The newly-introduced technology is used for voice, data and video through fixed line. The service has been targeted in those areas where fixed line service is still not easily available because of lack of exchange points.[break]
Surendra Thike, NT spokesperson, said 69 exchanges have been established in rural and suburban areas. Each exchange has the capacity to cater to 100 to 500 lines.
NT is planning to distribute over 100,000 lines this fiscal year with the help of 400 MSAN exchanges across the country. Thike further said as MSAN is not listed as a different category, its tariff will be similar to the fixed line and ADSL. At present, data of 192 and 384 kbps is available at the rate of Rs 900 and Rs 1,500 respectively.
NT officials said they are making available the service in only those places where service of fixed line and data service is not available easily and the demand is high.
"We are replacing the old exchange system in some places only rather than introducing the service in those places where there is no exchange of NT," he said.
Under the traditional fixed line, subscribers are able to use the speed of only up to 150 kbps even after subscribing 256 kbps. But under MSAN, subscribers will be able to enjoy the speed of up to 250 kbps. An official at NT said initially the operator will offer the speed up to 192 kpbs, but will eventually the capacity will go up to 2 mbps in MSAN.
Besides, under the existing technology NT customers are able to enjoy voice and data services only. “Once the IP TV is available, MSAN technology will enable customers to enjoy video services as well," said Thike.
The service has been installed in 12 places in the Kathmandu region, which includes Kritipur, Naubise and Malekhu. Similarly, in eastern region MSAN exchange has been installed in 10 different places including Pakhribaas, Mangalbare and Kerabari.
In the Western region, the service has been made available in Hemja, Aryabhanjyang, Bhotewodar, Marpha and 15 other places. Thike said the service installation has been completed in 10 places in Mid-Western Region and six places in Far-Western Region.
The technology based on packet-switching network can allow users to use voice, data and video services at the same time. Under this technology, a device installed in telephone exchange will connect customer´s telephone lines to the core network to offer different services from a single platform. MSAN exchanges are connected through optical fiber which ensures better service.
Meanwhile, NT is extending its optical fiber network to seven hilly districts by the end of current fiscal year. Optical fiber permits transmission to longer distances at higher bandwidths than cable or other mediums.
NT officials said the operator will complete the expansion in Butwal-Palpa-Pokhara, Kusma-Baglung, Lahan-Gaighat, Kohalpur-Chhinchu-Surkhet, Dharan-Dhankuta-Hile and Basntapur-Myanglung. Under its target to expand 400 km optical fiber, NT has complted expansion of 240 km already.
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