A few words on Next Generation Networks

The term "next-generation network" or NGN refers to important developments in telecommunication core and access networks to be deployed over the next decade. ITU defines NGN as a packet-based network in which service-related functions are independent from underlying transport-related technologies. NGN enables unfettered access for users to networks and to competing service providers and services of their choice. It supports generalised mobility which will allow consistent and ubiquitous provision of services to users [ITU-T Recommendation Y.2001 (12/2004)].

The NGN has the following fundamental characteristics:

• Packet-based transfer
• Separation of control functions among bearer capabilities, call/session, and application/service
• Decoupling of service provision from transport, and provision of open interfaces
• Support for a wide range of services, applications and mechanisms based on service building blocks (including real time/streaming/non-real time services and multi-media)
• Broadband capabilities with end-to-end QoS and transparency Interworking with legacy networks via open interfaces
• Generalised mobility Unfettered access by users to different service providers
• A variety of identification schemes which can be resolved to IP addresses for the purposes of routing in IP networks
• Unified service characteristics for the same service as perceived by the user
• Converged services between Fixed and Mobile networks
• Independence of service-related functions from underlying transport technologies
• Support of multiple last mile technologies
• Compliant with all Regulatory requirements, for example concerning emergency communications and security/privacy, etc...

The deployment of NGN as global IP infrastructure has a number of implications for regulation and public policy, including competition policy, interconnection, network safety and reliability, consumer protection, and universal service.

Selected online resources and policy papers on NGN

• Report for the European Commission (Devoteam/Siticom), Regulatory implications of the introduction of next generation networks and other new developments in electronic communications, May 2003.
• ECTA, Comments on NGN Public Policy.
• Electronic Communications Committee (ECC) within the European Conference of Postal and Telecommunications Administrations (CEPT), A model for interconnection in IP-based networks, October 2005.
• ITU, GSR Discussion Paper, NGN Regulation Overview, T. Cohen, February 2007
• ITU, GSR Discussion Paper, Interconnection on an IP-based NGN environment, J. S. Marcus, February 2007
• ITU, GSR Discussion Paper, NGN Enabling Environment, J. Hernández, February 2007.
• ITU, GSR Discussion Paper, NGN and Universal Access: The Challenges Ahead, E. Lie, February 2007.
• ITU New Initiatives Programme, C.Wey, P. Baake & S. Heitzler Ruling the New and Emerging Markets in the Telecommunication Sector – Challenges: The Emergence of Next-Generation Networks, April 2006.
• ITU New Initiatives Programme, S. Marcus, Interconnection in an NGN Environment, April 2006.
• ITU New Initiatives Programme, P. Xavier, What rules for Universal Service in an IP-enabled NGN Environment?, April 2006.
• ITU New Initiatives Workshop on What rules for IP-enabled NGNs: Chairman's Report, March 2006.
• ITU-T NGN Management Focus Group (website).
• ITU-T Study Group 13 on Next Generation Networks (website).
• NGN Global Standardization Initiative(NGN-GSI), which is continuing the work of the ITU-T Focus Group on Next Generation Networks (website).
• OECD, Next generation network development in OECD countries, January 2005.
• OECD Foresight Forum, Next Generation Networks: Evolution and Policy Considerations - Summary Report, January 2007.
• Ofcom, Next Generation Networks - Future arrangements for access and interconnection, November 2004.
• Ofcom, Public discussion document: Regulatory challenges posed by next generation access networks, November 2006.
• Telecom Regulatory Authority of India, Consultation Paper: Issues relating to Next Generation Networks, January 2006.
• Telecom Regulatory Authority of India (TRAI), Recommendations on Issues pertaining to Next Generation Networks, March 2006.
• Working Group on Internet Governance, Draft WGIG Issue Paper on Telecommunications Infra-structure, Broadband Access, and Convergence with NGN.