In the columns of the newsletter 41, we revealed Consult IT’s participation to the Telecommunications Certification Body (TCB). As a reminder, this important event gathers the world actors of regulation each year took place from the 1st to 4th of May 2017. Back from this annual meeting, Mr. KOFFI Fidèle (Operations Manager of Consult IT) accepted to answer the questions of our editorial team. He was the head of the company’s delegation that attended the meeting.

1) What does the TCB bring to the practice of type approval in Africa?
The Telecommunications Certification Body (TCB) is an organization with the authority to issue Certifications for compliance with actors of regulation. The purpose of the TCB is to provide a forum for periodic dialogue between the actors of ICTand to facilitate on-going activities geared toward the improvement of TCB technical and administrative performance. In fact, the ICT world is progressing along with its practices. It is therefore necessary to carry out updates in order to catch.

2) What was the content of the 2017 edition of the TCB?
One of the focal points for people working in the domain of type approval is the entry into force of the Radio Equipment Directive (RED) and during this world meeting, attention was drawn to the implementation of this directive. As reminder, since June 12th 2016, ICT players were advised to get familiar with the new directive so that they could comply with it. After this period of sensitization, the RED has entered into force since June 12th 2017, replacing the Radio and Telecommunications Terminal Equipment (RTTE) directive. This is an important information because it will bring about considerable changes. Some products that were admitted under the scope of the Radio and Telecommunications Terminal Equipment (RTTE) directive will not be admitted under the scope of the RED. Other products will also appear under the scope of the RED. In fact, telecommunications Terminal Equipment (TTE) will not be admitted under the scope of the RED whereas TV tuners and FM receiver that were not part of the former directive will be admitted. This is a real challenge for African countries that have, up to now, operated under the RTTE directive. During the TCB, a particular emphasis was laid on the issues of corruption and fraud. A study showed that these two phenomena can negatively impact the practice of type approval. Unfortunately, Africa is deeply touched by corruption and fraud

3) What are the first field observations after the entry into force of the new directive?
Within the framework of its telecoms consulting, Consult IT has realized that some countries are slow to implement the new RED. In fact, regulatory agencies of countries like Zambia, Lesotho, Swaziland, Namibia and Tanzania advise us to keep on using the test reports of the former RTTE directive. Change is not happening automatically because Africa is following a slower pace. The new measure is necessary or, indeed, imperative for all. Regulatory agencies should comply with it. We however have to point out that in Côte d’Ivoire; the ARTCI has already informed us that we should send documents that take the RED into account. We keep on promoting the new directive to other agencies.

4) What are the effects of the meeting on Consul IT!
Consult IT has been participating to this event on several occasions. It is very important for our company to take part to this event. We participate to trainings and technical activities.This was the case of the RED we discussed the ins and outs as well as the consequences of its enforcement on type approval. Our company is the interface between regulatory agencies and manufacturers. By participating in this type of events, we obtain the key information and the appropriate technical that enable us to play our role as a telecoms consultant. This in order to better follow the interests of our customers in accordance with the expectations of the regulatory authorities. We believe that we must be better equipped to work in this ever-changing sector.
Consult IT! is highly interested in the activities linked to the practice of type approval. We never miss an opportunity to participate to this kind of exchange meeting in order to improve our performances. Our team will participate to the next meeting of the TCB and to all similar activities.