12 Value Added Services - Cell Phones, Mobile Phones ...



Value Added Services

1 Reserved

2 Reserved

3 Reserved

4 Video Teleconferencing Service

1 VTS Service Information

1 Overall Network Architecture (L.38.1.1(a))

The infrastructure that currently supports the Sprint Video Service Bureau (VSB) is designed to optimize efficiencies and provide full multipoint bridging redundancy. The Sprint VSB is a Digital Cross-Connect Switch (DCS)-based overlay network that is connected to the Sprint’s robust and all-digital fiber optic wide area backbone network. Building on this architecture, Sprint provides a wide range of value-added services to enhance the Government’s videoconferencing experience. The Sprint VSB network is provided over a feature-rich and flexible videoconference bridging infrastructure.

XXXXXX The Government codecs and channel Service units (CSUs) at user participating locations will be connected to the Sprint video network via the Local Exchange Carriers’ (LECs) networks and will be cross-connected at the local Sprint serving POPs to the Sprint VSB in Atlanta, Georgia through the dedicated video DCSs. In Atlanta, the co-located Monitor Control Unit (MCU) will make the appropriate reservations, plus control, and monitor the established point-to-point and multipoint video bridges.

In addition, the proposed Sprint VSB solution is built upon a reliable transport infrastructure of Sprint Circuit Switched Data Services (CSDS) and Dedicated Transmission Services (DTS). These products provide customers with end-to-end, digital, dedicated, and

circuit-switched communications. CSDS and DTS utilize the full strength of Sprint’s technical and support organizations to ensure consistent, high-quality network performance.

2 Rationale for Network Architecture Design (L.38.1.1(b))

Sprint chose both the technology and the architecture design of a fiber-optic network because it provides the following significant advantages over other technologies:

Quality-Since voice, data, and video are transmitted using fiber-optic technology; the problems of older copper, and even modern microwave, transmission simply do not apply. Due to our digital transmission facilities, noise, hiss, electrical interference, weather impact, and fading are virtually eliminated on the Sprint long-distance network.

Sprint’s deployment of SONET technology enhances the already superior capabilities of our fiber-optic network by enabling the remote control of operations, administration, maintenance, and provisioning for multiple SONET elements. We can re-establish and maintain a high quality of service immediately and automatically, often without human intervention after a breakdown or degradation in service.

As demand for network capacity grows, the traffic-carrying capacity of the existing single-mode fiber is easily expanded by augmenting or replacing existing transmission equipment with the latest high-speed equipment.

Once standards are complete and equipment is available, Sprint will begin adding SONET equipment with the capacity of OC-192. This equipment uses state of the art Wave Division Multiplexing providing four times the capacity of OC-48 with the same four fibers.

Survivability-Network survivability is the ability of a network to cope with facility outages and/or demand overloads.X

X

The SONET transport equipment Sprint is deploying has logic at the site to reverse the flow of traffic and restore service in milliseconds, without having to send data to a central processor for analysis and decisions. On the SONET rings, transmission is restored in a matter of milliseconds in the event of a fiber cut or optical system failure.

Reliability-Sprint achieves reliability through a corporate commitment to maintain or surpass our system objectives. Beginning with network design, reliability and efficiency are built into the system. Network reliability is improved through the addition of technologies such as SONET BLSR rings and Signaling System 7. The effectiveness of this highly reliable and survivable network is attributed to redundant transmission and switching hardware configurations, fiber-optic loop topology, and sophisticated network management and control centers.

Traffic on Sprint’s survivable SONET rings has an automatic, alternate route from point A to point B inherent in the ring design. In the event of a fiber cut between A and B, traffic is rerouted instantly and automatically in the opposite direction on the protected channel to point B.

Security-Fiber-optic facilities are the most secure transmission media available today. The very nature of the fiber makes it extremely difficult to tap. The fiber-optic medium meets the National Security Emergency Preparedness standards and is currently in use by the National Communications System (NCS) to provide Government Emergency Telecommunications Service (GETS) for National Command Authority. Because the

network is fully digital, Sprint is able to support more sophisticated encryption methods than if the network were analog or a combination of analog and digital.

3 Congestion and Flow Control (L.38.1.1(c))

Sprint has engineered its network to eliminate any capacity constraints and has the ability to route any and all video requirements on the backbone network. The underlying infrastucture is designed to optimize congestion and flow control by providing full multipoint bridging redundancy.

XXThe SONET transport equipment, which Sprint is deploying, has logic at the site to reverse the flow of traffic and restore service in 50 to 250 milliseconds, without having to send data to a central processor for analysis and decisions.

XXSprint’s network operated without disruption during disasters such as hurricanes Hugo, Andrew, and Iniki; the San Francisco earthquake; the Los Angeles earthquake; and the heavy California rains of January 1995.

The network withstood serious damage in the Los Angeles quake. Generator power was required at about a dozen regenerators and POPs along the network, but service to customers was not affected. These stresses on Sprint’s network validate the overall design of Sprint’s network and underscore the inherent reliability and survivability.

4 Sprint Equipment at Government Locations (L.38.1.1(d))

Sprint will provide and locate a codec at Government locations, dependent upon the User Network Interfaces (UNIs) delivered.

X

X

Additional equipment needed to provide the required service at the Service Delivery Points (SDPs) are detailed in the individual service descriptions for transport services.

5 Traffic Calculation (L.38.1.1(e))

The Government has defined VTS as a service that is independent of access and transport. The Government has not provided any traffic volume in Table J.8-1 of the RFP. Therefore, the assessment of increased traffic loads can not be applied.

6 Impact of Feature Usage on Service Performance (L.38.1.1(f))

The Government has not provided any traffic volume for VTS in Table J.8-1 of the RFP. Therefore, the assessment of increased feature utilization can not be applied.

7 Network Control and Diagnostics (L.38.1.1(g))

Sprint constantly monitors our service to ensure our customers are receiving the quality service they expect. For functional reporting, Sprint tracks a variety of key service quality standards. XXXXXXXXThe Sprint Program Management Office (PMO) has access to monthly video utilization charts for inclusion in the program reviews. The information is provided by video operations staff.

1 XCustomer Support Operations Center

Sprint’s Customer Support Operations Center (CSOC) is available 24 hours a day, 365 days a year to provide our customers with a single point-of-contact for technical support.

Although controlling videoconferencing equipment has become easier, there are still occasions when users require assistance. The CSOC can help in transmitting graphics or configuring a VCR to record or play, help users understand video technology so they can have a productive meeting, and explain how a multipoint conference switches or what the best colors are to wear for a videoconference.

2 XX

XXCircuit Switched Digital Service Center

Sprint’s Circuit Switched Digital Service Center (CSDSC is dedicated to circuit-switched data customer support. The CSDSC is located in Atlanta, GA, and operates 24 hours a day, 7 days a week. With a select and highly trained staff focused strictly on Switch Digital Services, the CSDSC isolates and resolves troubles quickly. Sprint’s CSDSC is a recognized industry leader for ISDN and switched digital services circuit installation and maintenance.

Service issues are reported to the SMC, who forwards the trouble ticket to the CSDSC. The CSDSC is responsible for resolving all trouble tickets. Once the trouble has been resolved, a Sprint representative will contact the agency user for trouble resolution confirmation.

XX

X

XXX

XXISDN Solutions Center

The ISDN Solutions Center (ISC) is a feature rich department within the Sprint Switched Digital Service Center that performs all phases of implementation for ISDN Basic Rate Interface (BRI). The ISC provides the technical expertise required for BRI order administration, provisioning, and testing and acceptance. The ISC also provides the added value of project management for Sprint-owned application specific customer premises equipment, such as NT1, routers, inversed multiplexers, and other application specific devices. The ISC is regarded by corporate, small business and individual users as the superior solution and a comprehensive answer for all BRI and associated applications implementation.

8 Network Transmission and Synchronization Plans (L.38.1.1(h))

Network synchronization, the communication timing within and between networks, plays a critical role as high-speed communication networks span the globe. Sprint is particularly well suited to handle the Government’s demand for worldwide data transmission because of our 100 percent digital, fiber-optic network in the U.S.—the ideal transmission medium for high-speed data transmission.

Digital network synchronization, as implemented on the Sprint network, assures that the network can transport data end-to-end and interconnect with other networks with no or minimal degradation. The benefits of Sprint synchronization include transmission clarity, virtually error-free operation, and survivability using Digital Cross-connect System (DCS) devices.

Sprint uses either a LORAN (long range navigation) or a GPS (Global Positioning Satellite) Primary Reference Source at all of our nodes and switch sites to provide the Government with state of the art plesiochronous synchronization. Plesiochronous synchronization is a false synchronization that allows network independent synchronization at each location. X

As the first U.S. carrier to provide 100 percent fiber-optic transport with plesiochronous synchronization, Sprint provides Stratum 1 timing sources at different network nodes rather than one centralized source. The plesiochronous technique does not experience the timing degradation of long timing distribution links. This synchronization method is also uniquely suitable to a total fiber-optic network because of the automatic reconfiguration capability provided by diverse fiber links from a node to different Stratum 1 clocks, which are provided via Loran-C systems.

The Loran-C system, maintained by the U.S. Coast Guard, is a low-frequency terrestrial radio navigation system. It operates from 90 to 100 kHz, with a carrier frequency of 100 kHz. Because these low frequency radio waves follow the earth’s curvature, they are both stable and unaffected by the ionosphere. Loran-C transmissions are referenced to Cesium Beam frequency standards (Stratum 1) and are Universal Time Coordinated (UTC). The benefits of the Loran-C synchronization method are assured through multiple redundant Stratum 1 primary reference sources.

The GPS system uses atomic clocks mounted inside satellites for distributing UCT (Universal Coordinated Time) timing. These satellites then transmit timing beacons that cover broad areas of the earth. Originally developed for military use, GPS has recently been

made available for commercial applicationsXXSprint will also provide timing to Government Furnished Equipment (GFE) for digital User to Network Interfaces (UNIs) when the access is provided by Sprint. The Government should derive timing from these digital UNIs by setting the GFE to derive timing from the network. The GFE will synchronize the transmit path to the receive path, thus insuring integrity of synchronization across digital networks.

For analog UNIs, Sprint can not provide timing to GFE. Analog UNIs do not require digital timing. Examples of analog UNI applications are telephones served by a 4kHz UNI and analog modems of speeds to 33.6 kbps.For any type of Switched Circuit access originating or terminating through the PSTN, including PRI and BRI, the Government should derive timing on digital interfaces from their access provider. This is the best commercial practice, and is fully supported by Interexchange Carriers, Local Exchange Carriers, foreign Postal Telephone & Telegraph companies, and most Competitive Local Exchange Carriers.If the Government orders Class 1 dedicated access from a provider other than Sprint, the Government must derive timing from that access provider. LECs and CLECs do not synchronize their networks from Sprint. Generally, they provide their own synchronization within their network, similar to Sprint’s synchronization plan. The Government should assess the synchronization plan for these access providers to ensure they are properly synchronized and capable of supplying digital timing. In addition, the Government will be responsible for resolving timing errors at Sprint’s POPs where Class 1 access terminates. The Government

should understand Sprint is not responsible for timing problems on end-to-end service where the access facilities are not ordered through Sprint.Sprint, through its account teams, can assist the Government in devising a synchronization plan for Agency networks. In complex networks, a logical plan to ensure digital integrity takes planning and dialog between Sprint and the Government.

9 Approach for Incorporating Services (L.38.1.1(i))

Increased demand for communications services is converging from three sources: radio/TV, data, and telephony. To meet the associated demand on network resources of these emerging services, Sprint’s forward-thinking engineers are working with their customers to meet their current and projected needs for transmission facilities.XSprint envisions the network evolving to a total ATM and SONET architecture, making bandwidth on demand available and affordable for the Government, rather than having to compete for bandwidth and pay a premium for it. X

XXSprint’s ATM switch is a terminal or staging area, where information of multiple protocols arrives asynchronously. ATM is unique in that it is not associated with a single medium or transmission speed. It converts all traffic, voice, video, or data, into standardized cells, which can now ride over SONET, Sprint's Synchronous Optical Network. When multiple sources contend for the network, priority is determined by Quality-of-Service (QoS) parameters selected by each customer.

SONET enables the Sprint network to transport large amounts of bandwidth at unprecedented speeds, while providing a flexible platform for expanding services.

X

XXXXXXXXXXXX

XXXXXXXSprint will ensure all emerging services will interoperate seamlessly with FTS2001 services, as well as other emerging services when incorporated into this contract, as appropriate. Sprint will partner with the Government to test interoperability of emerging services and features. This testing will incorporate all aspects of the service, from service ordering to billing.

10 Approach for Adapting to Meet Government Service Requirements (L.38.1.1(j))

Sprint serves an extremely diverse client base. Customers range from large Federal agencies with complex telecommunications requirements to plain old telephone service (POTS) to individual citizens. The common denominators among these customers are that each has unique requirements and demands the latest technology. Therefore, customers’ requirements frequently drive the direction of our telecommunications resource development. X

The interaction with our customers inherently required in the development and execution of complex transport services offers Sprint a valuable, unique opportunity to understand and anticipate Government customers’ telecommunications needs. Members of the Program Life Cycle Teams (LCT), led by the Program and Account managers, are the key participants in this ongoing interaction.

To maintain our sharp customer focus, Sprint personnel pursue effective opportunities to interact with, provide resources to, listen to and understand our customers. We participate in industry trade shows, consortium special interest groups, associations, discussion panels and seminars, encouraging customers to share needs and ideas, asking questions, presenting our solutions, and building relationships. Additionally, Sprint frequently polls its customer base to determine its overall customer satisfaction.

Maintaining attentive relationships with our customers enables Sprint to pro-actively and efficiently adapt our network and services to meet the Government’s evolving service requirements. Thorough understanding of the scope and range of the Government’s evolving requirements allows the maximum leverage of economies of scale and optimization and customization of resources.X

XAdditionally, Account Teams participate in and influence corporate-wide initiatives to ensure that Sprint can provide specific solutions for the Government’s future requirements. Sprint’s National Integrated Services organization is assessing future Government requirements for bundled local and long distance service in an effort to ensure that Sprint is maintaining our position of leadership in the expanding telecommunications industry.

New products and services are introduced to customer and potential Government customers via pilot programs and field trials, the results of which are linked back to business and market development groups, shaping Sprint’s strategic direction. Sprint emphasizes Government customer participation in leading edge focus groups both internal and external to the organization. Additionally, Sprint account and Life Cycle teams engage in program reviews with the Government, encouraging their input and sharing of ideas. All of these techniques are used by Sprint to listen and learn from the Government, and to develop Government-specific applications.

The importance and value of key products and service features to our Government customers is specifically documented in their Requests for Proposal (RFPs). Life Cycle Teams (LCTs) monitor, compare and evaluate RFPs to identify specific demand trends.

Sprint continually assesses the Government’s evolving service requirements and develops plans to integrate these needs with our strategic product and business goals. Sprint’s pro-active approach to adapting our network is evidenced by our role in driving Sprint’s ATM, Internet, Frame Relay, and Managed Network Services, all of which were direct results of evolving Government requirements.

11 Domestic and International Service Coverage (L.38.1.1(k))

1 Domestic Coverage

Sprint’s coverage of the mandatory services far exceeds the requirements. Sprint delivers a variety of services over its all-fiber backbone network, including:

• DCS-based services

• Circuit Switched-based services

• Cell/Packet-based services

Sprint has POPs in all 196 LATAs. These POPs are connected by Sprint’s route miles of fiber-optic network. Sprint is adding additional mileage, additional POPs, and route diversity. Sprint plans to add additional POPs as traffic volume dictates.

2 International Coverage

Sprint has been formulating alliances, partnerships, and joint ventures on a global basis since the early 1980s to better serve the needs of our growing base of multinational customers. To this end, one of the most important partnerships in the telecommunications industry was launched on February 1, 1996. Sprint, France Telecom, and Deutsche Telekom developed a global partnership that offers superior and cost effective global telecommunications services to business, consumer, and carrier markets worldwide. This partnership became Global One.

Key advantages to conducting international business with Sprint include:

• One Point-of-Contact - Locally based global account managers handle every aspect of the Government’s international communications requirements, from designing the service portfolio to answering billing questions.

• One Point-of-Support - 24 hours-a-day, seven days-a-week, dedicated service agents are ready to respond to any question or problem.

• One Global Network - State-of-the-art technology means optimum network performance and availability.

The information systems infrastructure of Global One is capable of supporting multi-currency and multilingual billing, consolidated billing and reporting, and global service management—as befits a truly global company.

Twenty-three technical and customer service operating centers and the processes of Regional Operating Groups and National Service Organizations are consistently managed to ensure cost-effective internetworking service in accordance with centrally set Global One standards. All network and IT operations are conducted by the Regional Operating Groups. When National Operators act as network extensions for Global One, the maximum degree of network oversight and integration is sought, to maintain the interworking of services provided to our customers.

From the very beginning, Sprint through Global One has been able to offer corporate network services in more than 65 countries using over 1,200 points of presence. Within five years, this presence will be extended to more than data nodes in countries.

X

XTaken separately, Sprint, France Telecom, and Deutsche Telekom already had significant international and offshore operations aimed at serving the global requirements of medium, large, and multinational corporations—as well as Governments. These activities require global product management, offshore implementation of end-to-end network platforms and trouble resolution, and out-of-home-country sales and sales support. Global One is the only global alliance that operates as a single company providing these global platforms under one roof.

Through this partnership with two of the world’s largest telecommunications companies, Sprint has become a leader in providing global telecommunications. Sprint’s global presence can effectively address the Government’s present and future international telecommunications needs.

Deutsche Telekom

Deutsche Telekom, with 1996 revenues of more than $(US) 40.6 billion, is Europe’s largest telecommunications operator with 40 million phone lines in service and the world’s second largest generator of international telecommunications service revenue. As the national operator of all switched voice, telex, and public telephone services, Deutsche Telekom acts as the local and long-distance telecommunications provider for the unified German Republic.

Deutsche Telekom offers a complete range of services and products, both nationally and internationally, and is at the leading edge of some of the most important telecommunications developments: ISDN, ATM, and Fiber-to-the-home. Deutsche Telekom has 3 million ISDN lines in service and 16 million cable TV subscribers. Approximately 2.4 million homes are

currently passed by fiber-optic cable with plans for expansion during 1997 to 5.4 million homes.

France Telecom

France Telecom, with 1995 revenues of more than $(US) 29.6 billion, is Europe’s second largest carrier and the world’s fourth largest telecommunications provider with 32 million telephone lines in service. As the national operator of all switched voice, telex, and public telephone services in France, France Telecom acts as both the local and long-distance telecommunications provider.

In addition to local and long-distance switched voice, France Telecom provides businesses and consumers with the full range of voice, data, video, wireless, and cable television services. France Telecom has been active in the foreign telecommunications markets for decades and has acquired substantial global experience offering basic telephone and value-added services. The company is a significant force in the development of telecommunications networks in several countries.

Sprint VTS is available internationally through both CSDS and DTS capabilities as well as through network gateway connections. X

X

12 International Carriers and Service Provider Performance Standards (L.38.1.1(l))

Sprint has expanded the reach of our domestic 100 percent fiber-optic network with a comprehensive array of international facilities designed to offer the Government the highest quality when calling overseas. With a state-of-the-art domestic network, the world’s largest global data network, the world’s largest video conferencing service, and a growing number of strategic arrangements with overseas carriers, Sprint is well positioned to meet all of the Government’s international voice, data, and video requirements.

Through its partnership with France Telecom and Deutsche Telekom in the Global One alliance, Sprint is working to expand its global availability for Dedicated Transmission Service for both Domestic to Non-Domestic connectivity as well as Non-Domestic to Non-Domestic connectivity requirements. Today, the Global One alliance has 1200 Points of Presence (PoPs) in 65 countries. Over the next five years, Global One is expected to have a presence in over XXXcountries with XXXnodes.

Through both Sprint’s influence and the Global One alliance, Sprint has set objectives for performance standards in association with our international carriers.

13 Optimizing the Government's Switched Data Cost Effectiveness (L.38.1.1(m))

X

X.

X

X

X

X

X

2 Overall Service Description

Sprint understands the Government’s VTS requirements and objectives. The proposed solution reflects Sprint’s strong commitment to provide the Government with a videoconferencing network that meets the following criteria:

• Feature-rich, flexible videoconference bridging infrastructure. The proposed solution allows the Government to respond quickly to changes in the business environment by providing one of the most comprehensive videoconferencing product portfolios in the industry.

• Guaranteed high levels of service and support. Sprint is dedicated to providing proactive, high quality service and support. Sprint will work with the Government to ensure an optimized network and continuous support.

Sprint leads the industry with our network technology for videoconferencing. Sprint was the first carrier to offer carrier-independent conferencing services, allowing connections between sites that may not be able to dial one another directly. Sprint VTS is the solution that enables other carriers and service bureaus to eliminate the technology boundaries and connectivity issues that limit communications. Sprint Video Service Bureau will provide value-added services supporting point-to-point and multipoint video bridging between FTS2001 on-net and off-net locations via CSDS and DTS.

Sprint’s Video Bureau Service allows the Government to access a full spectrum of conference features for group and personal conferencing without investing in additional equipment or adding staff. Sprint is capable of handling same-day, real-time conference requests, as well as scheduling future reservations up to twelve months in advance.

Standard features of Sprint’s Video Service Bureau include:

• Multipoint Conferencing

– 60 plus multi-sites

– Continuous presence bridging

– T120 data collaboration

• Algorithm and Speed Conversions

• Network Gateway Connections

• Multiple Standards Support

• XAudio Add-on

• Conference Recording

• Outdial

• Call Launch

• Co-located Access

• Private Bridge

• Coding and video format conversions

• Rate adaptation

3 Video Teleconferencing Service (C.2.7.4)

1 Basic Service Description (C.2.7.4.1)

The contractor shall provide a VTS whereby participants at different physical locations may conduct activities such as interactive dialogues by simulating face-to-face meetings and discussions. VTS shall provide point-to-point and multipoint arrangements for video teleconferencing. In addition, VTS shall support ancillary data transmission for sharing of software applications and various types of data files (e.g., graphic, spreadsheet, and word processing files) among VTS participants, and VTS shall support other value added applications of video services.

a) For FTS2001 on-net locations served by the contractor, VTS shall utilize CSDS or DTS available under this contract for the underlying transmission. When the VTS is ordered for a location that is not already served by DTS or CSDS service, the appropriate service, as requested by the DAR, shall be provided by the contractor.

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