The move towards New Generation Access Networks (NGAN) confronts operators with tough issues. An often overlooked procedure is the methods undertaken to phase out previous technologies, especially the legacy copper network. Industry players correctly assume that there must be a period in which both old and new networks will co-exist. This article considers various scenarios, such as a gradual transition, freezing legacy networks, or even a swift transition, to incorporate a more rounded view of the situation. Although it is clear for all the market components that a transition period is unavoidable, it is not clear how long this period will or should take. What are the regulatory implications of this co-existence?. We examine the barriers affecting the move towards NGAN (in terms of regulation and installation base) and the latent benefits of the transition.

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