Telkom is poised to introduce into South Africa a host of cutting edge services as its Intelligent Network (IN) is expanded, Reuben September, the company`s Managing Executive: Technology and Network Services told delegates at the IN2000 conference in Cape Town today.
This intelligent network would empower customers to make use of any fixed line around the world with the call charges reflected on the specific user`s account, and not on the phoneowner`s bill.
Other new developments envisaged for the short term are international virtual private networking capabilities, the enhancement of Prepaidfone functions and voucher-like cards with which account payments can be made.
"Telkom started its migration to an Intelligent Network in 1996 and is presently an important player in this field, September said.
"The upgrading of our Intelligent Network, allows us to substantially add to the kind of services that makes our customers` lives and business more convenient and efficient," he said.
Telkom has already many services operating on its IN platforms. These include:
Virtual Private Network,
Universal Access Number,
Virtual Card Calling,
Universal Personal Telecommunications,
A party pays (Maxi-call),
B party pays (Freephone),
Share cost (Share call) and
Homefree
Prepaidfone
The Intelligent Network, in conjunction with Internet solutions, will help customers navigate between emerging multimedia applications and will allow service and content providers to access the communications market.
"Network operators and service providers will add value and intelligence to the information infrastructure through open interfaces between domains such as network operators, service providers, content providers and service brokers.
"Furthermore the Intelligent Network concept enhances both fixed and mobile networks, allowing local, regional and universal mobility, while adding service flexibility and service independence, `` September said.
He said the next step in the evolution of the South African network would see a fundamental shift in architecture and its transition into what is commonly referred to as the Next Generation Network (NGN).
"The Intelligent Network platform is an important stepping stone to a fully-fledged New Generation Network", September said.
"Unlike current networks which are service specific the NGN will be multi-service, multifunctional and multimedia capable. It will be able to carry voice, data, and video applications on demand with a quality of service per call. Interactive service will be provided to the customer seamlessly, anywhere, anytime on a single network and "Carrier" quality voice over data will be offered," said September.
"Telkom`s deployment plans to migrate to the NGN are at an advanced stage with migration starting in early 2001 in step with overseas operators and in line with Telkom`s aggressive modernisation vision.``
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