2.9.2 Regulatory implications from NGN

Regulation area	Implications
Pricing	The same or very similar services are being provided via infrastructures having different cost characteristics. This complicates cost-based pricing.
Interconnection	The trend from single platform to multi-platform service provision. A need for new types of interconnection products arises. These include interconnection between different types of networks and new types of unbundled network components.
Licensing	Fair competition between different network infrastructures demand a technology neutral licensing regime. Unified licensing will stimulate optimal use of technology options by operators.
Universal Service	Universal service can be obtained by use of a combination of many different network technologies. Demand for a US definition, which is independent of network technology. It must be clearly defined how different types of networks should contribute to funding USO.
Spectrum Management	New wireless networks increase demand for network resources. Need for refarming of spectrum resources. Modulation and compression techniques, smart antennas and widening of spectrum range increase capacity Intelligent radio terminals enable more flexible spectrum allocation
Numbering	Wireless infrastructures providing opportunities for roaming challenges geographical numbering plans. High growth in the number of mobile phones has increased the demand for numbers. Need for transparency in infrastructure use if this affects tariffs.

Last updated 16 Dec 2008

The ICT Regulation Toolkit is a joint production of infoDev and the International Telecommunication Union.