 which user groups and user associations were in- ETSI is a completely independent organisation. It is funded by its vited and consulted on various topics, such as electronic data members, who decide on its programme of work. However, the EC interchange, international packet switching, videotext, and and EFTA may fund ETSI to produce specific standards of interest ISDN. The aim is that eventually CEPT could become an open to the Community. forum for users, manufacturers, regulators and even competing The main interest of ETSI is in telecommunications, although it service providers. also has interests in information technology, for which it co-oper- The European Committee for Telecommunications Regulatory ates with CEN/CENELEC, and in broadcasting, where it works Affairs (ECTRA), which represents the telecommunication with the European Broadcasting Union (EBU). ETSI's main aims regulatory authorities from CEPT's member countries. It sets policies, for example on licensing procedures for private value added service providers, to ensure commonalty across Europe; To complete world-wide standards, in line with Europe's needs, on international accounting principles and whether changes and to choose a single option where many are allowed in should be proposed to any CCITT recommendations; on the international standards. role of regulators within the European equipment testing and To anticipate the world-wide standards scene, by adopting certification field; on the harmonisation of regulatory policy on European standards, and proposing these to international stand- mobile communications, across Europe; and on the collabora- ards making bodies. tion on proposals for satellite communications. To prepare a common European position for input to world- The European Radio Committee (ERC), which has a permanent wide standards bodies, e.g. CCITT, CCIR, IEC and ISO, and to group of experts, to carry out studies and propose strategies for support these bodies in their work. European standards 22/17 22.4.3.3 ETSI membership GENERAL