Approval scheme introduction
The current Metering and Billing Approval Scheme aims to measure the accuracy of Metering and Billing within Communications Providers and is a revision of the Meter Approval Scheme introduced in 1992. The first revision was the result of a statement made in February 2000 by the Director General, Oftel. The Scheme has been further adapted to suit the industry today and address the requirements of the Communications Act 2003.
The National Regulatory Authority (NRA), Ofcom, assisted by Approval Bodies, administers the Approval Scheme for Total Metering and Billing Systems (TMBS) employed by Communications Providers, which are to be approved by a DTI appointed Approval Body.
BSI was appointed by the DTI as an Approval Body on the 26th March 2002 after developing the Kitemark Scheme for the Assessment and Approval of Communications Providers’ TMBS to show the NRA that they meet the requirements of the Approval Scheme.
Ofcom intend that Communications Providers, with a relevant turnover of M£40 or greater, will have their Total Metering and Billing Systems assessed. The Approval Scheme requires Communication Provides to apply to an Approval Body to perform the assessment to judge compliance with the Metering and Billing Direction. The Direction should be read in conjunction with the Scheme Guide.
BSI can offer all Communications Providers both, the Regulatory Assessment and Approval Service to measure compliance against the Approval Scheme Requirements. BSI can also offer the Complimentary and Supplementary Commercial Services that prepare providers for Assessment or promote Revenue Assurance and continual improvement.
To register for BSI's free Briefing Seminar or your TMBS Application Pack, please Contact Us
To find out more about the TMBS Approval Scheme, please Contact Us.
