National Broadband Masterplan
(2016-2020)
Ministry of Information and Communication Government of Nepal, Singhdurbar, Kathmandu, NEPAL
1 List of abbreviations
RTDF Rural Telecommunications Development Fund
FTTH Fiber-to-the-Home
ICTs Information and Communications Technologies
NDLI National Digital Literacy Initiative
ADSL Asymmetric Digital Subscriber Line
IXP Internet Exchange Points
GNI Gross National Income
QoS Quality of service
GPON Gigabit passive optical network
GSM Global system for mobile communications
W-CDMA Wideband Code Division Multiple Access
IMT-2000 International Mobile Telecommunications-2000
WiMax Worldwide Interoperability for Microwave Access
LTE Long-Term Evolution (mobile communication
ADSL Asymmetric digital subscriber line
CDMA Code Division Multiple Access
DWDM Dense Wave Division Multiplexing
EPON Ethernet Passive Optical Network
EV-DO CDMA2000 Evolution Data Optimized
GSM Global system for mobile communications
HSDPA High-Speed Download Packet Access
HSUPA High-Speed Upload Packet Access
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TABLE OF CONTENTS Executive summary 4 1.0 Introduction
1.1 Background 6 1.2 Structure of the masterplan 7
2.0 Current status
2.1 Current market structure 7
2.2 Competitive state of industry 8 2.3 Current policy frameworks/initiatives 10 2.4 Regulatory framework 11 2.5 Spectrum utilization 11
3.0 Key challenges
3.1 Power disruptions 12 3.2 Affordability 13 3.3 Policy and regulatory barriers 13
4.0 Broadband technology consideration for Nepal
4.1 Introduction 13 4.2 GSM and W-CDMA 14 4.3 LTE 15
4.4 WiMAX 15 4.5 Wireless offloading 16 4.6 The use of satellites communication 16 4.7 Fixed broadband 16
5.0 Approaches to Broadband development in Nepal 17
6.0 National Broadband masterplan: some key considerations
6.1 Enabling the wireless broadband end-to-end ecosystem 19 6.2 Policy and regulatory dimensions 20 6.3 Licensing structure 20 6.4 Facilitation of competitive entry of a new entrant 21 6.5 Spectrum management and regulation 21 6.7 Reforming RTDF 25
7.0 Applications and content 25
8.0 Formulation of National Broadband Development Programme 26
Appendix I:
Appendix II: Action Plan Matrix
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Executive Summary
Information and communication technologies are increasingly taking centre stage in sustainable development and growth strategies of countries around the world. Along those lines, high level of policy emphasis has been placed on broadband deployment given apparent correlation between wide-scale uptake, availability and use of broadband and economic growth. Nepal has responded to opportunities in this area by framing a comprehensive policy for the development of broadband in the country in the form of National Broadband Policy. This masterplan lays down an integrated framework for action in support of objectives and goals envisaged by the National Broadband Policy and as such is intended to serve as means for guiding its effective implementation.
Despite impressive headway made in the telecommunications sector in Nepal, especially in the area of mobile telephony and expansion of wireless networks, the current state of broadband ecosystem leaves a lot of room for improvement. There is an urgent need to strengthen strategies along access, adoption and competition dimensions to promote the development of broadband in the country.
Nepal's broadband development initiatives must be anchored on demand and supply side imperatives to be really effective. While universalizing broadband by, inter alia, expanding the remit of RTDF to include broadband access and availability as part of universal service obligations, great deal of emphasis should also be placed to stimulate demand for broadband services across the country as well as to promote innovative applications aligned with our development priorities. This defines the context within which this masterplan moots activities geared towards promoting broadband based service deliveries in areas like health, education and agriculture.
In terms of deployment architecture, Nepal needs to promote both fixed and wireless broadband or combination thereof. While wireless broadband holds a tremendous prospect for Nepal given its topography, over reliance on the same might not yield intended outcome and will likely fall short of offering 'future-proofing' benefits especially given the prospects of ever increasing bandwidth demands.
Concrete measures will be needed to lower barriers and mitigate challenges in relation to expanding availability of and access to broadband across the country. First and foremost, steps must be taken to drive competition in the sector as a means of generating value to consumers in terms of expanded choices, enhanced quality and affordable price points. Affordability of broadband services is a crucial element impinging upon wide scale adoption given current tariff structure for such services which is way above the limit of 5% or less of GNI per capita as recommended by Broadband Commission. It is within these contexts that this masterplan stresses the need to facilitate competitive entry of one additional telecommunications services provider in addition to two leading players dominating Nepal's telecommunication space. This masterplan envisages that the strategy to go about it would be to streamline spectrum allocation and governance regime and more importantly, release additional spectrum lower frequency bands (including, for example, on 700 MHz and 1800 MHz bands). Similarly, this masterplan also stresses the need to pave the way for re-purposing unused analogue TV spectrum like TV White spaces to provide connectivity for communities beyond the reach of commercial wired or wireless broadband service, in addition, of course, to other measures that needs to taken to account for market failures in pursuit of universal obligation goals.
Issue relating to international connectivity is another area that needs attention going forward. There is an urgent need to ensure that sufficient competition exists in international connectivity backbone space as this remains one of key determinants of broadband cost structure. In addition, international connectivity must also be looked at from the perspective of ensuring resilience of infrastructure and redundancies. While it is important to analyze the structure of competition in international connectivity space and
4 create favourable regulatory and investment climate, Nepal should also support initiatives aimed at promoting terrestrial international connectivity, like Asian Information Superhighway being spearheaded by UNESCAP.
This masterplan stresses the need to carry out a number of activities over a period of 4 years in support of strategies and objectives of broadband policy. It is within this context that the masterplan envisions the formulation of National Broadband Development Programme (NBDP) which is intended to serve as the key vehicle for the implementation of the masterplan. NBDP is envisioned to be a sufficiently capacitated initiative with its steering committee to be headed by the Minister of Information and Communication.
5 1. Introduction
1.1 Background
Over the past several years, Nepal has witnessed impressive development of the telecommunication sector in the country. Among others, there has been marked improvement in the area competitive intensity of the sector which has resulted in greater tele-density, especially in the area of mobile telephony with current penetration level reaching more than 90%.
Despite such trends, however the overall state of the development of ICT sector in the country continues to remain challenging. For one, challenges in the area of affordability and availability of broadband services continue to severely limit the prospect of effectively harnessing ICTs to deliver far reaching development outcomes. This need to be viewed in the context of widely accepted observation that universal broadband adoption results in significant positive externalities for interpersonal communication, civic participation, distance learning, e-healthcare, entertainment, future innovations and economic growth in general.
All this has necessitated appropriate and targeted policy and regulatory responses from the government that enable creation of an ecosystem favourable to the growth of the ICT sector in general and broadband in particular.
This defines the context within which this masterplan is formulated. This masterplan builds upon recent policy frameworks introduced by the government, namely National Broadband Policy and National ICT Policy which has envisioned a need for a cogent framework for action for the implementation of policy and strategy provisions as outlined in the documents.
In terms of guiding approaches, the National Broadband Policy envisions the creation of holistic ecosystem conducive to the development of broadband network and services in Nepal leading to universal availability of broadband services. This calls for a need to factor in both supply and demand- side imperatives while developing comprehensive framework for action for positioning broadband within Nepal's poverty reduction, sustainable development and growth strategies and aspirations.
Fig 1: Broadband Masterplan : key guiding elements
• Access( Supply or Connectivity) • Adoption ( Demand or Usage ), • Competition
Expand access to networks to Stimulate demand and to make Maintain a competitive environment In improve availability of broadband ; effective use/appropriation of order sustain growth of broadband networks deployed more effective penetration, and drive innovation and deliverconsumer benefits.
It has been recognized during the formulation of this Masterplan that a holistic approach to broadband development should factor in all technology options. For example, given its topology and relatively underdeveloped fixed-line infrastructure, broadband development strategies in Nepal should lay a great deal of emphasis on promoting wireless and mobile broadband. At the same time, it must also be understood however that wire-line broadband based on fiber optic networks and infrastructure stands to offer far greater value in terms of quality, speed, reliability, scalability and ability to meet fast evolving bandwidth needs and hence, demands focused policy attention going forward.
As indicate earlier, this master plan is a continuation in the series of policy and related initiatives undertaken by the Government of Nepal to promote investment in telecommunication and broadband
6 sector in the country. This masterplan builds upon the Wireless Broadband Masterplan framework for the Federal Democratic Republic of Nepal developed by ITU in the year 2010.
While universal access to broadband will significantly enhance Nepal's development and growth prospects, one of the guiding principles for the formulation of this master plan is also to secure alignment with a new, inclusive, multi-stakeholder development agenda, to be framed by a new set of goals and targets, the Sustainable Development Goals, as the cornerstone of post 2015-development agenda under the auspices of the United Nations. This is premised on the realization that ICT and broadband can play a major role in delivering integrated, cross-sectoral, sustainable development outcomes.
1.2 Structure of the Master plan
This Master plan has been structured into the following components:
- Current status highlighting state of play of broadband and telecommunication
- Key challenges facing the telecommunication and ICT sector
- Key considerations for the broadband masterplan
- Technology aspects that need to be factored in
- Spectrum management aspects for both wireless and fixed broadband
- Additional connectivity considerations that should guide broadband roll-out strategies
- Facilitating applications and content for demand stimulation
-Conclusions, recommendations and action plan
2.0 Current status
2.1 Current market structure
As indicated earlier, over the years, mobile Exhibit 2: Elements of demand ecosystem networks in Nepal have continued to grow rapidly with Nepal Telecom and NCELL together commanding more than 95% of Infrastructure market share as key operators. Of the two key operators, Nepal Telecom's services portfolio also include provision of fixed- line telephone services. Since growth in Affordability this space has suffered stagnation, Nepal Telecom has embarked upon initiatives to Broadband adoption and optimize this resource by upgrading use ADSL+2 broadband services. Skills
In addition, the following operators are providing rural telephony services in rural areas of Nepal: Content/Services
7 • Gramintel (CG Telecom): licensed to provide Rural Telecom Services (RTS) in rural areas of the Eastern Development Region. It provides fixed telecom services;
• United Telecom Limited (UTL): the first private operator to be granted a nation-wide licence.
• Nepal Satellite Telecom Pvt Ltd (NSTPL): licensed to provide Basic Telecom Services (BTS) throughout the country;
• Smart Telecom (STPL): licensed to provide Basic Telecommunications Services throughout Nepal.
In terms of further expansion of telecommunication infrastructure, major operators have embarked on plans and projects to enhance country's teledensity and digital divide over the past four years. These include:
• The 4G (WiMAX) networks of Nepal Telecom aimed at connecting municipalities and village development committee. The network is utilizing 30 MHz of spectrum in the 2.3 GHz band.
• Network expansion plan formulated by Nepal Telecom in 2011 to roll out of its 10 million GSM/W- CDMA lines in two packages (one covering the Central, Eastern, Far Western and Mid-Western development regions each and the other, Kathmandu Valley and Western Development Region).
• Deployment of more than 500 Wi-Fi hotspots throughout the country by Nepal Telecom.
On the key infrastructure front, backhaul for telecommunications services remains largely underdeveloped in the country, especially in terms of coverage, availability of shared and open access infrastructure and redundancies. As a consequence, operators have deployed their own backhaul networks. There are now three complete east-west networks owned by Nepal Telecom, UTL and NCELL Similarly, an OFC based link between China and Nepal via Tatopani has been established. However, recent earthquake has hampered full operation of this network. Smaller providers operate their own, smaller backhaul networks. In addition to this network, additional link to China through Kerung is underway which will come into operation very soon.document.
International connectivity is another critical area needing focused attention in the context of expansion of telecommunication/ broadband infrastructure in Nepal, especially given the landlocked nature of the countryCurrently international connectivity is available through India only. With the link to China through Kerung an alternative connectivity can be assured.
2.2 Competitive state of industry
As indicated earlier, a number of telecom operators are providing telecommunications services in Nepal (see Table 1) . Table 1: Telecom Operators
Telecommunication Operators Company Service Market Share Description Nepal Telecom Mobile and Fixed-line Incumbent. Provides GSM, WCDMA CDMA and WiMAX based mobile services NCELL Mobile Provides
8 GSM and WCDMA services. United Telecom Ltd. Wireless Local Loop Limited mobility service usingCDMA Smart Telecom Fixed-line, Mobile and Provides GSM services. Satellite Gramintel Fixed-line Services eastern regions (fixed)
Nepal Satellite Fixed-line Services western regions.
Apart from the telecommunications operators as listed above, more than 40 ISPs and telecommunication operators are providing internet services to 12,516,815 subscribers/users using various technologies.1 ISPs continue to play a very crucial role in expanding internet access across the country.
The execution of this Masterplan will be a living and an on-going process with the flexibility to accommodate changes and factor in the dynamism of the sector as execution of this masterplan progresses. Consequently, the responsible agencies should prepare themselves to conduct ongoing monitoring, evaluation and carry out revisions as policies are enacted and their effects are felt, and as and when new broadband technologies and applications emerge.
2.3 Current policy frameworks and initiatives in ICT sector
Over the years, the Government has embarked upon formulation of a number of policy and regulatory frameworks Goal aimed at developing the ICT sector. > An effective competitive National Communication Policy formulated in 1992 in essence environment for the provision paved the way for the liberalization of the telecommunication of broadband services in Nepal, sector in Nepal followed by the enactment of The ensuring a real choice for consumers Telecommunications Act and Regulations in 1997. These and businesses, for both mobile and initiatives marked an important milestone leading to creation fixed networks, irrespective of of a legal and institutional framework for the regulation of geography. the sector. Building upon these initiatives, a new telecommunications policy announced in 2004 laid the crucial > A regulatory framework that enables groundwork for further intensification of the process of sustainable competition. liberalization of the sector through commitment to promote technology neutrality and open licensing regime, among > A regulator that is independent and others. Similarly, Information Technology Policy (IT Policy) empowered with the ability to enforce announced in the year 2000 was the first policy initiative its decisions. aimed at positioning IT as tool for development and growth. The IT Policy has since been revised in 2010. The formulation of Broadband Policy in the year 2014 marks yet another significant initiative aimed at creating a favourable environment for the growth of ICT sector in the country and through this means, catalyzing sustainable development. In addition, a comprehensive ICT Policy has been formulated in the year 2015 which envisages to create a condition favourable to holistic and integrated development of the ICT sector in the country.
1 Nepal Telecommunications Authority MIS Report,Magh, 2072 (15, January – 12, February, 2016)
9 The Broadband Policy as well as National ICT Policy has established a broad framework for the development of ICT sector which, inter alia, encompasses the following:
- addressing challenges and opportunities created by convergence of telecommunication and IT - a commitment to technology neutrality - a policy framework favouring equity and access - the need for developing sector specific strategies in relation to provision of a range of e-services
In addition to broad policy frameworks formulated as indicated above, the Government has adopted a range of policies in spectrum management and governance space realizing well that appropriate spectrum allocation policy is the key instrument for achieving optimization of frequency use, through that means, ensuring optimal harnessing of this crucial resource for the flourishment of Broadband service.
2.4 Regulatory framework
Regulatory environment has a very crucial role to play in broadband development. It is said that a more advanced regulatory environment is on average associated with a higher mobile and fixed broadband penetration. A study conducted by ITU has shown that a 10% increase in a country’s regulatory score is associated with a 7.7% increase on average in fixed-broadband penetration and a 2.3% increase on average in mobile-cellular penetration.2
Nepal's telecommunications sector is administered through a number of regulatory instruments like legislation and subsidiary legislations as outlined in Table 2.
Table 2: The telecommunication legal/ regulatory regime in NepalAmb/ Instruments
Operational Legal/Regulatory Instruments domain Licensing -Telecommunications Act, 1997, as amended by the Amendment Act, 2007 and Telecommunication Amendment Act, 2008 - Telecommunications Regulations 1998 - Guidelines on Licensing Telecommunication Services Spectrum - Radio Act 1957 management and - Radio Communications (License) Regulation 1992 allocation - Telecommunication Service Radio Frequency (Distribution and Pricing) Policy, 2069 Access and - Telecommunication Act 1997, Guidelines for Interconnection interconnection Retail and tariff - Telecommunication Act 1997, Tariff Guidelines regulation Competition - Telecommunication Act 1997 and NTA's regulatory instruments like licensing and other mechanisms Universal service - Telecommunication Act 1997 obligation
2.4.1 Spectrum Utilization
2 Trends in Telecommunication Reform https:// www. itu. int/ pub/ D- PREF- TTR/ en and http:// www. itu. int/ en/ publications/ Documents / Trends2015- short- version_ pass- e374681. pdf
10 The Radio Act of 1957 is the primary legal document governing Radio frequency laws and regulations. One of the key objectives of this Act is to empower the government to make rules with respect to radio machines (Section 10) which includes stipulation that subject to express exceptions, a licence is required to hold, use and manufacture radio machines (Section 3, Radio Act, 1957). Building upon the provision of this Act, a more structured approach to RF policy has been made in the subsequent Telecommunication Act, Chapter 11 of which provides for the creation of the Radio Frequency Policy Determination Committee. Its purpose is to determine policy relating to radio frequencies and spectrum allocation as well as pricing.
The following Table outlines the current spectrum allocations to mobile service providers.
Table 3: Spectrum Allocation to mobile service providers
Licensee CDMA 800 GSM 900 GSM 1800 IMT 2000 (2100 2.3 GHz MHz) Nepal Telecom 2 x 5MHz 2 x 9.6 MHz, 2 x 15 MHz, - 2 x10 MHz 30 MHz
Smart Telecom - 2 x 5 MHz, 2x12 MHz -
UTL 2 x 2.5 MHz, - - -
NSTPL - 2 x 4.4 MHz 2 x 9 MHz - STM - 2 x 2.4 MHz - - NCELL - 2 x8 MHz, 2 x11 MHz, 2 x 10 MHz
It must be noted that wireless broadband, both fixed and mobile, is growing faster than wireline broadband in Nepal. More so given the geographic and demographic make up of the country where roll- out of wireline broadband poses a number of challenges. Even though Fiber optic based networks offer a level of stability, scalability, speed and reliability that bring about remarkable flexibility in facilitating fast evolving use of internet characterized by ever increasing demand on bandwidth, innovation in the areas like 4G/LTE will continue to drive wireless mobile growth. It is important therefore to ensure that Nepal continues place high level of policy emphasis on the growth of wireless broadband given Nepal's topography and affordability barriers associated with appropriation of wireline broadband. The continued growth of wireless depends on the availability of new spectrum, both licensed and unlicensed, and the adoption of better, more efficient models for spectrum regulation.
3.0 Key challenges
3.1 Power disruptions
With current electricity generation capacity hovering around only little over 700 MW in the face of 7-9% growth annually in consumer demand, Nepal's overall energy and power situation remains extremely challenging. Load shedding in dry months can go upto 12 hours, having adverse effects on Nepal's overall development and economic growth prospects, not least on broadband development. Among others, telecommunication and ICT sector significantly bear the brunt of power woes in Nepal as they remain heavily dependent on the national grid for their power needs. Frequent power disruptions resulting from marked asymmetry in levels of power generation and demand have offered formidable challenges for the expansion of telecommunication infrastructure in the country. This has required telecommunication operators to make additional investment in alternative energy sources with sizable cost implications. Cost incurred in alternative sources of energy is eventually passed down to the consumers with impact on
11 price points for retail telecommunication services, more particularly, broadband. This has also served to discourage investment in the sector and thwart demand especially for value added services of ICTs and disincentivize innovation.
3.2 Affordability
Against the backdrop of Nepal's GNI per capita of around US$ 700 per annum, current tariff structure of telecommunication and ICT services, more particularly that of broadband internet as well as computers and access devices is a crucial issue impinging on wide scale uptake of ICTs and related services thereof. Even though Internet penetration in Nepal is on the rise thanks to the roll-out of 3G services by major telecommunication operators as well as ISPs expanding their footprints in many parts of the country, the quality of service availed to the consumers in terms of meaningful internet experience and bandwidth remains questionable. Comparatively high cost associated with quality broadband access is still barring a sizable section of population from effectively appropriating broadband services. 1Mbps wired Broadband connection available in urban areas would cost consumers around 15,000 Rs/ year which is around 21.42% of Nepal'a GNI per capita, this is way above Broadband Commission's target of bringing the cost of broadband services below 5% of GNI per capita. Going forward, it will be important to address issues relating to affordability in order to stimulate demand and drive up investment.
3.3 Policy and regulatory barriers
Despite some significant amount of work done in the policy and regulatory space over the years, a number of policy and regulatory bottlenecks still exist which impact broadband penetration irrespective of technology configurations. Therefore the Government should adopt the policy which will facilitate the broadband penetration in the country namely;
a simple licensing regime which will encourage companies from entering the domestic market and enhancing competition and expanding consumer choice; transparent spectrum allocation regime; simple tax regime that will promote purchasing new technology / equipment and impacts overall demand for ICT services clear road map or regulatory mandate on promoting open access and infrastructure sharing regimes
4.0 Broadband technology considerations for Nepal
4.1 Introduction
Nepal embraces a technology-neutral approach in its policy orientation with respect to telecommunication and broadband. The end goal of this approach is to enable the promotion of efficient and harmonized technology and not to create barriers to innovative technology options. Harmonised technology ensures interoperability and cheaper telecommunications equipment. This section will address the issues relating to technology harmonisation and canvas the major mobile technologies available for Nepal. (see also, Wireless broadband Masterplan for the Federal Democratic Republic of Nepal, ITU 2010)
The Broadband Policy focuses on the expansion of broadband services without specifying whether it has any preferred spectrum bands. As for effective radio spectrum governance and allocation strategies, it must be noted that the great benefit of lower spectrum ranges is increased propagation, which means broadband services are capable of reaching a larger geographic area and a higher number of people. This is particularly important for Nepal given its geography, where greater range achieved by lower frequencies can be leveraged to ensure maximum coverage.
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Along those lines, it will be crucial to exploit the technological benefits of the lowest frequency bands as much as possible (e.g. including the 700 MHz and 1800 MHz bands) for the deployment of LTE technology. This will also pave the way for effectively taking advantage of 4G broadband services and the growth that is expected to take place in this area.
Case studies have shown that the cost of 3G coverage with UMTS900 can save operators between 50 to 70 per cent of mobile network costs (including Capex and Opex) versus UMTS21003. In addition, UMTS900 can also provide 3G and mobile broadband services in rural and regional areas. There is also an added benefit of improved indoor coverage.
All districts in Nepal have been covered through CDMA-based EVDO services. In addition, GSM-based 3G service has been launched in more than 66 districts and ADSL services are available in all districts of the country.
The existing GSM infrastructure in the country can be very effectively leveraged to achieve a rapid transition to widespread wireless broadband in Nepal.
4.2 GSM and W-CDMA
4.2.1 GSM
Spectrum allocations in this area in Nepal are consistent with the majority of countries worldwide. In the transition from 2G to 3G a number of standards have been developed, which are categorized as 2.5G. These are add-ons to the 2G standards and mainly focus on deployment of efficient IP connectivity within the mobile networks. Data access is provided by General Packet Radio Service (GPRS) and offers throughput rates of up to 40 kbit/s.
4.2.2 W-CDMA/HSPA
W-CDMA is the access scheme which serves as the main technical platform for UMTS or Third Generation Mobile services. W-CDMA services are to operate within the following frequency bands: 1920 MHz – 1980 MHz and 2110 MHz – 2170 MHz. W-CDMA was selected by ITU as one of the global telecommunication systems for the new IMT-2000 3G mobile communications standard. In W- CDMA interface different users can simultaneously transmit at different data rates and data rates can even vary in time.
W-CDMA is capable of delivering up to 384 kbit/s in outdoor environments and up to 2 Mbit/s in fixed indoor environment.
High Speed Packet Access (HSPA) is a set of technologies that allow W-CDMA operators to run their networks at broadband speeds. Peak downlink and uplink throughput is at 14.4 and 5.7 Mbit/s, respectively. HSPA+, which harnesses MIMO (multiple in, multiple out) enables peak data rates of up to 42 Mbit/s.
3 Wireless Broadband Masterplan for the Federal Democratic Republic of Nepal, ITU 2010
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4.3 LTE
Exhibit 3: Access network infrastructure data throughput and coverage comparisons Network Download speed Upload Speed Coverage/Range infrastructure
Fibre to the home (FTTH) Gigabit Passive Optical Less than 60 km Up to 2.4 Gbit/s Up to 2.4 Gbit/s Network (GPON) (ITU-T G.984)
ADSL (G.DMT) Up to 8 Mbit/s Up to 1 Mbit/s Up to 3 km
Minimum 2 Mbit/s for stationary or Minimum 300 kbit/ 3G (IMT-2000) walking users, and Up to 8 km s 348 kbit/s for a moving vehicle
Peak data rates of 1 Gbit/s for Optimized for up 4G (IMT- stationary or Peak data rate of to Advanced) walking users, and 500 Mbit/s Up to 8 km 100 Mbit/s for a moving vehicle
Source: http://www.itu.int/rec/T-REC-G.984.1-200803-I/en, http://www.itu.int/osg/spu/ip/chapter_seven .html, http://www.itu.int/osg/spu/imt-2000/technology.html, http://www.itu.int/net/newsroom/wrc/2012/reports/ imt_advanced.aspx
LTE is the latest standard in the mobile network technology evolution that follows from the GSM/EDGE and UMTS/HSPA network technologies. It is a project of the 3rd Generation Partnership Project (3GPP). The current LTE specification Release 9 provides downlink peak rates of at least 100 Mbit/s, an uplink of at least 50 Mbit/s. LTE supports scalable carrier bandwidths, from 1.4 MHz to 20 MHz and supports both frequency division duplexing (FDD) and time division duplexing (TDD). The next step for LTE evolution is LTE Advanced.
4.4 WiMAX
WiMAX is the popular name of IEEE802.16 standard which can serve as both a fixed and wireless access technology. The technology can offer a coverage of 50 km and capacity of around 70 Mbit/s. It is, however, important to note that the capacity offered over long distances is only a fraction of the maximum capacity, and WiMAX as access technology is offered in distances of 5 to 10 km. WiMAX is thought of by some as a good complementary/competitive infrastructure to traditional broadband.
14 Another important aspect is that 70 Mbit/s will only be achieved if frequency bandwidth of 20 MHz is allocated and assigned by the local authorities. Many regulators will probably assign smaller frequency bands to the potential WiMAX operators. A competing technology to the mobile version of WiMAX (IEEE.802.16e) is LTE.
4.5 Wireless offloading
As wireless data and broadband services grow in Nepal, measures should be taken to ensure to safeguard the quality of wireless services by encouraging operators that adopt network offloading techniques. These include Wi-Fi offloading, Femtocell deployment, smart repeaters and distributed antenna systems. Network offloading should be facilitated as it alleviates capacity constraints, and is a sensible allocation of spectrum resources. Specifically, the ability to utilize open access spectrum (such as 2.4 and 5 GHz) to support those small number of cell sites/locations which face congestion has considerable merit. An analysis of the potential use of off-loading techniques should form part of the needs and valuation models for additional spectrum.
4.6 The use of satellite communication
Satellites are valuable part of the broadband infrastructure strategy. They are able to provide ubiquitous connectivity and are very well suited for areas which are either underserved or unserved by terrestrial networks. They are able to augment and combine with terrestrial network and once launched can accelerate the availability of high-speed Internet services in such areas. Moreover, satellite communication does not have any last mile issues and can provide a high degree of reliability in the event of disasters etc.
The new generation of satellite broadband systems known as HTS (High Throughput Satellite) has a number of new features:
• spot beam technology, where switchable beams illuminate much smaller areas (100s of km instead of 1000 km);
Beam coverage forms a honeycomb/cellular pattern with frequency reuse; (this concept of frequency reuse drastically increases overall capacity; spot beam technology, where switchable beams illuminate much smaller areas ;
• use of Ka band leads to smaller antenna dishes; satellite broadband services with frequency reuse, faster speeds and smaller dish antennas in Ka band drive down the costs to a much lower level.
4.7 Fixed Broadband
In terms of technology architecture underpinning broadband deployment strategies, Nepal needs to adopt and promote a range of technology choices; namely Digital Subscriber Line (xDSL) technologies, FTTx, and Fixed Wireless Access (FWA) technologies, (e.g. fixed WiMAX or fixed LTE and beyond), in addition to mobile Broadband Technologies, like 3G or 4G (HSPA, HSPA+ and LTE). The need for increased policy emphasis on fixed broadband, more particularly based on FO based networks becomes all the more urgent given ever increasing demand for bandwidth and fast evolving usage pattern.
Fixed broadband encompasses high-speed data transmission to homes and businesses using technologies such as T1, cable, DSL and FO/FTTx. Especially in urban areas, specific measures need to be taken to promote private sector investment on implementations like FTTx. The fibre connectivity having unlimited bandwidth and state of the art technology provides fixed access platform to deliver the high
15 speed broadband from 256 Kbps to 100 Mbps, IPTV having different type of contents like HDTV and range of voice telephony services. It provides a comprehensive solution for the IP leased line, internet, MPLS-VPN, VoIP, video conferencing and video calls. One of the key features of network based on this technology is that bandwidth on demand can be delivered by this connectivity without changing the access fibre and home device.
5.0 Approaches to broadband development in Nepal
Nepal's broadband strategies factor in the need to address several high-speed transmission technologies based on both wireless and wireline infrastructure such as Digital Subscriber Line (DSL), Cable Modem, Fiber, Wireless technologies, Satellite, etc.
As is true with most countries, Nepal's approaches to broadband development include strategies that have led to the formulation of policies and regulations aimed creating a conducive investment climate for a vibrant broadband development ecosystem. The policy and regulatory instruments that Nepal has developed are primarily geared towards building the supply of, as well as stimulating demand for, broadband network and services. The following constitute some of the key approaches to broadband development in Nepal:
> Using competition to promote market growth
Nepal has adopted the policy of promoting competition to drive market growth in broadband space. Along those lines, the government realizes the importance of strengthening competition throughout the broadband supply chain (International Connectivity – National Backbone – Last Mile Access – Access Devices) in order to stimulate market growth, expand access, boosting affordability and fostering value added services. Going forward, it will be important for Nepal to use collaborative approaches between the public and private sectors to promote and universalize broadband services. Competition can take varied forms including facility-based competition, and service-based competition. As a broadband friendly strategic orientation, it will important that Nepal promotes inter-modal competition, notably between digital subscriber line (DSL), cable modem, and emerging wireless technologies. It is also important to ensure that level playing fields are created and competitive markets fostered to ensure fast private sector– led growth of broadband services.
> Stimulating demand
As a key strategic orientation, it will be equally important to focus on stimulating demand for broadband services as supply side considerations alone will not create a favourable ecosystem for broadband growth. It is within these contexts that demand facilitation is taken into account in the development of national broadband policy and the masterplan. Demand facilitation strategies are generally targeted during early stages of market development to raise broadband awareness among users, making services more affordable and expanding networks and services to the widest population in the shortest time possible. Going forward, it will be important to ensure that public funds like RTDF are mobilized to support research, content development, user awareness, information and communication technology (ICT) skill development and digital literacy programs.
To encourage take-up of broadband among residents, nations around the world have adopted policies aimed at stimulating demand for such services, including promoting broadband in education; subsidizing computer adoption, establishing digital literacy programs; and migrating government services and content to the Internet (e-government). Overall, nations with more effective and well-funded policies appear to have been able to boost their broadband performance more in comparison with nations with less
16 effective or less wellfunded policies.
> Ensuring Equitable Access for All
Nepal's broadband plan and strategies are also premised around the need to ensure equitable access to broadband for all. Given the transformative role that broadband can play in achieving targets of development and growth, initiatives must taken to ensure that universal access to broadband services are provided.
> Formulating National Broadband Development Program (NBDP)
A comprehensive broadband development initiative in the form of a nationally executed Programme will be designed and launched in Nepal with a view to helping achieve broadband policy objectives and intended policy outcomes. This Programme will serve as the main vehicle for the execution of this masterplan. Along those lines, National Broadband Development Programme (NBDP) will be formulated and will be funded through RTDF and external resources with a view to connecting unserved and underserved areas throughout the country as well as rolling out interventions aimed at stimulating demand for broadband services. As key component of the Programme, a national optic fiber network project will be designed and executed to extend high capacity broadband network to rural and underserved areas of Nepal. A Connect Nepal Fund (CNF) as a key component of NBDP will be created utilizing RTDF and external resources to fund national optic fiber network. The Programme and the projects therein will provide internet access, help expand e-services and citizen centric e-applications nationally using both a) new and existing optical fiber backbones and extending it to outlying areas, creating national optical fiber network and b) deploying wireless connectivity infrastructure where appropriate. The National Optical Fiber Network Project will be executed using Gigabit Passive Optical Network (GPON) technologies for fiber optic based networks. All the Service Providers like Telecommunication operators, ISPs, Cable TV operators, fixed broadband suppliers etc. will be given non-discriminatory access to the National Optical Fiber Network to launch various services in rural and underserved areas.
Both wireline and wireless broadband infrastructure to be developed by NBDP through RDTF and external funding arrangements will provide non-discriminatory access to such infrastructure in order to bridge digital divide across unserved and underserved areas of Nepal.
> Technology neutrality
Nepal's policy and regulatory provisions basically adopt a technology-neutral approach in order to ensure that operators are not constrained into continuing offering a particular service when cost effective and more efficient substitutes are available. Technology harmonization will be promoted to ensure interoperability and that cheaper telecommunications equipment are available. The National Broadband Policy focuses on the expansion of broadband services without bias towards any spectrum bands.
> Significantly enhanced International connectivity, national backbone and access networks
Nepal's broadband strategies factor in the development and optimum utilization of all three critical network components namely, international (and regional) connectivity, national backbone, and access networks as the key elements of developing a vibrant broadband ecosystem.
Taking into account sustained growth prospects of mobile broadband in Nepal, the key requirement in servicing the growing demand is to supply sufficient national fiber capacity for the backbone, including backhaul connectivity to base stations, which are currently mostly using microwave radio links on
17 networks designed for second generation of mobile telecommunications technology (2G).
Accelerating the roll-out of backbone infrastructure and promoting affordable broadband access for all is a significant investment challenge requiring a holistic approach combining (a) active infrastructure sharing, (b) passive infrastructure sharing, and/or (c) deployment of own infrastructure. Both (a) and (b) must also aim to promote/leverage excess capacity on fiber-optic networks of other utility companies like OPGW supplied by NEA.
In addition of robust backbone/backhaul network, Nepal must strive to improve international connectivity along capacity, redundancy and resilience dimensions. Along those lines, a through review of Nepal's status on international connectivity, IP transit and network management issues need to be undertaken going forward.
Among other things, Nepal should take immediate steps to diversify terrestrial connectivity which currently imposes almost exclusive reliance with India, by extending and operationalizing fiber optic backbone links with China.
6.0 National Broadband master plan: key framework for action
6.1 Enabling Broadband end-to-end ecosystem
This masterplan seeks to lay out a comprehensive framework for action aimed at creating a conducive ecosystem that supports broadband development throughout the country based on National Broadband Policy and strategy.
The key elements of this master plan are intended to facilitate the creation of end-to-end ecosystem that promotes investment in connectivity infrastructure, content and services to consumers. While the focus is necessarily on the customer access networks, this masterplan examines five key factors which are critical in facilitating the broadband penetration in Nepal:
(a) policy and regulatory dimension Fig 4: Broadband Infrastructure Supply Chain (b) technology aspects ;
(c) spectrum management aspects ; International Access Devices and National Backbone Last Mile Access (d) international connectivity ; Connectivity Retail services (e) facilitating content and application.
In order to strengthen broadband development initiative in the country, a more concerted effort needs to be made to analyze the gap between normal, market driven growth rates and set broadband targets in order to help policy and decision makers and concerned government agencies identify possible interventions to reduce it. One way to go about it would be to develop a technology market model capable of estimating the needed investment using different technology combinations (for example, Digital Subscriber Line (xDSL) technologies, FTTx, and Fixed Wireless Access (FWA) technologies, for e.g. fixed WiMAX or fixed LTE as well as Mobile Broadband Technologies, like 3G, or 4G mobile technologies -HSPA, HSPA+ and LTE). This quantitative analysis helps in identifying the right combination of policy tools and strategic directives to create a robust broadband ecosystem in the country. National Broadband Development Program which is envisaged to be a mechanism for implementing broadband masterplan, could take on this responsibility going forward.
6.2 Policy and regulatory dimension
18 A close scrutiny of Nepal's prevailing policy and regulatory frameworks applicable to wireless and wireline broadband services reveal a number of elements which could be improved upon in order to create a globally comparable regulatory environment. In order to facilitate intensified roll-out of broadband infrastructure and services, it is important to ensure that regulatory instruments are well targeted towards promoting pro-competitive practices, levels of service, service plan transparency, and service plan honesty, among others.
It is worth mentioning here that achieving of broadband objectives and goals is also at times the function of demographic, geographic and other factors that policy cannot easily influence. However the fact remains that conducive policy orientation especially in relation to unbundling, effective spectrum governance regime and promotion of competitive market have been seen to be instrumental in driving broadband deployment and adoption in many countries around the world.
While a number of elements are assessed Exhibit 2, three issues relating to licensing and spectrum management and regulation require explanation.
6.2.1 Licensing structure
Licensing remains one of the key elements of a regulatory framework and one of the most important instruments which governments and regulators can employ to set the direction of market dynamics shaping the telecommunications sector. Licensing regime is integrally tied to the structure of the telecommunications markets and as such, remains a key predictor of the degree of competitive intensity of the market, the revenues earned by the government through the auction of spectrum and ultimately, the efficiency with which telecommunications services are supplied to the public. It is therefore important to ensure that a licensing framework that drives investment, promotes competition and innovation is in place in order to secure overarching goals and objectives of National broadband Masterplan. The current operating licenses for telecommunication services issued pursuant to the Telecommunications Act 1997 need to be revised to secure alignment with emerging market fundamentals and paradigm shifts especially with regards to convergence and evolution of wireless and mobile broadband. Along those lines, one of the activities that can be undertaken as a key action item of the masterplan is to carry out a thorough review of licenses granted in the past so as to ensure that inconsistencies in provisions are avoided going forward and more generally, as a guide to future licensing structure and processes.
Along those lines, a unified licensing regime holds the prospects of Fig 5: Key considerations for simplifying the licensing procedure, broadband masterplan Facilitation of competition allowing service providers to use any technology, ensure flexibility and S p efficient use of resources. In addition, e c t r unified licensing framework removes u g m n i R arbitrary and artificial distinctions which s M n e e g a c u n are not technically supported, promotes i l a a L t g i d o e sector competition and sector m e i n f i e n convergence. It needs mentioning here n t
U Policy and regulatory a that the Telecommunications Act 1997 has n aspects d been broadly drafted and facilitates the implementation of a unified licensing regime. Further, delinking of spectrum S p g/ assignment in the license is necessary to ec in tru ar m sh efficiently use the spectrum. M re R an tu eg a uc s u ge tr es lat m as cc io en fr a n t In n an te pe d o o om 19 Pr 6.2.2 Facilitation of competitive entry of a new entrant
Nepal's telecommunications market, though seemingly robust along some key indicators, still leaves a lot of room for improvement and reform. For one, the current state of duopoly in national licensing, as more than 95% of the total market share is held by the two operators, is not likely to produce the optimal outcomes for consumers and could stifle the growth of the sector by creating conditions not favorable to healthy competition. It is generally accepted that more competition leads to lower prices, higher speeds, broader deployment, more innovation, and better customer service. This despite the fact that at times the correlation might not be that evident.
Going forward, it is important to ensure that due consideration is given to facilitate the competitive entry of at least one new entrant to secure a more competitive telecommunications sector and accelerate expansion of broadband network and services in Nepal. If the new entrants are willing to risk their capital to invest in infrastructure, this should be encouraged. A possible new entrant would also increase competition tension if new cellular spectrum (e.g. 700 or 2600 MHz) was to be auctioned going forward. A suggested competition and spectrum allocation strategy for Nepal to adopt to underpin voice and wireless broadband deployment (and to maximise government revenues) is detailed in Appendix I.
6.2.3 Spectrum management and regulation
Going forward, Nepal must carry out further reforms on spectrum management and licensing regime. The prospect of developing one or more new models of spectrum regulation that are neither as restrictive as current approaches to licensing nor as permissive as unlicensed uses must seriously be looked into. An ideal spectrum regime for Nepal should be characterized by allocation of frequencies for best use as determined by their inherent qualities and the unmet needs of users and their applications.
In terms of regulatory provisions, there are two main acts that regulate radio frequency spectrum in Nepal. These are the Telecommunications Act, 1997 and the Radio Act, 1957. In addition, The Radio Communication (License) Regulation 1992 also addresses various aspects of radio regulation in Nepal.
• The Radio Act provides for control and regulation of activities of holding, making and using “radio machines” in Nepal. “Radio machines” are generally defined as 'capture equipment' used for receiving or sending words, pictures or signals continuously through radio waves without wire connection. A list of “machines” is set out in the definition segment of the Act.
Article 3 of the Act constitutes one of the key components given its stipulations where a person licensed to operate telecommunications service under the Telecommunications Act or “a customer using the telecommunication service through such a person shall not be required to obtain a license under this Act to hold, make or use the radio machine relating to the telecommunications service”. It is worth noting here that this act regulates radio machines, and not radio frequency allocation per se.
• The Radio Communication (License) Regulation 1992 requires a person to obtain license to hold, use, manufacture, sell or distribute all kinds of radio machines. Similar to the Radio Act, there is no provision on radio frequency allocation or licensing of frequency spectrum.
The Telecommunications Act provides for regulation of telecommunications sector. Section 22 of the Act provides for a person desiring to operate “Telecommunications Service” to apply for a license. Importantly, there is no provision for the licensing of radio frequency spectrum in this Act. Section 49 of the Act on “Provision of Determination of Radio Frequency Policy” merely provides for radio frequency policy determination committee to inter alia determine radio frequency policy, allocate radio frequency, determine pricing of radio frequency and determine policy for coordination of radio frequency.
20 Based on the above, it appears that there are complexities surrounding radio frequency spectrum allocation and licensing and as to how they are addressed in terms of legal and regulatory provisions. Going forward, these issues could be addressed by legislative amendments. It is recommended that the Radio Act be amended to address radio frequency allocations and licensing (via auction or otherwise) and issues relating to spectrum fees.
It is imperative that Nepal continues to make more spectrum available for next generation wireless data if broadband environment is to be significantly improved. Measures must be taken to ensure that ample spectrum is made available especially in relation to expanding access to rural areas. One way to do this is to formulate a policy for the use of spectrum in the white spaces between TV bands.
The aim of the government should be to exploit the technological benefits of the lowest frequency bands as much as possible (e.g. including the 700 MHz and 1800 MHz bands) for the deployment of LTE technology. This will ensure that the country has the capacity to take advantage of 4G broadband services and the growth that is expected to take place in this area.
6.2.4 Refarming of 900 MHz
Existing allocations scheme of 900 MHz spectrum leaves a lot of room for optimization of this crucial resource. Refarming of 900 MHz band has become necessary in order to use this spectrum for UMTS service. If this spectrum was available for UMTS it would have an immediate impact on both affordability (for example, costs would reduce) and the quality of service.
6.2.5 Other key policy and regulatory issues
Exhibit 2 details a number of key policy and regulatory issues which need attention in order to accelerate broadband services in Nepal.
21 Exhibit 2: Some Policy and Regulatory issues
Given the dominant position of mobile services in Nepal (which will grow even more so) and wireless broadband in the future, the need for Nepal to Utilisation of utilise key spectrum below 1 GHz spectrum resource (especially the 700 1 key spec trum MHz band) is profound. In this respect, Nepal should lock in to regional below 1 GHz Asia Pacific proposal of 2 x 45 MHz digital dividend spectrum. In this respect an auction of certain 700 MHz spectrum should be announced in 2016
Flexible rights of use should be instituted for key wireless spectrum allocations with technology use given that artificial technology limitations Flexible rights may deny operators being able to use efficient and spectrally efficient of use for key technology. For example, 3G W-CDMA at 900 MHz is more cost 2 wireless effective than rollout of 3G W-CDMA at 2100 MHz. In addition, while spec trum the current focus in Nepal is on 2.3 GHz and 2.6 GHz bands which is alloc ations mainly used for Kathmandu, the lower frequencies are better (for xample, LTE at 1800 MHz) and cheaper than 2.6 GHz Capex.
An infrastructure sharing policy, preferably mandated, will be a significant positive for the country. Likewise there is a need for clarity on Ac c elerate interconnection and access. Improved regulatory clarity will also make a infrastructure 3 third telecommunications licence more appealing. It should be noted that sharing while mobile number portability (MNP) may be desirable it is not framework necessary and for Nepal would add considerably to costs and network complexity when quality of service is already an issue.
Using satellites in rural, remote and uneconomic areas of Nepal as part of Using satellites a national broadband solution is both good public policy and makes in rural, remote commercial sense given this can provide cost effective solutions which are 4 and robust. In addition, they could be utilised to provide cellular network unec onomic connectivity in areas without fibre or microwave facilities or direct areas connectivity when mini BTS are not economic.
The role of the NTA as a facilitator is crucial in order to create an enabling environment, regulatory certainty and a gradual reliance on market mechanisms to promote broadband services, both wireline and wireless. This includes: Role of NTA as • developing predictable and transparent regulatory framework; 5 facilitator • promoting competition; • encouraging investment in infrastructure; • engaging in consultation with industry; and • quarterly collection of statistics from operators to ensure latest ICT figures.
(Adapted from Wireless Broadband Masterplan for Federal Democratic Republic of Nepal, 2010, ITU)
6.2.6 Promote infrastructure sharing and open access
Nepal should seriously work towards further promoting public broadband investments. Such investments must be designed for minimizing the barriers to take-up by service providers and end users so as to ensure that services are available and people actually start appropriating them. Along those lines, it is
22 important to ensure that service providers have access to active or passive infrastructure at a reasonable price and under conditions that are open, fair, transparent and non-discriminatory.
Going forward, it will be imperative on part of NTA to develop open access policies and approaches in various contexts, including fixed and mobile access networks, backhaul and backbone networks and Internet exchange points (IXPs), among others. In general, open access arrangements for Nepal should be characterized by wholesale access to network infrastructure or services that is provided effectively on fair and reasonable terms, with some degree of transparency and non-discrimination.
Elsewhere, for fixed networks, open access policies in the form of mandated regulated access, such as local loop unbundling or other wholesale access products, have played a leading role in the development of competition. Given Nepal's policy emphasis on universalizing broadband access, it is believed that Open access arrangements can play a major role in shaping the level of competition in next generation access (NGA) networks.
As one of the action areas for broadband master plan, a set of comprehensive guidelines should be developed to promote open access arrangements in Nepal. Such guidelines should be based on provision of effective access on a) fair and reasonable terms and b) on transparent and non-discriminatory terms or, at a minimum, a clear policy should be established as to the conditions that apply to the arrangement.
Infrastructure sharing is another area that needs to be promoted through appropriate policy and regulatory instruments going forward as a means of to promote infrastructure deployment, in particular IP backbones and broadband access networks. Along those lines, NTA should develop a set of comprehensive guidelines outlining, inter alia:
the need to promote an enabling environment (featuring appropriate regulatory framework and competition and investment incentives) and the development of innovative regulatory strategies and policies to promote infrastructure sharing
6.2.7 International connectivity and traffic management
International connectivity is one area that needs high degree of policy and regulatory attention going forward. It has been observed that the most efficient way to lower costs and keep pace with demand is through liberalization and promotion of competition among facilities that provide international connectivity, in particular, international gateways. Nepal should take necessary measures to ensure that there are redundant international cables and other facilities linking the country to competitive global communication networks. In addition, Nepal must undertake endeavours to enhance the Internet traffic exchange (IXP) and management systems and harmonize related policies in a more efficient and effective manner, domestically as well as at the subregional and regional levels, which will lead to better quality of service and the reduction of currently severe tromboning, high rates of latency and costly transit prices. Along those lines, Nepal needs to effectively play its role in implementing strategies aimed at promoting Asian Information Superhighway initiative led by UN-ESCAP. Terrestrial connectivity that this initiative aims to promote would generate great deal of benefits for Nepal and facilitate competitive access to robust international connectivity.
6.2.8 Reform RDTF
In part because of market failures with regard to the provision of broadband especially to rural and unserved areas, as witnessed also in other countries, relying on market drivers alone will not meet Nepal's future broadband needs. Targeted subsidies can bridge the gap between broadband coverage that can and will be provided by the market and the extent of coverage expressed as government commitment in National Broadband Policy. Going forward, it is highly imperative that Nepal carry out necessary reform
23 of RTDF and promote the use of community anchor institutions as a pathway for introducing broadband into unserved and underserved communities. This masterplan recommends that a Connect Nepal Fund (CNF) be created as vehicle for accelerating broadband access and adoption in rural, unserved, under-served and high cost areas. Connect Nepal Fund would be a key component of Nepal Broadband Development Programme (NBDP) that this masterplan envisages.
7.0 Stimulating demand – facilitating the development of content, applications and promoting innovative usage of broadband
Adoption of broadband and hence demand for related services is intrisically tied to the availability of digital content and applications that the consumers see value in. Contents and applications also play a crucial role generating outcomes that investments in broadband seek to achieve. Innovative use and application of broadband also needs to be promoted in order to achieve wide ranging policy outcomes. For example, health service outcomes that ICTs can potentially generate would require hospitals and health service centers to develop strategies aimed at leveraging broadband. Similarly, schools and educational institutions should be encouraged to use broadband and ICTs to strengthen education service delivery along key quality, reach and learning outcome dimensions.
This masterplan argues for a focused sectoral orientation in deploying broadband across government service delivery domains. It will also be important to incentivize innovation in ICT application and promote development of digital contents aligned with local contexts.
8.0 Formulation of National Broadband Development Programme (NBDP)
It is recommended that a National Broadband Development Programme (NBDP) as a vehicle for implementing broadband policy and masterplan must be formulated. One of the key goals to NBDP will be to connect unserved and underserved areas throughout the country and to facilitate the expansion of quality broadband network and services generally. NBDP will mobilize both RTDF and external resources to execute projects formulated in support of broadband objectives and goals. The projects to be designed and executed under NBDP will provide internet access, help expand e-services and citizen centric e-applications nationally using both a) new and existing optical fiber backbones and extending it to outlying areas and b) deploying wireless connectivity infrastructure where appropriate and desirable. Realizing that Optic fiber based network provide scalability to meet ever growing bandwidth and performance needs and also facilitate expansion of e-services, the primary focus of NBDP will be on the development of Optic Fiber Network under a pan-Nepal coverage scheme using Gigabit Passive Optical Network (GPON) technologies. The guiding principle of NBDP will be to provide non- discriminatory access to National Optic Fiber Network to all the service providers like Telecom operators, ISPs, Cable TV operators, fixed broadband suppliers etc. to expand access to broadband network and services to rural, unserved and underserved areas. NBDP will also be geared towards promoting cross-sectoral synergies for fiber optic deployment (synergies among public utilities and transport companies for example, for laying fiber infrastructure). Adjoining exhibit highlights the proposed governance structure of Fig 6: National Broadband Development Program NBDP. (Governace model)
NBDP Governance
Chair of NBDP Steering Committee Minister, Ministry of Information and Communication
Deputy Chair, Member, National Planning Commission NBDP Executive Secretary, MoIC Leadership Member-Secretary
Steering Committee members (Line agencies, NTA, Private sector and domain experts)
NBDP 24 RTDF and External resources NBDP Program Program Management including PPP Management Office
Policy and Infrastructu Content and Monitoring and Regulation re services evaluation NBDP Project working groups Private Sector Coordination Annex I
Time-line for releasing additional spectrum aimed at promoting wireless broadband through enhanced competitive intensity 10/18 Consider auctioning 5/17 Additional spectrum Release Bidding docs 7/17 12/16 Auction new license with Commence Pre-qual phase 900 & 1800 MHz spectrum10/17 6/16 Auction 1st tranche of st Auction 1 tranche of 700MHz band 700MHz band
Mar, 2016 5/16 8/16 11/16 2/17 5/17 8/17 11/17 2/18 5/18 8/18 11/18 Mar, 2019
9/16 Conduct Spectrum pricing 3/17 benchmark study Commence refarming 900 MHz band 1/18 1/17 Third operator commences Announce auction for Retail services new telecom license 6/18 Consider allocating additional trances of 700MHz band
25
ANNEX I
A C T I O N P L A N
(SECTION 1 : Foundational Activities)
26 Strategy 1: Create institutional and programmatic arrangement for broadband development Goal: To create an institutional mechanism for formulating and executing projects aimed at achieving broadband targets Activities Lead Supporting Output Key Implementation Horizon Agency Agency Outcomes supported 2016 2017 2018 2019 2020
1 2 3 4 1 2 3 4 1 2 3 4 1 2 3 4 1 2 3 4 1.1 Formulate MoIC NTA A national A mechanism National broadband for coordinated Broadband development implementation Development programme is of the Programme as formulated as a key Masterplan as the key vehicle for well as mechanism for implementation of broadband the broadband policy policy and implementation and the masterplan strategy is of broadband under the created master plan supervision of NBDP steering committee Strategy 2: Determine total infrastructure investment needs Goal: To develop informed policy position on size of investment required to promote broadband in underserved and under-served areas 2.1 Establish the NTA MoIC A dedicated fund is Expanded framework of created as a vehicle broadband Connect Nepal for mobilizing RTDF access to high- Fund (CNF) as resources for cost areas mechanism for expanding broadband mobilizing RTDF infrastructure, more for expanding particularly backbone broadband and backhaul backbone infrastructure to infrastructure as a unserved and under- component of served areas National Broadband 27 Development Program
2.1 Determine total NTA Telecom A comprehensive A framework investment needs operators/ISassessment outlining for informed based on Ps and total infrastructure policy decisions coverage gaps other investment needs is created and broadband stakeholders based on a) status of leading to targets existing infrastructure optimized b)coverage gap c) mobilization of identification of public and technology mix to private address coverage gap resources and d) investment cost by technology Strategy 3: Create enabling regulatory and policy environment Goal: To ensure appropriate legal and regulatory provisions are made to create ecosystem conducive to the development of broadband Implementation Horizon Activities: Lead Supporting Key outputs Key 2016 2017 2018 2019 2020 Agency Agency Outcomes supported 1 2 3 4 1 2 3 4 1 2 3 4 1 2 3 4 1 2 3 4 3.1 Hold stakeholder NTA/MoIC na Identification of Enhanced consultation to key issues Sector promote unified impinging upon competition licensing regime effective uptake of based on Unified licensing technology framework neutrality and convergence oriented policy position
3.2 Identify key areas NTA na A firm policy and Clear and of reform of regulatory position predictable 28 licensing on spectrum policy and framework and governance and regulatory decision making allocation, position on processes to including digital utilization of ensure increased dividend spectrum key spectrum availability and identified below 1 GHz optimized utilisation of key spectrum below 1 GHz 2016 2017 2018 2019 2020 Activities: Lead Supporting Key outputs Key Agency Agency Outcomes supported 1 2 3 4 1 2 3 4 1 2 3 4 1 2 3 4 1 2 3 4 3.3 Carry out NTA Telecom Officially binding Artificial necessary operators position on technology licensing reforms flexible rights of limitations are and develop firm use for key removed to policy provisions wireless spectrum drive to promote allocations investment on flexible rights cutting edge of use for key broadband wireless wireless spectrum technologies allocations to facilitate deployment of cutting edge wireless technologies (like LTE)
29
3.4 a)Create NTA/ na a)Appropriate Lowered appropriate MoIC mechanism is barriers to institutional created to effectively investment mechanism, implement fostering including a infrastructure facilities based monitoring sharing guidelines competition framework to and secure full b) Independent innovation implementation infrastructure service of provider begins infrastructure operation sharing guidelines developed by NTA b) Initiate licensing processes paving way for independent service providers to begin infrastructure development works
30 Activities: Lead Supporting Key outputs Key 2016 2017 2018 2019 2020 Agency Agency Outcomes supported
1 2 3 4 1 2 3 4 1 2 3 4 1 2 3 4 1 2 3 4 3.5 Develop NTA VSAT service A concrete, Bridging of appropriate and providers/ISP actionable policy digital divide actionable /Telcom and regulatory by deploying policy/ operators position formed satellites regulatory for facilitating based position on the use of connectivity facilitating use satellite based in areas where of satellite communication other forms communication to expand of technology in rural, remote connectivity and option are not and broadband in viable underserved underserved areas areas 3.6 Amend NTA Telecom Amended Meaningful Regulatory operators/IS regulatory competition provisions to Ps/ framework with based on mandate disclosure availability of disclosure requirements pricing and requirements featuring well performance along defined QoS information predefined parameters for to consumers parameters for broad band of broad all broadband service providers band services service providers
31 Lead Supporting Key outputs Key 2016 2017 2018 2019 2020 Activities: Agency Agency Outcomes 1 2 3 4 1 2 3 4 1 2 3 4 1 2 3 4 1 2 3 4 supported
3.7 Conduct a NTA Telecom A comprehensive A comprehensive operators/IS study featuring telecom/broa review of the Ps review of dband sector state of wholesale with wholesale competition rules enhanced competition with competitive regime to help recommendation intensity ensure s adequate competition on fixed and mobile broad band services 3.8 Develop NTA Telecom A consultative A telecom regulatory operators position paper and provisions, featuring broadband procedures and procedure for services guidelines to allowing data sector allow data roaming conducive to roaming wide, seamless and competitive data coverage
32 Lead Supporting Key outputs Key 2016 2017 2018 2019 2020 Activities: Agency Agency Outcomes supported 1 2 3 4 1 2 3 4 1 2 3 4 1 2 3 4 1 2 3 4 3.9 Develop a NTA MOIC A comprehensive A sufficiently comprehensive HRD plan for well Human NTA in view of capacitated Resource fast evolving NTA with in- Development regulatory house domain plan for challenges (ie expertise to enhancing the convergence, etc) effectively capacity of the address a regulator range of regulatory challenges brought about technology driven paradigm shifts in telecom and broadband
33 Activities: Lead Supporting Key outputs Key 2016 2017 2018 2019 2020 Agency Agency Outcomes supported 1 2 3 4 1 2 3 4 1 2 3 4 1 2 3 4 1 2 3 4 3.10 Develop best NTA/telec Department A consultative Achievement practices om of Roads, paper on best of high level guidelines for operators Department practice of rights-of-way of Electricity, guidelines for infrastructural policies for Municipalities ROW policies synergies that broadband and local with actionable would lower infrastructure government strategies (ex. investment deployment entities Common service barriers, ducts) with promote open recommendation access and s for a binding strengthen implementation infrastructure framework sharing regime
34 .11 Amend NTA/MoI Telecom A revised regulatory Enhanced regulatory C operators framework competitive framework to incorporating environment mandate provisions for local fostering provisions for loop unbundling innovation, local loop lowering cost unbundling barriers to and secure entry and implementati expanding on of local choices to the loop consumers unbundling provisions 2016 2017 2018 2019 2020 1 2 3 4 1 2 3 4 1 2 3 4 1 2 3 4 1 2 3 4 3.12 Develop and NTA ISPAN, A framework for Improved implement telecom collecting timely and policy and mechanisms operators accurate information decision to collect on broadband on all making as more accurate aspects of well as information broadband evaluation and on broadband performance monitoring in access along a through an revised matters number of and improved relating to key reporting broadband parameters requirement usage an d deployment
35 Strategy 4: Promote a) investments in Backbone/backhaul and access 2016 2017 2018 2019 2020 network infrastructure and b) strengthen resilience of information and communication infrastructure
Overall objective: Activities: Lead Supporti Key outputs Key 1 2 3 4 1 2 3 4 1 2 3 4 1 2 3 4 1 2 3 4 Agency ng Outcomes Agency supported 4.1 Identify GON/ Business A thoroughly Creation of a specific NTA sector, actionable strategy resilient and measures to Telecomm framework future proof drive unications prepared through a backbone/bac investments operators, consultative process khaul in all key Nepal involving key infrastructure elements of Investment stakeholders aimed enabling broadband Board, at promoting significantly supply chain Financial investment enhanced and (International institutions throughout meaningful capacity, broadband supply broadband National chain services Backbone and across the Last Mile country Access) 4.2 Develop PPP NTA Private An actionable Enhanced framework sector, strategy framework prospect of with telecom factoring in improving actionable operators international best broadband strategies to practices and access to foster prepared through unserved and investment in consultative process underserved universal with key locations broadband stakeholders network
36 Activities: Lead Supporti Key outputs Key 2016 2017 2018 2019 2020 Agency ng Outcomes Agency supported 1 2 3 4 1 2 3 4 1 2 3 4 1 2 3 4 1 2 3 4 4.3 Conduct a NTA na A report on policy A conducive thorough and regulatory gap investment review of analysis with climate existing policy actionable promoting and regulatory recommendations to competition, provisions to implement and providing isolate areas regulate open access regulatory needing and secure proper certainty and improvement interconnection correcting in order to arrangements market effectively distortions implement open access and proper, effective interconnecti on arrangement for backbones, international capacity and international gateways
37 Activities: Lead Supporti Key outputs Key 2016 2017 2018 2019 2020 Agency ng Outcomes 1 2 3 4 1 2 3 4 1 2 3 4 1 2 3 4 1 2 3 4 Agency supported 4.4 Reform NTA Financial A consultative paper More licensing institution on promoting intensified framework, s / ISP/ investment on FTTx rollout of regulatory Infrastruct based network FTTx based provisions ure service rollout that enables implementatio and incentive providers triple play services ns as a means structure to of expanding drive private meaningful sector broadband investment on access to FTTx based consumers network rollout
38 Activities: Lead Supporti Key outputs Key 2016 2017 2018 2019 2020 Agency ng Outcomes Agency supported 2016 2017 2018 2019 2020 1 2 3 4 1 2 3 4 1 2 3 4 1 2 3 4 1 2 3 4 4.5 Develop a NTA Ministry A position paper Enhanced position of justifying the affordability paper on Finance business case for of broadband harmonizing taxation reform and services on and Key harmonization account of reforming stakeholde especially in relation lowered price taxation rs to lowered cost points and related barriers to end creation provisions, consumers policy especially incentive for with respect investment in to expansion broadband of broadband infrastructure network and and services procurement of international communicatio n capacity and end user devices
39 2016 2017 2018 2019 2020 1 2 3 4 1 2 3 4 1 2 3 4 1 2 3 4 1 2 3 4 4.6 Develop NTA Ministry a) A set of guidelines to of guidelines targeted at mitigate Science, broadband environmental Technolog infrastructure impact of y and developers broadband Environm infrastructure ent, AEPC b) A set of roll-out and recommendations formulate on adopting policies to appropriate incentivize use measures to of renewable incentivize the use sources of of renewal sources energy of energy in the rollout of broadband infrastructure
4.7 Develop NTA Telecomm A detailed guideline Creation of guidelines and unication backed by an enhanced directives to operators, enforceable directive policy and mandate ISPs, detailing reporting planning mapping and infrastruct requirements using support submission of ure GIS based platforms environment information on providers through the broadband and creation of telecommunicati spatially on infrastructure represented assets on GIS telecommunic based spatial ation asset data information representation database and analysis
40 format Activities: Lead Supporti Key outputs Key 2016 2017 2018 2019 2020 Agenc ng Outcomes 1 2 3 4 1 2 3 4 1 2 3 4 1 2 3 4 1 2 3 4 y Agency supported 4.8 Develop a NTA Telecomm A comprehensive Creation of comprehensive unication guideline for resilient guideline for all operators, ensuring enhanced telecommunic related ISPs resilience of telecom ation stakeholders infrastructure infrastructure aimed at prepared and enhancing the implemented resilience of telecommunicati on and broadband infrastructure in line with recommendatio ns outlined in PDNA
41 Activities: Lead Supporti Key outputs Key 2016 2017 2018 2019 2020 Agency ng Outcomes 1 2 3 4 1 2 3 4 1 2 3 4 1 2 3 4 1 2 3 4 Agency supported 4.9 Conduct a NTA/MoI na A feasibility study Enhanced feasibility C with actionable prospect of study and strategies prepared expanding prepare a for utilizing digital broadband roadmap with dividend (DD) services to actionable spectrum capacity underserved strategies on gain as well as and remote Digital TVWS areas Dividend and TVWS utilization Strategy 5: Promote investment in people, content, application, innovation and digital inclusion Overall Objective: Stimulating demand for broadband services 5.1 Prepare NTA Telecom A Strategy document Stimulated country operators, prepared through demand for strategy Broadban consultative process broadband framework on d service on stimulating infrastructure Broadband providers demand for and services demand broadband services stimulation 5.2 Formulate NTA/ NGOs/ National Digital Enhanced and Ministry Civil Literacy Project level of implement of Society/n formulated and broadband National Education on-profits launched uptake Digital Literacy Initiative Project
42 2016 2017 2018 2019 2020 1 2 3 4 1 2 3 4 1 2 3 4 1 2 3 4 1 2 3 4 5.3 Carry out a NTA Telecomm A detailed study Thorough detailed, unication featuring analysis of understanding comparative operators, cost barriers to of cost study to Civil internet and structures as analyze cost society, broadband adoption, well as price barriers to Non- within a comparative points crucial internet and profits framework for driving broadband meaningful adoption internet and broadband adoption among communities 5.4 Develop a NTA Disability Strategy Nepalese with special organizati framework/recomm disabilities program to be ons endations developed have implemented to make hardware, meaningful through software, services access to NBDP aimed and digital content broadband at better more accessible and services enabling assistive technologies Nepalese with more affordable disabilities to experience the benefits of broadband
43 Strategy 6: Expand access to rural, unserved and underserved areas
Overall objectives: To expand broadband access across the country, with particular focus on areas and communities that are likely to remain outside the scope of market interest Activities: Lead Supporti Key outputs Key 2016 2017 2018 2019 2020 Agency ng Outcomes 1 2 3 4 1 2 3 4 1 2 3 4 1 2 3 4 1 2 3 4 Agency supported 6.1 Amend NTA/MoI Ministry Amended RTDF Expanded RTDF C of operational modality, ambit of operational Finance related regulatory RTDF to modality, and policy include related provisions broadband as regulatory and incorporating access part of policy to Broadband as part Universal provisions of universal Service and guidelines service/access Obligation to expand the obligation scope of the fund to include broadband in universal service/access definition.
44 2016 2017 2018 2019 2020
1 2 3 4 1 2 3 4 1 2 3 4 1 2 3 4 1 2 3 4 6.2 Conduct a NTA na A survey report with Better and survey to spatially represented informed identify areas information about targeting of that are likely areas that are likely universal to remain to remain unserved services unserved by for the next 3 years strategies and commercial resources service providers for the next 3 years 6.3 Amend NTA/MoI na Amended regulatory Better regulatory C framework identification framework to incorporating of policy gap incorporate mandatory and market mandatory disclosure provisions failure in disclosure of on areas served relation to area coverage universal of broadband service service and obligation and infrastructure invest climate providers on broadband
45 Strategy 7: Enhance competitive intensity in wireless broadband and telecommunication sector/ release spectrum to intensify broadband roll-out Objective
2016 2017 2018 2019 2020 1 2 3 4 1 2 3 4 1 2 3 4 1 2 3 4 1 2 3 4 7.1 Undertake spectrum pricing benchmark study 7.2 Announce auction for a new national cellular mobile telecommunic ation license based on 900/1800 MHz allocations 2016 2017 2018 2019 2020 1 2 3 4 1 2 3 4 1 2 3 4 1 2 3 4 1 2 3 4 7.3 Develop refarming strategy for 900 MHz band maximizing efficient use of the band
46 2016 2017 2018 2019 2020 1 2 3 4 1 2 3 4 1 2 3 4 1 2 3 4 1 2 3 4
7.4 Announce first tranche of 700 MHz spectrum 7.5 Prepare plan for auctioning 2300 MHz and 2.6GHz bands 7.6 Formulate NBDP/N NGOs/N A detailed plan plans for pilot TA on- containing specific tests of profits/Ci pilot broadband vil sites/application connectivity Society/ scenarios of using TVWS INGO's connectivity roll-out in selected based on TVWS remote and unserved areas of Nepal
47 ANNEX I
A C T I O N P L A N
(SECTION 2: Infrastructure roll-out and broadband deployment)
48 Strategy 8: Promote roll-out of access, backbone, backhaul infrastructure Indicative implementation horizon
Overall Objective: 1 2 3 4 1 2 3 4 1 2 3 4 1 2 3 4 1 2 3 4 Activities: Lead Supporting Key outputs Key Outcomes Agency Agency supported 8.1 Expand F/O NTA NBDP/ All 75 districts of A crucial connectivity to telecommunicatio Nepal are infrastructure to all districts n operators/ connected through support wireline headquarters of infrastructure F/O network and wireless Nepal service providers broadband rollout is created 8.2 Expand mobile Telecommu NTA/NBDP Communities in all Mobile data data coverage nication 75 district network access is (3G) to all operators headquarters of made available on districts Nepal have access all 75 districts headquarters and to mobile data headquarters and at least 85% of coverage 85% all VDCs all VDCs of Nepal along predefined quality and performance parameters
49 2016 2017 2018 2019 2020 Activities: Lead Supporting Key outputs Key Outcomes 1 2 3 4 1 2 3 4 1 2 3 4 1 2 3 4 1 2 3 4 Agency Agency supported 8.3 Expand mobile Telecommu NTA/NBDP Communities in all Social and data coverage nication 22 district development gains (4G and beyond) operators headquarters of on account of to 30% districts Nepal as well as more expanded headquarters and 40% of all VDCs access to at least 40% of have access to 4G meaningful all VDCs of mobile data wireless mobile Nepal along coverage broadband predefined quality and performance parameters 8.4 Expand F/O NTA NBDP/telecomm At least 20% of At least 20% of connectivity unication the VDCs of VDCs have access beyond district operators/PPP Nepal have F/O to meaningful headquarters arrangements connected with broadband with a goal of district applications in the connecting at headquarters level area of e-health, e- least 20% of F/O backhaul education, e- VDCs with F/O governance etc backbone/backh aul/access all over Nepal
50 2016 2017 2018 2019 2020 Activities: Lead Supporting Key outputs Key Outcomes Agency Agency supported 8.5 Provide Ministry of NBDP/Telecom Government Creation of broadband Education operators/ISPs/I schools are enabling connectivity to NGOs/Multilatera connected to environment for Government l development broadband leveraging schools with a agencies network broadband to target to connect expand outreach 25% all of educational community and services and bridge government quality gaps in schools within education the next 3 years 8.6 Roll-out Satellite MoIC NTA/ VSAT Communities Digital divide is based operators/ outside the significantly communication Telecommunicatio coverage of narrowed through access points in n operators and traditional the availability of VDCs/communi related agencies commercial satellite ties/ service network providers connectivity centers where are served with other forms of satellite connectivity are connectivity not feasible.
51 2016 2017 2018 2019 2020 Activities: Lead Supporting Key outputs Key Outcomes 1 2 3 4 1 2 3 4 1 2 3 4 1 2 3 4 1 2 3 4 Agency Agency supported
8.7 Implement NTA Ministry of A position paper Enhanced harmonized and Finance justifying the affordability of reformed business case for broadband taxation related Key stakeholders taxation reform services on provisions, and harmonization account of especially with especially in lowered price respect to relation to lowered points and expansion of cost barriers to creation policy broadband end consumers incentive for network and investment in procurement of broadband international infrastructure and communicaton services capacity and end user devices
52 2016 2017 2018 2019 2020 Activities: Lead Supporting Key outputs Key Outcomes 1 2 3 4 1 2 3 4 1 2 3 4 1 2 3 4 1 2 3 4 Agency Agency supported
8.8 Implement NTA Ministry of a) A set of guidelines to Science, guidelines targeted mitigate Technology and at broadband environmental Environment, infrastructure impact of AEPC developers broadband infrastructure b) A set of and formulate recommendations policies to on adopting incentivize use appropriate of renewable measures to sources of incentivize the use energy of renewal sources of energy in the rollout of broadband infrastructure
8.8 Develop NTA Telecommunicatio A detailed Creation of guidelines and n operators, ISPs, guideline backed enhanced policy directives to infrastructure by an enforceable and planning mandate providers directive detailing support mapping and reporting environment submission of requirements using through the information on GIS based creation of infrastructure platforms spatially assets on GIS represented based spatial telecommunicatio data n asset representation information and analysis database format
53 2016 2017 2018 2019 2020 Activities: Lead Supporting Key outputs Key Outcomes Agency Agency supported 1 2 3 4 1 2 3 4 1 2 3 4 1 2 3 4 1 2 3 4 8.9 Roll-out pilot NBDP/NT NGOs/Non- TVWS based Broadband tests of A profits/Civil broadband services become broadband Society/ INGO's connectivity is available to connectivity rolled-out in populations living using TVWS in selected in remote and 15 selected areas/locations unserved areas remote and unserved areas of Nepal Strategy 9: Promote investment in people, content, application and innovation 2016 2017 2018 2019 2020 Objetive: 9.1 Prepare sectoral OPMCM MoIC/MOST/NT Broadband Streamlined and broadband A application efficient service strategies of all strategy Ministries delivery geared government are prepared towards securing ministries development outcomes across sectors 9.2 Develop cloud NTA/MoS Private sector Measures and More and more based e- T agencies (FNCCI, action framework SMEs integrate commerce and CNI), Product and on driving uptake ICTs into their business support service ICT and business to solutions to associations, broadband by support their drive uptake of Private sector SMEs businesses broadband by small and medium enterprises
54 9.3 Develop and Ministry of NGOs/INGOs/ Mobile based The ubiquity of deploy mobile Health Civil health services mobile phones is based health Society/Private application leveraged both to service sector becomes available stimulate demand applications to for use of people for mobile data expand outreach living in rural and and support of health remote areas of health outcomes services Nepal
55 2016 2017 2018 2019 2020 Activities: Lead Supporting Key outputs Key Outcomes 1 2 3 4 1 2 3 4 1 2 3 4 1 2 3 4 1 2 3 4 Agency Agency supported 9.3 Provide Ministry of NBDP/Telecom Government Creation of broadband Education operators/ISPs/I schools are enabling connectivity to NGOs/Multilatera connected to environment for Government l development broadband leveraging schools with a agencies network broadband to target to connect expand outreach 25% all of educational community and services and government bridge quality gaps schools within in education the next 3 years 9.4 Develop and Ministry of NBDP/Telecom Cloud based Farmers get access deploy mobile Agriculture operators/ISPs/I mobile services to information based agriculture NGOs/Multilatera aimed at and support extension l development supporting services through support services agencies farmers are mobile to farmers designed and deployed
56 Strategy 10: Enhance competitive intensity in wireless broadband and Implementation horizon telecommunication sector/ release spectrum to intensify broadband roll-out Overlall Objective: 2016 2017 2018 2019 2020 Activities Lead Supporting Output Key Outcomes 1 2 3 4 1 2 3 4 1 2 3 4 1 2 3 4 1 2 3 4 Agency Agency supported 10.1 Release bidding NTA MoIC Bidding More choices to document for document for consumers resulting new cellular new cellular in enhanced mobile mobile operator competitive intensity, telecommunicati quality offering on license
57 Strategy 10: Enhance competitive intensity in wireless broadband and Implementation horizon telecommunication sector/ release spectrum to intensify broadband roll-out 10.2 Announce first NTA MoIC First trache of Wireless broadband tranche of 700 700 MHz roll-out regime MHz spectrum Spectrum strengthens on released account of availability highly effective 10.3 Prepare plan for NTA MoIC auctioning spectrum resource additional tranches of 700 MHz band 10.4 Prepare plan for NTA MoIC auctioning 2300 MHz and 2.6GHz bands 10.5 Secure NTA Telecommunicati Data roaming is Enhanced uptake of implementation on implemented broadband on of data roaming operators/ISPs account of availability facility of more choices to consumers
58