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.