new requirements will be dropped because of the need to set clear indications of our requirements to avoid delaying new entrants. The conditions are similar to those published in earlier Newsletters, but with provision for limited market entry in those cases where there is any question of compatibility or concerns about quality assurance. The supplement may be requested from Access Standards. It is expected to be used for an interim period until work has been completed on a new PTC specification covering various types of cellular product in one document. Potential applicants should note that we are now requesting three samples of each type being submitted for Telepermit. This is being done as a cross-check, as we do not know which is at fault should two sample units give conflicting test results. The third unit allows us to base our judgement on 2 out of 3 being consistent. Once testing is completed and the product has been proved successful, one sample will be retained and the other two will be returned to the applicant. 2. GENERAL CELLPHONE TEST REQUIREMENTS We are aiming to more closely align our cellular Telepermitting procedures with those of all other product classes, by clearly separating the practical testing and product assessment function from the formal Telepermitting aspects. At present, there has been some confusion about the relationships between Access Standards group and the cellular testing function, which is part of Telecom's Operations area. While we work closely with the cellular testing engineer, some delays have arisen because applicants have assumed that the testing function is the same as the Telepermitting function. As explained in earlier Newsletters, the grant of a Telepermit is essentially a contract between the applicant (as the prospective Telepermit holder) and Telecom, whereby the applicant signs a formal undertaking to ensure that the product in question will continue to comply with PTC requirements. The rather complex "general purpose" Cellular Telepermit Application probably did not help avoid this confusion, so we have separated it into two distinct forms; one is the application to have testing carried out, the other is to apply for the Telepermit. As with other products, the aim is to have testing carried out first, then apply for the Telepermit with the completed test report prepared by our testing engineer. This arrangement better caters for the recent surge in second-hand and parallel-imported cellphones, many of which were rejected either at the initial "showstopper" stage or during formal testing. Suppliers should note that the above requirement for three samples of each type also now applies to new cellphone designs imported by the recognised local agent. 3. INTRODUCTION OF CDMA As recently announced in the press, Telecom expects to be introducing cdmaONE in 2001. This announcement has already led to enquiries from several potential suppliers of handsets. At this stage of the project, it is far too early to provide any firm information on our actual technical requirements for this class of cellular handset. There are several network equipment suppliers being considered and reference to the relevant standard, EIA IS 95, indicates there is a lot of scope for variations according to the manufacturer chosen. This is further complicated by the wide range of options available and which of these Telecom decides to implement in the equipment it purchases from the selected supplier. Needless to say, the present AMPS/D-AMPS network does not close down in 2001. It is expected to be continued for at least 5 years after the introduction of cdmaONE. The actual time will depend on how the changeover progresses. A PTC Specification covering cdmaONE handset requirements will be published in due course, but this is unlikely to be before the end of this year. 4. ACCESS STANDARDS STAFFING Janine Jackson has now returned to duty and replaced Sonali Gooneratne, who looked after things so well in Janine's absence. We thank Sonali for her efforts and wish her all the best for her next job. I am pleased to advise that we are pretty well back into normal service now, following the shift to our new premises. DOUG BURRUS Manager, Access Standards