text:
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Setting the Scene ........................................................................................................................................... 4
Objectives of Paper........................................................................................................................................ 4
Traffic Management in An Orthogonal World ............................................................................................... 5
7.1 Basic 3GPP Concepts .................................................................................................................................... 19
7.2 UMTS‐HSPA/HSPA+ Traffic Management Mechanisms ............................................................................... 20
7.3 LTE Traffic Management Techniques ........................................................................................................... 23
8.1 Additional traffic management considerations ............................................................................................ 30
8.2 The Importance of transparency .................................................................................................................. 31
8.3 The Role of Industry ...................................................................................................................................... 32
ummary ....................................................................................................................................................... 33
Abbreviations .............................................................................................................................................. 34
Selected References .................................................................................................................................... 37
Regional Policy Landscape ........................................................................................................................... 39
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Broadband deployment is a central preoccupation of most if not all countries. Mobile
broadband will play a significant role, particularly in developing countries, in realizing the vision
of a "connected" society in which people have timely access to the people, information and
services they desire.
Presently, a number of countries are contemplating what strictures if any might be appropriate
to impose on broadband Internet access providers related to consumer access to content,
applications and services via the Internet. In doing so, many have recognized that network
management allowances need to be preserved, but what that means has been less than fully
3G Americas is publishing this white paper in order to highlight the importance of network
management – and in particular traffic management or how network operators handle variable
packet flows – for ensuring high quality services to consumers and overall network reliability.
The significance of a basic grounding in broadband network management practices is further
underscored by the fact that, as commonly recognized, mobile broadband networks confront a
number of specific challenges. Notably, the physical layer in mobile networks is subject to a
unique confluence of unpredictable and unrelated (i.e., "orthogonal") influences.
The 3rd Generation Partnership Project (3GPP) has endeavored over the last several years to
standardize increasingly more robust traffic management (that is, quality of service or QoS)
techniques for mobile broadband networks such as UMTS‐HSPA and LTE. This paper provides a
basic review of these QoS techniques, after providing an overview of mobile network
architecture and the end‐to‐end (E2E) provision of mobile service. E2E QoS is contemplated in
the 3GPP standards. However, QoS must be interpreted in light of the fact that mobile
operators typically do not have full control over E2E provision of services that depend on
mobile broadband Internet access.
This paper concludes by acknowledging that further innovations are needed throughout the
mobile broadband ecosystem, in particular in the application development realm, in order to
realize E2E QoS. Further, transparency in network management practices will be important
going forward, but requires a careful balancing to ensure consumer comprehension while
safeguarding network reliability. We close by observing that 3G Americas stands ready to assist
interested parties in providing additional information on these new technologies and
progressing innovation in the field.
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Presently, policy makers in the Americas and elsewhere are considering whether and how to
regulate certain practices of broadband Internet access providers. Known in the popular
lexicon as "net neutrality," the broad concept is that these providers should not unreasonably
discriminate against applications, content and services provided by unaffiliated third parties
over their access networks. [A snapshot of regional policy developments in the Americas and
Europe is provided as an appendix in Section 9.3 of this document.]
It is universally granted that broadband Internet access providers should be able to employ
"reasonable network management" to safeguard the functioning of their networks and the
services provided to their subscribers. However, there has been little explanation by policy
makers to what is meant by such an allowance. There has, however, been frequent recognition
of factors that distinguish management of mobile broadband networks as compared to wired
broadband networks such as digital subscriber line (DSL) and cable modem based services.
At the same time, through standards bodies and elsewhere, the wireless industry has been
developing techniques to ensure high quality services as mobile networks evolve to high speed,
IP‐based networks. These techniques are designed not only to ensure the performance of
applications that have varying enabling requirements on the network, but also to allow
operators to offer differentiated services to users, manage congestion that manifests itself
often unpredictably, and to recoup the substantial sums that have been invested in building
creating these new high speed networks.
In order to aid stakeholders of all types – policy makers, media, analysts, public interest groups,
broadband users, industry players and others – to better understand the need for and
operation of network management techniques, we have undertaken the publication of this
document. Its focus is on 3GPP networks, that is, those based on the protocols that form the
basis of GSM and its evolution through UMTS‐HSPA to LTE.
In addition, as a general matter "network management" is an extremely complex topic. Thus,
this document concerns itself specifically with "traffic management," that is, the handling of
traffic flows on 3GPP networks, in contrast with other network management techniques that
operators may deploy (e.g., offloading, compression, network optimization and other important
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An important part of the objective in undertaking publication of this document is to highlight
that service providers engage in traffic management on their networks under the constant
bombardment of unrelated and extraneous, or "orthogonal," influences. Whether this consists
of unanticipated congestion caused by traffic at the scene of an accident, or RF interference
caused by underperforming devices in close proximity to subscribers' devices, or the
unexpected popularity of certain applications or services, network operators confront a barrage
of variables. The traffic management techniques developed by the industry aim to help mobile
operators manage traffic flows, given the reality that they will confront varying, adverse and
unpredictable circumstances impacting their networks and services rendered.
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Analogies are frequently drawn between
deployment of broadband networks and
construction of major roads and highways. At
the risk of being overworked, the analogy is
nonetheless instructive. At its most basic
level, broadband networks like highways
involve vast financial investments for initial
construction as well as regular upgrades and
replacement cycles. In addition, both
endeavors are subject to periodic heavy
congestion which cannot be predicted in an
air‐tight fashion.
There are other, perhaps less frequently described parallels. As described below, a frequent
response to the congestion challenges of broadband networks is to augment capacity, by
adding additional bandwidth or improving efficiency. For example, in the wired broadband
context, both deploying fiber closer to the user premises and cable node splitting have been
used intensively and have demonstrated positive effects.
Yet these techniques, while important, are only partly effective without network management.
To understand why, we can return to the analogy of roads and highways. Typical methods of
augmenting capacity in this context include adding lanes in places that are particularly subject
to congestion. However, as drivers well understand in instances of congestion this tactic, while
helpful, only defers the problem (e.g., traffic snarls may be relieved when three lanes expand at
particular stretches of road to four, but reemerge when the road contracts back to three).
Improving efficiency on highways can be likened to increasing the number of passengers per
vehicle. Again, while helpful, this tactic is not a full proof solution to congestion (at least not
while the preference in certain societies for passenger cars compared to mass transit
The explosive growth in demand on mobile broadband networks serves to punctuate these
considerations. More so than in wired networks, mobile broadband networks apportion finite
resources to consumers using services with varying and frequently heavy demands on network
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[W]ireless IP networks do not behave like IP networks without wires — at least not yet.
When wires between devices and networks are removed, a tremendous number of
physical and architectural issues arise, and the wireless last mile — enabled by the use
of air spectrum — becomes highly shared, with the expectation that any one subscriber
uses the network infrequently. Accordingly, wireless operators have traditionally been
concerned with managing the number of voice calls and minute usage that can be
supported by the Radio Access Network (RAN). The addition of data to wireless
networks now requires operators to simultaneously manage and optimize RAN usage
(such as minutes) and traffic volume (such as bytes).
Common data applications in use today were not designed with the architectural
constraints of the wireless last‐mile in mind. As a result, they can consume far beyond
the expected share of RAN resources, even though only small amounts of volume are
sent. In the limit of a deployed RAN with infinite capacity, this does not present a
problem. However … very innocent‐looking IP applications can cause sufficient load
that can easily overload the volume sensitive and/or the minute‐sensitive portions of
the deployed networks. Today, data traffic has a direct and widely varying impact on
network performance, a dramatic departure from the "good old days" of supporting
very predictable wireless voice applications. New solutions and tools to
comprehensively address wireless IP networking are therefore required.
Adding capacity and improving efficiency in mobile broadband network are undoubtedly helpful
and necessary in addressing the "mobile data tsunami." They are, however, only part of the
solution. Network operators, like municipalities expanding roads, do not have limitless
resources. Even if they did, certain applications (e.g., particular peer‐to‐peer applications)
expand to consume all available capacity. And over‐provisioning network capacity is no
guarantee of success in the market if a competitor can do so more cost‐effectively. Active
network management, together with other strategies including demand calibration, are
required to match the needs of consumers with mobile broadband networks having finite
Alcatel‐Lucent, Technology White Paper: Alcatel‐Lucent 9900 Wireless Network Guardian, 2008.
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Although mobile broadband is a relatively recent mass market phenomenon, the deluge of
reports documenting the growth in data usage on those networks may seem like yesterday's
news. Even so, the news continues to astound, as illustrated by a May 2010 Credit Suisse
estimate projecting a 72x increase in monthly data consumption per user in the United States
by 2015.
[Source: Credit Suisse, May 2010]
There are several dimensions to mobile broadband growth. The first, as depicted above,
relates to the consumption per capita. A second dimension relates to the growth in the
absolute number of mobile broadband subscriptions. This growth – punctuated by the fact that
in 2008 the number of mobile broadband subscriptions per 100 inhabitants eclipsed the
comparable number for fixed broadband subscriptions on a global basis – has been so
impressive that the ITU recently characterized it as nothing short of a "mobile miracle."
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[Source: ITU, Measuring the Information Society, May 2010]
A third dimension relates to the number of mobile broadband subscriptions per capita. This is
the most embryonic of the three dimensions, yet at the same time the potential is such that
Hans Vestberg, CEO of Ericsson, predicted that there will be 50 billion connections by 2020.
This is but one citation to the emergence what is referred to as the "Internet of things." The
vision is of a future in which individuals will have multiple devices with embedded Internet
connectivity, or as Mr. Vestberg has expressed, "everything that will benefit from being
connected will be connected."
Fueling the growing appetite for mobile data are various innovations in the mobile, Internet
and consumer electronics sectors. In summary, these include: ever more powerful mobile
broadband networks; smart phones and other devices with embedded connectivity, greater
processing power, and richer user interfaces; compelling applications; attractive service plans
and device pricing; increase in user generated content; and emerging machine‐to‐machine
(M2M) applications. Many of these advantages, of course, work synergistically to spur data
consumption, as illustrated below.
Remarks of Ericsson President and CEO Hans Vestberg at Annual General Meeting of Shareholders, Stockholm,
Sweden, 13 April 2010.
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[Source: Chetan Sharma Consulting, June 2010]
Network operators have responded to growth in data in various ways, which can be grouped
into two broad categories depending on whether the intent is to: (a) calibrate demand; or (b)
augment capacity. Calibrating demand can involve numerous strategies designed to provide
incentives for users to better forecast needs, including usage‐based service offerings as well as
graphical tools to monitor individual data consumption.
There are also a variety of mechanisms that can be deployed, some more quickly than others,
to augment capacity on wireless networks. These mechanisms include deriving additional
spectral efficiencies (e.g., via HSPA and LTE); improving backhaul capabilities; offloading data
traffic from the WAN by means of femtocells and Wi‐Fi; network optimization through
leveraging the benefits of distinct spectrum bands; and new network management
technologies. The illustration below depicts these mechanisms.
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[Source: Morgan Stanley, December 2009]
It is network management technologies, in particular traffic management, that comprise the
subject of this document.
The combination of demand calibration and capacity augmentation measures will help address
the terrific growth in mobile data. They should not, however, be regarded as suggesting
complacency, or a singular focus on any particular tactic. The cumulative impact of the
mechanisms described above will not suffice to meet demand forecasts, even in the longer two‐
four year term indicated. Even if initial plans for the release of additional spectrum are
achieved, there will still not be adequate spectrum resources to accommodate the growth
demands. For example, the U.S. plan to allocate 300 MHz by the 2015 would dramatically help
to improve matters, but would still leave 65 percent of projected demand unsatisfied.
this additional spectrum will need to be coupled with new innovations and strategies to brace
for the impact of future mobile data growth.
Credit Suisse, Telecom Industry Themes – Profiting From the Spectrum Crisis, 24 May 2010.
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The illustration below is a simplified view of the wireless 3G (UMTS‐HSPA) network.
[Source: AT&T, 2010]
While there are many similarities between wireless and wired networks – and they are
obviously interconnected – there are several important distinctions. The most obvious consists
of the Radio Access Network (RAN), shown on the right side of the illustration above. The RAN
is comprised of the cell sites/towers and the hardware and software components that control
them. This represents the wireless "last mile" to the end‐user, and is roughly analogous to the
connection between a DSL access multiplexer (DSLAM) or cable node and the customer
premises in DSL or cable modem service. The table below illustrates some of the key
differences between wireless and wired networks.
For data:Gateway GPRS
Support Node (GGSN)
Cell Site
Node B
(3G Base station)
Cell Site
Node B
(3G Base station)
Radio Network
Controller (RNC)
Cell Site Backhaul:
Fiber or Copper
Users' Equipment (UE):
Handsets, PCs, etc.
Users' Equipment (UE):
Handsets, PCs, etc.
Radio Access Network (RAN)
Connection to backbone,
via provider gateways
Cell & Sectors
Core Networks
For voice:Mobile
Switching Center (MSC)
Public Switched
Telephone Network
Circuit Switched Network
Packet Switched Network
For data:Gateway GPRS
Support Node (GGSN)
Cell Site
Node B
(3G Base station)
Cell Site
Node B
(3G Base station)
Radio Network
Controller (RNC)
Cell Site Backhaul:
Fiber or Copper
Users' Equipment (UE):
Handsets, PCs, etc.
Users' Equipment (UE):
Handsets, PCs, etc.
Radio Access Network (RAN)
Connection to backbone,
via provider gateways
Cell & Sectors
Core Networks
For voice:Mobile
Switching Center (MSC)
For voice:Mobile
Switching Center (MSC)
Public Switched
Telephone Network
Circuit Switched Network
Packet Switched Network
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Wireline / DSL Wireless
"Last Mile" Bandwidth:
Amount Available
Constant—based on loop length from
DSLAM or remote terminal ('RT') to
customer premises.
Variable—based on distance from cell site to user,
RF interference/signal strength, user's speed,
number of users in cell, radio channel bandwidth,
amount of spectrum available in the market, physics
of radio wave propagation including path loss,
shadowing, fading, etc.
"Last Mile" Bandwidth:
No—DSL provides a dedicated connection to
the customer.
Note: Cable broadband capacity is shared by
the users on a node (e.g. in a neighborhood).
Yes—cell site capacity is dynamically shared by all
users in that cell as radio resources are continually
allocated to the users, including those moving in to
and out of cells.
"Last Mile" Bandwidth:
Potential for capacity
Expandable by upgrading the wireline
connection, e.g. DSL or cable to fiber‐to‐the‐
Limited by the amount of licensed spectrum
available; this amount varies by market, depending
on the licensing scheme
New generations of wireless technology (e.g.
3G4G) enable more efficient use of the fixed and
finite spectrum capacity, but require clean spectrum.
Number of users in a
specified area
Fixed and known upper limit, determined by
the number of subscribers on a given
DSLAM or cable node.
Variable—mobile users continually move in and out
of cells, and there is no limit to the number of users
that can request RAN resources in a given cell
(though the cell can only serve a finite number of
simultaneous users).
Key Differences between Fixed & Wireless Networks
The inherent variability in wireless connectivity, stemming from the nature of the RF
connection and the mobility of users, means that some network management tasks are
essential to enable the RAN to operate. For example, two network management functions of
the RAN, "call admission control" and "RAN scheduling," combine to accomplish the necessary
tasks of determining: (1) how many users can attach to a site at any given point in time; and (2)
how to allocate the shared radio resources among users that are attached to a site. The
settings and algorithms that guide these network management functions must account for
many factors, such as the signal strength of the connection to a user's device (which affects the
potential data speeds the user can achieve), whether the connection is being used for voice or
data traffic, and the overall load on the site.
A common scenario involves users at the edge of a cell, who will necessarily have a slower
connection than those closer in because of the relatively lower strength of their signals. By
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reducing the radio resources allocated to these users (though not to the point that their
connections are dropped or blocked), the RAN can free up more resources that would
otherwise be wasted, and allocate them to those users that have stronger signals and will
achieve better throughput.
Similarly, because voice traffic is given priority over data traffic, when a voice user moves into a
cell that currently has heavy data usage, the RAN may need to reduce the throughput to the
data users in that cell to free up radio resources such that the voice user's call is not dropped
during the handoff from one cell to another.
While in today's UMTS‐HSPA networks, voice calls rely on a circuit‐switched connection and
data traffic is handled by a packet‐switched network, the imminent launch of 4G networks such
as LTE will introduce entirely packet‐switched and Internet Protocol (IP) based networks for all
offered services, voice and data alike. This will only further the need for network management
techniques within the wireless network, as services like voice will require a certain QoS that can
only be provided reliably and with a satisfactory level of performance via certain traffic
management techniques.
Beyond the RAN, the backhaul component of the wireless network transports cell traffic, both
voice and data, from cell sites to the next links in the network— the Radio Network Controller
(RNC) and onto switches, gateways, and the Internet. This transport can be done over copper
(typically T‐1s), fiber, or microwave. As wireless networks have evolved, this backhaul capacity
has steadily increased; however, the recent explosion of data usage on the wireless network
means that backhaul links can sometimes become bottlenecks and thus cause network
congestion. Providers are continually adding backhaul capacity across their network footprints,
but network operators require some management at this network component as well to
mitigate congestion.
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An E2E view is of mobile service is best premised from the perspective of the end‐user of the
service. For example, a consumer using a mobile phone to look up movie listings and purchase
tickets considers the E2E service as the ability to see what is movie is playing and execute a
transaction to purchase the tickets, all in as friction‐less a manner as possible.
From an implementation perspective, this may involve multiple service providers, including:
The mobile communications provider ‐ delivering the mobile broadband access and
possibly the portal to different content
The movie theaters ‐ providing a listing of what they are showing
The ticket agent ‐ selling tickets
The bank ‐ processing the payment
The consumer may or may not be aware of the different service providers involved in fulfilling
the E2E service.
Within this end‐user view, the mobile network operator is responsible for the mobile
broadband access and possibly some of the offered content. In other words, the operator's
"span of control" – its unfettered ability to manage performance on the network and thus the
quality of the user experience – is as a practical matter cabined. Consequently, comprehensive
end‐to‐end control over QoS is not practical for mobile operators. The diagram below depicts
the multiple considerations involved in optimizing E2E service delivery on communications
[Source: Ericsson, January 2009]
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In reality, the mobile service provider will undertake all possible efforts to ensure a memorable
experience for end‐users, via mechanisms that can be implemented in the service elements
that are under its span of control. Via commercial agreements and standards, it may also be
possible for the mobile service provider to cooperate with other service providers to extend the
QoS mechanisms beyond just those under the operator's control, but this cannot be assumed in
all instances.
Even for certain service elements that are under the mobile service provider's span of control,
however, there are frequently variables that influence the degree to which the operator can
execute mechanisms within its domain to positively influence the user experience. In some
cases, not only does the operator not exercise complete authority over a service element, but
some service elements are subject to forces that can adversely impact the end‐user experience
under various circumstances.
The schematic below depicts the operator span of control concept. Note that areas in blue
denote those elements that are more or less within the mobile operator's span of control. An
explanation of each element follows.
E2E Service Highlighting Mobile Service Operator Span of Control
1. User Equipment
The mobile service provider can have full control over the User Equipment (UE) to
determine how the device functions on its network only if the UE is a certified device
with tight restrictions over which applications can be downloaded. As soon as the
device is opened up (e.g., a smart phone that allows users to download apps of their
choosing), the mobile service operator is consigned only to various degrees of partial
control of the UE's functioning. When users introduce grey‐market devices, this
introduces the possibility that the mobile service provider may have severely limited or
even no ability to undertake network management through mechanisms that depend on
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UE behavior. Even worse, an improperly modified device could potentially attempt to
subvert network management mechanisms.
2. Radio Access Network
In terms of span of control, the RAN can be viewed in two ways. On the one hand, the
mobile service provider has full control over the nodes that make up the RAN.
Increasingly, standards are defining greater ability to provide for network management
and to control the QoS delivered.
On the other hand, there is another aspect of the RAN over which the mobile service
operator has only very limited control: the literal, over‐the‐air portion. Not only does
the operator have limited ability to positively influence the actual Radio‐Frequency (RF)
environment, RF interference in the ambient environment can adversely impact the QoS
and require active network management. Sometimes, tuning can mitigate RF issues,
especially if the causes are static (e.g., a new building that alters interference patterns).
In general, however, incidents over which the operator has no control, oftentimes
caused by natural phenomena or acts of God, can always materialize.
3. Backhaul
Where the mobile service operator owns and operates the backhaul network, it has full
control over that segment and the ability to optimize network management there, using
mechanisms it has deployed in the backhaul network. Where the operator leases the
backhaul capacity, the mechanisms available are as a result more constrained.
4. Core Network Services
The mobile service operator will have full control over the core network systems and
services, so mechanisms can be implemented here that participate in network
management and optimize the QoS.
5. Operator‐Supplied Content
Content includes both the applications as well as any digital media that are part of the
customer's service subscription. The mobile service operator has full control over any
content that it directly supplies (i.e., running on an Information Technology [IT]
infrastructure that it controls).
6. Internet and other external networks
The only control that the mobile service operator has over external networks is at the
point of ingress/egress. With some external networks, the operator may be able to
utilize different class of service parameters and strike Service Level Agreements (SLAs)
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that could help provide QoS assurances, but these mechanisms may not always be
7. Operator‐Branded Content
Unlike operator‐supplied content, operator‐branded content is not under full control of
the mobile service operator. While the operator can certify applications to ensure that
they behave properly in a wireless environment, they nonetheless do not run on IT
systems managed by the operator and thus control is limited.
8. External Content
Not only does the mobile service operator have no control over external content, poorly
written applications can introduce QoS issues not only for the user of the application,
but for other users as well.
Beyond the elements of the E2E service depicted above, there are external factors affecting
service quality, over which the mobile service operator has only limited control. These include
the following:
End‐user demand variations
While historical patterns can help predict end‐user behavior (and thus help with
forecasting capacity requirements associated with airtime, payload, signaling, etc.),
variations in these patterns can happen suddenly and unpredictably.
While modern mobile networks are built to accommodate user mobility, unexpected
fluctuations in user mobility patterns can result in a degradation of service quality.
Badware, viruses and other nastiness
The greater the openness of the UE and the applications running on it, the less control the
mobile service provider has over preventing viruses and badware. This type of software could
target the individual user, affecting only the QoS of infected users, or the network itself,
potentially affecting the QoS of all users.
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The explosion in data traffic in recent years can be attributed in part to the continuous growth
and proliferation of a broad range of multimedia applications. While most users may not be
concerned with the details of how a particular service is implemented, users are interested in
comparing the same service offered by different providers in terms of universally agreed upon
parameters. These parameters focus on user‐perceivable effects, rather than their causes
within the network, and are independent of the specific network architecture or technology.
Important parameters from a user perspective include: E2E delay (including delays stemming
from the UE's operation, the network, and servers); delay variation ("jitter") due to the
inherent variability in arrival times of individual packets in packet networks; and throughput.
The traffic management techniques explained below will help permit service providers to
deliver service in accordance with these and other parameters, as traffic on mobile broadband
networks expands and diversifies.
For the sake of clarity, when referring to "mobile broadband networks," we speak of networks
that are designed in accordance with the 3GPP Releases 7 & 8 specifications for UMTS‐
HSPA/HSPA+ and LTE/EPS networks.
At the outset, there are a few concepts that should be introduced and explained in order to
permit a fuller understanding of the 3GPP traffic management approach.
First is the fundamental concept of a bearer. A bearer is the basic enabler for traffic separation
in 3GPP because it provides differential treatment for traffic with differing performance
requirements. The concept of the bearer (and its associated signaling procedures, explained
below) enable the network to reserve system resources before packet flows mapped to that
bearer are further mapped onto the network.
Second, the performance requirements for a particular service carried on a bearer are
generically referred to as quality of service (QoS). QoS provides metrics to guide the network
in providing the necessary performance levels to various packet flows. The objective of these
QoS metrics is to optimize the packet flows of distinct services or subscriber groups, and to
enable subscriber and service differentiation as warranted by end‐user demand.
As discussed earlier, the spatial and temporal dynamics of the radio environment coupled with
the different error tolerances of various applications present unique challenges in meeting the
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necessary QoS requirements for supporting diverse end‐user applications. In addition,
standardized, simple and effective QoS mechanisms are needed for mobile broadband
deployments that almost invariably involve multi‐vendor sourcing.
The last concept to be introduced here is the notion of policies or sets of rules that an operator
can define and enforce both within the operator's domain and potentially across other
operators' domains. QoS mechanisms enable these policies to be established, matched,
monitored and enforced with respect to individual packet flows on the traffic plane, as
conceptualized below.
[Source: Nokia Siemens Networks, 2008]
The basic elements of the 3GPP traffic management construct are explained in the following
In order to support QoS requirements for a given service, 3GPP explicitly defines an E2E QoS
architecture. 3GPP also introduces several bearer and processing mechanisms to ensure that
UMTS can make full use of its technical attributes in order to optimize network performance as
well as to offer differentiated services for consumers.
See in general 3GPP TS 23.107.
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For UMTS‐HSPA/HSPA+ networks, the QoS architecture is defined in terms of a layered
framework spanning between different nodes in the network. This is illustrated below.
End-to-End Service
TE/MT Local
Bearer Service
UMTS Bearer Service
External Bearer
UMTS Bearer Service
Radio Access Bearer Service
CN Bearer
Bearer Service
RAN Access
Bearer Service
Radio Bearer
Physical Radio
Bearer Service
earer Service
3GPP TS 23.107 – E2E QoS Architecture for UMTS
An E2E Service spans from one Terminal Equipment (TE) to another TE, and comprises the
topmost layer of this architecture. The E2E service may specify a certain QoS provided to the
user of a network service. A Bearer Service with clearly specified characteristics is set up from
source to destination to comply with network QoS requirement. Every bearer service must
fulfill a set of QoS requirements. Bearer services provide QoS based on services provided by
the layers below them, including a TE/Mobile Terminal (MT) Local Bearer Service, a UMTS
Bearer Service and an External Bearer Service.
Notably, the UMTS Bearer Service enables the service provider to fulfill UMTS QoS
requirements over its own networks (in other words, the UMTS Bearer Service corresponds to
those parts of the network over which the operator has more or less full span of control, as
discussed previously). The UMTS Bearer Service is comprised of the Radio Access Bearer
Service and the Core Network Bearer Service, which in turn have sub‐layers as illustrated above.
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Returning to the UMTS Bearer Service, QoS attributes describe the performance characteristics
of the particular service provided by the UMTS network to the user of the UMTS bearer. QoS
attributes as specified in TS 23.107 include parameters such as:
Traffic Class (Conversational, Streaming, Interactive & Background)
Maximum bit rate (MBR) (Kbps)
Guaranteed bit rate (GBR) (Kbps)
Delivery order (y/n)
Transfer delay (ms)
Traffic handling priority
Allocation & Retention Priority (ARP)
Several others
The parameters related to throughput/bit rate are separately specified for the uplink and the
downlink, in order to support asymmetric bearers.
UMTS QoS requirements are defined taking into account the different error sources in the RF
environment and their consequent impact on various traffic types that ride on the UMTS
Bearer. The main distinguishing factor between the different traffic classes is how delay
sensitive the traffic is – conversational and streaming traffic are more delay sensitive,
interactive and background are less so. Due to the looser delay requirements as compared to
conversational and streaming classes, both interactive and background classes provide better
error rates. These factors and illustrative applications are depicted by 3GPP in the following
(delay <<1 sec)
(delay approx.1 sec)
(delay <10 sec)
(delay >10 sec)
voice and video
Voice messaging
Streaming audio
and video
E-mail arrival
FTP, still image,
WWW browsing,
interactive games
3GPP TS 22.105 ‐ Summary of Applications in Terms of QoS Requirements
Conversational and Streaming classes are used to serve real‐time traffic flows, which are very
sensitive to delay, such as video telephony. In contrast, Interactive and Background classes are
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mainly meant for applications like web browsing, email, File Transfer Protocol (FTP)
applications, news and Telnet. Because these classes are less sensitive to delay as compared to
the Conversational and Streaming classes, both classes provide better error rates (i.e. are
comparatively more 'error tolerant' than the other two traffic classes) by means of channel
coding techniques and packet retransmissions. Packet retransmission is initiated whenever
packet error, loss or order mismatch takes place, as these classes require high throughput and
low error rates notwithstanding their relative insensitivity to delay.
The main difference between Interactive class and Background class is that the former is
utilized primarily for applications like email and Web browsing, while the latter is intended for
downloading of emails and files accomplished in the background. Because the UMTS
scheduling algorithms provide higher priority to Interactive class than to Background class,
background applications use network resources only when interactive applications do not need
The following chart provides some examples of QoS parameter ranges for typical applications in
the various traffic classes (requirements shown are not exhaustive).
[Source: Nokia Siemens Networks, 2009]
The 3GPP specifications have enhanced the QoS mechanisms previously available in UMTS‐
HSPA/HSPA+. This evolved network, called Evolved Packet System (EPS), introduces the
concept of default bearer. A default bearer is employed when the user attaches to the network
in order to enhance the user experience, reduce service setup latency, and realize "always on"
24 | P a g e
IP connectivity. The QoS parameters of the default bearer include the subscription data
obtained from the Home Subscriber Server (HSS). Other EPS bearers associated with the same
packet data network (PDN) are called dedicated bearers, and their setup or modification can
only be triggered by the network.
The impetus for specifying a network‐initiated QoS control paradigm in LTE is that services are
typically provided by the network operator. Therefore, it stands to reason that the network
operator would typically assign the QoS level per packet flow associated with a given service.
In addition, bearer level QoS parameter values are allocated by the packet core network.
LTE supports E2E QoS where bearer characteristics are defined and controlled throughout the
duration of a session between the mobile devices connecting via the RAN and the Packet
Gateways (P‐GWs). See the following illustration.
[Source: Light Reading, March 2010]
LTE QoS is defined according to certain parameters, namely:
• QoS Class Identifier (QCI)
• Allocation and Retention Priority (ARP)
• Maximum Bit Rate (MBR)
• Guaranteed Bit Rate (GBR)
• Aggregate Maximum Bit Rate (AMBR)
The above parameters identify minimum performance attributes, for example packet delay and
packet loss, that must be satisfied. In particular, QCI helps to establish access point parameters
used to control bearer level packet transfer (e.g., scheduling weights, admission thresholds,
queue management thresholds and link layer protocol configuration). The following table lists
the standardized QCI characteristics defined in EPS.
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3GPP TS 23.401 – Standardized QCI Characteristics
ARP is used to decide the priority of admission or of packet dropping for dedicated bearers in
instances of limited network resources. GBR represents the bit rate that can be expected to be
provided by a GBR bearer, while the MBR indicates the upper limit of a GBR bearer.
Non‐GBR bearers are used to carry best effort services and/or services whose bit rates cannot
be guaranteed. To improve bandwidth utilization, EPS defines the AMBR – an IP Connectivity
Access Network (IP‐CAN) session level QoS parameter provided with every PDN connection.
Multiple EPS bearers for the same PDN connection share the same AMBR value. Each non‐GBR
bearer can potentially make use of the whole AMBR if other EPS bearers are not transmitting
packets. In other words, AMBR restricts the total bit rate of all the bearers sharing the
particular AMBR. AMBR can be subdivided into UE‐AMBR and Access Point Name‐AMBR (APN‐
The following graphic helps to summarize the LTE QoS paradigm described above.
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[Source: IEEE Communications Magazine, February 2009]
Finally, in order to ensure interoperability between UMTS and LTE, 3GPP provides for mapping
between the EPS and UMTS QoS parameters. This is further described in Annex E to 3GPP TS
Policy Charging & Control Architecture
The QoS framework provides the functionality needed to establish, modify and maintain a
UMTS Bearer Service with a specific QoS guarantee. The QoS functions of all UMTS network
elements together ensure the provision of the negotiated service between the access points of
the UMTS Bearer Service.
3GPP has further provided a Policy Charging and Control (PCC) architecture which merges the
service based policy and flow based charging functionalities. The PCC model thus allows for
more efficient real‐time control of service flows between gateway nodes. The graphic below
illustrates this architecture.
27 | P a g e
[Source: Tekelec, 2010]
In the PCC model, there are three key functional elements: a Subscriber Policy Repository (SPR),
the Policy Control Resource Function (PCRF) (also referred to as Policy Decision Point (PDP) in
recent 3GPP releases) and the Policy Control Enforcement Function (PCEF). Decisions made in
the PCRF (both Home‐routed [H‐PCRF] and Visited [V‐PCRF] depicted above) are based on
policies established by network operators based on subscriber profiles resident in the SPR.
These decisions are communicated by the PCRF to the PCEF, where they are translated into QoS
rules for individual service data flows and enforced on the data plane.
New elements have been defined in Release 8 (Rel‐8). First, 3GPP established the Bearing
Binding & Event Reporting Function (BBERF) in recognition of the fact that Rel‐8 contemplates
inter‐operation with non‐3GPP access networks. Such networks may have different QoS and
charging capabilities. Consequently, separation of the bearer defining and reporting functions
from traditional 3GPP packet gateways is important in order to help realize the vision of an
access‐agnostic policy control architecture, including seamless handovers of services between
various access networks while maintaining the subscribed‐for QoS.
Next, 3GPP defined the Online Charging System (OCS) to manage credit and grant credit
typically associated with prepaid accounts to the PCEF based on time, traffic volume or
chargeable events. In addition, an Offline Charging System (OFCS) was defined, which receives
chargeable events from the PCEF and generates charging data records (CDR') for the billing
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To illustrate how the PCC architecture would work, we have adapted a user scenario developed
by Analysys Mason on behalf of Openet.
It consists of a video streaming session delivered
across the EPS. A two sided business model is assumed, in which a video stream can be
delivered by a third‐party paid for by advertising. While watching the video session, the
customer decides to pay for a higher data rate without advertising, using a pre‐paid video
account. Specific elements of the PCC architecture are engaged to fulfill the customer's
request, as depicted below.
Openet, Policy Control & Charging for LTE Services (sponsored research by Analysys Mason), October 2009.
Customer requests streaming video paid for by advertising.
Customer then decides to pay for a higher data rate with no
advertising from pre‐paid video account.
Fulfilling the request involves QoS modifications, accomplished by
PCRF together with PCEF. (Streaming video controller appears as an
Application Function ('AF') to the PCRF.)
Charging aspects are managed by OCS – when customer switches to
non‐advertising stream PCEF requests credit from OCS.
OCS checks customer's video balance and provides the appropriate
credit for the IP flow.
OCS correlates charging events to ensure the customer is not charged
for the data stream, but only the video.
29 | P a g e
Interaction with External Networks
3GPP also describes approaches for negotiating resources and capabilities outside a given
UMTS network and thus not under direct control of the particular UMTS operator. Specifically,
3GPP TS 23.207 contemplates inter‐operator interworking with external networks, including
the following (non‐exhaustive) list of features:
1. Gateway GPRS Support Node (GGSN) support for Diffserv edge functionality
2. Exchange of signaling messages between network elements along the path of the IP
packet flow
3. Interaction between network management entities for provision of resources,
enforced in border nodes separating DiffServ administrative domains
4. Provisions for SLAs enforced by border routers between networks, in order to
allocate the necessary network resources along the traffic path
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The 3GPP standards acknowledge and begin to make provisions for addressing QoS in domains
that are external to UMTS and LTE/EPS. These are important new innovations and the efforts
need to be further intensified by all stakeholders. The configuration of devices, content, and
applications not provisioned by the network operator may impact the experience not just of the
particular user but potentially other users in a particular cell. These efforts to drive further
innovation need to be intensified not only to guard against adverse impacts to users, but also to
support and foster interoperability of third party applications with existing network platforms.
Given that mobile broadband extends and amplifies the developments occurring
contemporaneously in the fixed broadband environment, wireless traffic management
techniques have naturally begun by leveraging the traffic management mechanisms developed
for wired networks. Mobile broadband networks, as described earlier, differ in key respects
from their fixed siblings, which lead to different traffic management requirements. Among the
most significant differences for purposes of traffic management is the need for more granular
visibility to circumstances on the ground.
Optimally, traffic management for mobile broadband networks requires visibility to what is
occurring at the cell site level, and in a timeframe that enables as far as feasible near‐time
actions to resolve issues as they arise. Such fine‐grained visibility is needed because traffic
flows in mobile broadband networks can give rise to issues depending on the site loading,
application type, location, time of day and other factors. The variability of some of these
factors at the cell site level is evidenced in the charts below.
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[Source: Alcatel‐Lucent, May 2009]
Much has been written by stakeholders coming from all angles of the policy debates involving
traffic management about the need for transparency in service provider practices. At its most
fundamental level, this seems beyond debate. Transforming such objectives into action,
however, reveals that an extremely delicate balancing act is required when it comes to network
operator practices. Transparency in network management practices must be done in such a
way that sufficient detail is provided to educate the user without providing so much detail so as
to provide a roadmap for bad actors.
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Transparency must also be accomplished via processes that do not unduly constrain the
network engineer in responding in a timely and effective way to traffic flow issues. Connected
to the latter point, we urge caution in overly prescriptive rulemaking in this nascent area.
3G Americas, as an organization of technical experts dedicated to the advancement of 3GPP
technologies, stands ready to aid in any way it can in illuminating these technologies for
interested parties. We are mindful that both in this hemisphere and elsewhere, the industry
has accepted increasingly active roles in remedying service issues.
Recently, a cross‐disciplinary group of technical experts, academics and others convened to
explore potential institutional responses to network management issues, and in particular the
possibility of creating a technical advisory group (TAG) to assist U.S. policymakers by providing
technical expertise concerning Internet‐based services and network management issues. The
workshop's report suggested that such a role could have value. The report's summation of an
exchange between participants is telling for present purposes:
One participant put forth the idea that the TAG could produce a white paper concerning
quality of service. The white paper would be designed to simply educate, in essence
flagging an issue and presenting all views. Other participants pushed back and again
pointed out how time consuming and difficult an informational document could be to
produce, especially for engineers who are not renowned, fairly or unfairly, for their
ability to write.
Notwithstanding, we trust this white paper makes an intelligible and helpful contribution on the
topic of QoS.
Examples of this include the dispute referral procedures established between the US Federal Trade Commission
and the National Advertising Division of the Council of Better Business Bureaus, as well as the co‐regulatory
approach being utilized by Ofcom and U.K. fixed broadband ISPs.
Silicon Flatirons Center, Network Management Exploratory Workshop Report, March 2010.
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Broadband deployment is a central preoccupation of most if not all countries. Mobile
broadband will play a significant role, particularly in developing countries, in realizing the vision
of a broadband connected society.
Presently, a number of countries are contemplating what strictures if any might be appropriate
to impose on broadband Internet access providers related to consumer access to content,
applications and services via the Internet. In doing so, many have recognized that network
management allowances need to be preserved, but what that means has been less than fully
3G Americas has published this white paper in order to help educate stakeholders on the
importance of traffic management for ensuring high quality services to consumers and overall
network reliability. The importance of a basic grounding in broadband network management
practices is underscored by the fact that mobile broadband networks confront a number of
specific challenges, in particular that the physical layer is subject to a unique confluence of
unpredictable and unrelated (i.e., orthogonal) influences.
3GPP has endeavored over the last several years to standardize increasingly more robust traffic
management (QoS) techniques for mobile broadband networks such as UMTS‐HSPA and LTE.
3GPP standards acknowledge insofar as possible an E2E view of QoS, that is, from the end‐
user's point of view. At the same time, traffic management needs to be interpreted in light of
the fact that mobile operators typically do not have full control over E2E provision of services
that depend on mobile broadband Internet access.
Not surprisingly, this paper concludes by observing that further innovations are needed in the
mobile broadband ecosystem in order to realize E2E QoS. In addition, transparency in network
management practices is important, but requires a careful balancing to ensure consumer
comprehension while safeguarding network reliability. Organizations with technical expertise
such as 3G Americas stand ready to assist interested parties in helping to illuminate these new
technologies and progress these efforts.
34 | P a g e
2G – Second Generation
3G – Third Generation
3GPP – 3rd Generation Partnership Project
4G – Fourth Generation
AF – Application Function
AMBR – Aggregate Maximum Bit Rate
APN – Access Point Name
APN‐AMBR – Access Point Name Aggregate Maximum Bit Rate
ARP – Allocation & Retention Priority
ARPU – Average Revenue per User
BBERF – Bearer Binding & Event Reporting Function
Bits/s/Hz – Bits per Second per Hertz, a measure of spectral efficiency
bps – Bits per Second
BS – Base Station
BSC – Base Station Controller
BTS – Base Transceiving Station
BW – Bandwidth
CAGR – Compound Annual Growth Rate
CAPEX – Capital Expenditure
CDMA – Code Division Multiple Access
CDR – Charging Data Record
CPE – Customer Premises Equipment
CRTC – Canadian Radio‐Television & Telecommunications Commission
CS – Circuit Switched
dB – Decibel
dBm – Decibel ratio of watts to 1 milliwatt
DSCP – Diffserv CodePoint
DIFFSERV – Differentiated Services (set of protocols permitting differentiated services to users
and their information streams)
DL – Downlink
DSL – Digital Subscriber Line
DSLAM – Digital Subscriber Line Access Multiplexer
E2E – End‐to‐End
EC – European Commission
E–DCH – Enhanced Dedicated Channel (also known as HSUPA)
EDGE – Enhanced Data Rates for GSM Evolution
eNB – Evolved NodeB
EPC – Evolved Packet Core, also known as SAE (refers to flatter IP based core network)
ePDSN – Evolved Public Data Serving Node
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EPS – Evolved Packet System (the combination of the EPC/SAE and the LTE/EUTRAN)
EUTRA –Evolved Universal Terrestrial Radio Access
EUTRAN – Evolved Universal Terrestrial Radio Access Network (based on OFDMA)
EV‐DO – One Carrier Evolved, Data Optimized
EV‐DV – One Carrier Evolved, Data Voice
FCC – Federal Communications Commission
FDD – Frequency Division Duplex
FMC – Fixed Mobile Convergence
FTP – File Transfer Protocol
GB – Gigabyte
GBR – Guaranteed Bit Rate
Gbps – Gigabits per Second
GERAN – GSM EDGE Radio Access Network
GGSN – Gateway GPRS Support Node
GHz — Gigahertz
GPRS – General Packet Radio Service
GSM – Global System for Mobile communications
GSMA – GSM Association
H‐PCRF – Home‐Routed Policy Control Resource Function
HSPA – High Speed Packet Access (HSDPA with HSUPA)
HSPA+ – High Speed Packet Access Plus (also known as HSPA Evolution or Evolved HSPA)
HSS – Home Subscriber Server
Hz – Hertz
IMT – International Mobile Telecommunications
IMS – IP Multimedia Subsystem
ITMP – Internet Traffic Management Practices
IP – Internet Protocol
IP‐CAN – IP Connectivity Access Network
ISP – Internet Service Provider
IT – Information Technology
ITU – International Telecommunication Union
Kbps – Kilobits per Second
LTE – Long Term Evolution (evolved air interface based on OFDMA)
LTE‐A – LTE‐Advanced
M2M – Machine‐to‐Machine
Mbps – Megabits per Second
MBR – Maximum Bit Rate
MHz – Megahertz
ms – Millisecond
MS – Mobile Station
MT – Mobile Terminal
MTV – Mobile TV
MSC – Mobile Switching Center
OFCOM – U.K. communications regulatory authority
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OFDM – Orthogonal Frequency Division Multiplexing
OFDMA – Orthogonal Frequency Division Multiple Access (air interface)
OPEX – Operating Expenses
OCS – Online Charging System
OFCS – Offline Charging System
PCEF – Policy Control Enforcement Function
PCC – Policy Charging & Control
PCRF – Policy Control Resource Function
PDN – Packet Data Network
PDSN – Public Data Serving Node
PDP – Policy Decision Point (or Packet Data Protocol)
P‐GW – Packet Gateway
PS – Packet Switched
QoS – Quality of Service
QCI –QoS Class Identifier
RAB – Radio Access Bearer
RB – Radio Bearer
RAN – Radio Access Network
Rel. 'X' – Release '99, Release 4, Release 5, etc. of 3GPP Standards
RF – Radio Frequency
RT – Remote Terminal (local loop termination points closer to service user)
RX – Receive
RNC – Radio Network Controller
SAE – System Architecture Evolution, also known as EPC
SGSN – Serving GPRS Support Node
SLA – Service Level Agreement
SPR – Subscriber Policy Repository
T‐1 – Trunk Level 1 (a digital transmission link with signaling speed of 1.544 Mbps in both
TAG – Technical Advisory Group
TE – Terminal Equipment
TS – Technical Specification
TX – Transmit
UE – User Equipment
UE‐AMBR – User Equipment Aggregate Maximum Bit Rate
UL – Uplink
UMTS – Universal Mobile Telecommunications System
UTRA – Universal Terrestrial Radio Access
UTRAN – UMTS Terrestrial Radio Access Network
V‐PCRF – Visited Policy Control Resource Function
W‐CDMA – Wideband CDMA
WAN – Wide Area Network
WWW – World Wide Web
WiMAX – Worldwide Interoperability for Microwave Access
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V9.1.0 (2010‐06) Quality of Service Concept and Architecture, available at
3GPP TS 23.401, V10.0.0 (2010‐06) General Packet Radio Service Enhancements for Evolved
Universal Terrestrial Radio Access Network Access, available at
V9.0.0 (2008‐12) Services and Service Capabilities, available at
White Papers & Other Documents
Alcatel‐Lucent, Policy Management in Wireless Networks: the Importance of Wireless
Awareness (May 2009), available at
Chetan Sharma Consulting, Managing Growth & Profits in the Yottabyte Era (2
June 2010), available at
Ericsson, QoS Control in the 3GPP Evolved Packet System (IEEE Communications Magazine,
February 2009), available at http://fjallfoss.fcc.gov/ecfs/document/view?id=7020374657
GSMA Latin America, Network Neutrality in Mobile Telephony (March 2008), available at
Information Technology & Innovation Foundation, Going Mobile: Technology and Policy
Issues in the Mobile Internet (March 2010), available at
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Mobile Future, Engineering Implications of Net Neutrality (January 2010), available at
Mobile Future, Traffic Management & Network Layering (May 2010), available as
attachment to http://fjallfoss.fcc.gov/ecfs/document/view?id=7020456882
Morgan Stanley, Mobile Internet Report (December 2009), available at
Nokia Siemens Networks, Quality of Service Solutions in HSPA RAN (May 2009), available at
Ofcom, Traffic Management & 'Net Neutrality' Discussion Document (June 2010), available
at http://stakeholders.ofcom.org.uk/binaries/consultations/net‐
Openet, Policy Control & Charging for LTE Services (October 2009) (sponsored research
conducted by Analysys Mason), available with free registration at
Silicon Flatiron Center, University of Colorado Law School, Network Management
Exploratory Workshop Report (March 2010), available at http://www.silicon‐
39 | P a g e
(As of August 2010)
In November 2009, the Canadian regulator (CRTC) issued rules on Internet traffic management
practices (ITMPs) of fixed line ISPs. This was the outgrowth of an investigation (ultimately
terminated) into Bell Canada's handling of P2P traffic of secondary ISPs reliant on its wholesale
broadband tarriffed offerings. The rules established requirements related to among other
things transparency (noting that economic ITMPs are the 'most' transparent) and unjust
discrimination/undue preferences. The CRTC noted, however, that "some measures are
required to manage Internet traffic on ISP networks at certain points in the network at certain
The text of the November 2009 decision is available at:
At the time, the CRTC explicitly declined to reverse its existing policy of forbearing from wireless
data regulation. It also commented approvingly of consumption‐based billing practices.
However, the CRTC indicated that it would consider the question of forbearance from
regulation of wireless data services at a later time. In fact, the CRTC ruled on this issue in June
2010. It decided to amend its forbearance framework for wireless data to apply the November
2009 ITMP provisions applicable to fixed line ISPs to wireless Internet access providers as well.
The text of the June 2010 decision is available at:
On July 13, 2011, Chile enacted amendments to its General Telecommunications Law
establishing new obligations for ISPs. The legislation establishes new requirements in four
areas, namely:
1. Prohibition on blocking or discriminating against legal content,
applications and services (this is subject to reasonable network
40 | P a g e
2. Ban on blocking use of legal devices, so long as these do not harm the
network or service quality
3. Supply parental controls to those who request them, and the user's
4. Publication on the service provider's website of the characteristics of the
service rendered, including maximum and average speeds (regulations
related to this obligation are to published within 90 days of the law's
enactment, i.e., on or about October 13, 2010)
The text of the law as promulgated (Oficio Nº 8874) is available at:
United States
The FCC initiated a rulemaking in late 2009 that proposed, first, to enshrine four non‐binding
principles it had adopted in 2005 as rules enforceable against all types of broadband Internet
access providers, including mobile broadband. The proposed rules would relate to four areas
and read as follows:
1. Content: "Subject to reasonable network management, a provider of
broadband Internet access service may not prevent any of its users
from sending or receiving the lawful content of the user's choice over
the Internet."
2. Applications & Services: "Subject to reasonable network
management, a provider of broadband Internet access service may
not prevent any of its users from running the lawful applications or
using the lawful services of the user's choice."
3. Devices: "Subject to reasonable network management, a provider of
broadband Internet access service may not prevent any of its users
from connecting to and using on its network the user's choice of
lawful devices that do not harm the network."
4. Competition: "Subject to reasonable network management, a
provider of broadband Internet access service may not deprive any of
its users of the user's entitlement to competition among network
providers, application providers, service providers, and content
The FCC also proposed two new rules in the following areas:
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5. Non‐discrimination: "Subject to reasonable network management, a
provider of broadband Internet access service must treat lawful
content, applications, and services in a nondiscriminatory manner."
6. Transparency: "Subject to reasonable network management, a
provider of broadband Internet access service must disclose such
information concerning network management and other practices
as is reasonably required for users and content, application, and
service providers to enjoy the protections specified in this part."
While these proposed rules are intended to apply to all broadband Internet access platforms,
including wireless, the FCC acknowledged that: (1) wireless broadband is not as developed as
wireline broadband; (2) wireless has different network management concerns as a shared
network that is more susceptible to interference, congestion, signal loss, etc.; and (3) wireless
uses different business models, including bundled devices and services, and devices that
provide both broadband and voice services.
All six rules are subject to reasonable network management exception. Network management
is defined to include measures that address congestion, spam, viruses, unlawful transmission of
content and other "reasonable" practices. This qualifier is left undefined.
Conclusion of this rulemaking has been delayed as the FCC grapples with questions related to
its authority to enforce these proposed rules in the wake of an appeals court decision issued
early in 2010. This decision invalidated the FCC's 2008 decision that Comcast had violated the
four 2005 principles as a result of certain network techniques it had instituted to manage
Bittorrent traffic.
The text of the proposed rulemaking is available at:
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European Commission
June 30, 2010, the European Commission (EC) published a consultation on the open Internet
and net neutrality. Responses are sought by September 30, 2010 on 15 questions pertaining to:
the end‐to‐end principle, traffic management/discrimination, market structure,
consumers/quality of service, and the political, cultural and social dimensions. Responses will
be fed into a report to be submitted by the Commission to the European Parliament and the
Council of the European Union Council by the end of 2010, in compliance with the telecoms
reform package adopted the Parliament and Council in November 2009.
The text of Questionnaire is available at:
On May 20, 2010, the French Postal and electronic communications regulatory authority
(ARCEP) published a document with discussion points and initial policy guidelines on Internet
and network neutrality. The document was the culmination of a preliminary examination by
the Authority that lasted close to seven months and included a series of 50 interviews.
The text of the document is available at:
ARCEP closed public consultation on the document on July 13, 2010. Two days later, ARCEP
announced that it had received 40 responses to the consultation. ARCEP noted that the
responses mainly concern the definitions employed and the description of the current situation
in the sector, as well as suggested best practices, notably for traffic management and
transparency in the marketing of Internet access offers. The contributions also included
comments on the initial guidelines, as much with respect to ARCEP's areas of responsibility,
e.g., monitoring the data interconnection market, as to related issues such as competition,
content and international governance. ARCEP is making use of these contributions to draft
recommendations that it intends to release in September 2010.
The Norwegian Post and Telecommunications Authority (NPT) published a brief document
setting out self‐regulatory guidelines in February 2009. NPT published the guidelines with the
aim of galvanizing broad endorsement; it clarified that the guidelines had no formal status and
43 | P a g e
could not serve as the basis upon which to issue sanctions. Three principles comprise these
1. Users are entitled to Internet connections with a predefined capacity and
2. Users are entitled to Internet connections that enable them to:
a. Send and receive content of their choice
b. Use services and run applications of their choice
c. Connect hardware and use software of their choice that do not
harm the network.
3. Users are entitled to Internet connections free of discrimination with
regard to type of application, service or content or based on sender or
receiver address.
The text of the guidelines is available at:
Pursuant to a government commissioned assignment, the Swedish Post and Telecom Agency
(PTS) published a report concerning open networks and services. The report is structured
around a value chain for the production of broadband‐based Internet access and services,
divided into five levels: (1) natural resources (use of and access to land, ducts and spectrum);
(2) infrastructure (passive cables and masts); (3) transmission (equipment for transportation of
bit‐streams); (4) IP/Internet (equipment for traffic direction and IP addressing); and (5) content
and services (content, services and end‐user equipment). The report identifies – on each level
of the value chain – challenges to openness.
PTS suggested several measures that aim to ensure openness while taking into consideration all
of the interests worthy of protection, including investment incentives and network security. It
proposed enhanced principles for equal treatment when establishing new infrastructure,
increased access to existing infrastructure, targeted information for consumers about pitfalls
and the importance of openness, as well as greater transparency regarding the possible
existence of measures that restrict traffic, such as prioritization and blocking.
The text of the report is available at:
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United Kingdom
On June 24, 2010, Ofcom published a discussion document on traffic management and net
neutrality. The purpose for seeking input was to begin to assess whether Ofcom's existing and
future powers (once the amended EU rules adopted in November 2009 are transposed into UK
law in 2011) might be used to address traffic management concerns and what stance Ofcom
should take on any potential anti‐competitive discrimination. The document also asks
questions about transparency and consumers' awareness of the traffic management policy of
the broadband service they have paid for.
The text of the document is available at:
Ofcom is seeking preliminary views by September 9, 2010, and has indicated that it will also
conduct a series of roundtables with industry, citizen and consumer groups over the summer.
Another development worth highlighting is the Voluntary Code of Practice on Broadband
Speeds initially published by Ofcom in 2008 and updated in July 2010. The Code applies to fixed
line broadband ISPs who voluntarily become signatories and commit to adhere to its provisions.
The collaborative process of formulating and updating the Code appears to be an instructive
example of a "co‐regulatory" approach to the issue of transparency.
Ofcom published a general statement on co‐regulation in 2008, which can be accessed at
More information on the 2010 Voluntary Code on Broadband Speeds can be obtained at:
45 | P a g e
The mission of 3G Americas is to promote, facilitate and advocate for the deployment of the
3GPP family of technologies throughout the Americas. 3G Americas' Board of Governors
members include Alcatel‐Lucent, America Móvil, Andrew Solutions, AT&T, Cable & Wireless,
Ericsson, Gemalto, HP, Huawei, Motorola, Nokia Siemens Networks, Openwave, Qualcomm,
Research In Motion, Rogers Wireless , T‐Mobile USA and Telefónica.
3G Americas would like to recognize the significant project leadership and important
contributions of Bob Calaff of T‐Mobile USA as well as the other member companies from 3G
Americas' Board of Governors who participated and contributed to the development of this
white paper.
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text:
The banana is the kind of fruit that give you a lot usages.
Everyone, do you know the fruits that have a long shape like the banana which has a lot of nutrient that you won't expect.
First, banana is the fruit that give us energy to support our bodies to do everything whenever you want. One banana can give you energy to do your work until 45 minutes. Try to investigate that everyone that do exercise during the night time they like to eat banana so much to increase their energy that they use in a whole day.
Moreover, bananas also have Acid Amino that is a kind of protein that help you sensitives, bright and your health become stronger and stronger. So if you stay in a difficult condition or getting stress you should eat banana because it can reduce your feeling to become better.
Especially, for Ladies that stay in the Ladies period, if you eat banana it can help your feeling to become better and sight, and it can prevent the stomachache when you are in that period.

subset: commoncrawl


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Hi! It's Lola from Preschool Wonders. I am so excited to be a guest blogger for Nicki today. I teach Early Childhood Special Education/Title 1.
My morning class is comprised of 3 and 4 year olds. My afternoon class is made up of 4 and 5 year olds who will be going to kindergarten the following year. I try to get my little learners as ready as I can for kindergarten. I refer to CCSS for kindergarten often so I can at least try to expose my learners to what they will be expected to know the next year.
As you can imagine (and probably not any different than a regular ed. class) my sweeties are all over the map with skill level. I have one favorite activity that I do on the first day of school. It's pretty simple, and depending on what you want to add it can be useful for the remainder of the school year. I have my students decorate placemats that are pulled out during snack time. If you don't have a snack time, you could pull it out just as a learning/personal reference sheet.
I do this first thing, since my kids don't get to school at the same time on the first day (buses run late, etc). I have my little ones decorate them while we are waiting for everyone to arrive. I give them a piece of construction paper with their name and birthday on it and lots of fun stuff to glue on (like tissue paper squares, construction paper pieces. shape stickers, number stickers, etc). I laminate them and use them at snack time throughout the year.
While they are eating snack I can do a quick assessment of one or two kids a day on shape, color, letters in name, etc. I encourage them to trace their names with their fingers while they are waiting for their snack or while they are waiting for their friends to finish. This year I am going to add little dots and arrows to help them know where to start the letter and what direction to go while tracing. They love the art activity on the first day of school and it keeps them busy while I am helping late arrivers get settled in. I then can use them the rest of the year. :)
Here is a picture of one I just put together as an example. I like to have my sweeties tear the tissue/construction paper to add a fine motor element, as well {not an easy feat for most!}
I made some items that you can give your learners to decorate their learning/placemats.
Head over to my blog to download them, if you are interested!


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LightHz Click is an accessory board in mikroBus form factor. The board features a TAOS TSL230RD programmable light-to-frequency converter. The output can be either a pulse train or a square wave (50% duty cycle) with frequency directly proportional to light intensity. Device sensitivity is selectable between Power Down, 1x, 10x and 100x. The full-scale output frequency can be scaled by one of four preset values: 1, 2, 10 and 100.
The board features a voltage-selection SMD jumper which determines whether it will operate on 5V or 3.3V power supply. It is set to 3.3V by default.
Frequency scaling and sensitivity selection of the sensor can be set by bringing the logic combination to S0 S3 lines according to sensor specification. This can be done by soldering corresponding SMD jumpers to appropriate logic voltage levels, or they can be connected to your MCU and determined by software. The board comes with SMD jumpers which are set to ON-BRD configuration of scaling and sensitivity. If you want those lines to be available to your MCU, just resolder the SMD jumpers to the MCU position. Default on-board configuration for scaling is (S2, S3) = (H, H), which represents a value of 100, and for sensitivity is (S0, S1) = (H, H), which represents 100x. Refer to the user manual for configuration details.
You also can connect Click boards to many other popular platforms via these adapters:
In addition, it is royalty-free to add mikroBUS to your own designs. Visit the mikroBUS Category to see the full line of Click boards.


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Are you sick of your little black dress? Not every woman is into skirts and stockings. You have more wardrobe options now than ever before, and if you're in the market for a new look, or if glam dresses just aren't your style, you might like to show up at the next party you're invited to rocking a tuxedo instead. The woman's tuxedo is a rising star in the fashion horizon, and if you're more comfortable in pants and long sleeves than in spaghetti straps and a skirt, learn how you can make the women's tuxedo fit in with your signature style.
Choose Your Shoes
There are lots of ways for you to wear a tuxedo, but before you start planning your outfits, it's important to make sure that you get the right fit. Buying a suit can be a little more complicated than buying a dress, and with a tuxedo especially, it's important to get the fit exactly right. You're better off opting for a tailored suit, but if you need to buy off the rack, having accurate measurements is a must. And for that, you need to know which shoes you'll be wearing with the suit.
One thing that many women don't realize when taking measurements is that the kind of shoe you want to wear matters when measuring your inseam. You want the hem of the pants to hit slightly above a flat shoe, but when you're wearing heels, the hem is supposed to hit the middle of the heel shaft. You don't want pants that are too long or too short, so when you're putting together your tailored tuxedo look, you may want to start by choosing the perfect pair of shoes and taking your inseam measurements while wearing them. Either that, or you might consider buying two pairs of tuxedo pants, so you can choose to wear flats or heels on different occasions. In either case, you'll need your shoes to get an accurate inseam measurement.
Accessorize with Caution
A tuxedo makes a statement in and of itself, so it doesn't need a lot of bling to dress it up. That doesn't mean that you have to forego wearing anything shiny with your suit, but it is usually better to opt for a minimalist approach when it comes to jewelry. Pick one piece that accents the tux and go with it.
You'll already have a bowtie around your neck, which means that a necklace is liable to look superfluous. And your jacket sleeves will hide your favorite bracelet. However, earrings are a great way to accessorize a tux. If you're going for an understated look, a pair of simple diamond studs will do the trick. Want to be bold? Go for oversized hoops or long, dangling earrings that brush your shoulders.
Make It Yours
When you're attending a formal occasion, you will want to wear the full tuxedo. However, parts of a tuxedo can be repurposed into great outfits for less formal occasions. Wear your women's black tuxedo jacket over a printed dress for a great twist on the daytime business-casual look. The jacket and shirt can be paired with a skirt for a cute semi-formal occasion. Need to make things more casual? Just roll up the jacket sleeves for an off-the-cuff look.
Going to a late-night event or on a romantic date? Make the tux more exciting and feminine by switching out the tuxedo shirt for a chiffon or lace top that will peek out from underneath the jacket. For a cute, whimsical look appropriate for a brunch or outdoor party, skip the jacket and bowtie and wear an oversized tuxedo shirt over skinny trousers. Dress things up with a scarf or a cute hat.
Tuxedos aren't just for men and supermodels. Any woman can pull off the tuxedo look if she wants to. If you're ready for a bold new fashion choice for this year's holiday parties, the tuxedo may be the perfect choice for you.Share
18 October 2016
Do you love wearing brand name clothes but don't have the clothing budget for them? Have you ever thought about buying your brand name clothes online or through consignment shops and sales? This blog is all about saving money on brand name clothes. You will find tips for finding the styles and brands that you want without cutting into your grocery budget for the month. It is my hope that my frugal living will help you create the looks and styles that you want even on your tight budget. Hopefully, you have as much fun reading through the tips here as I did putting them all together for you.


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Board of Directors
The Ellis R. Kerley Forensic Sciences Foundation exists because of the hard work and dedication of many people, volunteers, sponsors and especially the Board of Directors. Below are the current members of the Board of Directors.
Christian M. Crowder, PhD
Harris County Institute of Forensic Sciences,
Dir. of Forensic Anthropology
Previous and Rotating Members


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Gas Chromatography (GC)
Varian Inc. is a world leader in gas chromatographic analysis. The company has always produced top-of-the-line standard and complex GC systems for their many customers in the oil & gas and speciality gas industries. Varian with their 30 years of expertise and continuous work with customers, provides hardware solutions, fully documented standard analyzers and custom-modified gas chromatography systems.
Analytical Products
Analytical Consumables
Life Science Products
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Radiotherapy Technologies
About ISI
Products & Solutions
Service & Support
Our Team
Contact Us
General Service & Support
Customer Reviews
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E-mail: email@example.com
Tel: (+972)-3-9232202
Fax: (+972)-3-9229750
32 Shacham St, Kiryat Matalon
Petah-Tikva, 4951727
P.O.B 7790 , Israel


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I decided to have a go at stamping over the Lilac Kiko (330) with Kiko Black. It turned out a lot better than previous attempts, but still not perfect! Some nails came out really good, but some were a little bit smudged, or the pattern didn't fully transfer. I just stamped what I could over my thumbs, as they are definitely too big for the plates, and I wasn't sure how I could get this pattern to match up. I'm not really sure I like the colour combo, perhaps a gold or silver or turquoise would have been better, but generally I feel I am getting there (kind of!).
I think this was my best finger:


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Cucusoft DVD to iPhone Converter Suite 188.8.131.52 - Detailed description page
Cucusoft iPhone Video Converter Suite is an all-in-one iPhone video Conversion software solution. This Suite includes 2 software -- " Cucusoft iPhone Video Converter" and " Cucusoft DVD to iPhone Converter". So with this iPhone Video Converter Suite, you can convert both DVD media and video file to iPhone. You can enjoy your favorite DVDs and video on your iPhone. Now you can get this DVD to iPhone Converter Suite at a very competitive price!
Keywords: dvd to iphone, iphone video converter
Recent Changes: Fixed minor bugs.
Install Support: Install and Uninstall
Supported Languages: English
Additional Requirements: DirectX 9.0 or later
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Quick-Grip and Trigger Clamps
Kreg Tool Auto-Adjust Bar Clamps0 review
Starting at: $31.90
Item #: 100-900
Irwin 76-Pc. Woodworkers Master Package0 review
Regular Price: $1,366.90
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Irwin Quick-Grip Medium- & Heavy-Duty Clamps0 review
Starting at: $16.90
Irwin Quick-Grip Accessories0 review
Starting at: $7.90
Irwin Quick-Grip Micro & Mini Clamps0 review
Starting at: $6.90
BESSEY EZ/EZS One Handed Trigger Clamps0 review
Starting at: $12.90
Item #: 100-743
BESSEY XCRU5 - 4" Deep Reach Ratcheting Spring Clamp0 review$8.90
Thousands of Satisfied Customers
Check out our most recent woodworking tools and accessory reviews below. We have thousands of satisfied customers that use our router bits, shaper cutters, router tables, and many more fine woodworking tools every day. Take a minute to read what your fellow woodworkers have to say about their experience with our company and our quality woodworking tools. All reviews are from real customers of Infinity Tools who were polled by our partners at ShopperApproved.com. More third party reviews can be found at Shopper Approved's website.
We welcome any feedback you may have about either your buying experience or our products because we understand that it's our customers who make us great!
Quick-Grip and Trigger Clamps - Clamping - Shop Essentials
Irwin set the standard for one-handed bar clamps with their Quick-Grip line of woodworking clamps and clamping accessories for the woodworker. You won't find a longer-lasting, more versatile clamp on the market.
One-Hand Quick-Grip and Trigger Clamps
The Quick-Grip and Trigger clamps offer the ultimate in convenience and versatility for clamping tasks in the workshop. They're ideal for heavy-duty applications such as installation, demolition work, and rough glue-up. Clampling force is distributed throughout the entire face of the pads. These clamps offer simple, one-handed operation for those complex assembly tasks.
Spring Clamps
Being able to quickly grab a clamp and apply it to your assembly is a feature every woodworker can appreciate. Our spring clamps offer plenty of strength for those tricky glue-ups. They're also handy to scatter around the shop for a variety of other tasks such as clamping a stop block the the fence on your table saw, drill press, or router table.


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Hosted by Should Be Reading
To take part, just answer:
1) What are you currently reading?
2) What did you recently finish reading?
3) What do you think you'll read next?
Currently Reading
I'm currently reading Three of Hearts by W. Ferraro. I've had this series waiting in my review list for a little while and I finally have a chance to read it. So far, it's okay, but I'm not very far in.
I'm also about to start The Scandal Before Christmas, because I love holiday novellas!
Recently Finished
I've just finished 'Tis the Season To Kiss Santa by Kate Hardy (told you I liked holiday novellas), which was sweet.
Reading Next
Next up, and I'm excited about this, is Remy by Katy Evans! Yayyyyy. I can never get enough Remy and now I get to see everything through his eyes :)
I'm also going to read Layers Deep by Lacey Silks next, which promises to be a rather sexy read!
What are you reading this week?


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- Home
- Mens Vintage
- Accessories
- Country bow tie Harris Tweed checked wool
Product Description
Men's country tweed bow tie, handmade from bold checked Harris Tweed wool.
Cream, brown, olive green and grey bold houndstooth check.
Stylish men's check wool tweed bow tie, classic country gentlelmans wear.
Adjustable grosgrain neck strap, pre-tied ready to wear tweed bow tie.
Approx size - 4" wide x 2 " high
Supplies are limited of each design, order early to avoid disappointment.
Please note that as these wool bow ties are handmade from vintage tweed and no two will be identical, they are each unique depending on the fabric cut. Please remember this as dickie bow tie received may differ slightly from images shown due to this.
You will however own a stylish "one off" tweed bow tie.... unusual gift idea for dads, brothers, sons, granddads & husbands.
Exclusive to Tweedmans Vintage.
Gentlemen's classic tweed accessories @Tweedmans Vintage


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The executive shuffle Apple announced late Monday is the kind of drama that we in the tech press usually only get from watching Game of Thrones. But as interesting as it is from an inside-baseball perspective, it's worth remembering that Apple's focus is, as always, on products.
Who said what to whom and why so-and-so was shown the door makes for interesting scuttlebutt on tech websites, but that focus on office politics means very little to people who just want to have the best experience using their Mac, iPhone, or iPad. It's far more important to consider what Monday's maneuvers mean for the hardware, software, and services coming out of Cupertino.
Humans first
While Apple's hardware in recent years has largely received rave reviews, the reaction has been more mixed for the company's software interfaces. Even as Apple's industrial design has veered more toward elegant combinations of aluminum and glass, the software user interfaces seem to have lost some of the consistency that was once their hallmark.
Jonathan Ive
With Monday's announcement, the man responsible for much of Apple's hardware design since 1996, senior vice president Jonathan Ive, is now in charge of human interface -- design of both software and hardware -- for the company as a whole.
It's unclear what Ive, whose expertise is in industrial design, will bring to the software side of Apple. But as the late Steve Jobs once said "Design is not just what it looks like and feels like. Design is how it works."
Then again, the experience of using hardware doesn't always translate directly to software interfaces, as we've seen from Apple's often questionable fixation on skeuomorphic design -- think the stitched leather on the OS X version of Calendar and, more egregiously, the iOS version of Find My Friends.
There are some suggestions that Ive is less infatuated with skeuomorphism than outgoing iOS head Scott Forstall, but it also doesn't mean that every single Apple design choice the masses have questioned will be wiped away overnight. This is still a company that is not afraid of doing things its own way, whether users agree or not.
And keep in mind that, as with Jobs, Ive has his own misstepswhile he famously designed the first iMac, he's also credited (albeit after Jobs) with the design of that computer's infamous "hockey puck" mouse.
Still, if Ive has shown anything over the past ten years, it's that he values a marriage of form and function rather than simply emphasizing one or the other. He's also incredibly detail-oriented -- the asymmetric fan blades on the redesigned MacBook Pros comes to mind.
Apple's strength has always been about the intersection of hardware and software into one perfect widget, something that the company has ably accomplished with its iOS devices and most recent Macs, and it seems likely the company and its users will benefit from a unified approach to human interface.
Grand unified theory
With iOS chief Scott Forstall gone, his responsibilities have been scattered to the four winds. The bulk of it will be picked up by senior vice president Craig Federighi, who previously oversaw Mac OS X.


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Author Name
Morton, Rob
Title God, Forgive These Bastards: Stories from the Forgotten Life of Georgia Pitcher Henry Turner
Binding Trade Paperback
Book Condition Brand new!
ISBN Number
1621068765 / 9781621068761
Seller ID 2896
More Description
The life of a complex soul is the subject of this book that is part biography and part companion for the Taxpayers' jazz-punk album of the same name. In the late 1970s, Henry Turner went from a local hero as star pitcher of the Georgia Tech Wildcats to an abusive, alcoholic drifter. After spending his later years in homeless encampments and psychiatric wards, Turner turned his demons to his advantage and became a kind, beloved street storyteller, a friend of the downtrodden, and an angel of public transit. This is a remembrance of a life filled with contradictions--cowardice and bravery, falsehoods and candidness, glory and failure--and an exploration of the brief moments that can shape people's lives.
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text: Facebook Pinterest Twitter Google Plus Email RSS Integrity Offers New Sizes on All Ultrex® Sliding Patio DoorBy Integrity WindowsFebruary 9, 2012Allows for Seamless Replacement of Existing Patio Doors FARGO, N.D. – One of Integrity from Marvin's most popular sliding patio doors is about to get even more popular. Two new sizes are available on Integrity's All Ultrex Sliding Patio Door—51068 and 9068. The 51068 size is a dual panel configuration designed for seamless replacement of most existing aluminum and vinyl patio doors. Homeowners get the superior strength and energy efficiency of Ultrex® pultruded fiberglass, while builders and remodelers get a quicker, easier replacement job. The 9068 door expands Integrity's three panel patio door selection even further and like all Integrity All Ultrex products it combines beauty with durable performance and is delivered complete in an industry-leading lead time. "These doors are a great option for those who want to replace an older aluminum or vinyl patio door with a higher performing fiberglass product," said Garrett Wilson, Product Marketing Manager. "It's not only an easy replacement—it has all the durability and toughness of Ultrex." Ultrex is as strong as steel and eight times stronger than vinyl. Applied through a patented finishing process, Ultrex's durable, high-performance AAMA-verified finish is up to 3 times thicker than competitive finishes. Thanks to Ultrex, Integrity windows and doors resist spotting, scratching, streaking, fading, warping, corrosion, and denting, resulting in fewer callbacks for installers and requiring virtually no maintenance for homeowners.


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- Ambience- 6 / 10
- Food- 9 / 10
- Value for money- 7 / 10
- Service- 5/ 10
- Location- 7 / 10
- Hygiene: 8 / 10
- Overall- 7/ 10
How can a truly hungry man (or woman) go to Bahrain and not visit Coco's? Team T3HM recently paid a brief visit to this little, yet exciting island and did some serious catching up on all the places that have opened and flourished over the last few years!
Coco's, a cutesy Italian restaurant in Block 338 in Adliya, has its own charm. The ambience is rather average but you can always find good crowd, and not surprisingly, the place is always crowded! Of course, we had a tough time getting seats, since they didn't even answer the phone to take reservations! The waiting list is always huge, so this might not be the best option for those spontaneous brunches that you want to head over to!
Speaking of brunches, Coco's is supremely famous for breakfast and brunches and we totally recommend it! We did visit a little late in time for brunch, but nevertheless, had a great experience. We ordered a variety of dishes, starting with their famous Iced Tea. We kid you not, this is no ordinary Iced Tea. Besides being famous all over Bahrain, the drink does full justice to its reputation. Priced at BD 1, the peach iced tea is your best bet, and is quite reasonable given the quantity. And quite honestly, it is definitely one of the best iced teas we've tasted.
We ordered a strawberry salad, which had a nice tangy balsamic dressing and of course strawberries. The chicken and mushroom salad was quite appetising as well. For vegetarians, we didn't quite like the Aubergine with Halloumi and Mint Sandwich, the aubergine was slightly overpowering and if they fix that bit, then this sandwich might be a hit. The Broccoli Pasta was quite nice, good mix of flavours and the tomato sauce was rather perfect. The Mushroom Cheese burger with fries was delicious, but not as much as the Ravioli with Beef Mince and Ricotta Cheese. The Ravioli is definitely in our top recommendations at Coco's.
Coco's is really famous for their rice dishes and from everything we ordered, we did have a winner – the Risotto Con Pollo with pink sauce. It was literally to die for! The chicken was so succulent and cooked to perfect, the rice was perfect and the pink sauce ensured a perfect balance of flavours! We absolutely loved this dish. It was on the specials for that day's menu and anything listed on their specials menu is highly recommended.
Now – the Waffles! Nutella Waffles, served with a scoop of vanilla ice cream and sprinkled with Cinnamon, we are drooling all over the keyboard as we type this out. Easily, some of the best Waffles we have tasted in Bahrain and oh-so-crunchy! Definitely worth the 2 BD we dished out. Of course we were already far too stuffed to order any more dessert!
Disappointingly, their service is slow. But with the rush of people in a small restaurant, we can't really hold that against them. The prices are not exactly economical, but when you think of the quantity and more importantly the quality of the food, we did find the prices very reasonable.
The long wait and a real test of your patience levels (unless you have a lot of free time) is the price you have to pay to experience some of the best Italian food in Bahrain.Address : Coco's, Road No 3803, Adliya, Manama, Bahrain | Phone +973 1771 6512 Writer : Shereen Dsouza | Photo Courtesy : www.askthestylecouncil.com | Team – The 3 Hungry Men


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Monthly Palliative Care Module Workshops
The 'Victoria Palliative Care Module Training' package forms the basis of our monthly workshops looking at issues arising within palliative care.
All volunteers are wecome to attend - please rsvp ( )
Held in the training room of Paradise Kids building from 1.30 - 3.00pm. Followed by a Support Group, if requested by volunteers.
Tuesday May 30th - Grief & Loss
Monday 26th June - Dying & Death
Tuesday 25th July - Illness & Care
Tuesday 29th August - Self Care
Tuesday 24th October - Introduction to Palliative Care
Tuesday 28th November - Role of Palliative Care Volunteer
Palliative Care One-day Intensive Course
For those volunteers who wish to volunteer with residents in the hopice or respite care, you will need to undertake our
one-day Palliative Care course on which is held 3 times during 2017:
Monday 23rd January 2017 - 9am-4pm
This intensive is free to our active volunteers, and costs $120 to all others.
Please contact Liza Moore on 5574 6853 to book your place.
Volunteers Welcome!!
Whilst Hopewell Hospice originally began as a small hospice, it has now grown into a larger organisation called Hopewell Hospice Services Inc. This is an umbrella organisation for:
Hopewell Hospice: an 8-bedroom palliative care unit, housing our Family Support Workers;
Paradise Kids - a unit for supporting children, parents and families around grief and loss;
Simply Divine Cafe - our fundraising cafe where all profits go back into the organisation;
Hopewell Holiday House - currently housing our weekly Living Well Respite Day Care Centre.
The activities of the various parts of Hopewell Hospice Services depend greatly on the contributions of volunteers. In turn, the volunteers find personal enrichment through being part of the community of care that serves people of all ages.
We have a wide range of volunteering opportunities including reception support, kitchen assistant, gardening, Cafe assistants and - with further training - you could become a companion to residents, be part of our respite project or train as a Paradise Kids buddy.
We ask that all volunteers undertake some training before they join us. This involves a meeeting with our Volunteer Coordinator to find out more about our organisation, what we offer volunteers and what we ask of volunteers, and to discuss further the areas you might like to volunteer in;
Workplace Health & Safety training - including food handling and Fire Safety - a mandatory aspect of training cover the safety of everyone and ensuring we are covered legally and for insurance purposes;
More in-depth training for specific volunteering roles such as Companion or PK Buddy. Other training is offered throughout the year and in 2017 we are starting short 1-hour workshops to look at specific issues relating to palliative care work and individual self-development within this area - which all volunteers will be encouraged to attend.
Please contact our Volunteer Coordinator, 07 5625 1900 or email: to discuss volunteering and our training programme to become a volunteer at Hopewell.