Trai sets up group on next generation network

The Telecom Regulatory Authority of India (Trai) is close to rolling out a consultancy paper on deployment and use of next generation networks (NGNs). The regulator has set up a core group to discuss and finalise the paper.

The move assumes importance as all operators in the country, including Vodafone-Essar, Bharti Airtel, Reliance Communications, Bharat Sanchar Nigam Ltd (BSNL), Mahanagar Telephone Nigam Ltd (MTNL) and Idea Cellular, are shifting to NGN in the next year or so.

NGN describes convergence of network infrastructure and services that function mainly over an Internet Protocol (IP) network. This digital mode is far superior to the existing analogue networks.

"With all operators migrating to NGN, Trai is of the opinion that there should be regulations for these networks. The regulator will finalise a consultation paper on the technical and licensing aspects of deploying NGNs," said a source close to the development.

By rolling out a consultation paper, Trai intends to invite comments from the industry, based on which it will submit its recommendations to the department of telecommunications (DoT). The licensor (DoT) will then formulate rules and regulations for the rollout of NGN services.

At present, NGN rollouts are not regulated, even though the present Universal Service Access Licence (UASL) permits deployment and use of NGNs.

State-owned BSNL has already moved a large chunk of its traffic to NGN. CDMA major Reliance Communications is also setting up a nationwide NGN.

Vodfaone-Essar has moved over to NGN in its Mumbai and Delhi circles. The company is using equipment by Nokia and Siemens.

Bharti Airtel is moving over to NGN, supported by Ericsson. Global telecom infrastructure major Alcatel-Lucent is another major supplier of NGN equipment in India.