Clarification on IFP No. 01/NTA/2074/075 Invitation for Application to build broadband network and provide internet access connectivity services in 7 districts of province 7
Request for Application
NEPAL TELECOMMUNICATIONS AUTHORITY (NTA)
Kamaladi, Kathmandu, Nepal
Invitation for Application to build broadband network and provide internet access connectivity services in 4 districts of province 7
First Date of Publication: 17 August, 2017
Clarification on IFP No. 01/NTA/2074/075
|
Query |
Comments/Reply |
| The VSAT License and VSAT User License Fees. Is this cost waived off by NTA for the above mentioned project or applicant has to borne the cost? | For RTDF funded Earthquake affected area broadband project, VSAT user license/fee is exempted. For other Region RTDF funded project, VSAT user license/fee exemption process has been initiate. |
| Frequency charge per terminal that needs to be paid to Ministry of Information and communication? Does Applicant has to borne the cost or the fees are waived off for above mentioned project? | The SLO shall pay the spectrum charge per terminal as per the principle determined by RFPDC. However, NTA will recommend to waive the frequency fee to Ministry of Information & Communications. |
| ISPs are allowed to work with Telecommunication providers for backbone network and infrastructure, but the work has not been started till date, how will NTA ensure ISPs to work with them? | NTA will coordinate with telecom service provider to share existing backbone network as applicable. Separate territorial microwave network project will be commission as priority. |
| If NTA cannot ensure the required bandwidth from telecom operators, are we supposed to build the backbone on our own? | NTA will coordinate with telecom service provider to share existing backbone network as applicable. |
| What shall be the role of NTA if the backbone provider denies to provide the required bandwidth for whatsoever reason? | NTA will coordinate with telecom operator on the basis of relevant existing legislative provision including directive on infrastructure sharing to mandate the available sharable telecom infrastructure with the SLO. |
| Is it mandatory to follow the exact distribution of technologies like fiber, microwave and VSAT as specified in the RFA? Can we provide the solution by absolutely dropping out any of the specified technology, e.g. VSAT? | The distributions as mandated in the RFP is one of the requirement. However possible alternative (equivalent or better) technologies might be considered. |
| Do we need separate license for microwave or VSAT? What will be the terms and conditions? | For RTDF funded Earthquake affected area broadband project, Separate VSAT license/fee is exempted. For other Region RTDF funded project, VSAT user license/fee will be exempted. But SLO has to obtain point to point microwave frequency approval prior to plan/implementation. |
| Is it justifiable to rationalize the price with Kathmandu market where we have different price packages and cost scenario? | RTDF subsidy is used to fulfill the viability gap between rural & urban area. So SLO should propose required subsidy to provide the bandwidth in line with the average cost comparable that of Kathmandu. |
| Whether the bandwidth is 512 Kbps or 10 Mbps per location? | Infrastructure shall be capable for 10 Mbps but at the locations specified in RFA of Annex 9, the minimum bandwidth subsidized for free usage shall be of 512 Kbps capacity. |
| If 10 Mbps in remote area with Wireless or VSAT technologies, is it feasible to provide this bandwidth per location? | Infrastructure should be 10 Mbps capacity. |
| Submission for two provinces (province 1 and 7) on same date 9-October-2017 seems very tight, request you to plan for two separate dates for each submission. | The applicant shall have to manage as per the deadline specified in the RFP. |