Telecommunication Regulation

The Nepal Telecommunications Authority (NTA) is the independent regulator of the telecom sector of Nepal. It was established in 2055 BS (1998) under the Telecommunications Act, 2053 (1997), and works under the Telecommunications Regulation, 2054 (1997). Its aim is to make reliable, affordable telecom services available across the country and to create a competitive market.

Roles of NTA in developing the telecom sector

1. Licensing. Issues and renews licences for basic telephone, mobile, internet (ISP), VSAT, long distance and other services, and sets licence conditions. Opening licences to private operators (Ncell, Smart Telecom, many ISPs) ended the monopoly of Nepal Telecom.

2. Spectrum management. Assigns radio frequencies (e.g. 900/1800 MHz, 2100 MHz, 4G bands) to operators in coordination with the Frequency Policy, and monitors their use.

3. Tariff regulation. Approves and regulates tariffs and interconnection charges so prices are fair and affordable.

4. Competition and fair practice. Prevents anti-competitive behaviour and abuse of significant market power; regulates interconnection between operators.

5. Numbering. Prepares and manages the national numbering plan (country code +977, area codes, mobile prefixes, short codes such as 100, 101, 102).

6. Quality of service. Sets QoS standards (call drop rate, call setup success, internet speed) and monitors operators.

7. Rural telecommunication. Manages the Rural Telecommunication Development Fund (RTDF), collected from operators, to extend services and broadband to rural and remote areas.

8. Consumer protection. Handles complaints, protects consumer rights and ensures transparent billing.

9. Type approval and standards. Approves telecom equipment and adopts ITU standards.

10. Policy advice. Advises the Government on telecom policy and new technologies (e.g. 5G, broadband policy).

Through these roles NTA has helped Nepal grow from a few lakh telephone lines to near-universal mobile coverage.

A numbering plan is a scheme of allocating unique numbers to subscribers, exchanges, areas and countries, so that every telephone in the world can be reached and the switches can route the call from the dialled digits. It also fixes the number length, prefixes and special codes.

Requirements of a good numbering plan

• Unique number for every subscriber.
• Easy for users to remember and dial.
• Allows routing and charging from the digits.
• Room for future growth without renumbering.
• Follows ITU-T recommendation E.164.

Types of numbering plan

1. Open numbering plan. Number length varies; a trunk prefix is dialled for calls outside the local area (e.g. 0 + area code). Used in Nepal, UK, India.
2. Closed numbering plan. All numbers in the country have the same length and the full number is dialled always; no trunk prefix. Example: USA/Canada (NANP, 10 digits), Singapore (8 digits).
3. Uniform numbering: all subscribers have the same number length.
4. Non-uniform numbering: different areas use different subscriber number lengths.

National numbering plan

A national number consists of

[Trunk prefix] [Area/trunk code] [Exchange code] [Line no.]
      0              1               44            12345

• Trunk prefix (0): tells the exchange that a long distance call follows.
• Area (trunk) code: identifies the numbering area.
• Subscriber number: exchange code + line number.
• National significant number (NSN) = area code + subscriber number.

Examples in Nepal: Kathmandu 01-4XXXXXX, Pokhara 061-5XXXXX, Biratnagar 021-XXXXXX; mobile numbers are 10 digits, e.g. 984XXXXXXX (Nepal Telecom), 980XXXXXXX (Ncell); special codes 100 (police), 101 (fire), 102 (ambulance).

International numbering plan (ITU-T E.164)

[International prefix] [CC] [National significant number]
         00            977        1 4412345

• International prefix: dialled to leave the country (00 in Nepal and most countries, 011 in North America; shown as "+").
• Country code (CC): 1 to 3 digits; the first digit gives the world zone.
• NSN: area code + subscriber number without the trunk prefix.
• Maximum length of the international number (CC + NSN) is 15 digits.

World numbering zones:

Example: a Kathmandu number 01-4412345 called from abroad is dialled as 00-977-1-4412345 (written +977 1 4412345); from Pokhara it is dialled 01-4412345; from within Kathmandu just 4412345.

The International Telecommunication Union (ITU) is the United Nations specialised agency for information and communication technologies (ICT). It was founded in Paris on 17 May 1865 as the International Telegraph Union, became a UN agency in 1947, and has its headquarters in Geneva. Its members are about 193 member states plus several hundred sector members (operators, manufacturers), associates and academia.

Purpose of ITU

1. Maintain and extend international cooperation among member states for the improvement and rational use of telecommunications/ICT of all kinds.
2. Promote and offer technical assistance to developing countries.
3. Promote development of technical facilities and their efficient operation, so services are more useful and widely available.
4. Promote the extension of new telecom technologies to all the world's people.
5. Harmonise the actions of member states and promote cooperation between members and sector members.
6. Promote the use of telecommunication services for peace and safety of life, and a broader approach to telecom issues in the global information economy.

Structure

           Plenipotentiary Conference
                     |
               ITU Council
                     |
           General Secretariat
       +-------------+-------------+
    ITU-R          ITU-T         ITU-D
 (radio comm.) (standardization) (development)

Main activities, duties and responsibilities

1. Radio spectrum and orbits (ITU-R): allocate radio-frequency spectrum and satellite orbit positions worldwide; maintain the Radio Regulations; register frequency assignments to avoid harmful interference.
2. Standardization (ITU-T): develop international standards called Recommendations (e.g. G.711 PCM, E.164 numbering, H.323, G.992 ADSL) so networks of different countries work together.
3. Development (ITU-D): help developing and least developed countries build ICT infrastructure, policy, regulation and capacity; reduce the digital divide.
4. International numbering: assign country codes and manage E.164 numbering resources.
5. Tariff and accounting principles: set principles for international accounting rates and settlements between operators.
6. Emergency and safety: promote telecommunication for disaster relief and safety of life.
7. Conferences and events: organise World Radiocommunication Conferences, World Telecommunication Standardization Assemblies, and World Telecommunication Development Conferences.
8. Information and statistics: publish ICT indicators and reports (e.g. Measuring Digital Development).
9. Cybersecurity and accessibility: promote confidence and security in ICT use and accessibility for persons with disabilities.

Regulations of Nepal Telecommunications Authority

NTA was set up under the Telecommunications Act, 2053 (1997) and works under the Telecommunications Regulation, 2054 (1997). The main regulatory functions and provisions are:

1. Licensing: licences for basic telephone, mobile, internet, VSAT, rural and other services; renewal and conditions; penalties for operating without a licence.
2. Frequency (spectrum) regulation: assigning and monitoring radio frequencies in coordination with the Radio Frequency Policy Determination Committee.
3. Tariff regulation: approving tariffs and preventing unfair pricing.
4. Interconnection: obliging operators to interconnect, and fixing interconnection terms and charges.
5. Numbering: national numbering plan and allocation of number blocks and short codes.
6. Quality of service regulation: QoS standards and monitoring.
7. Rural Telecommunication Development Fund: collecting a share of operator revenue to extend rural services.
8. Type approval: standards for telecom equipment.
9. Consumer protection and dispute settlement: complaints, disputes between operators.
10. Fair competition: preventing monopoly and anti-competitive practices.

Other related instruments: Telecommunication Policy 2060 (2004), Radio Frequency Policy, and NTA directives and by-laws (e.g. interconnection, QoS, number portability guidelines).

Basic needs of a charging plan for a telecom company

A charging plan decides how much each subscriber pays for a service. Its basic needs are:

1. Cost recovery and profit: cover capital and operating costs and give a fair return.
2. Fairness: charge in proportion to use of network resources, i.e. call duration, distance (local, STD, ISD) and time of day.
3. Simplicity: easy for customers to understand and for the exchange to implement (periodic pulse metering, CDR-based billing).
4. Encourage efficient use: lower off-peak rates to shift traffic out of the busy hour.
5. Affordability and universal service: low rentals or lifeline tariffs for basic access.
6. Competitiveness: attractive packages, prepaid and postpaid plans.
7. Regulatory approval: tariffs approved by NTA and within its rules.
8. Accurate measurement and billing: reliable metering, records and customer billing.

Typical elements:

Major purpose and roles of ITU

The International Telecommunication Union (ITU), founded in 1865 and headquartered in Geneva, is the UN specialised agency for ICT.

Purpose

• International cooperation for improvement and rational use of all kinds of telecommunication.
• Technical assistance to developing countries.
• Development and efficient operation of technical facilities so services are widely available at low cost.
• Harmonising actions of nations for these common ends.

Roles

1. ITU-R: global management of radio spectrum and satellite orbits; Radio Regulations.
2. ITU-T: international standards (Recommendations) such as E.164 numbering, G.711, SS7 (Q.700 series).
3. ITU-D: help developing countries with infrastructure, policy and capacity building.
4. Assigns country codes and international numbering resources.
5. Sets principles for international tariffs and settlements.
6. Promotes telecommunications for disaster relief and safety of life, cybersecurity and accessibility.

How NTA helps in regulation and development of telecom in Nepal

The Nepal Telecommunications Authority (NTA), established in 2055 BS (1998) under the Telecommunications Act, 2053 (1997), is the independent telecom regulator.

Regulation

1. Licensing of operators (Nepal Telecom, Ncell, Smart Telecom, ISPs) and enforcing licence conditions.
2. Spectrum management: allocation of frequencies and monitoring.
3. Tariff and interconnection regulation so prices are fair and operators connect to each other on fair terms.
4. Numbering plan (+977, area codes, mobile prefixes, short codes).
5. Quality of service standards and their monitoring.
6. Consumer protection and complaint handling.

Development

1. Rural Telecommunication Development Fund (RTDF): finances telephone and broadband in rural and remote areas.
2. Promoting competition, which has lowered prices and increased mobile and internet penetration.
3. Adopting new technology (3G, 4G/LTE, fibre broadband, trials of 5G) and ITU standards.
4. Policy advice to the Government, e.g. broadband and frequency policies.

Role of NTA in development of telecom in Nepal

The Nepal Telecommunications Authority (NTA) is the telecom regulator established in 2055 BS (1998) under the Telecommunications Act, 2053 (1997). Its main roles are:

1. Licensing basic, mobile, internet and other service providers, which opened the market to private operators.
2. Spectrum allocation and monitoring of radio frequencies.
3. Tariff and interconnection regulation for fair prices and fair access between operators.
4. Promoting competition and preventing monopoly.
5. Rural access through the Rural Telecommunication Development Fund.
6. Quality of service standards and consumer protection.
7. Numbering plan management.
8. Type approval of equipment and adoption of ITU standards; policy advice to the Government.

E.164 for Nepal

ITU-T E.164 is the international public telecommunication numbering plan. An international number has at most 15 digits:

 +  977   1   4XXXXXX
 |   |    |      |
 |   CC  NDC    SN
 |   <-- max 15 digits -->
 international prefix (00)

• CC (country code): Nepal = 977 (zone 9: Asia).
• NDC (national destination code): area code or mobile prefix.
• SN (subscriber number).
• NSN = NDC + SN.

Nepal's numbering (as per NTA numbering plan):

Dialling examples

• Kathmandu number from Pokhara: 01-4XXXXXX.
• Same number from abroad: +977-1-4XXXXXX (the trunk prefix 0 is dropped).
• Mobile from abroad: +977-98XXXXXXXX.

The International Telecommunication Union (ITU), the UN agency for ICT, does its work through three sectors, each with its own conferences, study groups and bureau.

ITU-R (Radiocommunication Sector)

• Manages the global radio-frequency spectrum and satellite orbits as limited natural resources.
• Prepares and revises the Radio Regulations through World Radiocommunication Conferences (WRC).
• Records and registers frequency assignments (Master International Frequency Register) to avoid harmful interference.
• Develops standards for radio systems: IMT-2000 (3G), IMT-Advanced (4G), IMT-2020 (5G), broadcasting, satellite and maritime services.

ITU-T (Telecommunication Standardization Sector)

• Formerly CCITT; develops international technical standards called Recommendations, e.g. E.164 numbering, G.711 PCM, SS7 (Q.700), H.323, G.992 ADSL, optical transport (G.709).
• Ensures interoperability of networks and equipment worldwide.
• Sets tariff and accounting principles for international services and manages international numbering and country codes.
• Works through study groups and the World Telecommunication Standardization Assembly (WTSA).

ITU-D (Telecommunication Development Sector)

• Helps developing and least developed countries build ICT infrastructure and capacity.
• Supports policy and regulatory reforms, spectrum management and universal access plans.
• Promotes bridging the digital divide, digital inclusion, accessibility, cybersecurity and emergency telecommunications.
• Publishes ICT statistics and runs training (ITU Academy); organised through World Telecommunication Development Conferences (WTDC).

A telephone numbering plan in the PSTN is the scheme that gives every landline subscriber a unique number, so that exchanges can route and charge calls from the dialled digits. National plans follow ITU-T E.164, which limits an international number to 15 digits.

Structure of a PSTN number

 00   977   1    44    12345
 |     |    |    |       |
 IP   CC   area  exch.  line
          code   code   number
      <-- NSN = area+subscriber -->

• International prefix (00): to dial out of the country.
• Country code (CC): e.g. 977 Nepal, 91 India.
• Trunk prefix (0): dialled before the area code for a national long distance (STD) call.
• Area (trunk) code: identifies the charging/numbering area, e.g. 01 Kathmandu, 061 Pokhara, 021 Biratnagar.
• Subscriber number: exchange code + line number; the exchange code selects the local exchange, the line number selects the subscriber's line.

Types of numbering

1. Open plan: a trunk prefix and area code are dialled only for calls outside the area; number lengths may differ (Nepal, UK).
2. Closed plan: the full number, of fixed length, is always dialled (USA 10 digits).

Requirements

• Unique and easy to remember.
• Number length planned for future growth.
• Digits allow routing and charging.
• Special short codes for emergency and services (Nepal: 100 police, 101 fire, 102 ambulance, 197 directory).

Example (Nepal): a Kathmandu subscriber 4412345 is dialled as 4412345 locally, 01-4412345 from another district, and +977-1-4412345 from abroad.

In a large network the digits are analysed step by step: the first digit 0 sends the call to the trunk exchange, the area code selects the route, and the remaining digits select the local exchange and line.

Role of NTA in development of the telecom sector of Nepal

The Nepal Telecommunications Authority (NTA) is the independent regulator established in 2055 BS (1998) under the Telecommunications Act, 2053 (1997).

1. Licensing telecom operators and ISPs, opening the market to competition.
2. Spectrum management: allocating and monitoring radio frequencies.
3. Tariff and interconnection regulation for fair, affordable prices.
4. Quality of service standards and consumer protection.
5. Rural Telecommunication Development Fund for services in remote areas.
6. National numbering plan management.
7. Type approval, adoption of standards and policy advice to the Government.

Numbering plan as per ITU (E.164)

ITU-T Recommendation E.164 defines the international public telecommunication numbering plan. An international number has at most 15 digits (excluding the international prefix).

 [Intl prefix] [CC] [NDC] [SN]
      00       977    1   4412345
              <---- max 15 digits ---->

• International prefix: chosen nationally; 00 is the ITU-recommended prefix (written as "+").
• CC (country code): 1–3 digits, assigned by ITU; first digit gives the world zone (9 for most of Asia; Nepal = 977).
• NDC (national destination code): area code or mobile network code.
• SN (subscriber number).
• NSN = NDC + SN; its length is set by the national regulator (NTA in Nepal).
• Trunk prefix (0 in Nepal) is used only inside the country and is dropped in international format.

Example: Kathmandu fixed line 01-4412345 is +977 1 4412345 internationally; a mobile 9841XXXXXX is +977 9841XXXXXX.

Functions and duties of NTA

The Nepal Telecommunications Authority (NTA), set up under the Telecommunications Act, 2053 (1997), has these main functions and duties:

1. Issue, renew and regulate licences for telecom services.
2. Allocate and monitor radio frequencies.
3. Approve tariffs and regulate interconnection between operators.
4. Ensure fair competition and prevent monopoly.
5. Prepare and manage the national numbering plan.
6. Set and monitor quality of service standards.
7. Protect consumer interests and settle disputes.
8. Manage the Rural Telecommunication Development Fund to extend services to rural areas.
9. Type approval of equipment and adoption of standards.
10. Advise the Government on telecom policy.

IP switching

IP switching combines fast Layer-2 (ATM or label) switching with Layer-3 IP routing. In plain IP routing every packet is examined and routed hop by hop in software, which is slow. In IP switching the switch identifies a flow (a long sequence of packets between the same source and destination). The first few packets are routed normally; then a label/VC is assigned to the flow and later packets are switched in hardware without full IP lookup. Ipsilon's IP switching and its successor MPLS use this idea.

IP switch structure

        +-----------------------------+
        |  IP switch controller       |
        |  (IP routing software,      |
        |   flow classifier, IFMP,    |
        |   routing protocols)        |
        +--------------+--------------+
                       | GSMP (control)
        +--------------+--------------+
 in --->|   ATM / label switching     |---> out
 in --->|   hardware (fabric)         |---> out
        +-----------------------------+

• Switching hardware: an ATM switch fabric (or label switch) that forwards cells at high speed.
• IP switch controller: a router-like processor running IP routing protocols (OSPF, BGP) and flow classification.
• GSMP (General Switch Management Protocol): the controller uses it to set up and release connections in the fabric.
• IFMP (Ipsilon Flow Management Protocol): tells neighbouring switches to attach a label/VC to a flow.

Operation

1. Packets arrive on a default channel and are routed by the controller.
2. The controller classifies traffic; short flows (DNS, single packets) continue to be routed.
3. For a long flow, it asks the upstream node (IFMP) to send that flow on a new VC/label.
4. A connection is set across the fabric (GSMP), and later packets are switched at hardware speed.
5. Idle flows are timed out and their labels released.

Advantages: high throughput, lower delay, QoS support, and scalability; this idea led to MPLS used in today's ISP backbones.

The Nepal Telecommunications Authority (NTA), set up under the Telecommunications Act, 2053 (1997), is the independent regulator of Nepal's telecom market. One of its main objectives is to create a fair, competitive market and to protect the interests of consumers.

Promoting competition and fair practices

1. Opening the market through licensing. NTA licenses new operators for mobile, basic telephone, internet (ISP), long distance and other services. Private entry (Ncell, Smart Telecom, many ISPs) ended the monopoly of Nepal Telecom and lowered prices.
2. Interconnection regulation. Every operator must interconnect with the others on fair, non-discriminatory terms. NTA sets or approves interconnection charges and settles interconnection disputes, so a new operator can reach all subscribers.
3. Fair spectrum allocation. Frequencies are assigned through transparent procedures (fixed fees or auction) so that no operator gets an unfair advantage.
4. Tariff regulation. NTA approves tariffs and can fix floor and ceiling prices, preventing predatory pricing by a dominant operator and excessive pricing to consumers.
5. Infrastructure sharing. Directives on sharing of towers, ducts and fibre reduce entry cost and duplicate investment.
6. Equal access to numbers through the national numbering plan.
7. Level playing field through uniform licence conditions, royalty and Rural Telecommunication Development Fund contributions.

Addressing market monopoly

• Significant market power (SMP): NTA can identify operators holding a dominant share of a market and place extra obligations on them (cost-based interconnection, tariff approval, no exclusive deals).
• Monitoring market share, prices and anti-competitive agreements; action against abuse of dominance (refusal to interconnect, cross-subsidy, bundling to exclude rivals).
• Encouraging more players and new technologies (fibre broadband, 4G) so no single firm controls a market.

Protecting consumer rights

1. Quality of service standards: call setup success rate, call drop rate, network availability and internet speed are set by NTA directives and monitored through drive tests and operator reports.
2. Complaint handling: consumers can complain to the operator and then to NTA; NTA directs operators to resolve them.
3. Transparent tariffs and billing: operators must publish tariffs and give correct bills; hidden charges and unauthorised value-added services are prohibited.
4. Privacy and security: confidentiality of communication, SIM registration rules and control of unsolicited messages.
5. Universal access: RTDF projects bring services to rural consumers.
6. Consumer awareness programmes and publication of telecom statistics.

ICT accessibility means that persons with disabilities and older persons can use telephones, mobile services, the internet and broadcasting on an equal basis with others. ITU guidance gives a separate role to each stakeholder.

In short, member states set the policy and legal framework, regulators make and enforce the rules, and service providers deliver accessible products and services to users.

Roles of NTA

The Nepal Telecommunications Authority (NTA), established in 2055 BS (1998) under the Telecommunications Act, 2053 (1997), regulates and develops telecom services in Nepal.

1. Licensing of telecom operators and ISPs and enforcing licence conditions.
2. Spectrum management: allocating and monitoring radio frequencies.
3. Tariff regulation: approving tariffs so services are affordable and fair.
4. Interconnection and competition: ensuring operators interconnect on fair terms; preventing monopoly.
5. Numbering plan: country code +977, area codes, mobile prefixes, short codes.
6. Quality of service: setting and monitoring QoS standards.
7. Rural telecom development: managing the Rural Telecommunication Development Fund.
8. Consumer protection: handling complaints and ensuring transparent billing.
9. Type approval of equipment and adoption of standards; advising Government on telecom policy.

Major roles of ITU

The International Telecommunication Union, the UN agency for ICT (Geneva, founded 1865):

1. ITU-R: allocates the global radio spectrum and satellite orbits.
2. ITU-T: develops international standards (Recommendations) for interoperability, e.g. E.164.
3. ITU-D: assists developing countries in building ICT infrastructure and capacity.
4. Assigns country codes and international numbering resources, and sets international tariff principles.

Roles of ITU

The International Telecommunication Union (ITU) is the UN specialised agency for ICT, founded in 1865 and based in Geneva. Its roles are:

1. Radio spectrum and orbit management (ITU-R): allocates frequency bands and satellite orbit slots worldwide and maintains the Radio Regulations to avoid interference.
2. Standardization (ITU-T): develops Recommendations such as E.164 (numbering), G.711 (PCM), Q.700 (SS7), H.323, so that networks and equipment work together worldwide.
3. Development (ITU-D): helps developing countries with infrastructure, policy, regulation and training; works to bridge the digital divide.
4. International numbering and tariffs: assigns country codes and sets accounting principles for international calls.
5. Cooperation and safety: promotes international cooperation, emergency telecommunication, cybersecurity and accessibility.

Numbering plan

A numbering plan gives a unique number to each subscriber and fixes the digits used for routing and charging.

National numbering plan

 [Trunk prefix][Area code][Exchange code][Line no.]
       0           1           44          12345

• Trunk prefix (0 in Nepal) for long distance calls.
• Area / national destination code (NDC): e.g. 1 Kathmandu, 61 Pokhara, 21 Biratnagar; mobile codes 984, 980.
• Subscriber number: exchange code + line number.
• Open plan: short local numbers, prefix + area code for other areas (Nepal, India, UK).
• Closed plan: fixed-length number always dialled (USA, 10 digits).

International numbering plan (ITU-T E.164)

 [Intl prefix][CC][National significant number]
      00       977        1 4412345

• International prefix: 00 (011 in North America), shown as "+".
• Country code: 1–3 digits; first digit is the world zone (1 North America, 2 Africa, 3/4 Europe, 5 Latin America, 6 Oceania, 7 Russia, 8 East Asia, 9 Asia/Middle East).
• NSN: national number without the trunk prefix.
• Maximum international number length: 15 digits.

ITU-T (Telecommunication Standardization Sector, formerly CCITT) produces international standards so that telecommunication and ICT networks, equipment and services work together across the world. Its mission is to ensure the efficient and timely production of high-quality international standards covering telecommunications/ICT, and to define tariff and accounting principles for international telecommunication services.

Standards matter because they give interoperability between vendors and countries, economies of scale, lower cost for users, fair competition and an orderly growth of networks.

Strategic objectives of ITU-T

The ITU strategic plan (adopted by the Plenipotentiary Conference) sets five strategic objectives for the sector:

T.1 Develop international standards

• Produce ITU-T Recommendations in a timely manner on new and existing technologies (e.g. optical transport, 5G transport, IoT, security, multimedia).
• Foster interoperability and improved performance of equipment, networks, services and applications.

T.2 Promote participation and bridge the standardization gap

• Encourage active participation of members, especially developing countries, in defining and adopting non-discriminatory international standards.
• Provide fellowships, remote participation, regional groups and training so all countries can take part.

T.3 Manage numbering, naming, addressing and identification resources

• Ensure effective allocation and management of international numbering (E.164 country codes, international mobile codes), signalling point codes and other identifiers.
• Develop tariff and accounting principles for international services.

T.4 Promote knowledge of ITU-T standards

• Spread information about Recommendations and their use through publications, workshops, conformity and interoperability testing programmes and free access to Recommendations.

T.5 Extend cooperation with other standards bodies

• Work with ISO, IEC, IETF, 3GPP, IEEE, regional and national standards organisations to avoid duplication and produce consistent standards.

How ITU-T works towards these objectives

 Members' contributions
          |
   Study Groups (SG2..SG20)
          |
   Draft Recommendation
          |
   Approval (AAP/TAP)
          |
 Published ITU-T Recommendation

• World Telecommunication Standardization Assembly (WTSA), held every four years, sets the study questions and study groups.
• Study groups (e.g. SG2 numbering, SG13 future networks, SG15 transport, SG17 security) prepare Recommendations.
• TSAG (Telecommunication Standardization Advisory Group) reviews priorities and working methods.
• TSB (Telecommunication Standardization Bureau) provides secretariat support.

Together these objectives ensure systematic, worldwide development of the telecom sector built on common, open standards.

Busy hour as per CCITT Recommendation E.600

Telecom equipment is dimensioned for the traffic in the busiest hour. E.600 gives these definitions/guidelines:

1. Busy hour: the continuous one-hour period lying wholly within the time interval concerned for which the traffic volume or the number of call attempts is greatest.
2. Peak busy hour: the busy hour of each day; it usually changes from day to day.
3. Time-consistent busy hour: the one-hour period starting at the same time each day for which the average traffic volume or call-attempt count over the days considered is greatest.

Measurement guideline: traffic is recorded in quarter-hour intervals over many days; the four consecutive quarter-hours with the largest total give the busy hour. Measurements are usually taken on normal working days (excluding unusual days), and the time-consistent busy hour is used for planning.

Functions and duties of NTA

The Nepal Telecommunications Authority, under the Telecommunications Act, 2053 (1997):

1. Issues and renews licences for telecom services.
2. Allocates and monitors radio frequencies.
3. Approves tariffs and regulates interconnection.
4. Promotes fair competition and prevents monopoly.
5. Manages the national numbering plan.
6. Sets and monitors quality of service; protects consumers.
7. Manages the Rural Telecommunication Development Fund.
8. Grants type approval and advises the Government on telecom policy.

Sectors of ITU

The sectors are supported by the General Secretariat in Geneva and governed by the Plenipotentiary Conference and Council.

A charging plan (tariff plan) is the method used to calculate how much a subscriber pays for telephone service. Charges should recover costs, be fair to users and be simple to apply.

Components of a charge

1. Installation (connection) charge: one-time fee for a new line.
2. Rental: fixed monthly charge for access.
3. Call (usage) charge: depends on
   • duration of the call,
   • distance (local, national/STD, international/ISD),
   • time of day (peak or off-peak).
4. Charges for special services: value-added services, data.

Types of charging

• Flat rate: fixed monthly charge, unlimited local calls.
• Message rate: fixed charge per call regardless of duration.
• Measured (time and distance) rate: charge per unit of time, with the unit rate depending on distance and time.

Methods of recording

• Periodic pulse metering (Karlsson method): the exchange sends metering pulses at a rate set by the distance band; each pulse adds one unit to the subscriber's meter. A longer distance gives a higher pulse rate.
• Detailed billing / CDR (AMA): the SPC exchange records each call (calling and called number, start time, duration) in a call detail record; the billing system prices it. This also supports itemised bills.
• Prepaid charging: an IN/online charging system deducts balance in real time.

 Call --> Exchange --> metering pulses / CDR
                          |
                    Billing system --> Bill

Example: if a local unit is Rs 1 per 3 minutes, a 7-minute local call is charged 3 units = Rs 3.