Segregate Service Provision from Network Operation and use Universal Numbering Plan to usher in for Multi-media Telecom services. http://wp.me/p1ZsI2-t

Need for Universal numbering. AS telecom industry getting opened out with more and more Virtual Mobile Service providers in the fray, the call routing philosophy also needs change. This is envisaged in the proposed new numbering plan. The call routing will be based on discrete Service Provider identity instead of network identity or destination code. Provider identity instead of network identity or destination code.

Segregation of Service Provision and Network operation. The service providers can have their own Home Location Register (HLR) or a business tie up with a centralized HLR provider. The HLR can sit anywhere in the country. Instead of the current used geographic destination code, the discrete 'Service provider number' is to be used translating it as the HLR number for the purpose of signaling between HLR and VLR. The call originated from various MSC/ VLR / GATEWAY which communicate with the

HLR will get the identity of the address of the MSC / VLR for routing the call directly to the terminating switch where the customer is roaming at that time by optimal routing.

Feasibility of proposed new Numbering plan. In this model, Customer will belong to the Service Provider, not to a particular Network Operator in whose network, the subscriber is roaming at that point of time and have freedom to choose and use any subscriber is roaming at that point of time and have freedom to choose and use any network and any carrier for inter-network for availing service. Optimal Routing is envisaged to optimize direct routing of calls to the destination network.

Proposed below is the Service Provider based International Multi-media communication 'Numbering Plan'. Format of the proposed International Multi -media 'Called Number' which is also the 'Customer Number' (Cn) will be: - Cn = + Cc Sp Ts Sn (15 digits and according E164/E165). Scope of Universal Numbering plan: a) 1 to 10 billion 'NUMBERS' per Service Provider. b) The Area Code is replaced by Service Provider identity. Numbering can accommodate 1000 Service Providers. c) Exclusive Customer number over the entire numbering and exclusive Subscriber number under each Type of service. d) Service Provider identity becomes a discrete digit stream to identify and rout the signaling and call content to appropriate network, switching system and terminal device. signaling and call content to appropriate network, switching system and terminal device. e) The Subscriber number (Sn) will be same for various services; Voice, Fax, Data, Video and Multimedia services. f) A discrete digit (Ts) in the numbering plan identifies and routes the call to required type of transport media, network, switching system and terminal device.

Components of proposed numbering plan. -National Access code: (translated to local needs of the country of origin.)

Cc = Country Code (91 for India) Sp = Service Provider identity (000 to 999) Ts = Type of Service (1 to 9) (1=Voice, 2=FAX, 3=Data, 4=Video, 5-9 reserved) Sn = Subscriber Number (PQ MCDU. 9/10 digits) (0000000001 to 9999999999)

For National access (Voice call) Called number Cn = Sp Ts Sn = 210 1 876543210 International number: (Voice Call) Cn= + Cc Sp Ts Sn = + 91 210 1 876543210 International number: (Voice Call) Cn= + Cc Sp Ts Sn = + 91 210 1 876543210 For the time being a 9 digit Subscriber number (Sn) would be enough for the telecom Numbering in India to keep the total digits within 15 digits.

Carrier Selection. A distinct code (Pc) proposed for Preferred Carrier Selection. This code will not be part of the numbering scheme. Pc is keyed in during the call set up when asked for it by the switching system during the progress of call, using interactive intelligent networking.

In due course, a distinctive International Service provider code can be derived combining the Country code Cc with Service provider code into one Sp code. Example: Cn = Sp Ts Sn, where Sp can be a 5 to 6 digits International service provider code. With that Sn can be expanded to 10 digits.

For India the range of the Called Number = Customer Number For India the range of the Called Number = Customer Number 91000 0 0000000000 to 91999 9 9999999999.

This Universal Numbering plan will provide 1000 sets of 10 Billion numbers for each service type.

With the proposed Service provider based Universal Numbering plan and call routing based on it, Customer can avail services roaming in network, regional, national or international of any Network provider retaining his Service Provider based number as far the user remains the customer of the service provider. However, change in numbering will become necessary only if the customer choose to change his Service Provider.

Number portability is an obsolete concept of old fixed number network scenario and has no relevance in Mobile phone network the user can avail service of any network operator using regional, national and international roaming feature.

Author: Abraham Paul .P e-mail papaul@hotmail.com Tweet @PA_Paul