The Metro Ethernet Forum (MEF) approved three new specifications, addressING the areas of service operations, administration and maintenance - OAM (MEF17), conformance testing for circuit emulation over Ethernet (MEF 18) and testing the UNI Type 1 (MEF 19). 
- MEF 17 "Service OAM Framework and Requirements" addresses issues including fault management, performance monitoring, auto-discovery and both intra- and inter-provider service OAM -- an increasingly critical element for mass deployment of Carrier Ethernet services.
- MEF 18 "Abstract Test Suite for Circuit Emulation Services" completes the extensive specification work undertaken by the MEF to enable delivery of T1/E1 services over Carrier Ethernet networks by detailing testing procedures for MEF 8 conformance (delivering Circuit Emulation Services over Ethernet). The MEF 3, MEF 8 and MEF 18 Circuit Emulation specifications enable the smooth evolution of service provider networks to Carrier Ethernet, while maximizing the huge investment by service providers and enterprises in their TDM installed base.
- MEF 19 "Abstract Test Suite for UNI Type I". Both MEF 18 and MEF 19 " are directed towards future expansion of the MEF's certification program.
The MEF said it has also commenced several major Carrier Ethernet initiatives. These include:
- Local Ethernet Access Services Working Group, reflecting the current surge of membership among both Telcos and MSOs. It is aimed at facilitating inter-carrier access service definition and ordering -- so that local service providers can extend their effective Carrier Ethernet service 'footprints' by partnership with providers of wholesale Carrier Ethernet services.
- Mobile Backhaul Working Group, addressing both the technical and marketing work needed to enable and promote the use of Carrier Ethernet in mobile wireless backhaul.
- The Provisioning, Assurance and Billing initiative will be defining "best practices" for EMS, NMS, OSS and BSS operations to meet the demand for scalable, accurate and rapid service deployments.
