The inaugural meeting of the Oftel Metering & Billing Systems Approval Scheme Annual Open Forum took place at Oftel on the 24th March 2003. Attendees came from industry, the three approval bodies and Oftel. Presentations were made on the following subjects:

Morning Session

• Setting the Scene - OTR003: O2 asks "Is it good for U2?"!
  Lionel Dawson - O2
  
  
• Metering & Billing Update - Where are we now?
  Bill Hawkins - Oftel
  
  
• Implications of the New Framework for the Metering & Billing Scheme.
  Frank Phillips - Oftel
  
  
• Scheme Overview - a quick refresher on the requirements
  Bill Hawkins - Oftel
  
  
• Network Operator perspective on Service Provider Approvals
  Richard Bowyer - O2

Afternoon Session

• Case Study: T-Mobile's approach to gaining OTR003: 2001 Approval
  Eric Priezkalns - T-Mobile
  
  
• Case Study: BT's approach to migrating Approval to OTR003: 2001
  Derek Keeble - BT

These presentations were followed by an Approval Bodies Expert Panel Discussion. The BABT, BSI and
NQA representatives debated topics and the questions raised by the delegates. This Expert Panel
Discussion was lively with interventions from both delegates and Oftel.

Following this interesting and enjoyable day that was attended by over 40 participants, the presentation
slides from the Open Forum 2003 have been published on this web-site and can be accessed by clicking
on the links highlighted above.

Arrangements are now being considered for next year's event and Oftel would welcome suggestions for
thought provoking presentations and subjects for discussion. Please contact roy.davies@oftel.gov.uk or
alternatively bill.hawkins@oftel.gov.uk .