NTA to buy service quality testing equipment

KATHMANDU: Nepal Telecommunications Authority (NTA) is all set to bring world-class Drive Testing Equipment to check Quality of Service of telecom service providers.

The authority has planned to purchasing it within the current fiscal year, NTA spokesperson Kailash Prasad Neupane said, adding that it is currently preparing for the bidding document.

The authority will open global tender to purchase Drive Testing Equipment, he said, adding that the authority is currently enlisting the specification of the equipment.

“The target of the authority is to introduce the equipment according to European Telecommunication Standards,” he said, adding that the equipment can check the Quality of Service of different telecom service providers including mobile, LTE, data card, WiMax and GPRS.

The authority has planned to open global tender by mid-January, Neupane informed. The regulator can test Quality of Service in efficient manner after introducing the equipment. Drive testing is a method of measuring and assessing the coverage, capacity and Quality of Service (QoS) of a mobile radio network.

Meanwhile, the regulator is also preparing Consumer Protection Regulation within current fiscal year. It is planning to appoint consultant. The regulator is preparing to appoint consultant soon, said the authority that will initiate the process of developing Terms of Reference (ToR) to appoint independent consultant to prepare report. “It will receive final report on regulation by the end of second quarter and approve the regulation by the end of third quarter,” according to the authority.

Consumer will benefit from implementation of the regulation, Neupane said, adding that it is necessary to introduce Consumer Protection Regulation since the telecom service users have been increasing in the country. “The regulation is aimed at ensuring more rights to the consumers and providing more reliable services.”