DoT: Operators Must Switch To NGNs

The department of telecom (DoT) wants telecom operators to switch to Internet-based digital networks to reduce operational costs and offer advanced voice and data services.

“The operators have to move on to next-generation networks (NGNs) or Internet protocol-based digital networks to offer converged voice, data and multimedia services,” said officials.

The technical wing of the DoT has been set up to supervise the adoption process and the group will also be involved in the approval of funds and expenditure.

“The new technology will enable the operators to provide multimedia, data, voice and video services on the same platform. They use different platforms to offer these services now, which are costly, time-consuming and inefficient,” the officials said.

The Telecom Regulatory Authority of India is planning to bring out a consultation paper on the deployment and use of the new network. It will submit its recommendations to the DoT after it receives the industry’s comments on the paper.