TL 9000 is the first unified set of quality system requirements and metrics designed specifically for the telecommunications industry. TL 9000 encompasses the ISO 9001 standard verbatim, plus additional industry-specific telecom requirements. The TL 9000 management system is applied by telecom manufacturers and suppliers engaged in the design, development, production, delivery, installation and maintenance of telecommunications products and services.

Applicable to over 10,000 telecommunications suppliers worldwide, the TL 9000 standard marks the first time the telecommunications industry has worked together to develop a uniform quality system requirement. As of June 30, 2006, the latest version of TL 9000, known as TL 9000 Release 4.0, is available, and the ISO 9001:2000 standard base remains unchanged. The TL 9000 Release 3.0 remains valid until July 1, 2007, after which time TL 9000 Release 4.0 must be used for all audits. In addition to ISO 9000 requirements, TL requirements include:

• Reliability and associated costs
  
• Software development and life-cycle management
  
• Specialized service functions such as installation and engineering
  
• Continuing communication between telecommunications service providers and suppliers

• Continuous improvement of service to subscribers
• Enhanced customer/supplier relationships
• Standardization of quality system requirements worldwide
• Uniform performance and cost-based metrics
• Efficient management of external audits and site visits
• Overall cost reduction and increased competitiveness
• Enhanced competitive position for conforming suppliers
• Creation of a platform for improvement initiatives

TÜV's Management Service division is accredited by the Registrar Accreditation Board (ANSI-RAB), to provide TL 9000 certification services. In addition, TÜV offers thorough BABT Production Quality Certification (PQC) and BABT full quality assurance (FQA) approval under the Radio & Telecommunications Terminal Equipment Directive (R&TTED).

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