VOIP: ANY LIGHT AT THE END OF THE TUNNEL?

Transcription

1 VOIP: ANY LIGHT AT THE END OF THE TUNNEL? Mwende Njiraini Assistant Engineer Licensing Compliance & Standards 10 th September 2005 Strathmore University 6 th ICT Conference 1

2 What is VoIP? VoIP =Technology used to transmit voice over data network using Internet Protocol What the difference with existing technology? Traditional circuit = Dumb terminals Intelligent core IP Networks = Intelligent terminals, Dumb Core 10 th September 2005 Strathmore University 6 th ICT Conference 2

3 VoIP Provision Scenarios 10 th September 2005 Strathmore University 6 th ICT Conference 3

4 Free Services Do-It-Yourself (DIY)VoIP: PC with Internet connection, Mic and Speakers Uses VOIP supporting software (e.g. SKYPE, Yahoo messenger) No additional cost to subscriber other than Internet connectivity and local call charges. 10 th September 2005 Strathmore University 6 th ICT Conference 4

5 Free Services Examples Skype Google Talk MSN Messenger Yahoo Messenger Etc 10 th September 2005 Strathmore University 6 th ICT Conference 5

6 IP phone/pc to PC 10 th September 2005 Strathmore University 6 th ICT Conference 6

7 International Calls International outgoing calls Utilizes VoIP gateway converts voice to IP and vice versa ISP does not manage subscribers Buy a calling card Dial a toll free number Enter the PIN Enter the International E.164 number Cheaper than calling Kisumu!! 10 th September 2005 Strathmore University 6 th ICT Conference 7

8 PC/IP Phone-to-Phone 10 th September 2005 Strathmore University 6 th ICT Conference 8

9 Carrier Networks Calls carried through managed networks dimensioned to carry voice with an acceptable Quality of Service Service provide to Call centers: Over 3,000 telephone operators All located in Nairobi Callers in Europe/USA Different time zones 10 th September 2005 Strathmore University 6 th ICT Conference 9

10 Phone-to-phone over IP 10 th September 2005 Strathmore University 6 th ICT Conference 10

11 Corporate Solutions Utilize private IP or Internet network Users have soft phones on PCs/ IP Phones connected to IP PBX Provides flexibility and improves productivity : Staff could be at home or in Hawaii! 10 th September 2005 Strathmore University 6 th ICT Conference 11

12 PC-to-Phone or Phone-to-PC 10 th September 2005 Strathmore University 6 th ICT Conference 12

13 VoIP in Kenya Popular means for making international calls Technology specific market structure 2002 Restricted use of VoIP in ISPs and Internet backbone Licenses Technology neutral licensing proposed in the post exclusivity licensing framework th September 2005 Strathmore University 6 th ICT Conference 13

14 VoIP in Kenya 7th January 2005 to 28th February 2005: Public consultation on VoIP guidelines Review of submissions and study international best practices of VoIP service provision 12 th August 2005: Guidelines for provision of VoIP 11 th October 2005: Legal provision of VoIP subject to provisions of the guidelines 10 th September 2005 Strathmore University 6 th ICT Conference 14

15 VoIP Guidelines: Highlights Definition of VoIP: The transmission of voice as IP packets over traditional switched networks or over IP based networks Modes of VoIP and regulatory provision PC/IP-Phone to PC/ IP-Phone Individual use: No licence required Cybercafés: Registered Cybers and licensed ISPs 10 th September 2005 Strathmore University 6 th ICT Conference 15

16 VoIP Guidelines: Highlights (cont d) Modes of VoIP and regulatory provision (cont d) Intra-corporate/ Internal use: Licensed or authorized networks, type approved equipment VoIP for Carrier/Operator use: Licensed operators, subjected to QoS standards VoIP to public networks: Licensed operators, subject to interconnection agreements 10 th September 2005 Strathmore University 6 th ICT Conference 16

17 Advantages Efficient use of infrastructure: Circuit Switched vs Packet Switched Competition provides consumer choice Reduced cost of service/business Array of value added services Efficient human resource management Creation of business opportunities 10 th September 2005 Strathmore University 6 th ICT Conference 17

18 Challenges Internet is best effort service: No guarantee for QoS Open network: Lacks specific Standards Geographic neutrality: Provision of emergency services Non-transparent tariff information Numbering Universal Access 10 th September 2005 Strathmore University 6 th ICT Conference 18

19 Conclusion To gain full benefits of VoIP there is a need to: Improve infrastructure: telephone and electricity Create user awareness/mass of knowledge workers: training and education Enhance innovation/technology neutrality 10 th September 2005 Strathmore University 6 th ICT Conference 19

20 Thank you! 10 th September 2005 Strathmore University 6 th ICT Conference 20