TOR & Portability - NICTA

1. Terms ofreference
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 ofwork 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

2.  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 PNGto 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

3. 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.