Matt Kolon, CTO at Juniper Networks APAC shares his views on the Next Generation Network

Q: What is a Next Generation Network (NGN)? What are the costs involved and how can we avail it for all citizens? Who should pay for it?

Matt: The definition of an NGN is very complex, and can be rather diverse depending on whom you talk to. I like to say that it is an IP-based network that is used to deliver any service - whether voice, data or video - better than what we can get today.

Costs will include what is needed for the infrastructure and what is needed to keep it running on a daily basis. These can be restrictive but a good way to provide access to all citizens is to be flexible in the range of services offerings. For example, whoever is managing it, be it a telco or the government, can make a basic level of service that is free to all citizens. This would also help bridge what is being called the 'digital divide'.

By providing a basic level of service to all, this tiered approach ensures that all people have access to the Internet and the tools they need to learn and explore. Those who want faster or better access can pay more and those in business especially who need the best and most constant access can expect to pay a premium. The challenge is how to manage this correctly and properly.

Q: What sort of environment and IT infrastructure needs to be in place to support this?

Matt: So far, in Singapore, I think both the industry and Government have done a good job in taking the first steps towards an NGN. Singapore has developed a very computer-literate society that has largely had a 'training course' in computers and the Internet.

In order to be successful, an NGN needs to have the flexibility of the Internet with the reliability of essential services such as water and electricity. What we are seeing now is a situation where people have a low expectation of the service compared to things in the 'real world'. For example, if they are unable to get to their favourite webpage, most of them will just try again in a while. But if they pick up their telephone and fail to get a dial tone, many of them will be complaining to their telecom provider as soon as they can.

There needs to be an expectation of the level of service from both users and providers of services and capabilities for NGNs. The environment needed will have to be one of trust - that the network, and the services and capabilities that it provides, can do what is expected of it.

Q: What sort of services can we expect to see on NGN?

Matt: We can expect to see some services that we are beginning to experience today - except better. Services that can be carried over a digital network will all benefit from the capabilities and speed an NGN offers. Things like video or TV on demand or even integrated video with data can all be streamed seamlessly via an NGN. Applications like Skype should really take off, as will things like instant messaging with video. Adoption rate of an NGN will depend on factors like price and content, but the services that can be expected will largely be improvements on what we are experiencing today.

Q: What are some challenges facing NGN adoption and implementation?

Matt: Adoption is always coupled with price. As an individual, I would like my Internet experience and my NGN experience to be free. But as a businessman, I know this cannot happen. An NGN cannot be free for all. There is a cost involved in setting it up and keeping it running. What can be done is like I mentioned earlier: have a tiered costing model that gives a basic level of service for free and charges those that want a better experience.

Telcos will face the challenge of transitioning from existing systems to new infrastructure that is capable of delivering the NGN experience. It is important for them to have a roadmap of where they want to go and how they can reach their goal.

Q: What is being done correctly in Singapore?

Matt: Singapore has a history of creating a business-friendly environment by creating a stable government, pro-business environment, good infrastructure and a well-educated workforce. All of these are prerequisites to any move towards an NGN, and Singapore is ready. There are countries that have this as well, Japan and Korea for example, but the geographic size of Singapore makes rolling out new services and technologies much easier. The support of the Government and its readiness to embrace new technologies is also a key factor in the success of any NGN initiative.