Latest Frost & Sullivan Research Addresses Obstacles Facing CALEA and Homeland Security.

Business Editors/High-Tech Writers/Government Writers

PALO ALTO, Calif.--(BUSINESS WIRE)--Sept. 9, 2003

The Information & Communications Technology Division of Frost & Sullivan looks at significant hurdles facing CALEA with its release of the U.S. CALEA Market Insight.

What is CALEA? CALEA is the Communications Assistance for Law Enforcement Act of 1994, which details specific requirements for telecom carriers (wireline and wireless) to provide access and delivery of call identifying and content information to law enforcement agencies (LEAs) conducting court-ordered wiretapping or electronic surveillance.

In recent years, emerging technology such as IP and wireless communications has brought a new level of need for intercepting call identifying and content information. Convergence, the integration of networks and the use of multiple networking technologies have brought new complexities in the wiretapping process.

"Electronic surveillance has reached a point of urgency in the telecommunications market mainly due to strong focus of securing the homeland and fighting terror," says Frost & Sullivan Program Leader Stephanie Atkinson.

Wiretapping

CALEA wiretaps can be segmented into three major functional domains including, access function, delivery function and collection function. Carriers are responsible for providing the access and delivery function of the intercept, while LEAs are responsible for the collection function.

The access function is performed at the switch, which captures the call identifying and content information. The delivery function is responsible for carrying the lawful intercept to the collection point. This function is based on whether the call is delivered over IP or PSTN, and usually includes servers, mediation devices, routers, and other equipment that collect the call information and data. The collection function houses the LEA's computer system, software, and database system.

Surveillance

Law enforcement agencies can perform a number of types of surveillance, but all must be approved through a court order. The following defines the different types of electronic surveillance:

-- Pen Register - recording phone numbers of people the target is

calling

-- Trap and Trace - recording phone numbers of people calling the

target

-- Interception (Title III) - Includes the above two plus the

recording of the conversation of the target

There are a number of challenges that exist in accessing and delivering the intercept whether it is a voice or data communication. The intercept of calls for next-generation networks such as packet-based or IP and wireless telephony are major focus for carriers today.

The FCC is granting extensions for compliancy to prolong carrier compliance, and the FBI offers a Flexible Deployment Program to assist the carrier with CALEA compliance. Switch-based, adjunct based, and service bureau solutions are available to carriers. There are even some CALEA solutions meeting the intercept requirements for IP voice and wireless data. Other issues and challenges include the privacy of conversations and the protection of customer rights.

This study uncovers the latest trends, technology requirements and technology trends.

U.S. CALEA Market Insight is part of the Businesses Services and Vertical Markets Service, which also includes insights on the Federal and State Government Telecommunications and Homeland Security Opportunities. Executive summaries and interviews are available to the press.

Frost & Sullivan, an international growth consultancy, has been supporting clients' expansion for more than four decades. Our market expertise covers a broad spectrum of industries, while our portfolio of advisory competencies include custom strategic consulting, market intelligence and management training. Our mission is to forge partnerships with our clients' management teams to deliver market insights and to create value and drive growth through innovative approaches. Frost & Sullivan's network of consultants, industry experts, corporate trainers and support staff, spans the globe with offices in every major country.