Terms of reference

Assistance with the feasibility study, costs and benefits analysis of potential implementation of

mobile number portability

Background

The National Information and Communications Technology Authority (NICTA) is established by an

act of Parliament called the National Information and Communications Technology Act 2009. NICTA

is responsible for regulating the Information and Communications Technologies (ICT) sector in Papua

New Guinea.

Objectives

NICTA is required to publish a discussion paper regarding the implementation of mobile number portability in Papua New Guinea. Following public consultation, NICTA is required to provide a report to the Minister identifying NICTA's recommendation.

Scope of work and deliverables The consultant will assist NICTA in undertaking a public inquiry into the potential implementation of Mobile Number Portability (MNP), including the inquiry report and declaration report to the Minister. The assignment will include:

Developing a Discussion Paper identifying the costs and benefits of implementing mobile number

portability in PNG with the objective to;

o identify all possible technical options for the implementation of number

portability on all mobile networks.

o assess the costs, short term and long term viability and risks of each of the

technical options identified above.

o evaluate the direct and indirect benefits to be gained from the introduction of

mobile number portability in PNG.

o quantify the benefits identified above as far as possible in order to arrive at

the cost benefit analysis for each technical option.

o make recommendation on the cost recovery framework amongst the mobile

operators under each technical option.

o understanding the demand for and actual benefits of MNP in PNG

Consultation with industry and stakeholders as part of the public inquiry process and any

hearings.

Assisting NICTA in any public hearings and the call for submissions.

Following receipt of submissions or hearings, preparing a final report for submission to the

Minister by NICTA identifying:

o NICTAs recommendation whether the national numbering plan should be amended to

implement mobile number portability in any form

o the basis for NICTA’s recommendation

o the proposed form of rules or amendments to the national numbering plan

o the costs and benefits of implementing that form of number portability

Consultation (if needed) with the Minister

Developing an implementation plan for number portability where appropriate. The Plan should

include a timetable, timeframe and process which the Consultant intends to adopt to achieve the

implementation.

Time frame The assignment is expected to last for no more than three months.

Activity Time for each activity Preparation of Discussion Paper 4 weeks

Consultation Process 4-6 weeks Preparation of Final Report 1-2 weeks

Ancillary assistance and implementation plan 3-4 weeks

Reporting Requirements The consultant will report directly to Kila Gulo Vui, Director of Economics, Consumer and International Affairs, NICTA. The consultant is expected to spend 4-6 weeks in PNG to provide close support and advice to NICTA, especially during the consultation phase(s).

Expertise The consultant shall be a firm, or a consortium of firms, and will be selected based on its experience and capacity in carrying out this type of work. The consultant shall demonstrate (i) strong international experience in telecommunications regulatory issues, including number portability; and (ii) experience executing similar consultancies within the past five years. The consultant shall nominate a task team leader who will be responsible for the assignment. It is expected that the consultant will nominate individuals who meet the following minimum qualifications and experience.

Key Expert Position Area of Specific expertise

required

Minimum qualification and

professional experience required Senior Regulatory Economist

Regulation of telecommunication infrastructure and services with experience in economic modelling, costing and numbering

Master’s degree in economics or a related policy field and a minimum of 7 years’ experience as a consultant in telecommunications regulation

Senior Telecommunications Lawyer

Experience advising on competition and market regulation issues for telecommunications. Specific experience advising regulators on wholesale regulation, numbering resources management, regulation and number portability, and dispute resolution.

Lawyer admitted in a recognized jurisdiction with a minimum of 10 years’ experience in telecommunication reform and regulation

Senior Telecom Engineer Telecommunications planning and operations with specialisation in Quality of Service, switching and number portability

Relevant degree in telecommunications with at least 10 years’ industry experience. Technical or industry experience in GSM/CDMA mobile technology.

No conflict of Interest

The consultant shall not be involved in advising any ICT sector licensee in PNG. The consultant must disclose any current investment in or employed with a licensed Papua New Guinean operator during the last three years that might create a conflict of interest and steps must be taken to eliminate or to establish safeguards regarding this potential conflict.