Current Work
For more information contact the secretary on secretary@niccstandards.org.uk
SIP Overload Control
The SOC TG is developing a specification that provides overload control requirements for UK CPs across all external SIP interfaces.
ND1653 (SIP Overload Control), published in 2019, has not been pursued by CPs or vendors due to costs, and complexities regarding testing and interoperability. Our new specification, ND1657, is based on operational experience and learning, and uses the configuration of existing load control measures to mitigate SIP overload.
Contact the secretary@niccstandards.org.uk to get involved!
All IP Task Group
The NICC All-IP Task Group is responsible for identifying solutions to issues found during the telecommunications migration to All-IP voice services (for PSTN voice services) creating standards to minimise disruption caused by the change of the underlying technology.
Focusing initially on three industry sectors (Telecare, Alarm & Security and Payment Card services) that provide telecare alarm pendants, fire and security alarms, bank card readers (i.e. payment machines) at retail outlets etc. the Group developed ND1132 – Guidance for the transport of data in an All-IP Telephony world.
Inherently, IP networks introduce delays. In some circumstances these delays can cause service disruption or failure.
A recently published Guidance Document (ND1431 – Guidance on CPE Compatibility for All-IP Telephony Networks) provides guidance to CPE Manufacturers, Service Providers, Network Designers and Network Operators.
A useful document, ND1445 – All-IP Telephony Industry Guidance and Lessons Learnt, which provides CPs with key scenarios to test when implementing voice over IP networks; and is a repository for industry lessons learnt with particular attention to the migration from traditional Circuit Switched based voice services to Voice provided over an IP bearer.
The Group is also developing new architecture standards to support telephony over IP networks.
Contact the secretary@niccstandards.org.uk to get involved!
SIP Task Group
This Task Group is responsible for developing NICC standards for any matter concerning the use and interworking of signalling protocols over the UK telecommunication networks.
The scope of the Task Group covers the user to network interface and the network-to-network interface.
The Task Group is developing a SIP Implementers’ guide (addressing implementation issues experienced in SIP networks) and updating existing specifications to align with the latest overload control document.
Contact the secretary@niccstandards.org.uk to get involved!
Emergency Location Task Group
The EmLoc Task Group is reviewing and updating TSG023, which is the NICC Reference Document that provides guidance to NICC members on the routeing of SIP based emergency traffic in the UK.
The NICC All-IP Task Group is also working on ND1654, which defines the architecture for telephony in an All-IP environment.
In addition, the NICC EmLoc TG is developing ND1656, based on the content of ND1654 and TSG023, that will provide specific guidance to CPs as well as Emergency Authorities concerning the support of emergency calling within an IP environment.
The TG is looking to enhance location information that is provided to both stage 1 and 2 PSAPs through the use of additional SIP signalling. As such, we are looking at standardising accurate location information that can be transported over SIP networks.
Following on from the above, the TG will move to investigate how the implementation of Next Generation eCall could be supported in the UK.
This work area will significantly impact on the way emergency calls are dealt with and managed in the UK by all Communications Providers.
Contact the secretary@niccstandards.org.uk to get involved!
Nuisance Call and CLI Task Group
This NICC Task Group is the UK Technical Forum to discuss the reduction of nuisance and scam calls in the UK and provides the technical standards for the implementation of the Ofcom CLI Guidelines, in ND1016.
The Task Group has also developed guidance in ND1447 to block some nuisance and scam calls from overseas and is working with Ofcom to refine this guidance. This Task Group is also looking at the various aspects of, and to develop the standards, associated with, the implementation of STIR in the UK, should STIR become a UK requirement.
Contact the secretary@niccstandards.org.uk to get involved!
Security Task Group
This Task Group is responsible for providing information that helps to ensure the security of the UK telecommunications network.
The Group has developed Security Guidelines in ND1443 to mitigate the risks to networks introduced by the migration to IP technology across communication networks; and also provided general security guidance for telecommunication networks in ND1446.
Currently, the Group is reviewing the requirements on and implications for networks resulting from the (Telecommunication) Security Act 2021, looking at guidelines for scoping networks covered by the act and advice on solutions for Privileged Access Workstations.
We will be working with other security bodies to make sure this information aligns with the regulator’s thoughts on these matters and then these will be documented in new NICC Documents.
Contact the secretary@niccstandards.org.uk to get involved!
Common Database - for numbering, portability and routeing
The CDB TG is developing a NICC Document that provides the basis for a NICC specification, CDB definition, and use-case guidance of a CDB to be used for the UK.
It is anticipated this NICC specification will form the information that will be included in an industry consultation resulting in an RFI delivered to CDB vendors.
The CDB is expected to hold the status of numbers and manage the following functions – number portability, call routeing and support any future implementation of STIR in the UK. It will also support all the associated administration and governance functions.
Contact the secretary@niccstandards.org.uk to get involved!
Task Groups in abeyance or closed
Access Technology
This TG is currently in abeyance having been unable to gain sufficient support for a number of topics initially identified.
IP Routeing Task Group
This TG is currently in abeyance having produced ND1524, a report proposing a method for a more efficient routeing of IP calls between UK Network operators.
Blockchain Task Group
The TG was run by Ofcom, looking at the Proof of Concept of using Distributed Ledger Technology for Number Portability in the UK. This TG is now closed and has concluded that Blockchain is unsuitable for use with NP.
DSL Task Group
The TG is currently in abeyance having updated the UK Access Network Frequency Plan.