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In this article we define a new technology acceptance research model which considers the comparison of two technology solutions that an individual can use. The model estimates the usage of the observed solution based on the cost of switching from the reference solution (typically a standard or older solution) to the observed solution, considering the fact that the cost of switching is caused by a difference of facilitating conditions, habit and the intention to use between the reference and observed solutions. For evaluation purposes, we observed the costs of switching from teletext use to the use of the electronic programme guide (EPG on the subset of n = 82 respondents and interpreted 77.2% of the variance, which demonstrates the high quality of the model. Evaluation results indicate that the primary obstacle to switching from teletext to EPG usage arises from the individuals’ perception whether they have more or less of the necessary resources to use the EPG in comparison to the resources they have at their disposition in case of teletext use, and the second ranked switching cost is caused by a difference in habit.

This article presents an overview of fundamental theories and models in the area of information technology acceptance research with descriptions of their most important features. Research models that put consumers in focus including Unified Theory of Acceptance and Use of Technology 2 (UTAUT2) and Lazy User Theory (LUT) are discussed in more detail herein. By analysing their features and performance, we extract the requirements that should be fulfilled by the new research model, which would enable consumer-oriented information technology research whereby consumers can select between multiple solutions that fulfil their needs.

Programme guides have been a source of scheduling information since the beginning of television. The electronic programme guide is owadays an omnipresent service on all television sets, but still only 55% of respondents in this research select it as a primary option, while others use teletext, Internet portals or applications and printed programme guides. Motivation factors for using various programme guide options were evaluated with the help of the UTAUT2-based research model. When it comes to the behavioural intention to use the programming guide option, the model explained 89.6% of the variance in the case of the electronic programme guide, 71.0% in the case of teletext and 80.1% in the case of Internet portals and applications. The results indicate that for all options, the independent variables of habit (users’ assessment based on previous experiences) and performance expectancy (the users’ belief that by using the solution, they will become more productive) are the main motivators for the behavioural intention to use the programme guide option. The individual’s perception that the selected option is a good value for money is also important to the users of the electronic programme guide and Internet portals, while the social infl uence variable, which outlines the users’ belief that the individuals who they fi nd important will support them in the use of the selected option, affects teletext and Internet portals. The results also indicate that habit is the dominant motivator behind the actual use of either of the programme guide options.

This paper gives our findings on subjective assessment of H.265 versus H.264 Video Coding for High-Definition Video Systems. For the purposes of our research a database consisting of 4 original HD video sequences was prepared with 30 degraded HD video sequences each, with various compression steps both in H.265/HEVC and H.264/AVC. The subjective assessment was conducted in one research laboratory in Croatia. The aim of this paper is to compare results obtained for H.265 versus H.264 Video Coding and to assess the performance of both standards. This assessment will help in the future decision on the coding standard that is going to be used in DVB-T2 networks in Croatia. Additionally, a status of the preparation activities for the allocation of the second digital dividend band in Croatia is given and further developments are described.

In this paper we analyzed possible capacity gains in transition from DVB-T to DVB-T2 standard. We compared minimum C/N ratio needed for quasi error free reception of DVB-T and DVB-T2 systems with similar transmitting parameters currently used in Croatia. C/N was calculated using simulations developed in Matlab for those standards, in three commonly used channel models: Gaussian, Ricean and Rayleigh. Results show bandwidth increase of about 63% without significant increase of the minimum C/N. By using newer compression techniques and statistical multiplexing in large pools, it can be concluded that up to 10 times more TV channels (with the same quality) can be transmitted in the same occupied frequency bandwidth.

The integration of Internet services and telephony services is a new area for the development of telecommunications services. One example is an e-mail alerting service that uses the telephony network for e-mail notification. The EMA system is a computer telephony integration (CTI) application that checks a user's mailbox on the mail server and informs him/her over the phone when new e-mail arrives, eliminating the need for permanent Internet connection. The EMA system has a Web-based interface, enabling the user to configure service parameters. The EMA system is developed as a distributed and concurrent application. It consists of seven modules: the console, Web interface, Web handler, controller, voice machine, database, and mail checker, using communication solutions based on component object model (COM) technology. This article describes the structure of the EMA system, its implementation, and advantages for users.

Throughout the world Next Generation Networks are being rolled out by operators and service providers with the promises of new services and new sources of revenue. But service delivery is becoming increasingly complex because of a need to deliver a service across multiple domains and technologies to any end point at any time. Determining the QoS provides a discriminator between various types of service that suppliers provide, and leads to opportunities to balance the level of service quality offered against price and customer expectation. The use of QoS agreements in SLAs (Service Level Agreement) provides service providers with the opportunity to delight their Customers, build stronger long- term relationships and brand image, and maintain/grow market share. Therefore service providers are looking to introduce Integrated Network Operations Center (NOC) to offer high quality services with service level guarantees for various tiers of customers while managing the efficiency in the use of network and services. The article addresses challenges of building an Integrated Network Operations Center (NOC) for service providers on base of industry standards and discusses the sequence of steps that should be taken in order to implement it, with focus on end-to-end QoS guarantee (SLA).

Penetration of Digital Subscriber Line (DSL) broadband access has significantly increased over the last few years. Acceptance of DSL access is not only related to high speed Internet access that DSL technologies enable, but also to other services that can be offered over DSL lines, such as voice telephony, television broadcast and video-on-demand. Simultaneous offer of voice, video and data services over broadband access is commonly called “triple-play”. As triple-play services migrate to IP bearer, DSL providers are looking for ways of deploying IP based DSL access networks. Implementation of Quality of Service (QoS) mechanisms in IP based DSL access networks has become a prerequisite for assurance of quality delivery of real-time triple-play services. High bandwidth needs require an optimization of transport functions for triple-play services within DSL network. This article proposes cost optimized architecture for IP based DSL access network. It deals with principles that ensure quality delivery of real-time and delay sensitive triple-play services carried over IP. Solutions for bandwidth efficient and reliable transport functions in DSL access network are discussed, using Ethernet and SDH protocols.

During the last couple of years, the whole telecom world witnessed the hype about 3rd generation of mobile networks. The industry’s failure to provide mass-market handsets and reliable infrastructure on time, costly licenses and huge investments that are required from the operators along with disappointing subscriber interest, caused many operators to rethink, postpone or even drop their 3G plans. Operators have every reason to be cautious about their strategy towards deployment of 3G infrastructures, especially now when evolution with EDGE is starting to be seen as cheap and low risk path compared to UMTS. Additionally, 3G-voice service does not have significant advantages over 2G. With combined 2G/3G handsets or 3G data devices, the 3G data with mobile Internet services could be the only revenue generator in the beginning. However, 3GPP standardized architecture offers many benefits such as efficient transmission in the core network and backhaul, as well as standardization of open interfaces with concept for service environment portability across network boundaries. The article discusses the sequence of steps that mobile operators should take in order to implement parts of 3G network to have immediate benefits while utilizing existing networks. They include: design of 3G compliant transport and backhaul networks ; enhancement with Wireless Softswitch for implementation of MSC functionality with decoupled switching and control ; and addition of Open Services Mediation Layer that enables Virtual Home Environment (VHE) concept. The case is elaborated from the GSM operator perspective.

From a pure technical perspective, WiMAX is an advanced wireless system, capable of offering a multitude of broadband services in fixed and mobile telecom markets. Especially in the fixed market, it is expected that WiMAX would compete with wireline broadband technologies, such as DSL and cable. Taking into account the actual situation and competitiveness in liberalized telecom markets, the business aspects of WiMAX have to be thoroughly considered as well. The article analyses the WiMAX technology through the process of techno-economic analysis, identifying the key drivers that could influence the implementation options for WiMAX networks in the fixed telecom market.

The paper presents modelling, simulation and checking of Email Alert System service by using Petri nets. Petri net models are used in the early design phases for formal verification of the service solution characterised by concurrent processes and threads, as well as hardware parallel ability. A case study discussing call design approach is included.

Ongoing evolution of mobile networks and expansion of capabilities of mobile devices have opened a space for deployment of new and attractive “triple play” mobile services like WAP, Internet and Intranet access, EMS, MMS, mobile e-mail, Push-To-Talk, Push-To-See and video streaming into daily use. Constant changes and upgrades of network functionality require changes in configuration of parameters that enable interworking between mobile device and network service. Therefore mobile operators must be able to manage subscribers’ mobile devices more efficiently to enable use of new services. Over the Air (OTA) device management technology answers those issues, giving mobile operators a cost effective and reliable solution to swiftly and accurately configure mobile devices for new services, allow firmware updates and to provide diagnostics and repair of possible device and service problems. Moreover, OTA technology can be used to monitor and measure service quality delivered to the subscriber from the place where it matters most – the mobile device itself. This article shows an overview of OTA device management technology, its processes and protocols used for provisioning and management of 2G and 3G mobile devices with a case study for mobile device configuration, device management along with network and service performance measurement based on OTA product package from mFormation Technologies Service Manager platform.