Telecom Service Quality Issues
KATHMANDU, MAR 22 -
Experts from the International Telecommunication Union ( ITU ) have said Nepal has to develop a mechanism to offer incentives to telecom companies that maintain quality of service (QoS).
A team of ITU , the specialised telecommunications body of the United Nations, is in the Capital to help the government formulate an effective QoS regulation. As part of the preparation, the Nepal Telecommunications Authority (NTA) on Thursday organised a stakeholder workshop to discuss the quality of current telecom and ICT services and gather inputs for the new rules.
Sameer Sharma, senior advisor of the ITU , said at the programme that despite NTA’s efforts, the QoS has not improved mainly in mobile services. “It should provide incentives for quality service and disincentive for poor service providers adopting a mechanism to encourage service providers,” he said, adding only direction and penalties cannot encourage operators to stick to the rules.
Based on the studies on the QoS, the authority has been issuing orders to telecom companies time and again since 2007. Last year, it even warned the operators of possible annulment of the operating licence if QoS not maintained.
Participants of the workshop said telecom service quality could not improve up to the set standard due to operators’ negligence, lack of consumer awareness and a complete legal provision.
ITU expert Scott Minehane said an effective QoS regulation has to be bright keeping also in mind the future wireless services and broadband.
The team will prepare the regulation based on the study of the Nepali market, operators’ concerns, weaknesses in the regulatory part and international practice. The team will submit its report within the next two months.
At the programme, Nepal Telecom, Ncell and Internet Service Providers Association of Nepal made their presentations on service quality of voice and internet services.
NTA Director Ananda Raj Khanal said besides the growth in voice service, high-speed internet, especially the wireless broadband, has also expanded notably. “These services should also be brought within the framework,” he said. “We are reviewing the QoS rule under the technical assistance of the ITU to make it more effective so that customers are offered the best quality of service.”
The NTA is also considering extending the QoS regulation to include international roamers so as to support the important tourism sector of the economy. Dhurba Prasaid Sharma, secretary at the Ministry of Information and Communications, expressed his commitment to support the regulatory body and secure improved quality of service from local service providers in line with the best international practices.
Source: The Kathmandu Post
