ITU Mission to the Lao PDR on Numbering Regulation
Review of Arrangements and Future Options
Ministry of Posts and Telecommunications of the Lao People’s Democratic Republic (MPT) has sought, and the International Telecommunications Union (ITU) has arranged an expert for assistance in regard to the current uses and regulation arrangements for telecommunications services numbering and advice about future possible arrangements of Numbering Use, Planning and Management. This document is the result of the review by the ITU engaged expert.
The objective of this review is to assist the MPT in its functions and future decision making in regard to telecommunications numbering so that:
• There is an adequate s
upply of numbers for existing and new kinds of services into the long term future;
• Any changes to arrangements are developed with the goal of minimum disruption to current users; and
• The MPT may be in a position to carry forward planning and works for effective and efficient future management arrangements, using appropriate tools and systems
The MPT is already managing numbers and has manual systems in place for that purpose. Accordingly, in developing proposals and recommendations, this review begins from the existing system and builds from the present structures and arrangements. The regulatory and industry practices that have developed under current systems do impose certain boundaries in what may be practical concerning recommendations for any new or revised approaches.