Chapter 2 Development of a Number Management System
This Chapter relates to Concrete deliverable No 1 - Report on recommended set of criteria for the development of a Number Management System.
Number Plan and Numbers Management
A number management system comprises:
a. A plan about the use of numbers (which may have numbering policy embedded)
b. A set of Rules or Guidelines about how the number space will be managed (non-discriminatory and transparent processes described for allocation, transfer, surrender, withdrawal, and appeals about numbers and number issues)
c. A database for recording each allocation in a way that ensures that:
• there is no duplication,
• assessment and audit of holdings is practical and
• if there is a charging for numbers regime, that such charges can be calculated and levied.
In considering appropriate attributes of a number management system and regime for the Lao PDR, requires an analysis of needs as well as current arrangements.
Most particularly, the development of a new numbering management regime requires consultation with stakeholders (industry and consumers). Among stakeholders, data from operators currently using numbers or prospective users of numbers will enable a better quality plan and system. An important aspect that requires data from current users of numbers is the way that numbers have been used to date and evaluation of options for reducing the space currently available to fixed services to a number space size that reflects prospective demand (with a suitable estimation margin).
The consultations need to consider both principles and details of the regime and be given the opportunity to comment and improve the regime. Such consultations and regime development are likely to take several months. The most effective method for this consultation is by establishing a panel or committee of experts from the MPT, the operators and if appropriate an outside consultant to assist the discussions in particular by highlighting practices and experience form other regimes and offering comment on strengths and weaknesses of proposals that may be put to the panel.
From the information and viewpoints gathered during this mission to the Lao PDR, the following is a set of criteria that would be a useful start point for MPT and industry discussions