Contents of module
- Interconnection Part Five
- Interconnection index
- eLearning main Index
Always-on Considerations
As ‘always-on’ broadband networks begin to replace narrowband networks the question arises to what extent are the principles of interconnection from the PSTN world directly applicable to the broadband world?
For example, the ‘always-on’ feature of broadband networks makes it difficult to apply time-based interconnection charges, and because broadband network capacity can be shared both with interconnecting broadband networks and with existing PSTN narrowband networks, capacity or volume-based charges may also be difficult to apply.
There are three main category of issues to be considered. They are:
- Interconnection issues
- Charging principles
- Cost standards
Each of these is discussed in some detail in OFTA’s Consultation Paper Broadband Interconnection, issued 3 November 2000 and OFTA's paper 14 June 2000 Broadband Interconnection - Analysis of Comments Received, Preliminary Conclusions and Further Industry Consultation.