Evolution of telecommunications access networks
The European Commission, DG XIII, has launched an open call to tender for a study to investigate the technical evolution of access to telecommunications networks. The study will examine the evolution of access to the network, taking into account: - The evolution in the use and usage profiles of networks and services in the development towards the Information Society; - The technical evolution of terminal equipment and different local access alternatives (e.g. access through utilities, wireless access, access through cable TV, etc.); - The convergence of wired and wireless, and of fixed and mobile techniques in the next generation networks. This examination will result in the identification of a limited set of possible evolution scenarios for the access to telecommunications networks. The study will then look at the regulatory consequences of, and requirements for, new interfaces and service features and make recommendations. EC regulatory and political requirements will be taken into account, as will the developing medium-term regulatory policies in selected other countries and regions, in particular the USA, Australia and Japan. Requests for tender documents, as well as completed tenders, should be sent to: European Commission DG XIII - Telecommunications, information market and exploitation of research Ms. Alison Birkett Directorate A 200 rue de la Loi (BU 31 3/58) B-1049 Brussels Tel. +32-2-2968342/2968209; Fax +32-2-2968393