Documente Academic
Documente Profesional
Documente Cultură
13/2016
Telecom
R
Telecom Regulatory
Authority of India
Consultation Paper
on
Internet Telephony (VoIP)
New Delhi
22.06.2016
ii
CONTENTS
Chapter
Description
Page No.
Chapter I
Introduction
1-5
Chapter II
VoIP Technology
Chapter III
6-15
16-20
Framework
Chapter IV
21-35
Implications
Chapter V
iii
36-37
CHAPTER-I
Introduction
1.1
Since the 1960's when digital voice communication first emerged, the
Public Switched Telephone Network (PSTN) has been supported
worldwide as the primary means of voice communication. The PSTN is a
connection-oriented, circuit-switched network in which a dedicated
channel (or circuit) is established for the duration of a communication.
Originally transmitting only analog signals, the PSTN ultimately
switched to digital communication, which offered solutions to the
attenuation, noise and interference problems inherent in the analog
system. The modern PSTN uses Pulse Code Modulation (PCM) to convert
all analog signals into digital transmissions at the originating network
and reverses the processes in the receiving network.
1.2
Although highly rated for reliability and Quality of Service (QoS), PSTN
Networks have two significant disadvantages:
(a) Expensive bandwidth, which results in high telephone bills for
individuals and businesses alike.
(b) Inefficient use of networking channels, which results from
dedicating an entire channel for each conversation.
1.3
service.
IP
Telephony
provides
alternative
means
of
1.4
1.5
1.6
Initially, there were two major categories for voice transmission over IP
networks based on type of IP network used. When voice is transmitted
over public Internet, it is termed as Internet Telephony. Similarly when
voice is transmitted over managed IP networks, it is termed as Voice
over IP (VoIP). Internet Telephony can be deemed to be a subset of Voice
over IP, in the sense that, when voice is carried over a IP network it can
be termed as Voice over IP. And if the IP network in this case is the
public Internet then it can be called Internet telephony. The primary
difference between voice services on managed and unmanaged IP
Networks is in quality of speech. However this difference is getting
narrower with technological advancement, new coding techniques and
availability of higher bandwidth broadband connections.
1.7
The
high
costs
of
maintaining
legacy
networks
alongside
the
1.9
memory
storage
devices,
reduced
price,
lesser
power
CHAPTER II
VoIP TECHNOLOGY
2.1
2.2
2.3
Meanwhile, Telecom Service providers (TSPs) who are not having full
fledged networks or not having own large subscriber base may also want
to compete head-on with existing TSPs by offering their own packages of
voice (often VoIP), video and data. This model however, more closely
complements and resembles the open Internet, with the intelligence
and control of the network decentralized and powered by intelligent
terminal equipment (i.e. computers, handsets or set-top boxes). This
model can be termed as the open network model.
2.5
2.6
The IP
Multimedia
Subsystem or IP
Multimedia
Core
Network
terminals,
i.e.,
to
create
form
of fixed-mobile
2.7
The consumer can connect to IMS in various ways, most of which use
the standard IP. IMS terminals (such as mobile phones and computers)
can register directly on IMS, even when they are roaming in another
network or country (the visited network). The only requirement is that
they can use IP and run SIP user agents. Fixed access (e.g., Digital
Subscriber
(e.g. WCDMA,
modems, Ethernet),
and
mobile
wireless
access
access
(e.g., WLAN, WiMAX) are all supported. Other phone systems like plain
old telephone service (POTSthe old analogue telephones), H.323 and
non IMS-compatible systems, are supported through gateways.
2.8
2.9
2.11 Following diagram describes the SIP system architecture, call flows in a
VoIP system, and VoIP-to-PSTN
VoIP
bridging.
Figure 2.1
Proxy Servers
rvers a proxy server routes SIP requests and responses
on behalf of user agents. Its job is to ensure that a SIP message is
sent to another entity closer to the target user. Proxies can also
enforce policies, such as to determine whether a user is allowed
allowe to
9
make a call. In practice, every SIP user agent needs at least one
proxy server (also known as a home proxy) that acts on its behalf.
The home proxy is either manually configured in a user agent or
discovered through DHCP.
SIP Registration
In many instances an IP address is insufficient to reach a SIP user agent (because of network elements like NATs);
registrars will bind additional info in these instances.
2
A SIP URI looks similar to an email address (e.g. sip:A1@example.com)
10
2.13 To register itself, a SIP user agent sends a REGISTER request to the
registrar, which binds the users IP address to the SIP URI, and stores
this binding in the location server.
SIP Calls
2.14 In a SIP call, SIP messages are relayed through one or more proxy
servers, which make use of location servers to locate the recipient. The
media stream bypasses proxy server(s) altogether wherever possible
user agents will directly send media traffic to each other. The most
common SIP arrangement is illustrated in the following figure 2.3, and is
known as a SIP trapezoid.
11
2.15 In
this
arrangement,
A1
(sip:A1@example.com)
and
B1
An INVITE goes out from A1s user agent to her proxy server,
which responds back with 100 TRYING to indicate that it has
received the INVITE and is trying to locate B1.
ii.
iii.
iv.
B1s user agent starts ringing and relays back a 180 RINGING
response to A1 as soon as it receives the INVITE.
v.
vi.
vii.
viii.
ix.
A1s UA responds with a 200 OK to the BYE request and the call
ends.
In certain NAT configurations two hosts will not be able to setup a P2P connection, in this case they will need to
relay the media stream through a TURN server.
12
of
phone
sip:+91987654321@example.com
sip:+91987654321@example.com).
2.19 The call flow for a SIP to PSTN call looks as below:
13
number
(e.g.
14
15
CHAPTER III
CURRENT REGULATORY AND LICENSING FRAMEWORK
3.1
3.2
3.3
3.4
17
3.7
3.8
18
entry
fee
and
have
made
heavy
investments
to
create
permitted to provide Internet telephony calls to PSTN/PLMN and viceversa within country and necessary amendments may be made in the
license
provisions.
However,
Government
did
not
accept
these
recommendations of TRAI.
3.11 Since then, there have been significant changes in licensing framework
of the country. Now allocation of Spectrum has been delinked with the
grant of License. Unified license has been introduced with entry fee of Rs
15 crore for whole country. Therefore any ISP or new service provider
who is willing to provide unrestricted Internet Telephony can obtain
Unified License with authorization for Access services. Further, some
existing access licensee are also planning to start Internet Telephony
service.
Question 1:
What should be the additional entry fee, Performance Bank
Guarantee (PBG) and Financial Bank Guarantee (FBG) for Internet
Service providers if they are also allowed to provide unrestricted
Internet Telephony?
20
CHAPTER IV
REGULATORY ISSUES AND IMPLICATIONS
4.1
Interconnection
Usage
charges
and
access
to
4.3
even abroad can avail this service using an App installed on any device,
including its mobile phone, once a subscriber has registered in any
SDCA of the country wherein service is being offered by BSNL. FMT
service is a voice call using the IP access and NGN switch of BSNL
landline for the call routing. Internet access is required to access this
service. FMT service essentially needs access to reach BSNLs NGN
equipment for registering SIP subscriber for making voice call which
means FMT call is not possible without internet.
4.4
IMS CORE-ORIGINATING
TERMINATING CS CORE
S-CSCF
ATS
IPTAX/GMS C
MGW
P-CSCF
UGC
MGW
MSC
SBC
SIGNALLING :H.248
SIGNALLING :SIP
UE
SIGNALLING :DIAMETER
MGW
UE
MEDIA :RTP
MEDIA :LEGACY
SIGNALLING :ISUP
Other TSPs are also either deploying IMS based network or are planning
to migrate to IMS based network. As mentioned earlier, the consumer
can connect to IMS in various ways, most of which use the standard IP.
22
4.7
switched
interconnection
and
Technology.
pricing
Once
models
this
may
happens,
replace
the
Internet
current
4.8
Unified License also provides that Licensee may also enter into mutual
agreements with other Unified Licensee for carrying its intra-Circle Long
Distance traffic. Relevant clause is reproduce below:
23
2.2 Licensee may carry intra-circle long distance traffic on its network. However,
subject to technical feasibility, the subscriber of the intra-circle long distance
calls, shall be given choice to use the network of another Licensee in the same
service area, wherever possible. The Licensee may also enter into mutual
agreements with other UL Licensee (with authorization for access service)/ other
Access service licensee/National Long Distance Licensee for carrying its intraCircle Long Distance traffic.
4.9
4.10 These clauses provides flexibility to a TSP to transit traffic of other TSP
within
service
area
thus
avoiding
need
for
large
number
of
Telephony
calls
or
is
there
need
to
change
Point
of
Question 3:
Whether accessing the telecom services of a TSP by the subscriber
through public Internet can be construed as extension of fixed line
or mobile services of the TSP? Please provide full justification in
support of your answer.
Question 4:
Whether present ceiling of transit charge needs to be reviewed? In
case it is to be reviewed, please provide cost details and method to
calculate transit charge.
25
(if
same
number
is
used
for
Internet
Telephony
and
27
called subscriber is also paying for terminating the call in the form of
data charges.
4.18 There are certain challenges that the existing regime imposes on
Internet telephony calls. These are described in the following paragraphs
4.19 Mobility: An Internet telephony subscriber as per the license uses the
public Internet to make a call from his Internet telephony terminal,
which then traverses over the public Internet to the SIP gateway or IMS
node of the licensee. Since the call travels over the public Internet, an
Internet delivery subscriber may actually make the call from anywhere.
Hence a subscriber of say the Mumbai circle, could be sitting in
Bangalore and still make and receive Internet telephony calls since the
last mile would traverse over the public Internet. National long-distance
calls: when an Internet telephony subscriber makes a long-distance call
from his Licensed Service Area (LSA)
Numbering
4.21 Numbers always play a central role in telecommunications and their
importance is well recognized. A well designed numbering for any service
ensures structured growth of any service.
UL/UASL/CMTS allow
of
such
Internet
telephony
numbers
from
other
Question 10:
What should be the framework for allocation of numbering resource
for Internet Telephony services?
Question 11:
Whether
Number
portability
should
be
allowed
for
Internet
4.31 In India, when subscriber calls from fixed line, the call goes to nearest
police/fire station which has been mapped to corresponding location.
For mobile, TSPs provide the information of SDCA to BSNL/MTNL along
with CLI of calling party and call is routed by BSNL/MTNL to nearest
Police station in that very SDCA.
33
Question 12:
Is it possible to provide location information to the police station
when
the
subscriber
is
making
Internet
Telephony
call
to
Quality of Service
4.32 Quality of speech in any communication service is an important
consideration. Subscribers are accustomed to the PSTN/ PLMN voice
quality and expect similar quality from Internet telephony also
irrespective of the technology used to provide such services. Ensuring
good voice quality will therefore be necessary for ISPs providing Internet
telephony. Though Internet telephony standards do not prescribe
minimum Internet access speed for good quality of service, it is generally
perceived that broadband connection will be required to provide good
speech quality. ITU-T Recommendation G.114 (5) defines maximum oneway latency as 150 ms for good speech quality.
4.33 The issue of consideration is whether there is a need to define QoS
parameters for Internet telephony or it should be left to service
providers. Both the models are prevailing world over. In some countries
all Internet service providers have to match QoS parameters as defined
for PSTN/ PLMN whereas in some other countries no specific QoS have
been defined. Service providers are required to appraise the subscribers
34
35
CHAPTER- V
Issues for Consultation
Q1:
Q2:
Q3:
Q4:
Q5:
Q6:
Q7:
36
Q8:
Q9:
Q10:
Q11:
Whether
Number
portability
should
be allowed
for
Internet
the
subscriber
is
making
Internet
Telephony
call
to
Q14:
Q15:
37