IP Interconnection

Background

As operators deploy IP networks the need arises to interconnect them to enable services to be carried from end to end across multiple operator networks in order to meet customer needs.  At this stage we can only imagine the kinds of services making use of that capability that Telecom and other service providers will develop and introduce into the market, but what we do know is that interconnection is an essential part of that future landscape.  Interconnection is a reciprocal relationship and in most cases both parties to an interconnection need it to enable them to offer complete services to their end users – for example, the ability to make calls to, and to be called from, customers on any other network.

An IP Interconnect working party was established in June 2008 to develop an industry code of practice for IP Interconnection and to facilitate the consultation process between Telecom and Service Providers in regard to the approach of IP interconnection services. The consultation will cover, at a minimum, the process for transitioning from fixed PSTN interconnection for voice services to IP interconnection for voice services and the introduction of IP interconnection for virtual private network services.  

This working party was put on hold in March 2009 and recommenced in June 2010 with a revised project scope.

 

Working Party Members

The working party members are:

• BayCity
• CallPlus
• Orcon
• Compass
• Telecom Group  (including Telecom Retail and Wholesale)
• TelstraClear
• Vodafone
• WorldxChange 
• Commerce Commission
• MED

Project Scope

The revised project scope for this working party covers three key areas of work:

1. Commercial principles
2. Technical standards
3. Technical trial and/or pilot

The working party will produce the following deliverables:

1. A self regulated code for the IP Interconnection commercial model; and
2. Minimum technical standards for IP interconnect for VoIP.

Read the full project scope.

Reference Documents

• MIT Interprovider QoS Whitepaper

Australian Communications Alliance Guidelines:

• Quality of Service Parameters for Networks Using the Internet Protocol
• Testing Arrangements for Quality of Service Parameters for Internet Protocol Services
• Quality of Service Parameters for VoIP Services
• Testing Arrangement for Quality of Service Parameters for VoIP Services

Working Party Establishment

This working party was established in June 2008.