Development of charging and accounting/settlement mechanisms for current and future international telecommunication/ICT services and networks
(Merger of Question 1/3 and Question 2/3 on 18 January 2021, following the endorsement by TSAG)
Motivation
The topic of accounting rate reform has been studied in the past, with agreements reached regarding certain changes. However, there is a need to continue studies, taking into account the continuing technical, policy, and regulatory evolution of the telecommunication sector. 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 potential need, if any, 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. High priority should be given to find additional tools and ways to implement existing recommendations and to improve the current accounting rate system.
In particular, new remuneration systems should be studied. 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 international telecommunication 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.
Other items to be studied under this Question are the charging and accounting principles of the mobile telephone services (including termination charge) and the review of current recommendations on traditional services (excluding packet services).
Question
Study items to be considered include, but are not limited to:
Development of charging and accounting/settlement mechanisms for current and future international telecommunication/ICT services and networks including adaptation of existing D-series Recommendations to the evolving user needs.
Tasks*
Tasks include, but are not limited to:
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 consideration should be given to the needs of developing countries**, and in particular to the least developed countries.
In this context, the international and/or regional aspects of the following topics should be included:
- mobile communications, including broadband;
- mobile termination rate;
- fixed termination rate;
- flat rate for fixed to mobile and vice versa;
- accounting rates for fixed;
- settlement rates for fixed;
- alternative accounting procedures (e.g., changes in deadlines for settlements);
- tariff issues for cross-border connectivity for mobile;
- tariff issues for short message service (SMS) and multimedia messaging service (MMS);
- leased line tariff;
- transit traffic;
- guidelines based on international and regional practices for resolution of disputes regarding charging (e.g., duration, origin of traffic, etc.);
- accounting and settlement procedures, including their evolution;
- “IP telephony”;
- next-generation networks (NGN); and
- 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.
Terms and definitions for recommendations or studies dealing with this question.
Texts under development: D.Framework and D.Colocation.
NOTE –
*Based on the results of WTSA, other tasks could be added to those listed in this Question and also in the other Questions.
**In this document, the term “developing countries” is used in the generic sense and includes countries with economies in transition and least developed countries.
Relationships
Recommendations
Study Groups
- Relevant ITU-T study groups
- NGN work
- ITU-D SG1 and SG2
Standardization bodies
WSIS Action Lines
Sustainable Development Goals
