Motivation

Recognizing the effects of advancements in technology such as Internet Protocol (IP)-based networks and next generation networks for the delivery of international telecommunication services, and of changes in international, regional and national market structures, this Question will provide the Study Group with the ability to study the need for new or adapted charging and accounting/settlement mechanisms for the provision of international telecommunication services using the Next Generation Networks (NGNs) and any possible future development.

It is expected that IP-based networks and multimedia applications will continue to expand in scale and importance, replacing traditional services or requiring new forms of interconnection with traditional services. Study Group 3 may need to consider new appropriate remuneration procedures for services, which may comprise different combinations of services with different characteristics. Such studies could involve investigation of a complex range of cost components that may apply in the provision of international services in a multi service provider networks and integrated multimedia service environment.

The work of ITU-T Study Groups is basic to the continuing development of the Information and Communications Technology (ICT), and Study Group 3 provides a global forum to improve the understanding of the financial and economic aspects associated with the growth of ICT, including IP Telephony and Internet.

Finally, this Question includes the study of network capabilities. Therefore, IMT, Intelligent Network and IP-based network related issues are appropriate for study within the framework of this Question.

Question

Development of charging and accounting/settlement mechanisms for international telecommunications services using the Next Generation Networks (NGNs) and any possible future development, including adaptation of existing D-series Recommendations to the evolving user needs.

Tasks²

The study should cover all international telecommunication services taking into account advances in technology, next generation networks (NGN), and regulatory developments. In studying this Question, special explicit considerations should be given to the needs of developing countries³, and in particular to the least developed countries.

In this context, the international and/or regional aspects of the following topics should be included:

1. Mobile communications
2. “IP Telephony”
3. International Internet Connectivity, including IP peering and cost of provision of services
4. Traffic Flow Multifactors and Internet Traffic Flow Methodology
5. Next Generation Networks (NGN)
6. Accounting and settlement based on IP Data Records (IPDR)
7. Charging and accounting principles associated with enhanced signalling
8. Other charging, accounting, and economic issues arising out of use of next-generation networks and any future development

Other topics may be studied as appropriate, based on contributions.

Relationships

Study Groups:

• Relevant ITU-T Study Groups
• NGN work
• ITU-D SG 1 and 2

Standardisation bodies:

• IETF

¹ Most administrations consider that the term services includes applications.

² Based on the results of WTSA, other tasks could be added to those listed in this Question and also in the other Questions.

³ In this document, the term "developing countries" is used in the generic sense and includes also countries with economies in transition and least developed countries.