Attendees:
Peter Black (NGNuk) - Chair
Clive Fedida (NGNuk)
Peter Ryde (NGNuk)
Andy May (Cable & Wireless)
Phil Kirby (Vodafone)
Steve Unger (Ofcom)
Phil Male (Thus)
Angus Flett (BT Wholesale)
Justin Fielder (Easynet)
Alireza Mahmoodshahi (COLT) by Audio
Andy King (ntl Telewest)
Apologies:
Huw Saunders (Kingston Communications), Stuart Shutt (Orange)
1.1 See outstanding actions update at the end of this document.
1.2 Matters Arising - EU ECNS Regulatory Framework Review: "The Commission has made public three studies which should serve as "food for thought" in the ongoing review of the 2002 EU telecoms rules. The studies deal with some of the key subjects of the review process: growth and investment in the EU electronic communications sector, regulatory reform and the state of competition in the electronic communications markets. While the three studies are not binding on the Commission, they are useful contributions to the public debate on the review of the EU telecom rules during the public consultation that will last until the end of October."
Action 1 - 31/8 - NGNuk Secretariat to forward EU studies documents to Executive Members.
Terms of Reference for the End-to-End Reference Services And Service Requirements work streams (pdf)
Terms of Reference Presentation (pdf)
2.1 A draft Plan of Work (Terms of Reference) proposal was sent to the Executive Members for review on 29th August. In summary it is proposed that NGNuk:
Establish a set of end-to-end service characteristics that Industry wishes to be supported over underlying interconnected NGNs using four Reference Service groupings. These characteristics will cover not only the technical function and performance of end-to-end services but also the commercial, regulatory and legal factors that need to exist to ensure satisfactory performance for the end user.
Use these end-to-end Reference Service characteristics as the scope definition for two work groups which will establish the agreed set of requirements for interconnected NGNs and for the commercial agreements between operating companies. The two work groups are:
a. Network Capabilities
b. Transport Architecture
The requirements definitions generated by these two groups will be used by the technical workstream as input to the NICC to define the necessary technical solutions and standards to meet the requirements. The commercial framework will be developed within the NGNuk commercial workstream. It is recognised that some degree of iteration will be required to ensure that the requirements have not generated unnecessary levels of cost or complexity.
The Executive Members were very concerned that the plan of work presentation gave the impression that the commercial and technical workstreams do not commence until early next year. It was emphasised that commercial and technical should run in parallel throughout the whole process and asked that the slides be amended accordingly.
Action 2 - 31/8 - NGNuk Secretariat to ensure the plan of work proposal reflects commercial and technical streams running in parallel throughout the entire programme.
2.2 Reference Services - In discussion it was pointed out that to set out the needs of future services will be a challenge and may well not be satisfactorily accomplished within the mid-October timeframe suggested in the proposal. The Secretariat hopes that by appointing suitable subject matter specialists to act as industry leads for each reference service, the impact of this will be mitigated. There was also concern that some services are mandated (by regulation) whilst others (particularly new services) are not. The Secretariat clarified that it only expects the Reference Services to include those services that a 'critical mass' of the membership wish to see supported over an NGN interconnect and only expects members to participate in their areas of interest. If not mandated by regulation, implementation remains optional and the associated scope of the interconnect framework may be limited to technical interworking only thereby leaving commercial aspects to bilateral negotiation.
Action 3 - 31/8 - The Executive Members are invited to consider whether they can nominate a subject matter specialist to act as Industry Lead in drafting the set of service characteristics for any of the four Reference Services namely:
2.3 Immediate Commercial Issues - Although the proposed plan of work was felt to be a suitable framework for NGNuk, several Members wanted to see an activity relating to the immediate commercial issues of an IP interconnect with BT. In effect, Members wish to see the work approached in a phased series of 'bite size' chunks (ie. a 'Now and Next' philosophy). It was therefore agreed that the Members should identify the commercial issues/requirements to be addressed immediately.
Action 4 - 31/8 - The Executive Members agreed to identify the commercial issues/requirements to be addressed immediately.
2.4 Governance of the Plan of Work - to manage the planning, resourcing and progression of the plan of work, a proposal to set up a Programme Board was agreed by the Executive. Attendance at the Board will be open to all members (ie. Executive and Participating). The NGNuk Executive will retain decision making authority over scope of work, approval of workgroup recommendations and setting of targets/timescales. The Executive agreed that the Board should provide regular programme status reports and use a Red/Amber/Green scheme to highlight areas of difficulty. The inaugural meeting of the Programme Board will be held at 10.00 to 16.00 on 20th September at Riverside House. Nominations for attendees are invited from all members. The NGNuk Secretariat will draft Terms of Reference for approval by the NGNuk Executive.
Action 5 - 31/8 - The NGNuk Secretariat to draft Terms of Reference for the Programme Board by 8th September 2006 for approval by the NGNuk Executive.
Action 6 - 31/8 - NGNuk Executive Members to nominate representatives for the Programme Board (inaugural meeting 20/9/2006) by 8th September 2006.
Prioritisation of Green Release requirements for NGN Interconnect (pdf)
3.1 Background - At the NGNuk Executive meeting of the 27th July 2006, NICC proposed that it would be appropriate for NGNuk to take over the role of providing commercial guidance to NICC/TSG regarding the scope and technical standards work for future releases of NGN interconnect and in particular for the next release (referred to as the "Green Release").
3.2 Overview of Requirements - It was felt by the Secretariat that the 20 requirements forming the initial scope of the "Green Release" could be categorised as follows:
Statement of Intent (2) - These appeared to be solely principles to be adhered to in delivering the requirements rather than fundamental requirements needing prioritisation.
Requirements (11) - These are requirements that have been requested within the Green Release which must be prioritised via NGNuk
Underlying Requirements (7) - These were felt to be "requirements" which arise as a result of prioritisation of other requirements. Once the fundamental "requirements" have been established and prioritised these will result in implications for performance, security etc.
3.3 Status of Prioritisation Feedback - Although not all feedback from Executive Members has been received yet, within the 11 "Requirements" (above) the feedback so far indicates consensus on 5 to be included and one to be excluded. Of the remaining 5 (listed below) there is a lack of agreement regarding the overall prioritisation of the requirement or on elements within the requirement.
Requirements Consensus
5 CP routing connectivity via a clearing house or bilaterally Opinion currently split - needs further work to resolve
6 Architecture must support Least Cost Routing Opinion currently split - needs further work to resolve
8 The architecture shall support SIP for IMS, Internet and PSTN (ETSI TISPAN TR00001) Variety of views requires work to resolve
10 Architecture to support overload at interconnect Variety of views requires work to resolve
12 Codec Sampling rates of 5, 10, 20 ms Opinion currently split - needs further work to resolve
3.4 Next Steps - The Executive agreed that the focus of immediate activity would be on those requirements where consensus has not been reached to understand the underlying issues and resolve them. It was also agreed that feedback on the requirements should be sought from participating members. The Secretariat will update Paul Rosbotham (Chair NICC/TSG) on progress to date.
Action 7 - 31/8 - Green Release Requirements: Peter Ryde to solicit further feedback from Executive and Participating Members with a particular focus on reaching a consensus on the areas of disagreement.
3.5 Ofcom agreed to advise NGNuk on any future mandatory Traceability requirements.
4 Ofcom views on Data Portability for NGNs (Gideon Senensieb)
Number Portability Review (pdf)
4.1 Background - Ofcom has a particular regulatory objective for Number Portability to prevent customers becoming 'stranded' when operators cease trading. Currently there are no plans to extend the regulatory scope beyond Number Portability. Earlier studies recommended a central database solution however for cost benefit reasons it was deemed not to be economic for current PSTN networks. Ofcom now wishes to give early and clear direction whilst NGNs are being built.
4.2 Consultation Milestones - Ofcom intends to consult in the autumn on routing of calls to ported numbers - both in fixed and mobile networks. The largest single issue is likely to be the one of central database governance although there are a number of feasible options and successfully operating existing precedents. The Executive suggested that the proposed end milestone for mandatory adoption of the new solution should be earlier than 2012.
4.3 Wider Applicability - in line with the NGNuk Core Principle of "Enable customer-specific data to be portable", there was a consensus of the Executive that any database solution should be extensible and should be applicable to all customer data portability requirements.
5.1 Peter Black reported that feedback from his update to the Ofcom Policy Executive on NGNuk progress was fully supportive. He had made the points at the meeting that whilst not as much progress had been made as had been hoped, nevertheless:
NGNuk Executive established and functioning well
Good Traction and Support from Industry Now
Urgent Connection between Mobile & Fixed operator initiatives required
Economic Modelling needed as bedrock to help build decision making
Workstreams will be Up & Running by end September
Linkages in place with NICC, Consult21 & being developed to engage with International developments
Programme for next steps agreed with NGNuk Exec, Intention to rapidly identify areas of consensus and/or fragmentation
6.1 21 CN-MSA contract negotiations (CW Andy May) - In less than 18 months BT will be launching its first NGN product offering. The advent of NGN is an opportunity to create a new contract, ensuring consistency across the product set and taking a fresh look at clauses that have proved problematic between the parties over the years. Furthermore, the Industry is seeking greater equity in contract drafting arrangements. It is therefore suggested that a 21CN Contract Group be convened, for BT to outline and consult on its contracting approach and for NGNUK to discuss/agree a recommended approach to give effect to the commercial model.
NGN Contract (pdf)
Angus Flett was in favour of the approach although he counselled that it will need motivated individuals to drive it forward and should focus on an example product to work it through.
The Executive agreed that the idea should be taken forward and that Angus Flett will lead. Peter Black advised that the work should have a defined target completion date and he would appreciate regular progress updates at the Executive.
6.2 Membership - Peter Black reported that membership interest was continuing to grow and he anticipates further applications now that the working activities are about to commence. Current membership status as at the end of August 2006:
Executive members | Participating Members | Expected New Members |
BT Wholesale | Gamma Telecom | Carphone Warehouse joining soon at Executive level |
Cable & Wireless | London Internet Exchange | |
Colt Telecom | Tiscali | |
Sky/Easynet | Verizon Business | |
Kingston Communications | Viatel | |
NTL: Telewest | ||
Orange | ||
THUS | ||
Vodafone |
7.1 The next meeting will be 10.00 to 14.00 on 28th September 2006 at Riverside House.
7.2 Future scheduled meetings:
| Date | Meeting | Time |
| 28/9/2006 | NGNuk Meeting | 10.00 - 14.00 |
| 26/10/2006 | NGNuk Meeting | 10.00 - 14.00 |
| 30/11/2006 | NGNuk Meeting | 10.00 - 14.00 |
| 14/12/2006 | NGNuk Meeting | 10.00 - 14.00 |
Clive Fedida
NGNuk Office
07802 782357
020 7783 4684
clive.fedida@ngnuk.org.uk
| Action 2 - 26/6 - Peter Black undertook on behalf of NGNuk to take the necessary steps to raise a formal objection to the registration of the 'NGN' trademark applied for by Wireless Facilities Inc. It was noted that formal objections must be lodged by 7th July 2006.27/7 - It has since been clarified that the closing date for observations is 15th August (not 7th July as recorded above). NGNuk will base its response on those to be submitted by BT and Thus. NGNuk is not aware of any other responses planned or submitted. 31/8 - The trademark application has been withdrawn and so no further action is required. CLOSED | NGNuk Secretariat |
| Action 3 - 26/6 - Peter Black undertook with the help of Ofcom to take the necessary steps to apply for registration of the 'NGNuk' logo.27/7 - Application for registration of the NGNuk logo is in preparation by Ofcom. Steps have already been taken to secure URLs 'ngnuk.org.uk' and 'ngnuk.co.uk'. Unfortunately, 'ngnuk.com' is already reserved. 31/8 - Ongoing. | NNGNuk Secretariat |
| Action 1 - 27/7 - Peter Black asked members to review the relevant papers on the public consultation on the future of the electronic communications regulatory framework and the draft recommendation on Relevant Products and Service Markets within the electronic communication sector and provide comments to the NGNuk Office by 8th September 2006. The consolidated NGNuk response will be reviewed as an agenda item at the September meeting (28th September 2006). 31/8 - The meeting clarified that NGNuk will submit a response to the EU if it is agreed there are substantive issues affecting the work of NGNuk (the deadline for responses is 27th October 2006). Hence Members are asked to feedback only comments that affect the work of NGNuk. Action Due 8/9/2006. Ongoing | NGNuk Executive Members |
| Action 2 - 27/7 - It was proposed that Clive Fedida (on behalf of NGNuk) seek agreement from BT for formal access to NSWG documentation by NGNuk. 31/8 - NSWG papers are already in the public domain and available via BTW website. CLOSED | Clive Fedida |
| Action 3 - 27/7 - It was agreed that all Members should review the draft requirements for the Green Release and feedback comments on completeness and prioritisation to Peter Ryde by 25th August 2006. NGNuk will propose a timetable and process by which Industry agreement can be reached on the Green Release requirements and prioritisation. 31/8 - see agenda item 3. CLOSED | NGNuk Executive Members |
| Action 4 - 27/7 - Paul Rosbotham undertook to provide a preliminary view of NICC timescales and resource requirements and any other dependencies for the production of the relevant technical work associated with the draft Green Release requirements. 31/8 - Done. CLOSED | Paul Rosbotham |
| Action 5 - 27/7 - It was agreed that Ofcom should present its views on data portability for NGNs as an agenda item at the next meeting. 31/8 - see agenda item 4. CLOSED | Steve Unger |
| Action 6 - 27/7 - The NGNuk Executive members were asked to consider and feedback comments on the draft NGNuk Goals in the light of the proposed Work Programme. 31/8 - No further comments received. CLOSED | NGNuk Executive Members |
| Action 7 - 27/7 - Clive Fedida to investigate aligning NGNuk definitions and nomenclature for Reference Services with 3GPP where appropriate. 31/8 - The Secretariat has asked Stuart Shutt for the details of 3GPP work he referred to at the last meeting. Ongoing | Clive Fedida |
| Action 8 - 27/7 - Executive Members were asked to identify commercial and technical individuals who could contribute to the advance requirements work for the Transport Architecture and Network Capabilities workgroups during August. 31/8 - Done. CLOSED | NGNuk Executive Members |
| Action 1 - 31/8 - NGNuk Secretariat to forward EU studies documents to Executive Members | NGNuk Secretariat |
| Action 2 - 31/8 - NGNuk Secretariat to amend plan of work proposal to reflect commercial and technical streams running in parallel throughout the entire programme. | NGNuk Secretariat |
| 3 - 31/8 - The Executive Members are invited to consider whether they can nominate a subject matter specialist to act as Industry Lead in drafting the set of service characteristics for any of the four Reference Services namely: | NGNuk Executive Members |
| Action 4 - 31/8 - The Executive Members agreed to identify the commercial issues/requirements to be addressed immediately. | NGNuk Executive Members |
| Action 5 - 31/8 - The NGNuk Secretariat to draft Terms of Reference for the Programme Board by 8th September 2006 for approval by the NGNuk Executive. | NGNuk Secretariat |
| Action 6 - 31/8 - NGNuk Executive Members to nominate representatives for the Programme Board (inaugural meeting 20/9/2006) by 8th September 2006. | NGNuk Executive Members |
| Action 7 - 31/8 - Green Release Requirements: Peter Ryde to solicit further feedback from Executive and Participating Members with a particular focus on reaching a consensus on the areas of disagreement. | Peter Ryde |