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. |  |
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
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
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. |