3. Next Generation Networks A Next Generation Network (“NGN”) is a packet-based network able to provide telecommunication services and able to make use of multiple broadband, QoS-enabled transport technologies and in which service-related functions are independent from underlying transport-related technologies. It enables unfettered access for users to networks and to competing service providers and/or services of their choice. It supports generalized mobility which will allow consistent and ubiquitous provision of services to users23. NGNs are made up of two levels: • • the backbone new generation networks (Core Networks) Next Generation Access Networks (NGAs), which provide access for users to the provided electronic communications services. The access networks include backhaul networks (Backhaul) that connect to the backbone network. An overview of the logical structure of NGNs is provided in Annex No 1. In the Czech Republic there are enterprises operating in electronic communications that have optical backbone networks. For illustration purposes Annex No 6 provides samples of some of these networks taken from public sources. These maps should only be seen as examples without any ambition to describe the complexity of the individual networks or their usability for connecting NGAs. The National Plan nevertheless anticipates that the existing backbone networks are usable for connecting NGAs. Even if we can expect that some backbone networks will need to be modernised or their capacity increased, State aid is not being considered for these investments as the return on investment in backbone networks is much faster than for access networks, and in addition here we are addressing primarily investments into active technologies (these are not supported for NGAs either). Backbone networks are not supported from the ESIF either. 3.1 General characteristics of NGAs Next Generation Access Networks (NGAs) are advanced networks with at least the following characteristics: a) b) c) 23 24 The reliable provision of services while concurrently ensuring very high speed to the subscriber with the help of a connection network of optical fibre (or equivalent technology) terminating sufficiently close to the user to ensure genuine high-speed connectivity; the requirement to use optical elements is based on the relevant EU regulations (e.g. EU Guidelines, paragraph 57), Support for the most varied advanced digital services, including a wide range of converged services consisting entirely of IP technologies, A significantly higher speed in the direction from the user to the Internet compared to basic broadband networks24. Formal definition of NGN issued by the International Telecommunication Union, ITU-T Recommendation Y.2001 (12/2004) - General Overview of NGN. In accordance with the EU Guidelines, basic broadband networks are understood to be networks based on technological platforms such as asymmetric digital subscriber lines for electronic communications (up to ADSL2+), traditional cable networks (e.g. DOCSIS 2.0), third-generation mobile networks (UMTS) and satellite systems. 12