1. National Numbering Plan Of Sultanate Of Oman (NNP)
Presented By
Eng. Mohammed Al-Ismaily

2. Outline Background Roles of TRA in National Numbering Plan
Existing Numbering Plan
New Numbering Plan
Dialing Plan for Public Service Codes
Number Portability
Conclusion

3. Background
TRA is a body corporate  regulates establishment, operation & maintenance of telecommunications services in the Sultanate
It promotes interest of telecommunications service providers and beneficiaries, ensuring that consumers receive international standards of telecommunications services, with a reasonable range of choices at affordable prices

4. Why Regulate? Promote access to world class telecom services
Setting guidelines for Licensees
Tackle anti-competition practices
Ensure QoS
Solve disputes between operators

5. Regulatory Framework
Royal Decree number 30/2002 “The Act” is the primary legislation for regulation of the Omani telecommunications sector
The Act established the TRA
TRA duties and powers (which amongst other things include):
To prepare & implement the general policy for the sector approved by Government
To encourage use of telecom services to access world markets

6. The Roles of TRA in NNP
In the past, incumbent operator (Omantel) has been responsible for the planning & management of NNP
In 2002 the responsibility of NNP was transferred to TRA
The Minister issues primary rules & procedures in connection with NNP
TRA accordingly sets out guidelines for numbering of all types of telecommunications services in the Sultanate

7. The Roles of TRA in NNP
TRA takes into account of the following guiding principles when managing, allocating & reserving numbers
Ensure that sufficient numbers are available  meet end user & operator demand
Fair, equitable & transparent allocations
Ensure that NNP is fully compatible with relevant international agreements, standards & recommendations
NNP is formatted to ensure numbers of different types give a broad indication of service & tariff

8. Numbers allocations & Reservations
Authority’s task is to allocate, reserve, assign, modify & withdraw numbers
Licensed operators providing public telecommunication services are eligible to apply for allocation/reservation of numbers
Public at large must seek number allocation from licensed operators
Allocation/reservation of numbers is done on a “first come first served” basis
Neither operators nor users have ownership rights over any numbers allocated

9. Existing Numbering Plan
Range
Use
2xx xxx
Southern region
3/4xx xxx
Dakhliyah & Sharqiya
5/6/7xx xxx
Capital area (Muscat)
8xx xxx
Batinah & Musandam
91 xxx xx
Paging
92/3/4/8 xxx xx
GSM Post Paid
90/5/6/7 xxx xx
GSM Pre Paid
72 xx xx xx

10. Why Change? The current numbering plan suffers from the following:
The structured allocation of number groups is exhausted
Too many exchanges sharing same lower levels
Some exchanges are already running out of numbers
There is no spare numbering capacity for the introduction of new operators

11. New Numbering Plan
A new numbering plan of 8 digits scheme is proposed for the following reasons:
Will allow easy identification of regions
Offer immediate availability of additional numbers, in particular for mobile services
Offer long term availability of numbers for new services & new operators
It is, quick and simple to implement
implementation started in July 2004 & will be completed by year 2005
Contains the following number ranges

12. New Numbering Plan Range Use 23 xxx xxx Dhofar, Wusta 24 xxx xxx
Capital Area (Muscat)
25 xxx xxx
Dakhliyah, Sharqiya & Dhahira
26 xxx xxx
Batinah & Musandam
91 xxx xx
Paging
99/92 xxx xxx
OmanMobile
95xxx xxx
New operator

13. New Numbering Plan Why closed scheme
Simpler for the caller as he doesn’t need to remember the area code
Oman has always been using closed numbering scheme and will be difficult to convince the public to adopt the area codes.
Expected customer base can be accommodated within the new 8 digits closed plan for foreseeable future
Requirements for new operators & new services can be as effectively accommodated within a closed numbering scheme

14. Dialing Plan for Public Service Codes
4 digits shot codes has been implemented starting with digit 1
Authority categorizes access codes by type of service for which they are used into the following:
Type A access Code  used to reach commonly used services (e.g 9999 for emergencies)
Type B access Code  have network wide significance  used to access services available from operators’ system

15. Charges and Fees
Charges made for numbering allocation is to be based on the administrative costs of the Authority in administering the numbering plan
An annual charge of 25 OR per 1 block of 1000 numbers is currently under study
It also proposed a 250 OR per a short code annually

16. Number Portability
Technical implementation of mobile number portability
Operators have been instructed to implement the distributed database solution
Requires operators to set up their national databases containing records of individual ported numbers
Originating network has to recognize ported number & transfer it to the respective Gateway

17. Number Portability Operator obligations under number portability
Has technical capability required to provide number portability for the portable service
Has technology available for use within its network to provide number portability & enables end-to-end connectivity
Management of ported numbers
Each operators must make & keep register of the ported numbers
Operators must make register available for inspection

18. Conclusion TRA is responsible for the National Numbering Plan
Existing Numbering Plan is running short of capacity
New Numbering Plan is currently under implementation
Mobile Operators must adopt Number portability
In future fixed operators shall also adopt number portability when it will be feasible

19. THANK YOU