RSS
stakes of the interconnection
fixed, mobile and internet networks
Acting as an essential enabler in the value chain, interconnection generates national and international traffic and, for a mobile operator, interconnection also means roaming traffic. To be entitled as an active share-holder of numerous services and social networking, the telecommunication operator should succeed in the interconnection of the network.
The main stakes
- technological mastery in an ever-changing telecommunication landscape, in particular over services delivered over packet technology and high bit-rate demanding services
- QoS(1) guarantee to meet the customer’s satisfaction
- compliance with the regulations in the country.
Successfully integrating a fixed, mobile or Internet network with existing networks means secure connectivity in signalling (SS7(2), IP(3), SIP(4)) and in media transport (voice, video, messaging, multimedia services) in compliance with ITU rules(5). High performance interconnection ensures both cost-effectiveness and benefits from technological evolution.
Operational management, based on an efficient organisation, business processes and performance indicators by marketing segment, guarantees good QoS.
Keeping interconnection under control requires a commercial contract with interconnection providers, compliant with the marketing strategy. Securing the terms of the agreement on service availability, recovery and QoS guarantee per class of service is a success key.
Interconnection requires compliance with the country’s regulatory framework : billing, inter-operator revenue sharing, traffic distribution, network security and lawful interception.
To achieve the interconnection of Greenfield or incumbent operators
- For a Greenfield operator, Sofrecom provides a packaged service : equipment and technical solution selection, implementation of the interconnection and contract settlement with providers and partner operators.
- For an incumbent network, Sofrecom carries out a technical audit, implements the optimisation solutions and provides assistance in the selection and migration to new technologies (NGN(6), Sigtran or full-IP), while managing the mix of technology.
- Sofrecom assists the operator in implementing solutions, compliant with the country’s regulatory framework. The adoption of practices is ensured through training and business processes covering network operation and maintenance.
To interconnect future networks
The future will be dominated by fixed and mobile convergent networks and by high-performance networks based on packet technology.
Fast-growing services (browsing, infotainment, video and music down¬load, multimedia messaging, social networking...) will be the traffic incentives, and they will all come with specific QoS requirements the operator need to address.
Capacity management, QoS monitoring per service and the balance of priorities between «core» services and emerging services are to be reckoned with to face the challenge at interconnection level. Thus, a large range of business models could be addressed and the customer experience improved.
(1) QoS: Quality of Service
(2) SS7: Signalling System No. 7
(3) IP: Internet Protocol
(4) SIP: Session Initiation Protocol
(5) ITU: International Telecommunication Union
(6) NGN: Next Generation Network
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