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.