Peter Black (NGNuk) - Chairman
Clive Fedida (NGNuk)
Peter Ryde (NGNuk)
Andy May (Cable & Wireless)
Alireza Mahmoodshahi (COLT)
Phil Male (Thus)
Andy King (ntl Telewest)
Neil McArthur (Opal)
John Morden (BT Wholesale)
Phil Kirby (Vodafone)
Justin Fielder (Easynet)
Huw Saunders (Kingston)
Davide Strusani (T-Mobile)
Apologies: Steve Unger (Ofcom), Angus Flett (BT Wholesale), Stuart Shutt (Orange)
Minutes - No changes to the draft minutes had been received. The minutes of the last meeting were therefore accepted.
Actions - See outstanding actions update at the end of this document
Dave Mowbray , Director Telecoms Assurance (Cabinet Office) attended to provide an overview of "Government's" view of the risks associated with NGN deployment for "UKplc" and for the "Government" itself.
Dave gave a view of the trends within UK and the perceived increase in threat from a number of directions. The view outlined was that existing (non IP) networks were more secure due to being tried and tested and through the diversity of technology and supply. A variety of concerns regarding the risks introduced by NGN deployment were discussed.
Based on a risk assessment of the existing and proposed networks Dave Mowbray expressed the view that the proposed NGN networks could be developed to an acceptable level of risk for "public" network needs but are unlikely to meet all the needs of Government itself.
There was a strong sentiment within the NGNuk Executive that they did not accept that IP was inherently more risky as it was well understood and open to Global scrutiny. In addition the view expressed by the NGNuk Executive was that one of the key risks to the country would be the overall sustainability of the overall commercial model for CPs and the overall impact on it from potential new regulation. The commercial model adopted will have profound effects on their access to capital, etc.
There was a consensus that dialogue between Government and Industry could be more "joined up" and greater engagement obtained on both sides.
3.1 NICC Forum - Peter Black reported that he had attended the NICC Open forum to present on the work of NGNuk. This was part of the ongoing actively engage with NICC and co-ordinate activity.
3.2 NGNuk Website - The new NGNuk website is live. Approximately 50% of individuals engaged in the various work groups have registered. The site contains information on the various work groups including minutes, papers, meeting schedules etc.
3.3 Members Day - The feedback from the Programme Board was that most Members were engaged and that awareness of activity was at the appropriate level. They had recommended that no further communications were required at this time. This view had been expressed to the NGNuk Executive who had agreed that it be cancelled. At this time a possible date for a Members meeting in March is under consideration
4.1 General Update on Green Release
Paul Rosbotham (NICC/CW) dialled in to the meeting to provide an update on the Green Release. Work is now progressing on determining the programme milestones. The majority of items are at amber or green status. Those at amber generally reflect the size of the task rather than particular issues.
Paul identified a lack of Mobile attendance as an issue and also that there was a general lack of willingness for CP representatives to act as document authors.
Action 1 - 14/12/2006 - Paul Rosbotham to identify any named individuals required to act as Document authors to further the Green Release requirements.
Paul also raised an administration issue over room availability within London possibly becoming a hindrance to progress. There was a specific offer from Easynet regarding making rooms availabile plus a general confirmation of support towards resolving any accommodation issues as they arise.
4.2 Tandem Free Operation
Both TFO and TrFO (Transcoder Free Operation) are requirements within the Green Release.
Tandem Free Operation has been requested by Mobile Operators for mobile to mobile calls by tunnelling radio encoded speech across a network. It would also have some applications within the fixed environment.
This work is not currently being supported by attendance at the TSG of the mobile operators.
Action 2 - 14/12/2006 - Tandem Free Operation, as described in the accompanying slidepack, was incorporated into the Green Release requirements. There is now some debate as to whether:
(a) it is actually needed - the requirement was wrapped up with a largely unrelated requirement for Transcoder Free Operation, and
(b) the technical implications and mechanisms of support - some NICC members view it as trivial, others more complex.
Interested Members are asked to make contributions into the January NICC Architecture & Requirements (A&R) meeting addressing both of the above aspects (ie confirming both the requirement and proposing a solution to address it). If none are received, TSG has agreed that the requirement will be deprioritised at this time.
4.3 Common Numbering Database
Within Green Release there is a requirement that networks will be capable of routeing on an individual number basis according to a common numbering database
Ofcom has recently launched a consultation on General Condition 18 (NP) this anticipates that ported numbers are to be held in a common database
The consensus in NICC/TSG is a leaning towards population with all numbers within a common numbering database although a small number of members did not support this view with respect to the deployment of the solution within the time frame suggested in the Ofcom consultation. .
There was general agreement that separating numbering administration from routing was a sensible ambition due to the benefits that routing at an individual number basis had on reducing the need for any number changes.
There was some discussion regarding whether NGNuk should express a position with respect to the Ofcom consultation. It was agreed that it would be left to individual members to respond.
The suitability of undertaking work in advance of the results of the consultation was questioned. As this forms part of the Green Release requirements it was agreed that such activity was sensible.
NICC will be undertaking the work to gaining industry agreement to a technical solution and may also address the process issues that will be associated with it. Paul however highlighted concern that a number of Governance issues were not being addressed and saw NGNuk currently as the only forum where these might be picked up. The areas of governance identified where:
· Agreement as to who should provide the database
· Agreement as to who should have access
· Commercial arrangements for access to the database
· Implications for the Charging arrangements
The view of the NGNuk Executive was that the architecture to be adopted would have implications on the above and as such it was premature to address these commercial points. Two other issues were discussed. The expectation is that NGNuk will be a short lived group so might not be a suitable vehicle for undertaking this work though might provide a route for establishing who does. In addition the issue of "delegated trust" and "access" was discussed. This was an activity that the NGNuk Executive felt was appropriate for Ofcom to own , especially given the scope of users being wider than NGNuk, the transient nature of NGNuk and in view of the Security issues discussed with Dave Mowbray ( See 2 -NGN Risks above)
Action 3 - 14/12/2006 - Peter Black to discuss with Ofcom the role they anticipate within the Governance of the Common Numbering Database in the light of the Executive comments.
5.1 Commercial Priorities - Interconnect
Based on the TOR distributed on 06/11 feedback had been received from 8 Members (Ex BT). These were primarily fixed CPs.
The spread of CPs responses indicated interconnection at between 4 to 40 locations. There was also a difference of views expressed as to the cost of interconnect deployment and whether larger but fewer interconnects provided significant cost benefits compounded by expectations regarding the distance gradient BT might apply. At these sites the deployment of a single multi service MSIL was being considered. There is ongoing debate however as to the benefits of separating transport and control across the interconnects.
The BT response to the CP view was that they believed that whilst IP interconnection was feasible at the 106 metro nodes the economics for both BT and industry was better served through a fewer number. BT has suggested using only its core nodes i.e. circa 20. 20 have been proposed as part of the wBBC consultation. The location of these 20 include sites which are less obvious locations due to the inclusion of such factors the location wrt flood plains, fibre availability etc.
Ethernet/Layer 2 services could be interconnected at Tier 1 MSAN (with fibre) which number approximately 1100.
The issue of stranded assets and interim solutions for products such as PSTN emulation were briefly discussed but agreed as being outside the scope of NGN activity.
The next steps were discussed:
CP to CP interconnect had been discussed within the work group. The absence of any significant input from Mobile Operators had led to a polarisation of the debate towards CP-BT interconnect. In this context inter CP interconnect is not a priority at this time.
It was reported that LINX had offered to evaluate the opportunity for expansion of neutral Telehouses if there was support from CPs. This was considered to be worthwhile provided a brief was agreed in advance as to what would under be consideration.
Action 4 - 14/12/2006 - Peter Ryde to draft briefing document to cover the scope of the LINX proposal and forward to Executive Members for comment.
Action 5 - 14/12/2006 - Mobile Operators were requested to give a specific statement on their views regarding their position on the BT/CP feedback to date on numbers of interconnects, if only to confirm that it is not a priority issue for them at this time.
5.2 Priority Commercial - Charging Model
The approach adopted to addressing the question on charging models was outlined. This is to use an expanded set of "principles" with supporting questions against which CP feedback has been solicited. This is intended to allow structured and well documented feedback on the three charging models:
The principles, questions or the response template were not discussed in detail at the meeting however copies are appended:
Feedback has been requested by 5th January for review and iteration where no consensus is obtained. It is hoped that reasonable progress can be made for the next Executive meeting.
A brief discussion took place regarding the need to establish the UK industry position within Europe. The NGNuk Executive felt that the best way of achieving this was to seek resolution with utmost haste.
5.3 Programme Board
The secretariat reported that the programme board was functioning well and was serving as a vehicle to aid communication across the membership as well as improving participation.
5.4 Reference Services
Real Time ( No lead) - An updated draft had been received however Paul Griffin had withdrawn as the Author due to other commitments. Feedback from Members on the current draft was that it is not Complete. It is hoped that the 3GPP work on traffic classes and some consultancy work being commissioned by the Secretariat can augment what has been done to date.
Near Real Time (Orange lead) - The initial draft had been received and circulated for comment
Streaming (BT lead) - The second draft had been received and circulated for comment.
Data (Colt lead) - The final version has been distributed for comment.
5.5 Transport Architecture and Network Capabilities
Russell Craig (Thus) had agreed to act as Editor for consolidated Requirements Definition.
The initial contents framework as follows:
§ Definitions
§ Traffic Classes (aka Reference Services)
§ Transport Architecture Requirements
§ Network Capabilities Requirements
The first draft will be based on consolidation of all four Reference Services documents (regardless of status)
A first working workshop had been planned for 11th December but was unfortunately cancelled due to Russell Craig being ill. It had been hoped to reschedule for 18/12/2006 but a lack of people's availability has frustrated this. It is still hoped to get an initial draft circulated prior to Christmas. The workshop to review this initial draft is scheduled for 8th January. The attendance at some of the workshops had become overly technical whereas it had been hoped to attract Product personnel with a blend of commercial and technical experience. The NGNuk Executive agreed to look at ensuring that the appropriate personnel attend on the 8th January.
Action 6 -14/12/2007 - NGNuk Executive members will review attendees proposed for the workshop to review the Requirements Definition on 8th January with a view towards ensuring the attendance of Product personnel.
Date for review/final agreement of the Requirements Definition is now end February 2007
Peter Black expressed the view of the Secretariat that whilst some areas of work had now gained momentum others had made less progress than anticipated. Some options on how to address this were discussed. In particular the opportunity for all technical activity to reside within NICC was supported by the NGNuk Executive. This needs to be discussed and progressed with NICC including the inter-working of the two bodies under such an arrangement.
Action 7 - 14/12/2006 - Peter Black to discuss opportunity for NICC to take delivery responsibility of all technical activity with the Chair of NICC.
The discussion then progressed to the overall progress being made by NGNuk, the way of working, resource levels etc.
The Secretariat was asked to review the work programme in the light of the feedback and respond with any amended proposals for the work plan. The consideration that NGNuk should consider limiting its scope and looking to cease activity by mid 2007 was also suggested.
Action 8 - 14/12/2006 - NGNuk Secretariat to review work plan and present recommendations to the NGNuk Executive
7.1 Consult 21 vs NGNuk
A definition of the work streams for the activity within NGNuk and Consult 21 had been agreed at a working level by both organisations. This should help minimise any conflict or overlap. The definition presented was accepted by the NGNuk Executive. This will be published via the web site.
8.1 The next meeting will be 10.00 to 14.00 on 25th January 2007 at Riverside House.
Note: It was identified that both the NICC Board and 21 Consult Steering Board take place on the 25th January and that an alternative date should be considered.
8.2 Future scheduled meetings:
Peter Ryde
NGNuk Office
Mob +44 (0) 777 1 555 048