Progress
[development thanks to experience]
We build reliable channels of communication, seek
new solutions, and thanks to utilisation
of state-of-the-art technologies and infrastructure,
allow our customers to use the best products
and services for their communications needs. |
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We possess a high quality and modern network
infrastructure
As in previous years, in 2002 Slovenské telekomunikácie,
a.s. continued with the ongoing modernisation, improvement,
and extension of its network infrastructure. At the same
time, we prepared our networks for full liberalisation of
the telecommunications market. Making use of the synergy within
the Deutsche Telekom Group was a significant asset.
Our switching network is ready for the conditions
of full liberalisation
When building up and modernising the switching network,
primary emphasis was placed on four core areas. The first
was an increase in the digitalisation rate and corresponding
modernisation of the network. The second area concerned meeting
market demand for voice service. The third and just as important
area was the creation of conditions for the smooth entry to the
fully liberalised market and the preparation of the network
for interconnection with alternative operators. The fourth
came in the shape of traditional co-operation with significant
international telecommunications companies and national mobile
operators.
We continued increasing the digitalisation rate, which reached
almost 81% at the end of 2002, representing an increase of 5%.
The number of newly installed telephone lines exceeded 27,000
and the number of ISDN basic rate accesses (BRA) increased
by further 16,464 accesses. Due to the great demand of customers,
the number of ISDN primary rate accesses (PRA) increased considerably
- by 87% compared to 2001.
We successfully created technical conditions in the network
enabling time-based billing after the first minute of a call,
calling party identification presentation and further provisioning
of new services.
Growth of digitalisation rate |
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We extended the access network and increased
its capacity considerably
In 2002 we continued building up so-called integrated access
systems capable of integrating voice, data, and broadband
access. At the end of 2002 their capacity amounted to 78,224
equivalent channels, which represented a capacity increase
of 52% compared to 2001. Customer demand for data services
grew considerably, showing a 160% increase in the case of WAN
accesses. The increase in the capacity of copper cables represented
89,252 kmp and the optical cables network was extended by
additional 297 km. Its total length thereby exceeded 7,900
km. The number of radio accesses was stabilised on the level
of 11,500 equivalent channels. In 2002 all technical means
enabling the provision of broadband access (ADSL) were also
successfully implemented into the network.
Strengthening and optimising data network platforms
The total number of nodes in all domains of ST-WAN/VAN network
(Wide area network/Value-added network) increased by additional
41 nodes compared to 2001 and so at the end of 2002 the network
comprised a total of 275 nodes. Concerning network ports,
their number increased by more than 18% during 2002. The WAN/VAN
network provided the leased lines service to the end customers
granting the rate of Nx64kbps up to 2,048kbps and the Frame
relay service offering the whole range of access rates of
up to 2,048kbps for AR (Access Rate) and of up to 1,024kbps
for CIR (Committed Information Rate).
In 2002 we continued with expansion of the ST-ATM network.
This network was used mainly for providing FRoATM services,
for interconnection of LAN networks, and for videoconference
services. Due to increased customer interest in the aforementioned
services in 2002, the total number of ports of the ST-ATM
network increased by 157%.
Investing in the IP network reflects the objective
to implement modern technologies
Compared to our other networks, the IP network underwent
the most significant qualitative changes. The most important
of these changes was the upgrade of individual network layers,
the upgrade of the backbone network up to the level of STM-16,
and the upgrade of the distribution level up to the level
of STM-1. The most important change representing a major improvement
in services provided to customers was the implementation of
the MPLS (Multiprotocol Label Switching) platform. Slovenské
telekomunikácie, a.s. could therefore provide comprehensive
customer solutions on the principle of virtual private
networks (VPN) and guarantee top quality of services (QoS).
At the end of 2002 we had a highly reliable, robust and nationwide
network, aspiring to the five nines mark (99.999%). Besides
traditional utilisation of the network for providing on-line
services, IP VPDN, and WEB housing, the network was also used
for technical realisation of important customer projects as
well as for the preparation of technical means to enable
broadband (ADSL) connection to the Internet.
Increased transport network capacity as the
universal provider of transmission capacities
The transport network witnessed a quadruple increase in
capacity compared to 1998; this being possible also thanks
to the implementation of DWDM technology (Dense Wavelength
Division Multiplexing). In 2002 we increased its accessibility
and reliability, perfected the levels of manageability
and ensured high quality operation.
Increase in transport network capacity |
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Improvement of process management and service
quality
One of the primary goals of 2002 was to prepare the infrastructure
and technologies for a competitive market environment, not
only by optimising the processes of service installation,
but also by permanent assurance of their top quality. Such
an approach results in a shorter service installation
time, more efficient operations, administration and maintenance,
better customer care and non-stop monitoring, and the guaranteeing
of the agreed qualitative parameters of the service (SLA).
Implementation of the first stage of the aforementioned activities
started in 2002. This stage concentrated on the implementation
of applications supporting the electronic flow of work orders
(Work Flow Management System) and the central database
system of network infrastructure registry (Inventory and Network
Resource Management System). Once the first stage is
completed, the process of service installation will become
even faster and better.
Proper management of the use of information
technologies
Proper management of the use of information technologies
contributes greatly to the leading position of Slovenské telekomunikácie,
a.s. Proper management not only provides us with the technical
prerequisites for high quality implementation of services
and products, but also helps us support internal company processes.
Modern technologies increase the quality of
customer care and billing
The successful implementation of Customer Care and Billing
Programme (CC&B) resulted in the introduction of new modern
products to the market, continued improvement of quality and
efficiency of services, and also centralisation of attending
activities. Time-based billing after the first minute of a
call and migration of customers of Slovenské telekomunikácie,
a.s. into the new information system for CC&B were carried
out as part of the customer care and billing programme.
Owing to the programme results in the course of 2002, all
the data of our customers were successfully migrated from
the original decentralised systems and workplaces into
a new integrated solution that allowed a consolidated and
overall view of the customer and the provision of efficient
and high quality services.
The architecture of the new solution consists of three main
components using off-the-shelf world-class IT applications:
integrated customer relationship management, convergent billing
and accounting component, and the component of enterprise
application integration (EAI). It is the utilisation of the
EAI in particular that brought Slovenské telekomunikácie,
a.s. among the leading companies using state-of-the-art technologies.
New mediation system for support of modern products
The mediation system facilitated a controllable process
for the collection of records of calls from the network and
the sending of verified and standardised information
about the use of the network by customers to the billing system.
It is used for the entire operation of the network, i.e. for
traditional voice services, ISDN, online services and interconnection
with other operators, as well as for specialised products.
Information technologies contribute to preparedness
for liberalisation
In 2002, as part of the Customer Care and Billing Programme,
implementation of a special project for the creation of a system
of billing for carrier interconnection services (ICBS) was
started. Its goal was to prepare company processes and systems
in order to adjust them to the conditions of the liberalised
market. This system allows billing between Slovenské telekomunikácie,
a.s. and other telecommunications services providers operating
on the liberalised market.
Our data centre offers non-stop availability
and higher security
We continued in the centralisation of information systems
and applications. Thanks to centralisation we have an overview
of all activities of the company and our efficiency increases
due to process standardisation. The data centres, which comply
with the highest global standards, operated 24 hours a day,
365 days a year. Such an operation is a guarantee of the reliability,
security, and scalability of performance required by our customers,
as well as by the internal environment of our company.
The Data Centre Project ensures the consolidation of all
IT systems of Slovenské telekomunikácie, a.s. into centralised
data centres and non-stop availability of applications to
customers (increases performance and availability), defines
and implements standards and processes for basic and
support functions of the data centres, puts into practice
plans and measures ensuring continuity of business. Emphasis
is put on prevention and higher security as well as on constituting
the basis for future requirements and growth. In 2002 the
first data centre was opened and launched into operation in
Košice, and we plan to open another one in Prešov.
We will continue improving our services
In 2003 we will continue implementing all projects that
were launched in 2002. Our work will comprise new initiatives
that will help us improve and make the services we provide
to our customers more efficient. The technical conditions
of our network and modern information technologies will continue
to play their part in preserving the strong position of Slovenské
telekomunikácie, a.s. on the telecommunications market.
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