Program Description

WTA is exploring the introduction of a certification program for teleports that will define minimum technical and operational standards (e.g., conditioned and uninterruptible power, professional-level equipment racks and cabling, etc.). The goal of the program is to provide objective, third-party validation of teleports’ infrastructure and quality of service, which will allow customers to distinguish between operators on factors in addition to price.

Certification will be awarded in four levels from minimal compliance to world-class, which will allow customers to decide whether facilities meet their price-performance goals. The certification will entitle teleport operators to cite their certification level in all marketing and sales materials. Certification will be granted for defined period, after which the teleport must be re-certified. WTA will maintain a public directory of certifications for the use of customers, and will promote the use of its standards worldwide.

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* 1. Please check the sentences that best express why WTA certification might have value for your company. Check all that apply.

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* 2. Applying for certification will require work by the teleport operator as well as payment of fees. Given the required investment of time and money, please tell us how important each of the following factors would be in your decision to apply for certification. Rate each factor from most important to least important.

  Most important Important Somewhat important Not very important Least important
Satellite operators that I do business with recommend WTA certification.
My direct competitor(s) receive certification from WTA.
Certification is based on clear and objective standards.
WTA maintains an online directory of certified teleports.
WTA educates user groups in media, telecommunications, maritime, government and enterprise about its certification program.

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* 3. Read the following brief description of the certification process and check the button that best expresses your opinion of the proposed process. Provide comments on any aspects of the process that could be improved.

PROVISIONAL CERTIFICATION. Teleport operators will register with WTA and complete a detailed questionnaire on each facility. These will be reviewed by WTA’s certification reviewers. Qualifying facilities will receive a provisional certification at the appropriate level for a limited period of time.

FULL CERTIFICATION. Operators will be encouraged, before the expiration of the provisional certification, to apply for full certification, which requires an onsite audit to validate information in the questionnaire. Full certification will be granted at the appropriate level based on the inspector’s report.

RENEWAL. Certification must be renewed at stated intervals through submission of an updated questionnaire and onsite inspection.

APPEAL. An appeals process will be provided at each stage, which will permit applicants to provide additional information for consideration by the certification reviewers.

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* 4. Taking into account all of this information, please rate the likely business value of WTA certification to your company.

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* 5. For what period of time should a certification – provisional or full – extend before the facility must be inspected and re-certified?

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* 6. Check the box for the price range you consider most reasonable and fair for PROVISIONAL certification (US dollars).

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* 7. Check the box for the price range you consider most reasonable and fair for first-time FULL certification of a single teleport including an onsite audit lasting 2-3 days (US dollars, travel costs not included). Multi-facility discounts may be offered.

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* 8. Check the box for the price range you consider most reasonable and fair for RENEWAL of full certification of a single teleport including an onsite audit lasting 1-2 days (US dollars, travel costs not included). Multi-facility discounts may be offered.

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* 9. Would you be interested in participating in the committee that will develop the multi-level standards for teleport certification and advise on the structure and pricing of the program? If so, please provide your name, title, organization and contact details.

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