16 December 2024
Fully Virtual
The International Telecommunication Union (ITU) organized a workshop on “Experiences and Challenges in Charging for Telecommunication Numbers” that took place virtually on 16 December 2024 from 10h00 to 12h00 CET. The workshop was succeeded by the joint meeting of the SG2 Regional Groups for Africa and Arab regions taking place on 17 December 2024.
This workshop was designed to bring together representatives from National Regulatory Authorities (NRAs) across Africa and the Arab regions to discuss the diverse experiences and challenges associated with charging for telecommunication numbers. As telecommunications sectors grow, managing number resources effectively becomes critical, especially as NRAs face pressure to balance fair pricing, equitable access, and efficient allocation of numbers. This workshop aimed to create a platform for exchanging knowledge and best practices on regulatory approaches, pricing models, and the obstacles faced by NRAs in implementing number charge systems effectively.
The objective of this workshop was to facilitate knowledge exchange and collaboration among NRAs from Africa and the Arab regions on the strategies, best practices, and challenges related to charging for telecommunication numbers, fostering improved regulatory frameworks and resource management in the telecommunications sector.
The objectives of this event included, but were not limited to:
To examine various pricing models and regulatory frameworks employed in charging for telecommunication numbers and evaluate their effectiveness across different regions;
To identify common challenges and obstacles faced by NRAs in implementing and enforcing number charging systems, including technical, economic, and compliance-related issues;
To explore innovative approaches and solutions to manage number resource scarcity, prevent number hoarding, and promote fair access across sectors and demographics;
To discuss potential avenues for revenue generation and financial sustainability through efficient numbering practices, contributing to the development of national telecommunications infrastructure;
To foster partnerships and collaborative efforts among NRAs, allowing for ongoing knowledge exchange, resource-sharing, and mutual support in addressing the complex challenges of telecommunications number management.
Target audience
Participation was free of charge and open to all interested stakeholders including ITU Member States, Sector Members, Associates and Academic Institutions and to any individual from a country that is a member of ITU and who wished to contribute to the work, however, it was primarily intended for participants from the two specified regions.
Watch the recording of the session here
Programme
10:05 – 10:15
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Opening Remarks
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Maite Comas Barnes, ITU-T Study Group 2 Advisor
- Ahmed Atyya, Acting Chair, ITU-T SG2 Arab Region
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Susan Nakanwagi, Chair, ITU-T SG2 Africa Region
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10:15 – 11:00
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Session 1: Current Regulatory Frameworks, Best Practices, and Comparative Analyses of Number Charging
Moderator: Elias Letlape, ICASA, South Africa
- Yasmina A. Mohamed, National Telecommunications Regulatory Authority (NTRA), Egypt: "Regulatory Approaches to Number Charging: Best Practices for Implementing Transparent and Fair Number Charging Models" [Presentation]
This presentation examined different regulatory approaches to telecommunication number charging in various regions, highlighted the benefits and limitations of each approach, and provided participants with a comparative perspective to help them understand the diversity of practices globally while focusing on best practices in establishing fair and transparent number-charging systems.
- Ahmed Tajelsir Atya Mohammed, TPRA, Sudan: "Cost-Based vs. Value-Based Charging Models" [Presentation]
This presentation analyzed cost-based versus value-based models for number charges and their impact on telecommunications companies and consumers, including an understanding of cost components and cost allocation methodologies. It also explored successful regulatory frameworks that effectively balanced cost recovery needs with market competitiveness. Furthermore, it discussed methodologies that ensure charges are sustainable for the regulator while remaining fair to service providers and end-users.
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11:00 – 11:15
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Coffee Break
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| 11:15 – 11:50 | Session 2: Challenges, Innovative Solutions, and Future Trends in Number Charging
This session will cover common challenges in charging for telecommunication numbers, including regulatory, technical, and market-related obstacles, with practical solutions and examples. It will look at Navigating Legal Challenges in Number Charging, Innovative Solutions for Efficient Number Charging, Future Trends in Number Charging and Allocation.
Moderator: Susan Nakanwagi, UCC, Uganda
- Francis Yiryel, National Communications Authority (NCA), Ghana: "Strategies for handling number scarcity, hoarding and demand: Strategies for NRAs" [Presentation]
Examined policies for managing number scarcity and high demand, including regulatory interventions and solutions to mitigate the issue. It provided strategies that NRAs could implement to manage these challenges effectively, including the adoption of number portability, rationing measures, flexible charging models, and other innovative solutions.
- Givens Mtweve, Tanzania Communications Regulatory Authority (TCRA), Tanzania: "Future Trends in Number Charging: Preparing for IoT and Emerging Technologies" [Presentation]
This presentation highlighted innovative approaches to number allocation and usage, especially in the context of digital transformation. Examples included dynamic number allocation, flexible charging models, and the integration of AI-driven solutions to optimize numbering resources and improve service delivery.
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11:50 – 12:00
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Closing Remarks
Recap of key takeaways and next steps for collaborative efforts across the regions.
- Yaw Boamah Baafi, National Communications Authority, Ghana
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