Migration to 8-Digit Numbering makes 2013 a landmark year Note

ICT
INFORMATION & COMMUNICATION TECHNOLOGIES AUTHORITY
ISSUE NO. 3 - JUNE 2013
Note from the Editor
Greetings from the ICTA.
As we approach the mid year point,
The ICTA continues to gear up on the
different projects in the pipeline for 2013.
Already we have seen the launching
of Broadband Connection of 256 kbps,
capped to 2GB at Rs 200 and by the
same token the provision of additional
satellite Bandwith for Rodrigues.
But undeniably the flagship project
that will dominate the scene in the ICT
sector is the forthcoming Numbering
Change Plan for Mauritius where all
numbers assigned on mobile networks
will migrate to 8-digits.
To inform the general public about the
changes, the ICTA has already launched
a communication campaign through a
100-day countdown since the 23rd May
2013 and a more comprehensive and
intensive campaign is expected in the
coming weeks.
Some of the topics that you can expect
in this edition are: n insight into the project of migration
A
to the 8-digit numbering plan.
prestigious award which the ICTA has
A
received during the 7th NTA ICT World
Communication Award
eployment of the USF fund to bridge
D
the digital divide across the Republic
eeting between the Chief Commissioner
M
of Rodrigues and the ICTA
T he ICTA participated at the Digital
Broadcasting Switchover organised
by the CTO in South Africa
isit of delegation from Seychelles and
V
Rwanda
We trust that you find this edition as
interesting as the previous ones and we
look forward to the coming months as
we roll up our sleeves for a successful
8-digits migration.
Migration to 8-Digit Numbering
makes 2013 a landmark year
In the last few months, the Authority
has stepped up its consultations with
stakeholders ahead of what will be a
historic date. As from 00:00 hours on
1st September 2013, 8-Digit Numbering
on mobile networks will come into effect
in the Republic of Mauritius.
With this change going to affect the
whole population, the Authority
officially launched a comprehensive
communication campaign on 23rd May
about the migration from seven to 8 digits.
With the number 5 being the leading
digit, the campaign tagline is, “Mett 5
divan apré dialog largué”. The campaign
will ensure the information needs of
consumers are met across the different
channels such as paid ads in the media,
on radio and television and posters in
key locations.
A 100 day countdown has been
adopted to keep
users of mobile
networks aware
of the impending
change.
The roadmap
to migration
has addressed
the regulatory;
technical;
financial and communication aspects.
All along the Authority has adopted a
consultative status with its stakeholders:
the public operators licensed to
provide services on mobile networks
in the Republic of Mauritius; consumer
organisations and associations which
represent business or commercial
interests. A steering committee has
been set up to monitor all aspects of
the migration in order to make it as
seamless as possible for all stakeholders.
It was on 11th February 2013 that the ICT
Authority issued a decision pertaining to
the Numbering for mobile services setting
the date for the migration from seven
to eight digits of telephone numbers
assigned to mobile networks.
The Authority came out with a
Telecommunication Directive, TD 1
of 2013 Directive which places the
additional obligations on all public
operators and service providers with
respect to the migration.
From the 1st of September 2013 at 00:00
hours anyone calling a number operating
on a mobile network will have to add
the leading digit 5 regardless if the call is
being made from
a mobile handset
or from a fixed
phone.
A table of existing seven digit
numbers which
will become 8Digit numbers as
from midnight of
1st September
this year has
been posted on
the Authority’s website and will
be an essential component of the
communication campaign.
This migration is the result of the
growing demand for numbers operating
on mobile networks in the Republic of
Mauritius.
Benjamin Moutou
ICTA NEWSLETTER - JUNE 2013
1
CMAI presents ICTA with prestigious
international award
In recognition for adhering to the
highest standards for the regulatory
framework in Mauritius, the ICTA
received a prestigious award in May.
Marketing Training on
current and future ICT
Ecosystem
From 18th to 22nd February staff
from the Department of Marketing
and Communication and from other
departments took part in a training
course on “Marketing for an ICT
Regulatory Environment”.
The consultant from the Commonwealth
Telecommunications Organisation,
Mr Om Pal explored issues pertaining
to current and future developments
relevant to the ICT regulatory environment
from a marketing perspective.
The fast evolving ICT environment
was discussed including a section on
ICT applications; 8-Digit Numbering
and climate change and green ICT.
There were discussions on the
Economic and Social impacts of ICT
supported by case study examples. The
pressure on regulators to keep pace
with convergence was also analysed.
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ICTA NEWSLETTER - JUNE 2013
The award was granted by
the Communication Multimedia
Association of India (CMAI). CMAI
is the Apex body which promotes
the growth in communications,
manufacturing and technology in
India.
The Award for “Excellence in ICT
Regulation for Licensing, Certification,
Spectrum and other Resources”
was given during the 7th (National
Telecommunications Awards) NTA
ICT World Communication Awards
held in New Delhi.
Indian  ministers,  Honourable
Kapil Sibal, Union Minister for
Communications and IT; Honourable
Farooq Abdullah, Minister for
New and Renewable Energy and
Honourable Mukul Sangma, Chief
Minister, Meghalaya were present
during the Awards ceremony in the
Indian capital.
Other eminent personalities present
were Professor Tim Unwin, the
CEO of the Commonwealth
Telecommunication Organisation
(CTO); Dr Hamadoun Toure, the
Secretary General of the International
Telecommunications Union (ITU) and
Mr S. S. Mantha, the Chairman All
India Council for Technical Education
(AICTE).
An official presentation of the award
was made to the local media on World
Telecommunication and Information
Society Day (WTISD).
Honourable Tassarajen Pillay
Chedumbrum, Minister of Information
and Communication Technology was
present on the occasion held at the
ICTA.
Bridging the Digital Divide through USF implementation
Additional Satellite Bandwidth Capacity for Rodrigues
In the course of last year’s budget,
the government of Mauritius showed
its commitment towards the creation
of a vibrant ICT sector to steer the
country towards modernity and
more equity.
All too aware of the social and
economic rewards that go along
with better ICT infrastructure the
government has indeed announced
several measures supported by the
Universal Service Fund to bridge
disparities in the ICT experience
across the whole of the Republic.
With the firm commitment to bring
the island of Rodrigues to the same
level of development as Mauritius
in the ICT field, the government has
decided to make available additional
Satellite Bandwidth Capacity through
the USF. A boost in bandwidth
capacity from 37 Mbps to 155 Mbps
not only will address related market
failures but will also leverage the
ICT sector in reaching a major step
in its development.
On 8th of April 2013, as a result of the
bidding exercise launched by the ICTA,
Mauritius Telecom Ltd (Skyvision)
emerged as Designated Universal
Service Provider for the provision
of additional satellite bandwidth
between Mainland Mauritius and
the Island of Rodrigues within the
Republic of Mauritius.
An official contract signing event
was organised on 30th of May 2013
between the CEO of Mauritius
Telecom, Mr. Sarat Lallah and the
Chairperson of the ICT Authority,
Mr. Trilock Dwarka.
256 Kbps Broadband Connection under USF
In the same vein, the ICT Authority,
under the USF, has financed an
entry-level offer for the provision of
a 256 Kbps Broadband Connection,
capped to 2GB at Rs 200 per month,
with a view to spur broadband
take-up, especially among lowincome families.
550
The graphs below capture
the
500
number of subscriptions as at of
450
end of May 2013, notably 207 for
mobile broadband and 400
529 for fixed
350
broadband respectively.
Number of Subscriptions
Broadband Internet is reshaping the
way individuals live and Mauritius
is no exception. The Millennium
Developments Goals of the United
Nations list internet penetration as a
key metric in efforts to reduce poverty
and encourage rational development.
300
This USF project was implemented,
250
following a bidding exercise
which
227
200
culminated in the designation
of
licensed Internet Service Providers as
Universal Service Providers for both
February
Fixed (Emtel Ltd and Telecom Plus Ltd)
and
Mobile
(Emtel
Ltd, Mahanagar
Fixed
Broadband
256 Kbps
Telephone Mauritius Ltd and Cellplus
529
Mobile Communications Ltd) Broadband
on 15th of January 2013.
430
The very essence of such a venture
361
is to empower
Mauritian citizens in
bridging vast distances in the global
landscape and by allowing instant
access to an almost endless stream
of information. A 60% broadband
penetration target by 2014 is indeed
within reach.
March
Month
April
Mobile Broadband 256 Kbps
Fixed Broadband 256 Kbps
220
550
529
Number of Subscriptions
Number of Subscriptions
207
200
500
450
430
400
361
350
300
250
160
March
Month
April
May
156
140
120
100
80
February
182
180
227
200
May
98
February
March
Month
April
May
Mobile Broadband 256 Kbps
220
ns
200
207
ICTA NEWSLETTER - JUNE 2013
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Rencontre avec le Chef Commissaire de Rodrigues Monsieur Serge Clair
L’ICTA a eu l’honneur durant la première semaine de juin
d’accueillir Monsieur Serge Clair, Chef Commissaire de
Rodrigues qui était accompagné de Madame Rose Marie
Franchette Gaspard-Pierre Louis, Chef Commissaire adjoint
et Membre du Conseil exécutif.
Cette rencontre entre les responsables de l’ICTA aussi bien
que de l’IBA et la délégation rodriguaise a permis d’évoquer
toute une panoplie de sujets couvrant les tics aussi bien
que l’audiovisuel.
M. Serge Clair a rappelé que Rodrigues fait partie à part entière
de la République de Maurice et que tout doit être fait pour
que l’Ile se développe selon une vision étalée sur 50 ans.
L’ouverture d’un bureau de l’ICTA à Rodrigues pour se pencher
sur les griefs des consommateurs, sur la qualité de service
des réseaux, sur la promotion de la saisie informatique,
sur l’octroi des licences comme sur l’emergency disaster
preparedness aussi bien que des sujets liés a l’audiovisuel
ont été à l’agenda de cette rencontre aussi constructive
que fructueuse.
Il a aussi été question d’une extension de la campagne de
sensibilisation sur la numérotation à huit chiffres à Rodrigues,
des ICT indicators et d’une éventuelle radio communautaire
à Rodrigues.
Rencontre entre les responsables de l’ICTA et de l’IBA avec le Chef Commissaire et sa délégation
Le Président de l’ICTA a rappelé, pour sa part, le principe
de la bande passante subventionnée qui a été adopté par
l’ICTA et par la suite par l’USF Ministerial Committee suite
à une visite effectuée par les membres du Working Group
1 de l’ICTA à Rodrigues.
Trilock Dwarka a souligné l’engagement personnel du Premier
Ministre pour que le cable sous-marin à fibre-optique
devienne une réalité à Rodrigues. Il devait rappeler que sa
visite à Rodrigues lui avait permis aussi bien qu’aux autres
membres de ce groupe de constater les problèmes liés a la
connectivité dans cette ile.
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ICTA NEWSLETTER - JUNE 2013
L’ouverture d’un bureau de l’ICTA à
Rodrigues pour se pencher sur les griefs
des consommateurs, sur la qualité de
service des réseaux, sur la promotion
de la saisie informatique, sur l’octroi
des licences comme sur l’emergency
disaster preparedness aussi bien que
des sujets liés a l’audiovisuel.
ICTA Chairman gives Keynote Address in Forum on
Digital Broadcasting Switchover
In the fast moving world of ICTs,
international events provide opportunities
to share information, knowledge and
forward planning.
Digital triple-play and quad-play, how
convergence is reshaping the ecosystem,
investing in Africa’s digital industry;
infrastructure platforms for successful
digital transition; regulatory interventions
for market-relevant digital services and
building a content library for digital
television.
These were the topics which grabbed
the attention of some one hundred
decision makers during the 8th Annual
Digital Broadcasting Switchover Forum
held in Johannesburg in February.
The Forum was organised by the
Commonwealth Telecommunications
Organisation.
ICTA Chairman Trilock Dwarka was
amongst one hundred decision makers
attending.
In his key note address Mr Dwarka stated
that Mauritius has entered the last phase
of digital migration and that a survey is
being carried out by Mauritius Post Limited
to assess DTT takeover in the country.
The DBSF was organised by the
Commonwealth Telecommunications
Organisation and was hosted by the
Department of Communications of
South Africa.
The ICTA Chairman added that the
exact figure of DTT Migration would
allow to plan the switchover phase,
to examine mandatory regulations for
IDTR, to plan for the Digital Dividend,
to release new channel blocks and to
focus on consumer literacy issues.
Themed as Future Proofing the African
Digital Transition, the Forum aimed at
generating discussions not only on how
to manage the digital switchover but also
the post switchover environment.
ICTA Chairman at the 8th DBS in Johannesburg
ICTA in the African Press
DTT: Regional deadlines are mainly motivational
It is projected that sub-Saharan Africa will
have 33.8 million DTT homes by 2018,
from 4.6 million at the end of last year.
broadcasting, ahead of June the 17th, 2015
cut-off date agreed by the International
Telecommunications Union.
This is what we learn from The Africa
Review Magazine which carried an article
entitled ‘The Great Digital Migration:
A switch too far for Africa?’
This has however not happened.
There are 90 million television households
in the region, including North Africa with
this number expected to grow to 124
million by 2015.
The Africa Review adds that apart from
brave Tanzania and progressive Mauritius,
the rest of the continent looks like it
will woefully miss deadlines-some selfimposed setting the region up for some
turbulent times.
The 5-member of the East African
Community had settled on a December
2012 deadline to shift to digital
There is a debate going on among EAC,
COMESA and SADC countries about the
deadlines set. For example, SADC countries
are bracing up for the deadline of the
31st of December 2013.
The Chair of the ICT Authority, Mr. Trilock
Dwarka whose views were sought by
the Africa Review states that breaking
down the migration process into bite-sized
chunks makes it easier for countries to
manage instead of making the now-ornever leap into huge national problems
and suggested that African countries set
up a central coordination body with a
digital migration Secretariat to look after
the migration chronology.
Mr. Dwarka spoke at length about the
Mauritian experience which preceded
the ITU decisions and stated that for
countries facing Switchover problems,
they might take comfort in the fact that
there is a window after 2015 while noting
that regional deadlines have been mainly
motivational.
Mr. Dwarka added that ‘the problem is
not one of deadlines but about the new
digital technology…With analogue, you
are at a dead end, with digital, a new
world of opportunities awaits you.’
ICTA NEWSLETTER - JUNE 2013
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L’Autorité de régulation des TIC parraine
le Salon International du Livre Confluences
L’Autorité de régulation des TIC
était une des organisations invitée
à participer à Confluences 2013, le
Salon international du livre proposé
par «Culture et Avenir», une cellule
du Bureau du Premier Ministre.
«La littérature à l’ère numérique»
était le thème choisi pour être
exploré.
Julien Tessier de Cahri, une agence
de développement de logiciels, a
parlé des modèles économiques
utilisés par les éditeurs à travers
le monde, les techniques pour
convertir les publications sur support
papier en version numérique et les
différents systèmes de gestion de
droits numériques adoptés jusqu’à
présent.
qui peuvent être lus mais aussi
écoutés sur des lecteurs MP3 ou
des appareils de ce type.
Antony Lodoiska expliqua le
processus de conversion de livres
traditionnels en livres audio à
travers un logiciel gratuit et des
équipements disponibles sur les
rayons des magasins spécialisés.
Des extraits de quelques-unes
des œuvres des auteurs Dev
Virahsawmy, M. J. Milbert et du
répertoire en ligne de livres audio
gratuits Librivox, ont été utilisés
pour les besoins de démonstration.
Ashveen Gopee et Nitish Hurnaum
des Geroudis Ghurburrun Chambers,
ont parlé du «Copyright à l’ère du
numérique». Les droits d’auteur
sont des droits économiques qui
subsistent concernant une œuvre,
qu’elle soit artistique, littéraire ou
scientifique et aussi pour les travaux
dérivés.
Ils ont également expliqué les droits
des détenteurs du copyright et les
exceptions à ces droits dans d’autres
Plusieurs cas ont été détaillés et les
options idéales pour les éditeurs
locaux furent abordées.
Le 2ème jour, le thème «La lecture
numérique et son apport à
l’éducation» était axé sur l’art de
conter en utilisant des tablettes.
Lena Chaber âgée de seulement
neuf ans, devait illustrer plusieurs
histories histoires en se servant de
Toontastic, une application pour les
tablettes.
Antony Lodoïska démontra les
avantages des livres audio qui
sont essentiellement des livres
Jonathan Siao et Vishal Coodye,
membres de l’association Mobile
Monday, ont présenté les
applications pouvant servir sur
les appareils mobiles pour avoir
accès à la collection e-Mauritiana,
communément appelé Mauritiana.
domaines du numérique comme
la vidéo, les réseaux sociaux et les
journaux en ligne.
Ils ont aussi abordé les enjeux liés
aux droits d’auteur concernant
les changements de format, par
exemple, lorsque les lecteurs de
livres électroniques sont offerts la
possibilité d’avoir la version audio
du même livre. La version audio
est alors considérée comme une
œuvre distincte.
Rappelons que le Salon international
du livre Confluences s’est tenu
au Centre international Swami
Vivekananda à Pailles du 7 au 10
mars 2013.
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ICTA NEWSLETTER - JUNE 2013
Le journalisme
à l’ère numérique
Les défis relatifs aux informations, de
la rédaction et surtout, pour animer
des débats en direct à la radio, ont
retenu l’attention d’une vingtaine
de journalistes durant un atelier
de 3 jours qui avait été organisé
conjointement par l’Independent
Broadcasting Authority et l’Autorité
de régulation des TIC.
Regional bilateralism and the ICTA
Since the country’s independence,
bilateral diplomacy has become
one of the mainstays of Mauritius’
development as an emerging economy.
Over the same period, the Authority
had also the visit of two-member team
from the Rwandan Utilities Regulatory
Agency (RURA).
Indeed building mutually beneficial
and reciprocal relationships between
countries irrefutably generate deliverables that stimulate progress in
various sectors including that of ICT.
Justin Rugondihene, the Director of
Internet, Media and Postal Affairs
and Mr Joseph Nyiringabo, a senior
official specialising in law from RURA
were especially interested in the
regulatory framework in Mauritius
for regulation of broadcasting in a
digital environment; the challenges
that can be expected after switching
over from analogue to digital and
issues pertaining to free to air and
must carry obligations.
In echoing the imperatives of
bilateralism, the ICT Authority regularly
welcomes delegations from abroad as
part of its international agreement.
Jean Claude Allanic du CFPJ
Pendant ces trois jours, du 28 au
30 mars, un journaliste français
chevronné, formateur dans ce
domaine, Jean Claude Allanic
du Centre de Formation et de
Perfectionnement (CFPJ) a mis les
participants à l’épreuve en testant
leurs compétences et leur niveau
de connaissance afin d’améliorer
les normes et les aspects éthiques
lors des débats en direct.
Le côté pratique de la diffusion fut
abordé d’un point de vue à la fois
théorique et concret avec un jour
réservé à des exercices pratiques
effectués dans une station de radio
privée à Maurice.
Le président de l’Autorité de
régulation des TIC ainsi que le
directeur exécutif de cet organisme
ont tous deux souligné la nécessité
d’un code de conduite et d’éthique
pour les débats diffusés en direct;
l’importance pour les professionnels
des médias de toujours se tenir à
jour avec derniers développements
comme de la convergence numérique
où la ligne entre les contenus et
les plateformes pour véhiculer ces
contenus, est devenue de plus en
plus floue.
Under the Bilateral Cooperation of
the 9th Session of the SeychellesMauritius Commission, the Authority
coordinated a programme for the visit
of a three-member delegation from the
Department of ICT of the Seychelles.
Ryan Dick, Ronny Nourrice and Rand
Barr were in Mauritius from 26th April
to 6th May.
Inevitably our guests from Rwanda
were also invited to a working session
with the Independent Broadcasting
Authority, where they were also
apprised of the progression of Digital
Terrestial Television in Mauritius.
In a seamless synergy, several working
sessions and discussions on key areas
including Finance; Numbering and
Spectrum Management and Policy
and Regulatory Affairs including QoS
and Tariff regulation were tabled over
the days
Furthermore with the Seychelles 2015
migration to digital television looming,
members of the delegation were able
to apprise themselves of the Mauritian
experience on DTT migration to date.
Other topics including licensing and the
monitoring of private radio operators
were also shared during the meeting.
ICTA NEWSLETTER - JUNE 2013
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On the ball
The boys in blue defying the odds at the
Football Civil Service Tournament
Brace yourself lads, the boys are
back in town and this time the style
of play is a mixture of directness
and explosiveness coalesce with
aesthetically-pleasing champagne
football.
No this is not the vintage Dutch
team of the 70’s or the Barcelona
squad of late but well and truly
the ICTA team.
fairy tale continued winning two
games against the National Audit
Office and Mahebourg Hospital
respectively and loss against the
MPI (Drawing Office).
The adventure would come to an
abrupt end at the quarterfinals,
when the team lost against last
year’s finalist the Ministry of Social
Security.
Interview with
Manoj Rambajan,
Team Manager
Q1. What are your impressions
of the ICTA teams during
the tournament?
You know, we started playing football at
the Authority some years back but this
is our first participation in a competition
and we are proud to have ended up
in the quarter final.
The first leg, we eliminated the favourite
team in the pool and won against the
pool leader to come out 2nd with 9 pts.
We were a bit unlucky against the
Ministry of Social Security with the
scorching sun and the injuries sustained
by some key players.
But without a doubt our participation
in the tournament was a massive
achievement.
Q2. Who would be the best and
fairest player according to you?
ICTA Football Team
Indeed during the months of
March and April, staffs of the ICT
Authority in collaboration with
personnel from the Ministry of ICT
and other sections falling under
its aegis, participated in the 2013
Football Civil Service Tournament.
The team’s first competitive
game was a really a walk in
the park thrashing MPI (Plaine
Lauzun) with a comprehensive
onslaught of 7–2. Sending tremors
to forthcoming opponents, the
The top joint scorers of the team
were Yannish and Hansen both on
par with three goals, while the best
goal of this tournament was scored by
Harish with an absolute ‘Zlatanesque’
stunner strike from 30 yards.
For its first participation in the
competition, the boys in blue
did produce a glorious display of
football, all suggesting a bright
future.
So forget Barca or Manchester
United, and bring on season 2014.
I can honestly say that it was a team
effort and each player has made his
contribution to the team’s success
though the quartet Yanish, Hansen,
Harish and Gopaul were very impressive.
Q3. The way forward…
Having gained in maturity and
experience, our team has now the
potential to reach the next level. I am
very confident for the upcoming season.
I will also grab this opportunity to thank
management for their relentless support
as well as the team for their dedication.
Editorial Team
Sounds of Zumba
Editor in Chief:
Benjamin MOUTOU
There is nothing like a good Zumba workout to wring out the strains
of perching on your PC all day. A group of some 30 staff of the ICTA
have been stepping into gear each Thursday. The Zumba classes have
proven to be very popular. Latino sounds ring out from the top floor
after office hours as the instructor puts the ladies through their paces
ready to rave on into Friday and the weekend.
Editor:
Meera Vayapooree
Design Coordinator:
Nazeeda Hussain
Information & Communication Technologies Authority
Level 12, The Celicourt
6, Sir Celicourt Antelme Street,
Port Louis, Mauritius
Tel: (+230) 211 5333/4
Fax: (+230) 211 9444
E-mail: [email protected]
Website: www.icta.mu
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ICTA NEWSLETTER - JUNE 2013