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1. What is a Next Generation Network?

There are two types of Next Generation Network (NGN): Core NGNs and Access NGNs.

Core NGNs use digital technology to connect telephone calls and other network traffic more efficiently than traditional telecoms networks. Internet Protocol (IP) based services can be developed more quickly and at lower cost to communications providers.

To build a core NGN, providers need to upgrade the equipment in telephone exchanges but don’t need to change existing wires and fibre in the ground. Ofcom’s NGN document published on 7 March 2006 focuses on core NGNs.

Access NGNs use new technology to upgrade the wires between a customer’s home or office and their local telephone exchange, sometimes known as the ‘local loop’. This upgrade might, for example, replace wires with optical fibre for part or all of the connection.

Building a core NGN does not directly affect these wires and Ofcom’s NGN document does not deal with the slightly different set of questions that this raises. Ofcom is continuing to think about access NGNs as part of ongoing market reviews and our input into the review of the European regulatory framework.

2. Does this mean there will be fibre to the home?

No, a move to NGNs does not imply a move to fibre to the home or any other next generation access technology. Although the network equipment used by communication providers will be upgraded, the wires between a customer’s home or office and their local telephone exchange (the ‘local loop’), are not directly affected.

3. Who is building a Next Generation Network?

BT’s plan to build an NGN (known as ‘21st Century Network’ or ‘21CN’) is one of the most well publicised NGN plans, but several other operators in the UK, including mobile operators, either already have NGNs or are planning to build one.

4. When will this happen?

BT currently expects migration of telephone lines to its NGN to begin during the second half of 2006. Other operator plans vary and some are already using NGNs.

5. What are the benefits of Next Generation Networks?

Over time NGNs will offer consumers a wider choice of innovative new products and more value for money. However to ensure these benefits are delivered, providers need to agree the technical and commercial arrangements for connecting to each other’s networks.

At this stage it is hard to predict what the products and services of the future, but for example, they might offer greater personalisation and control, location–awareness and greater use of multimedia.

6. Will I still be able to use my existing home telephone?

Yes. Although the move to NGNs will change the technology that communications providers use in their network, the connection to a standard telephone will remain exactly the same, so existing telephones will continue to work without requiring any additional equipment or changes in the customer’s home.

Next Generation Networks will also continue to support the provision of VoIP services. VoIP services allow you make telephone calls over a broadband connection. To use these services you typically need a broadband connection together with some special equipment, eg a personal computer or an adaptor for use with a normal telephone handset. Ofcom has recently published a consultation on the regulation of these types of services - see Related Items.

7. How do NGNs relate to television ‘going digital’?

Although both Next Generation Networks and Digital TV use digital technology to enable new services, the changes are not directly connected. The move to NGNs is an upgrade to the UK’s telecoms networks, which changes the way in which services such as telephone and Internet access are provided. This is separate from the plan for broadcast television services to go digital (see www.digitaluk.co.uk for more information on this).

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