Evolution of NGN and NGA

Evolution of NGN and NGA scenario in Nepal

Nepal Telecommunications Authority

Definition ITU definition • A packet-based network able to provide telecommunication services and able to make use of multiple broadband, QoS-enabled transport technologies and in which service-related functions are independent from underlying transport-related technologies • Enables unfettered access for users to networks and to competing service providers and/or services of their choice • Supports generalized mobility which will allow consistent and ubiquitous provision of services to users

Evolution of NGN  Technological advancement in telecommunications are forcing a trend towards unifications of networks and services setting up the stage for the emergence of NGN.  In NGN multiple access networks can connect customers to a core networks based on IP technology.  IP would permits convergence of services includes not only data, picture, music, and video but also voice communication and may be many other services discover by technologists.

Evolution of NGN  NGN would be divided into three layers i.e. Access, Transport, control & applications.  Different operators would compete with each other in different layers.  In NGN the service layers is independent of the underlying network thus NGN offer opportunity for third party service providers to develop & operate services to customers.  Customers are also not bound to take all services from only the Access provider in NGN.

Evolution of NGN

• Traffic of different services of data, television,& subsequently voice would be simply enclosed in Internet protocol packets transmitted over these networks. • Some of the Services offered by NGN – VoIP, IP Centrex, Interactive learning, Unified messaging, Games, Multimedia streaming, etc.

NGN migration strategy* • Full stream ahead – Under this strategy operators announced plans to retire their public switched telecom network. BT, Telecom Australia, NTT & KPN are in this categories.

• Gradual with narrower scope – Under this strategy operators can take limited steps towards a core NGN upgrade. For example by using IP for transport in the core PSTN .This is a low cost, low risk move. Telecom Italia & Telia Sonera are in this categories.

• Wait and watch – Under this strategy Incumbent may choose to postpone any core NGN program, waiting to see how other operators succeed with their projects & avoiding the teething problems of early NGN.

*Source: TRAI website

Scenario in Nepal on NGN • Regulatory preparedness – A study team has been formed to study various aspect for implementation of NGN. – Modality on content regulation is being studied. – In near future NTA is going to organize one workshop on NGN so as to solicit suggestions for the steps to be taken for implementing NGN.

• Operator’s Status – Among the variety of NGN services, Incumbent operator is in the process of procuring NGN equipments.

Way forward for implementing NGN • There may be risk in migrating to NGN however the greatest risk is to remain stand still. • Following issues should be addressed – Beginning phase wise replacement of the infrastructure. – Replacing the obsolete phase out switches and unsupportive data service switches. – Partly replacing the infrastructure e.g. local switches with new infrastructure without forcing all the users to migrate. – Beginning with the partial Overlay. – Reforming the existing network with the maximum expansion of the optical fibers FTTC, FFTH, 3G application

Recommendation for NGN • Regulate content in the context of NGN. • Have interconnection (tandem) exchange for exchange of IP traffic in NGN environment. • Include non-telecom operators in interconnection domain. • Develop specific NGN standards and develop interface approval mechanism for NGN equipments to ensure smooth inter-operability subsequently. • Modify National Numbering plan to include NGN. • Continue existing Billing Mechanism for a time being and in the future, it might be based on capacity, quality and class of services (bandwidth used) instead of time (minutes) and distance.

Recommendation for NGN • Have separate mechanism for traffic measurement to cover packet traffic. • Identify the parameters for Quality of Service (QoS) measurement. • Frame time schedule to migrate to NGN on consultation with various service providers. • Take into consideration security features which will ensure national harmony.