Pilot Installation of Broadband WiMAX technology in Rural

Pilot Installation of

Broadband WiMAX technology in Rural Area in Bhutan

for Optimizing user accessibility and network operation

(J3)

FINAL REPORT (Activity and Accounting)

March 31, 2015

Department of Information Technology & Telecom Ministry of Information and Communications

Kingdom of Bhutan

KDDI foundation JAPAN

Department of Information Technology & Telecom

Ministry of Information & Communications

Royal Government of Bhutan

APT ICT Development Programme for Supporting ICT Pilot Projects in Rural Areas 2011 Pilot Installation of broadband WiMAX Technology in Rural Area in Bhutan for optimizing user accessibility and network operation

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INDEX 1. EXECUTIVE SUMMARY ........................................................................................................................ 4

2. INTRODUCTION .................................................................................................................................... 5

(1) NAME OF THIS PROJECT ........................................................................................................................ 5 (2) OBJECTIVES .......................................................................................................................................... 5 (3) CURRENT STATUS BEFORE ATART THIS PROJECT .................................................................................. 6 (4) PURPOSE OF THIS PROJECT ................................................................................................................... 6 (5) PARTNERS IN THIS PROJECT .................................................................................................................. 7 (6) MILESTONE (SIGNIFICANT PHASES) IN PROPOSAL ................................................................................. 7 (7) EXPECTED OUTPUT AND CONTRIBUTION ............................................................................................... 8 (8) ITEMS AND ACTIVITIES BY RESEARCH AND STUDY AT THE PROPOSAL ................................................. 12 (9) APPROVED BUDGET BY APT ............................................................................................................... 12

3. GENERAL INFORMATION OF BHUTAN .......................................................................................... 13

4. ICT STATISTICS IN 2011 ..................................................................................................................... 17

5. ICT STRATEGY AND PLAN IN BHUTAN .......................................................................................... 18

6. ACTIVITIES TIMELINE OF OUR PROJECT IN 2011 THROUGH 2013 AND EXTEND INTO 2014 19

7. THE KICKOFF MEETING AT DITT, BHUTAN .................................................................................. 20

(1) DISCUSSION ........................................................................................................................................ 22

8. SITE SURVEY IN PILOT INSTALLATION IN NATIONWIDE BHUTAN ........................................ 28

(1) URA VILLAGE FOR WIMAX NETWORK .................................................................................................. 29 (2) PHOBJIKHA VILLAGE FOR ADVANCED WIFI AND WIMAX BACKHAUL ................................................. 29 (3) SHENGANA VILLAGE FOR OPTICAL FIBER ............................................................................................ 30 (4) OPERATION CENTER AT TASHIINFOCOM ............................................................................................. 30 (5) TARGET CUSTOMER AND GEOGS ......................................................................................................... 31

9. RESEARCH AND STUDY IN JAPAN .................................................................................................. 32

10. NETWORK DESIGN ......................................................................................................................... 35

11. PILOT INSTALLATION .................................................................................................................... 37

12. PILOT FIBER CABLE INSTALLATION AT SHENGANA VILLAGE (ARMED OPTICAL FIBER CABLE) .......................................................................................................................................................... 38

13. PILOT WIMAX (WHOLE ACCESS LINES) INSTALLATION AT URA VILLAGE (WIMAX) ........ 41


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14. PILOT INSTALLATION AT PHOBJIKHA (ADVANCED WIFI WITH WIMAX BACKHAUL) ...... 45

15. INSTALLATION (REPAIR AND RESOLUTION AGAINST THOSE ISSUES IN INSTALLATION PHASE 1) ....................................................................................................................................................... 48

16. OPERATION AND EVALUATION .................................................................................................... 49

17. WIMAX ISSUES DURING AND AFTER INSTALLATION ............................................................. 50

18. BANKRUPTCY OF THE COMPANY (WIMAX) DURING THE INSTALLATION ......................... 50

19. FINAL ACHIEVEMENT AND DISCUSSION IN BHUTAN ............................................................ 51

20. ACCOUNTING .................................................................................................................................. 52

21. CONCLUSION ................................................................................................................................... 53

22. ACKNOWLEDGEMENT ................................................................................................................... 55

23. APPENDIX: ........................................................................................................................................ 57

A-1. Expert Mission Report on September 26, 2011 ........................................................................... 57 A-2. Kickoff document ........................................................................................................................... 58

MINUTES OF KICK-OFF MEETING .................................................................................................................. 60

1. ATTENDEE ................................................................................................................................................ 60 2. KEY DECISION ............................................................................................................................................ 60 3. SUBMISSION BY ISPS ................................................................................................................................... 60

A-3. Material of Research and Study in Japan ................................................................................... 61 A-4. APT ADF meeting in Bangladesh ................................................................................................ 67 A-5. Accounting report .......................................................................................................................... 68 A-6. Transfer list ................................................................................................................................... 70 A-7. Donation from KDDI Foundation ................................................................................................ 71 A-8. Operation and sustainability ........................................................................................................ 72 A-9. Acronym ......................................................................................................................................... 75


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1. Executive Summary On behalf of the APT J3 pilot project teams for “Kingdom of Bhutan”, we would express sincere application on the selection and financial support by APT, in accomplishing this pilot project, successfully and fruitfully. The Department of Information Technology & Telecom, Ministry of Information & Communications is implementing various ICT projects that will enhance the progress of the national ICT initiatives by improving the existing infrastructure. Following are the major projects:

1. The department is implementing the National Broadband Master Plan Project that will establish high-speed fiber optic backbone network connecting 20 districts through OPGW and further extending the network to smaller villages (Gewog/blocks) through ADSS. The main objective is to connect entire country with high-speed fiber optics network to deliver e-services to the people; and appropriate access network technologies will be deployed to penetrate into the rural areas from the core network point of presence (POP).

2. The Community Centers project in 205 blocks will establish a one-stop shelter where people can easily avail e-services. The e-governance project that will deploy more than 110 e-applications by the end of 10FYP shall be catered through the Community Centers. However, it shall be needed most appropriate and utilized last one mile technology for reliable and cost effective network operation in rural area.

The objective of this project is to establish and study the practicability of the WiMAX access technology in some of the villages and to further extend and replicate in other villages as a last mile solution to penetrate into rural communities. The project will enable people at the villages to have easy access to e-services through kiosks

Most big issue which this project completion was delayed was “Bankruptcy of the WiMAX maker which was famous, large and leader of WiMAX market” just before completion of this project. It took long time to negotiate with that WiMAX Company, succeeding company and trading company to resolve the initial fault, support function and next level support of next step as well as daily operation. Following sections are the final report of our accomplishing activities with accounting at the completion of this APT J3 project in Kingdom of Bhutan, herein.


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2. Introduction (1) NAME OF THIS PROJECT

Pilot Installation of broadband WiMAX Technology in Rural Area in Bhutan for optimizing user accessibility and network operation (J3)

Reference: APT/J2J3/Result/App 27 march 2012

ICT Development Programme for Supporting ICT Pilot Projects in Rural Areas 2011 (J3) (Supported by Extra Budgetary Contribution by Japan)

(2) OBJECTIVES

The Department of Information Technology & Telecom under the Ministry of Information & Communications is the central organization responsible for the development, growth and progress of ICT in the country. Under its leadership, the department has planned and is implementing a number of ICT projects that will help shape the ICT agenda in the country. Following are some of the projects undertaken by the department: 1. The National Broadband Master Plan Implementation Project The National Broadband Master Plan Implementation Project will connect all the 20 districts through OPGW (Optical Ground-Wire) cables using the transmission network of Bhutan Power Corporation (BPC). The fiber connectivity will be extended to the gewogs (blocks) using ADSS (All Di-electric Self Supporting) cables using the distribution network of BPC. The OPGW and ADSS fiber networks will constitute the high-speed backbone network for ICT in Bhutan. Appropriate access network technologies are planned to be deployed to penetrate into the rural areas from the core network point-of-presence (POP). 2. The Community Centers Project in 205 blocks There are 205 gewogs or blocks across the country. To ease digital divide and thereof, cultivate a culture of digital inclusion, this project aims to provide citizens with online applications in each block with a kiosk where they can avail government services and information. 3. The e-governance Project This project will deploy more than 110 government applications by the end of 10 FYP that will be accessed through the CCs in the blocks using the high-speed broadband network. With all the current developments happening in the domain of ICT, Bhutan is handsomely placed


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in the way of vision for digital inclusion. However, from the fund availed through APT, this vision will be rooted for practical implementation. In considering situation and environment of rural area in Bhutan, we focused on WiMAX technology for access link with end-user or/and between POP and aggregate site in the village. Therefore, the objective of this proposal is to be installed WiMAX network for access line as the pilot of future nationwide network and to be practically studied technology, network design, operation and maintenance for ISPs. This pilot WiMAX network will be expand on the broadband network that will soon be replicated in other villages in the country to bridge the digital divide in the country.

(3) CURRENT STATUS BEFORE ATART THIS PROJECT

The first phase of National Broadband Master-plan Implementation Project that will connect 18 districts in the country will be completed by June 2011. Currently, 482.97 km of fibers have been strung in various parts of the country to the existing fiber network. The second phase that will connect the blocks (Gewogs) will be completed by December 2012. The tender was awarded on December 9, 2010 The National Broadband Backbone network connected by OPGW and ADSS are ready to extend into end-user site. Therefore, last one mile solution and technology for rural area should be immediately studied, recommended and incorporated in planned access network for ISPs.

(4) PURPOSE OF THIS PROJECT

To deploy a new technology to pilot the feasibility of replicating it in other villages of Bhutan for broadbandization of the whole country. The pilot project aims to build access networks in three villages, which we tentatively selected, and to connect to Internet through the nationwide broadband backbone. Through this new access network, several application services such as e-government, e-education and etc. will be checked in rural area as well as be studied feasibility, reliability, portability with sustainable and cost effective operation and maintenance.


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(5) PARTNERS IN THIS PROJECT

Project member Bhutan

Department of Information Technology & Telecom (DITT) Tashi InfoComm Limited (TASHI)

JAPAN:

KDDI foundation Applicant & Chief researcher:

Director Mr. Phuntsho Tobgay (DITT) Chief Expert of this project Mr. Karma Wangdi (DITT)

Account Manager: Mr. Yosuke Uchiyama (KDDI foundation)

Support and contribution (Organization/Company)

Bhutan infoComm and Media Authority (BICMA) Local Governments in Bhutan (Shengana, Ura, Phobjikha) OCC Corporation (OCC) KDDI Engineering

(6) MILESTONE (SIGNIFICANT PHASES) IN PROPOSAL

1. Decision of rural area sites in Bhutan for pilot installation of WiMAX and terminals (tentatively agreed 3 sites: Ura, Shengana and Phobjikha)

2. Investigation of environment propagation, person in charge at site for detail design of system, especially WIMAX and its propagation.

3. Install WIMAX line between POP and user site, if in case several method will be tested.

4. Installation of computers at each site with servers if available, and connection into Internet.

5. End-user sites may be considered, large number of end-users such as school, small office and residential.

6. Trial of e-application by web, text, audio and video. 7. File down/up loading, 8. Modeling of last one mile method by each case 9. Study and lecture of WiMAX technology and practical operation Rough Schedule is as below:


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1. Kick-off meeting in Bhutan ① Investigation of Sites and confirmation of the project roll ② Japanese members in Bhutan in 6 days ③ Study Detail design and specification of planned pilot system and place

2. Discussion, study and research in Tokyo ① Determine pilot system site, network and system with operation ② Study and discussion regarding WiMAX technology ③ Bhutan members in Tokyo in 6 days

3. Installation phase 1

① Check, procurement licensing and import/export the whole equipment/device including paper works. Prepare Internet connection.

② Installation Phase 1 ( 3 sites ) ③ Japanese members in Bhutan in 10 days ④ Study, evaluation of the pilot system

4. Installation phase 2 (improvement/repair)

① Installation Phase 2 (improvement and training of the pilot system) ② Japanese members in Bhutan in 5 days

5. Evaluation and modeling

① Documentation of the activity report and accounting report ② Modeling of last one mile solution in rural area in Bhutan ③ Presentation in upcoming ADF

(7) EXPECTED OUTPUT AND CONTRIBUTION

1. A village/town in Bhutan connected to the high-speed fiber optics network backbone through WiMAX access technology. The village shall have access to all e-governance applications, voice communications and if possible video broadcasts with maximum throughput.

2. Study and recommend the appropriate, sustainable and costless solution for broadband network design and Internet communication in rural area.

3. Building experts of last one mile technology in Bhutan, especially WiMAX. 4. Development of recommendation and standard request for proposal for ISPs in

Bhutan 5. Experimental application services operation in rural area and getting feedback


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from the results. The project aims to bridge digital divide and include rural community to the broadband network. This project will take broadband to the villages, thereby making information and services available to the people in villages through kiosks. In this project, to widen broadband connectivity in Bhutan among end-users especially in rural area, our result will provide the solution, for not only Bhutan but also in APT member countries, so that people in rural area can access and use e-applications through broadband Internet connection. This solution will provide recommendation of network configuration with sustainable, reliable and cost effective model with physical layer solution. In collaboration with Japanese team to install the pilot last one mile access line in rural area, Bhutan team will develop human resources capacity for not only technology of WiMAX but also how to install, operate the access line in rural area, practically. Hence, the planned national broadband project to release the digital divide will be able to execute on time and cost effectively. Then, people in nationwide will take equivalent benefit to urban to access those information such as video streaming, data browsing and more as well as text base communication. Key point of this project, we focus on last one mile technology especially of WiMAX as new technology in rural area as well as WiFi, we will seek the model of practical access line implementation in rural area, considering people there with reliable, sustainable and costless in initial and running by this APT pilot project.

Therefore, following Bali statement will be met with the contribution we will make; - establish effective policy and regulatory frameworks that would stimulate

synergies in investment and competition in the development of broadband infrastructure, and in the delivery of services within and across borders

- ensure that broadband networks and services are reasonably available with the

greatest practical national coverage and use - ensure that provisions are made for people with special needs so that they can

use broadband services to improve their quality of life


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- provide community facilities for those who cannot afford individual service - promote the use of broadband services and increase awareness and knowledge

to use ICT for the betterment of their lives - take maximum advantage of wireless technologies to speed up delivery of

broadband services, especially where fixed line services are not available. - collaborate regionally to promote the establishment of reliable and lower charge

of international broadband connectivity where appropriate Human resource development;

- collaborate among members to identify and to develop training (Pilot as

experimentally and practically) programs and facilities for the special skills that are needed for the broadband economy

- encourage our experts and ICT professionals to be available for regional needs

and coordinate through APT to establish a ‘pool’ of accredited ICT professionals for the service of the Asia-Pacific region

- support collaborative research and development works in the field of ICT and

its applications, and that are conducted jointly within the region, for sharing information and for transferring knowledge to build research and development capability of personnel in the region.

Provide a secure, safe and sustainable environment through ICT initiatives .- Provide safe environment for education and enhancement of their creativity,

with broadband being accessed in the community centers and in the schools. - Use of ICT for public safety and disaster management Facilitate effective convergence of services .- Common standards in the region for deployment of broadband technologies - Collaborate to harmonize the radio frequency bands allocated for broadband

ICT application and services - Facilitate advancement and adaption of ICT broadband technologies Encourage


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development of content and applications . - Government and other public services to integrate with the broadband to

provide transparent and quality services to citizens

Financial support from the Governments of your country: How will the pilot project supported by the Governments of your country? This pilot project will fit into the ICT initiatives of the country. The National Broadband Master Plan Implementation Project that aims to connect all the 205 blocks (gewogs) and 20 districts through high-speed fiber network will be complemented by access networks to the villages. This pilot project will pave the way forward to connect the villages to the broadband network. The National Broadband Master Plan Implementation Project is worth USD 21 million scheduled to be completed by December 2011.

The department would be able to provide followings assistances to the project: 1. Project team members 2. Process for tax exemptions 3. Vehicle for travelling 4. Coordination

Sustainability of the projects

How to ensure the sustainability of operation of the systems after this project ends? And how the results of this project may be used for enhancing development of ICT infrastructure in your country? To sustain the project, at the outset, the department will collaborate with some of the ISPs in the country to implement the project. After the project is completed, the operation and maintenance will be handed over to one of the ISPs in Bhutan through competitive bidding with a business model. The result of the project will be replicated to other villages and towns in Bhutan to bridge the digital divide by connecting the whole country to the broadband network.


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(8) ITEMS AND ACTIVITIES BY RESEARCH AND STUDY AT THE PROPOSAL

National ICT Policy and Strategy in Japan Major broadband technology and product

WiMAX WiFi (Advanced WiFi) Optical fiber cable

Network Design (Access Lines, backhaul as well) Demonstration of WiMAX equipment configuration and connection Study WiMAX network in service

(9) APPROVED BUDGET BY APT

Total amount 140,850.oo- US$ - Planning and Investigation 6,950.oo-US$ - Equipment procurement 82,800.oo-US$ - Shipping fee 5,000.oo-US$ - Business Trips 43,600.oo-US$ - Miscellaneous 2,500.oo-US$


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3. General Information of Bhutan Bhutan (/buːˈtɑːn/; Dzongkha: འ�ག་�ལ་; Wylie: 'brug-yul "Druk Yul"), officially the Kingdom of Bhutan,

is a landlocked country in South Asia located at the eastern end of the Himalayas. It is bordered to the north by China and to the south, east and west by India. To the west, it is separated from Nepal by the Indian state of Sikkim, while further south it is separated from Bangladesh by the Indian states of Assam and West Bengal. Bhutan's capital and largest city is Thimphu. Bhutan existed as a patchwork of minor warring fiefs until the early 17th century, when the lama and military leader Ngawang Namgyal, the 1st Zhabdrung Rinpoche, who was fleeing religious persecution in Tibet, unified the area and cultivated a distinct Bhutanese identity. Later, in the early 20th century, Bhutan came into contact with the British Empire and retained strong bilateral relations with India upon its independence. In 2006, based on a global survey, Business Week rated Bhutan the happiest country in Asia and the eighth-happiest in the world. Bhutan's landscape ranges from subtropical plains in the south to the sub-alpine Himalayan heights in the north, where some peaks exceed 7,000 metres (23,000 ft). Its total area was reported as approximately 46,500 km2 (18,000 sq mi) in 1997 and 38,394 square kilometres (14,824 sq mi) in 2002. Bhutan's state religion is Vajrayana Buddhism and the population, now (as of 2012/2013) estimated to be nearly three-quarters of a million, is predominantly Buddhist. Hinduism is the second-largest religion. In 2008, Bhutan made the transition from absolute monarchy to constitutional monarchy and held its first general election. As well as being a member of the United Nations, Bhutan is a member of the South Asian Association for Regional Cooperation (SAARC) and hosted SAARC's sixteenth summit in April 2010. Reference :::: Wikipedia : http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Bhutan


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District map in Kingdom of Bhutan (Dungkhag)

1. Bumthang 2. Chukha (Chhukha) 3. Dagana 4. Gasa 5. Haa 6. Lhuntse 7. Mongar 8. Paro 9. Pemagatshel (Pemagatsel) 10. Punakha 11. Samdrup Jongkhar 12. Samtse (Samchi) 13. Sarpang (Sarbhang) 14. Thimphu 15. Trashigang (Tashigang) 16. Trashiyangtse 17. Trongsa (Tongsa) 18. Tsirang (Chirang) 19. Wangdue Phodrang (Wangdi Phodrang) 20. Zhemgang (Shemgang)

Gross National Happiness: Development Philosophy of Bhutan Economists the world over has been arguing that the key to happiness is obtaining and enjoying material development. However, Bhutan tries to argue the case differently by advocating that amassing material growth does not necessarily lead to happiness. Defying this notion, Bhutan is now trying to measure progress is not by the popular idea of Gross Domestic Product but by through Gross National happiness. His Majesty the third Druk Gyalpo Jigme Dorji Wangchuck expressed his view on the goals of development as making “the people prosperous and happy.” With this strong view in mind, the importance of “prosperity and happiness,” was highlighted in the King’s address on the occasion of Bhutan’s admission to the United Nations in 1971. This vision was further elaborated by the fourth Druk Gyalpo Jigme Singye Wangchuck who declared in the first years of his reign that “our country’s policy is to consolidate our sovereignty

http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Bumthang_District

http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Chukha_District

http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Dagana_District

http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Gasa_District

http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Haa_District

http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Lhuntse_District

http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Mongar_District

http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Paro_District

http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Pemagatshel_District

http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Punakha_District

http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Samdrup_Jongkhar_District

http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Samtse_District

http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Sarpang_District

http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Thimphu_District

http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Trashigang_District

http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Trashiyangtse_District

http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Trongsa_District

http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Tsirang_District

http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Wangdue_Phodrang_District

http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Zhemgang_District


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to achieve economic self-reliance, prosperity and happiness for our country and people.” While the emphasis is placed on both, prosperity and happiness, the latter is considered of more significance. The fourth Druk Gyalpo emphasized that for Bhutan “Gross National Happiness,” is more important than “Gross National Product.” Thus, Gross National Happiness is now being fleshed out by a wide range of professionals, scholars and agencies across the world. Concerned about the problems afflicting countries that focused only on economic growth, Druk Gyalpo Jigme Singye Wangchuck decided to make the nation’s priority not it’s Gross Domestic Product but Gross National Happiness. For this he suggested that the progress of the nation be measured by “Gross National Happiness.” He said that the rich are not always happy while the happy generally considered themselves rich. While conventional development models stressed on economic growth as the ultimate objective, the concept of Gross National Happiness claims to be based on the premise that true development of human society takes place when material and spiritual development occur side by side to complement and reinforce each other. The four main pillars of Gross National Happiness are: 1. Equitable and equal socio-economic development, 2. Preservation and promotion of cultural and spiritual heritage, 3. Conservation of environment and, 4. Good governance which are interwoven, complementary, and consistent. They embody national and local values, aesthetics, and spiritual traditions. As a result, we can see that the concept of Gross National Happiness is now being taken up by various other countries, following footsteps of Bhutan. This has led them to define prosperity in more enhanced terms and to actually measure people’s well being rather than measuring what they actually consume. Crucial to a better understanding of Gross National Happiness, is one its wider reach and awareness amongst other countries, two, and the various indices that has now been formulated to assess even material gains and lastly, the growing need to synthesis the moral with the cultural values as the core of any economic policy. Gross National Happiness as a development paradigm has now made possible for Bhutan to take its developmental policies into the remote corners and include the far flung villagers into the development aspects by meeting their needs and accentuating the need to protect and preserve our rich environment and forest cover. The success of Gross National Happiness can be found in many areas besides developmental aspects. The policy of low volume but high value tourism has indeed assisted not only in the high revenue generation but in fact facilitated the promotion and preservation of our cultural values. Further, the concept of Gross National Happiness has greatly enabled her in the pursuit of development, at the same time promoting happiness as the core


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philosophy of life. For the government, it has facilitated the drive towards self sufficiency and self reliance, the ultimate reduction in the gap between the rich and the poor and ensuring good governance and empowerment of her people.


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4. ICT Statistics in 2011 Refer to the white paper by MIC/BICMA,

Internet growth is becoming bigger, rapidly. However, there are not so much access point in rural area, only city and big town. Band width is not so high and surcharge still high. Therefore, it is required to deploy the Internet access point for end users as well as improving backhaul network. With comparing with Population:

- 2012 estimate 742,737 - 2005a census 634,982 - Density 18.0/km2

Number of Mobile phone subscriber is also increasing, rapidly. There are two mobile operators, BT and Tashi Cell. Their network are expand into nationwide and rural area. But it is still GSM and GPRS in some part of area.

Optical Fiber network at 2012 is shown in right figure, which shows Optical Fiber route by OPGW in 2010. And then by ADSS for big end user access line from POI of OPGW. That is planning to be used by local government at first. Currently OPGW and ADSS network is deploying into nationwide.


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Above statistics and deployment are based on the ICT National strategy and plan in next sentence.

5. ICT Strategy and Plan in Bhutan Ministry in Bhutan developed their ICT Strategy and Plan in early 2000. 2005 ICT in Bhutan 2006 ICT Master Plan in Bhutan However, Bhutan did not have enough knowledge, budget and practice/experience regarding broadband implementation in nationwide. That is because Bhutan needed to have pilot project for access line and its interfacing backhaul of the optical fiber network. They need to know how and what to install broadband access line in even rural area. Getting skill and knowledge, DITT will go on to deploying the backhaul and branching and growing the access networks in the nation wide, Bhutan


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6. Activities timeline of our project in 2011 through 2013 and extend into 2014

Expert Mission (August 13 - 20, 2011) 1. Discussion

Discussion with DITT, BICMA, Bhutan Telecom and TASHI 2. Site Survey

(1) Kawang (2) Shengana (3) Ura

3. Proposal 4. Proposed Location

(1) Shengana (2) Ura (3) Phobjikha

Kawang is too near Thimphu, and Phobjikha is tourism place but no Internet According to the result of discussion with MoIC after site survey of 3 former planned sites, MoIC in Bhutan and APT Expert mission agreed that following 3 sites will be put on the proposal of APT J3 project of WiMAX. One site is Ura in Bumthang as most appropriate site for pilot installation, second is Shengana in Punakha, third is Phobjikha in Wangdue Phodrang instead of Kawang in Thimphu, to avoid duplication of investment and because this site is world famous for foreigners to stay hotel there without Internet connection.

Project was started at April, 2012 by selection of J3, accepted by APT in March 2012

1. Kickoff meeting and site survey (3 Locations in rural area in Bhutan) 2. Study the technology of WiMAX, WiFi and Optical fiber 3. Discussion, research and study in Japan regarding 3 technologies and operational network 4. Design the 3 pilot network and its technology 5. Installation phase 1 in Bhutan, 3 sites ( We had several issues to be resolved in this phase) 6. Installation phase 2 (With their solutions on their issues, installation completion and

succeeded to operator)

Above installation activities were completed in middle of June, 2013 and is under operation (at the point of end of August 2015).


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7. Presentation in ADF at Dhaka, Bangladesh in 2013 Report and present regarding technology and each evaluation

8. Coordination with WiMAX relevant companies

This was unexpected work and took long time. The company in Israel which provided WiMAX product and was leading company of WiMAX was bankrupted. We had to stop payment to keep the installed product with well- maintained in future. Also, we had to make sure to replace the troubled subscriber’s unit. By ourselves, we replaced several subscriber’s AC adaptors which was not good quality in 1 year after inauguration. This unqualified product issues was transferred into new company in succession of Alvarion WiMAX product by Tashi com and KDDI foundation after year discussion and negotiation.

7. The Kickoff meeting at DITT, Bhutan

After the Kind Selection letter from APT on March 2012, we discussed and prepared to start the J3 project. The Kickoff and Site survey was conducted on June, 2012. At first, the APT expert mission was coordinated in 2011 based on the proposal of 2010 by Bhutan MIC. Based on the expert mission report, our proposal is investigate, research and study the technology and operation/maintenance of end user ACCESS LINE in rural area. At that time, because WiMAX potential was so high and some trend (even now), our project objectives were focused on pilot WiMAX access network to deploy the WiMAX network in rural for ICT plan. However, our discussion considering about current technologies with good point and bad point was shifted into more practical study for appropriate access network in rural area comparing with WiMAX network. Finally, we decided to research and study regarding WiMAX and other technologies with operation in view of administration, management, operation and maintenance to meet the environment and situation of rural area in Bhutan.


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Our consideration of Business model, Networking and its case study and National trend;

Case Study: WiMAX, WiFi and optical fiber cable for Broadband in Rural Areas of Bhutan Abstract: Pilot project clients in all fours geogs prior to the pilot project were using 3G data card or subscribed to mobile internet to access Internet. People in these geogs had to travel more than half a day to access Internet. Given the lack of IT literacy and technical know-how in the geogs, for the project connectivity until the customer premises is managed by TICL. To ensure project sustainability, TICL will manage the business aspect of project without any intervention from department. Broadband through WiMAX provided easy and fast deployment in the geogs, than fiber optic cable. keywords: WiMAX, Geogs, Broadband

The Department of Information Technology and Telecom (DITT), Ministry of Information and Communications with financial aid from Asia Pacific Telecommunity (APT) in collaboration with KDDI Foundation and Tashi InfoComm Limited (TICL) ISP piloted - FiberWiFi and WiMAX (Worldwide Interoperability for Microwave Access) broadband in 4 rural villages (geogs) - in three dzongkhags.


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(1) DISCUSSION

① Locations and install sites At 1st, we conducted the survey in 3 sites which we decided in expert mission (Due to limited budget, we decided Kawang near Thimphu was out of short list). Our site survey in detailed were achieved in 3 sites of Shengana, Ura and Phobjikha in nationwide and rather rural area. All 3 sites is away from Thumphu and it takes 1 day by car through national road (however, it was so narrow and one side is drop-off about couple hundred or thousand meter down). After completion of survey of 3 sites situation and detail information, we discussed design of network and schedule.

(1) Ura village (Mountain/Valley site)

Ura Gewog (Bumthang district) Population 1,953 (www.nsb.gov.bt 2005) Local Government Office, Community Center built, BHU, and Schools Fixed/Mobile tel available, B-mobile connection is low QOS DTH (Indian sat and BBS to adm. office) available Coverage; wide, more than 20KM range required Slow internet available only now only at adm. office via copper Internet connection now via copper Three adjacent villages under adm. office Adm. office (JICA built), CC (under construction), three PRY schools one M-PRY school, BHU, Agriculture office(agriculture, forestry, livestock) should be connected. Communication tower available

(2) Phobjikha (Valley and Tourism site)

Phobjika, Phobji Gewong (Wangduephodrang district) Population 1,929 (www.nsb.gov.bt 2005) Local government Office, Community Center built, BHU and Schools Mobile telephone available Coverage wide more than 10Km Wireless access line (Fixed : CorDect) to house holds Tash Cell Tower available Line of sight fairy good Tourism place and environment area( Protection area of black neck crane)

(3) Shengana (Mountain and slope site)

Shengana (Punaka district)


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Population 1,257 (www.nsb.gov.bt 2005) Community Center built, BHU and Schools Fixed/Mobile telephone available DTH (Indian sat and BBS) available (2,600NU/Unit, 400NU/Month) Coverage wide more than 20KM (North/South) Wireless access line(Fixed : CorDect) to house holds Tash Cell Tower available Line of sight good

(4) Thimphu (if any monitoring)

Capital city of Bhutan, and located DITT, BICMA, Bhutan Telecom and TASHI Info.com. In case of network monitoring and dispatch the repair person from nearest office.


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② Technology (Broadband) In this Kickoff meeting, we agreed to choose three network technologies in this pilot project installation and evaluation.

(1) WiMAX

WiMAX has a capability to automatic adjusting the transmission of data automatically. And then, it can be used NLOS propagation because of its protocol. However, there are many parameter to adjust and optimize the transportation effectively. We choose Alvarion BreezeCOMPACT WiMAX (Alvarion => Telrad) *Due to Bankruptcy of Alvarion

(2) WiFi (Advanced)

WiFi is most popular in the world. Even WiFi standard has lots of specification that it is continuously developing more capability, user can connect WiFi network without concern of which specification you tried to use for the connection. And you can buy WiFi adapter and computer bundled with WiFi in market, with inexpensive. Also there are many used products which you can buy and use the WiFi. Advanced function: Hand over function in WiFi network We choose PicoCella WiFi (KDDI Engineering Corperation.)

(3) Optical Fiber

Fiber cable can be transported big band width without delay. And not so many configuration parameters. However, once cable is cut down, it takes rather long days and cost to repair. Also Installation will be required civil engineering and construction between two points. We choose M-PAC cable (OCC Corporation)


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③ Combination with Location and technology for evaluation Refer to above technology and situation of selected location; (1) Ura village (Mountain/Valley site)

We choose WiMAX network at Ura Village.

(2) Phobjikha (Valley and Tourism site)

We choose Hand over WiFi network at Phobjikha village. However, because we were required to connect two Gewong and WiFi product does not have enough output power for such distance, we choose that WiFi is for access link in couple 100m and WiMAX is for 1km and longer distance.

(3) Shengana (Mountain and slope site)

We choose Optical Fiber network at Shengana village

(4) Thimphu (if any monitoring)

According to requirement of central network management system for WiMAX network at Shengana and Phobjikha, we had to install server and VLAN equipment at the operational center of TahiInfoCom, Thimpu. This was unexpected matter of the installation, because these product was not provided by Alvarion. Product of BreezeMAX can not be configured by local, required remote NMS and independent physical link even one set of WiMAX link.

Additional things for configuration of parameter, operation and monitoring; 1. NMS server and rack 2. VLAN HUB 3. Additional data links between Base station at Ura and at Phobjikha, separated from

actual traffic link, only for configuration and monitoring purpose.


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④ Schedule After acceptance of selection letter, Kickoff meeting and survey, Tokyo study and research, Installation, improvement and evaluation were achieved in order. But due to several issues of installation, Japanese team visited three times in 3 locations and Bhutanese team visited 4 times for installation and evaluation. After the completion, we presented our achievement of this projects in ADF, Bangladesh. And then we had difficult time to negotiate regarding operation and maintenance of WiMAX with Telrad ( in transition from bankruptcy Alvarion). Now the install network is working excellent and those subscribers are happy to use broadband internet, there.


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⑤ Coordination of Project work flow and collaborated organizations

Main casts are: - DITT in Bhutan (leader of this project) and KDDI foundation (accounting coordinator) - TashiInfoCom in Bhutan gave full support and agreed to keep the pilot networks sustainable as one of commercial connection. After bidding to join this project. - 3 local governments (Ura, Phobjikha and Shengana) coordinated and gave full support to install the network. Also those end users as subscriber supported several matters - Installation: (With good discount of procurement and)

OCC Corporation for installation of fiber cable to dispatch the staff without labor fee. KDDI Engineering Corporation for installation of WiFi network to dispatch the staffs

without any fee Rekei (Alvarion) provide one lector to Tokyo from Philippine to train the participants from

Bhutan in Tokyo meeting without extra fee.

In the kickoff meeting, we discussed each of role, work flow and responsibility and agreed.

Project member BHUTAN:

Department of Information Technology & Telecom (DITT)

Tashi InfoComm Limited (TASHI)

JAPAN:

KDDI foundation

Applicant & Chief researcher:

Director Mr. Phuntsho Tobgay (DITT)

Chief Expert of this project Mr. Karma Wangdi (DITT)

Account Manager: Mr. Yosuke Uchiyama

(KDDI foundation)

Support Organization/Company

Bhutan InfoComm and Media Authority (BICMA)

Local Government in Bhutan (Shengana, Ura, Phobjikha)

OCC Corporation (OCC)

KDDI Engineering


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⑥ Future sustainability and stakeholders After installation and evaluation of above sites and technology, according to subscriber’s keen requirement, those network should be maintained sustainable and reliable, DITT decided to transfer whole equipment (system) with term and condition of sustainable service to subscribers to Telecom operator including full support of this project by bidding. TashiInfoCom was willing to do so in participation of bidding.

In the kickoff meeting in teams of APT J3 project, we all agreed above issues and went forwarded this project.

8. Site Survey in pilot installation in nationwide Bhutan

According kickoff meeting agreement, Bhutan and Japan team went to 3 planned sites for survey in detail.

Our site survey accidentally started with one day delay. One of very famous, historical (more than 300 years) temple as well as official local government building office in Bhutan was fired and then it caused the road close and the rest day (holiday for pray in government office). We should postpone one day.

News paper After one day, we passed the place


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(1) URA VILLAGE FOR WIMAX NETWORK

After check the line of Site (LOS) at Ura village,

But required 2 backhaul links (Traffic and control) between nearest office of ThashiInfoComm and the BTS at Ura over the mountain. We would put relay station between them.

(2) PHOBJIKHA VILLAGE FOR ADVANCED WIFI AND WIMAX BACKHAUL

Refer to requirements of the end users, we needed two neighbor Gewog’s to be installed access points.


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But required 2 backhaul links (Traffic and control) between nearest office of ThashiInfoComm and the BTS at Phobjikha for Alvarion WiMAX. But the nearest TashiInfoComm tower was several 10km away from Phobjikha tower.

(3) SHENGANA VILLAGE FOR OPTICAL FIBER

Shengana village has termination box of ADSS which could be connected with OPGW network. Hence, the connection from Operation center at Thimphu through the end users at Ura village could be connected with OPGW, ADSS and M-PAC optical fiber cable into each of end user (whole network would be consisted by Optical fiber ). But there were many issues not technical regarding negotiation with power utility corporation and other ministries because this was 1st issue of use by private company for commercial.

Here, we had other issues, such as reducing construction expense and maintain of cable security.

(4) OPERATION CENTER AT TASHIINFOCOM

In the Site survey, we just visited to see the facilities and discussion.


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(5) TARGET CUSTOMER AND GEOGS

DITT identified government offices, rural and remote geogs underserved with Internet. Until this project, rural communities were using 3G data card or mobile internet (edge and gprs) subscribed to BT or TICL network. Although these methods provided internet connectivity - slow – and this also deprived rest of the individuals in the particular organization from accessing Internet. Four geogs were selected: Shengana geog in Punakha dzongkhag, Gangtey geog and Phobjikha geog in Wangduephodrang dzongkhag and Ura geog in Bumthang dzongkhag. In each geogs schools, BHUs and Geog Offices were selected.

Photo in Site Survey, 3000m and higher over the sea level.


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9. Research and Study in JAPAN Refer to the figure of the meeting schedule in Tokyo, Bhutanese team joined the study, research and discussion regarding the broadband network with these technologies as well as policy.

Place: Bunkyo, KDDI Foundation office. The lecturer: KDDI foundation

• Broadband technology and its product. • Selection of technology/Site and product • Procurement • Installation schedule and role/work flow • Network and system design

Place: Tokyo Cable Network, Suidobashi The lecturer: Tokyo Cable Network

• Company and service on broadband • Study WiMAX operation and usability • Visiting WiMAX Site nearby.


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Place: Ministry of Interior and Communications, Kasumigaseki The lecturer: Department of International Corporation

• Courtesy Visit in MIC Japan • Introduction of ICT Strategy plan in Bhutan • Study of ICT and broadband policy.

Place: KDDI-engineering, Shinjuku The lecturer: KDDI-Engineering and PicoCella (Advanced WiFi: hand over function among WiFi Network)

• Company and service • Study advanced WiFi technology, WiFi technology itself as well • Hand over demonstration by advanced WiFi of PicoCella.

Place: OCC, Yokohama The lecturer: OCC (Armed Optical Fiber Cable)

• Company and service • Study of Armed Optical Fiber Cable(M-PAC) with its technology and specification • Study of Applications by using M-PAC cable


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Place: Bunkyo, KDDI Foundation office. The lecturer: Rikei and Alvarion (Philippine)

• Company and service • Study of WiMAX and the WiMAX product in Alvarion

• Demonstration of WiMAX connection with BTS/Outdoor/Indoor/Dongle equipment with ASN-gateway to clarify the WiMAX connection by latest WiMAX product.

• Getting connection

Place: Bunkyo, KDDI Foundation office. Discussion: 3 network technology and its installation/evaluation plan

• Place to be installed the technology • Installation schedule • Procurement and budgetary concern • Operation and sustainability • End User equipment and education/training • Miscellaneous


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10. Network Design 23. Business Model Potential customer especially government offices were being identified by the DITT and others were left to TICL to connect as per the company’s business strategy. In this model, in lieu of all project equipment being handed over to TICL, identified beneficiaries were given concession by the ISP for 256 kbps leased line connectivity at Nu. 2500 (US $ 45) and rest (private sectors, business entities and monastery) were given 25% off the normal rates that is Nu. 6500 (US $ 115) for the same bandwidth. 24. Network Architect Two network topologies FiberWiFI and WiMAX were beeing experimented. Because of the lack of bandwidth controlling feature in the Breeze Compact BTS and Alvarion ASN-GW bandwidth per network had to be controlled at the customer network through the router in Shengana and WiFi router in the rest. 1. Shengana - FiberWiFi

a. Geog Office - 5 users b. Shengana Middle Secondary School - 15 users c. Shengana Basic Health Unit - 1 user d.

2. Phobjikha & Gangtey Geog - WiMAX a. Phobjikha Geog Office - 3 users b. Phobjikha Middle Secondary School - 15 users c. Phobjikha Basic Health Unit - 2 users d. Beyta Primary School - 12 users e. Gangtey Sangacholing Monastry - 10 users f.

3. Ura Geog - WiMAX a. Geog Office - 5 users b. Basic Health Unit - 2 users c. Ura Middle Secondary School - 15 users d. Trumshingla Park Office - 10 users e. Shingnyer Primary School - 4 users


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11. Pilot Installation After the decision of network and schedule, Procurement was proceeded as below;

1. Order the equipment and stuffs 2. Shipping

Fiber cable and related from Japan WiMAX from Philippines (order to Israel) WiFi from Japan Media Convertor and box purchased in Bhutan Router and Hub purchased in Bhutan VLAN and backhaul link ordered to TashiInfoComm

3. Custom clearance by DITT supported by BICMA 4. Storage in Bhutan (DITT) 5. Preparation of tool, tracks and cars (DITT) 6. Inspection of all equipment 7. Installation, laying and alignment/setting by the project team 8. Clearance of whole system by the project team 9. Money transfer after certified

Installation by whole team in March and June in 2013 and additional by Bhutan team in April:

After completion of installation; The Inauguration and the transfer the system to Bhutan team were executed. Two pickup truck were prepared, but not enough carrying capacity. Therefore, the trucks should back and force between 3 installed site and Thimphu. ( more than 200km in mountain road/one way).


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12. Pilot fiber cable installation at Shengana Village (Armed Optical fiber cable) (1) Discussion

To finalize the schedule of 3 site installation, we had discussion with whole Bhutan and Japanese people with support personnel. Schedule was fixed below: Due to limited number of project person, different technology at each site, and fuced on human resource development for Government and Telecom, we whole teams accompanied together to install site by site in order.

(1) Optical fiber installation in Shengana planned 4 days (2) WiMAX network installation in Ura planned 4days (3) WiFi and WiMAX installation in Phobjikha planned 4 days

In case without problem, it would be done in 3 weeks. However, we had many trouble and issue to resolve depend on feature of location and product, with initial trouble of product. Therefore, we haven’t achieved to complete in one tour.

(2) Installation

Two days before departure of optical fiber cable, we haven’t permission to put optical fiber on electric pole by the electric power corporation and ministry of public civil engineering based on their regulation of “not put conductive cable on electrical pole in Paparelli”. Therefore, we argued to discuss which we would take aerial method or underground method. And optical fiber cable was for aerial layout (that was because iron messenger wire was added, but this messenger wire would not allow to use the areal laying due to electromagnetic induction). Because someone died to touch the induction wire (we don’t believe it but we should maintain regulation.) After the discussion, we reached the conclusion that we would use the OCC optical fiber cable in areal and underground, both laying. But we should not put onto electric pole, anywhere. It mean that we had to decide the cable layout at the local, Shengana. OCC could support this strategy based on their technology background.


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We and local people carefully discussed the optical fiber cable layout considering damage, security and stolen minimize. 1st priority was minimum construction cost and easy to laying with non-skilled people.

(1) Areal part of layout, we used light pole and trees. (2) Ground part of layout, we used one side of local road and buried few cm (3) This optical fiber cable product in new specification could support above method. (4) In results, local people could help the construction work and we got very much

cost saving Local people were digging for fiber Eight figure method Checking and laying

Network is very simple but broadband Location feature: inclined surface (3) Trouble (Breakdown the cable and repair)

In next trouble, because local people did not care of how strong they should put their power on the cable. Once the kink at middle point was found, then the cable was damaged when we checked by OTDR. We decided that we made the connection by fusion splicing at the break point added the junction box. After dark (no light there), Bhutan team started to repair the cable at the middle point.


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1: cut cable at broken point 2: dig the hole for junction box and cable 3: each fiber / fusion splicing and housing in box 4: packing cable and box 5: bury the cable and junction box

At the point of KINK final stage: setting each fiber Buried at right side in junction box 2 months later (4) End Users

We installed terminal box at Local government, Scholl and health center. But Park office tried convince us to install the terminal box with Internet very much. But Health center could not get budget to keep Internet. Both of reason were definitely not good coordination by middle man/woman between DITT and end user.

(5) Network evaluation

In Shengana because of the lack base station tower, FiberWiFi broadband in the geog was adopted. From the Rurichu POP of TICL more than 30 km of ADSS fiber optic cable and media converters was utilize to connect Shengana terminating at Geog office. Metal packed armored cable (M-PAC) fiber optic cable was buried along the roadside - not more than 6 inches depth - to connect Shengana Middle Secondary School to Geog Office. At the customer end, both wired and wireless network was setup. At 256kbps subscribed bandwidth, SMAA was able to received 0.3mbps upload and 0.25mbps download.


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13. Pilot WiMAX (Whole Access lines) installation at Ura Village (WiMAX)

We purchased latest product of Alvarion product which provide latest WiMAX technology and in future its BTS can be replaced WiMAX protocol to LTE protocol by remote. After completion of networking, except POE AC-adaptor for subscribe unit (due to bad quality product), WiMAX link is being stable and working fine at all installed end user. However, before completion, there were so many problem to have to be resolved coming up day by day.


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Required: + others!

(1) Required VLAN tag network and equipment, separately. No information for additional device not provided by Alvarion

(2) Basically devices should be configured at the center (NMS) not local. Sales talk is remote configuration available no need the local setup.

(3) Too many parameters technician should be aware and understand. (4) GPS acquisition required some interval. Apply the parameter after Initial setup

required time. (5) Latest version but fetal bugs, and then release note was hard to find.

Many bugs and no safe guard function. Once mistake, then required initialize factory default.

(6) Local configuration, you required Linux and VLAN networking

Moreover, the location which we would install had not internet connection. When we need to download, we have to go to about 2 hours drive(one way) to nearest Telecom Office.

In previous project regarding study of WiMAX, WiMAX product (Alvarion) could be easy setup at local site. Also, Point-Point capability was available, easily. This latest one was very difficult setup at local and not provide point-point capability, simply and easily.

(1) 1st Phase of installation at Ura village

Due to not enough study of those product Alvarion (shipping problem and direct shipping from factory to Bhutan), we have no time to pre-install before going to Ura. We found strange behaviors of WiMAX equipment while configuration and difficulty. Because the communication with vendor was only mobile phone and no other equipment to be installed and to be supported to complete installation, we decide to give up to install after 4 days trial. And then we decided to back Thimphu for debugging and configuration.


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Configuring BTSs Cold because of high mountain area (2) Configuration and de-bugging with vendor at DITT office, Thimphu

3 days configuration and debugging at Thimphu, we did not configure them (3 BTSs and 12 subscriber units for two WiMAX network (Ura and Phobjikha), including VLAN network and NMS, with vender technicians via video and remote connection from factory to those BTSs. The technicians of the vender upgraded latest version but still not resolved trouble yet.

We decided to stop the debugging WiMAX, change network connection at Phobjikha and go to Phobjikha for WiFi installation.

(3) Completion and operation

After backing at Thimphu after installation at Phobjikha, Alvarion resolved the problems. But Japanese team could not extend the trip in Bhutan. Bhutan team took care of installation WiMAX network at Ura. And in June we both team evaluate the network after completion included to install subscribe units at Phobjikha. Both two network at Ura and Phobjikha have been working fine after installation with new version of firmware and configuration.


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(4) End-users Local government house, Health center, 2 Schools, national park office and ..

(5) Network

Extra E1 backhaul link had to be established between TICL tower at Tangsibi and Shengthangla top to establish backhaul between network Ura geog and Bumthang dzongkhag. RAD AirMux was deployed. WiMAX base station was mounted on TICL tower at Shengthangla top with antenna facing Ura valley and Shingnyer Primary School (SPS). Longest wireless hop in the network was connecting Trumshingla Park Office more than 5 km from the base station. At 256kbps subscribed bandwidth, Thrumshingla Park Officer was able to received 0.29mbps upload and 0.35mbps download.

Ura Geog


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14. Pilot installation at Phobjikha (Advanced WiFi with WiMAX backhaul) (1) Temporary installation

Depend on the problem of Alvarion WiMAX product at Ura, in March installation we temporary installed only WiFi network within small coverage area service. Later we changed network configuration as permanent use, which network was consisted WiMAX as backhaul and WiFi as access.

(2) Installation Network in Phobjikha was installed following:

(1) Discussion of temporary network in Phobjikha till WiMAX installation as backhaul in March

(2) Study and fix the problem of WiMAX at Thimphu in March (3) In April Alvarion WiMAX BTS was installed at the tower as backhaul, connected with

Gangtey geog as well as Phobjikha geog, by Bhutan team. (4) In June, together with Bhutan and Japan team, WiFi products(PicoCella) were installed

and connected with WiMAX backhaul, as access line. (5) Also, we together both teams completed and finalized the whole network at Phobjikha

and Gangtey. Subscriber Antenna


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(3) End user In 2 Geog, 2 Schools, local governments, health center and monastery At warship room, before taking video and then delivering 2 days by bus to Thimphu, Now online real time video warship. Local government School donated by Japanese government (4) Network

Alvarion BreezeCompact WiMAX was deployed in Phobjikha, Gangtey and Ura geogs. Since, there isn’t much difference in the WiMAX network for Phobjikha & Gangtey. Breeze Compact WiMAX base station was mounted on the mobile tower overseeing the valley within the defined antenna parameter - 600 deg horizontal and vertical - of the Compact BTS

TICL has its cellular station in Phobjikha, hence the WiMAX base station had to be located in Phobjikha. This location provides panoramic view of the both Gangtey and Phobjikha valley perfect for antenna radiation pattern. At the customer premises PicoCella WiFi was installed to create WiFi network. Longest wireless hop in the network was connecting Beyta Primary School (BPS) and Gangtey Sangacholing Monastry more than 5 km from the base station.


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At 256kbps subscribed bandwidth, BPS was able to received 0.3mbps upload and 0.25mbps download.

Phobjikha & Gangtey Geog Gangtey Phobjikha Geog .


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15. Installation (Repair and Resolution against those issues in installation phase 1) Big issue was WiMAX product configuration with some additional equipment which we had to procure. Also, after back from Phobjikha, we connected with Alvarion technician with video multimedia and remote access from Philippines into WiMAX product in Thimphu, Bhutan. Very lucky, we with Alvarion, found and fix the problem, just 2 days before Japanese team leave. End of the day of this trip, training workshop was done by main staff of DITT. As the result, Bhutan team would install the WiMAX BTS at Ura and Phobjikha, and then, if possible, install some of subscriber units. And then One Japanese team came back in June to install rest of subscriber unites and complete installation and start official operation.


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16. Operation and evaluation

Geog Customer Bandwidth Backhaul Customer premise equipment

Local area network

Shengana Geog Office 256 kbps Fiber Router Cable

SMSS 256 kbps Fiber WiFi Router WiFi

Phobjikha Geog Office 256 kbps WiMAX WiMAX CPE WiFi

PMSS 256 kbps WiMAX WiMAX CPE PicoCela WiFi

Phobjikha BHU 256 kbps WiMAX WiMAX CPE Cable

Gangtey BPS 256 kbps WiMAX WiMAX CPE PicoCela WiFi

GSM 256 kbps WiMAX WiMAX CPE PicoCela WiFi

Ura

Geog Office 256 kbps WiMAX WiMAX CPE WiFi

BHU 256 kbps WiMAX WiMAX CPE WiFi

TPO 256 kbps WiMAX WiMAX CPE WiFi

UMSS 256 kbps WiMAX WiMAX CPE WiFi

SPS 256 kbps WiMAX WiMAX CPE WiFi


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17. WiMAX issues during and after installation Following were issue just after 1st installation phase in Bhutan (1) Latest product with unknown crucial bugs (2) Remote centralized management/control only, can’t configure at local (3) Two VPN lines (physically separated line) required ( one for traffic and another for

management ) (4) VLAN switch required met with ALVARION BreezeCompact VLAN specification (5) POE AC adapter for Subscriber unit was not good quality

1/3 of purchased subscriber units probably were broken, in initial stage. (6) Bankruptcy and transfer the WiMAX department Finally we resolved above issues but it has been really hard work with vendor in transition.

18. Bankruptcy of the company (WiMAX) during the installation One of most big issues was dealing at the BUNCKRUPCY. (1) Fixing bug and version/release up of BTS (2) Operation technical information source (3) Repair part supply ( quality of POE AC adapter was very poor ) (4) Three Hardware problem of subscriber units (in 12) at beginning of installation (5) One of controller unit (in 2) was broken

Together with the trading company in Japan, Accounting coordinator should stop the payment and started to negotiate above issues with Alvarion and Telrad. Resolution: Hardware trouble replace new one Software trouble communication with technician and Bhutan Technical information support by technician Finally after Bhutan team certified current network operation properly, we paid it to the trader. At March 2015, those equipment is working fine.


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19. Final achievement and discussion in Bhutan After completion of installation, we made followings;

(1) Inauguration in March, 2013 (2) Transfer the system to Bhutan team in June, 2013 (3) Transfer the system with responsibility to keep its service to subscribers to

TashiInfoComm from DITT. (4) KDDI foundation kept in touch with TashiComm regarding operation of the system,

especially WiMAX issues after June, 2013 in a while. (5) Last payment was done on November 2014.


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20. Accounting Please refer to Appendix A-x Accounting Report, in detail.

Reference: Official Account of Expense(JPY), Accounting Report, Page 4 The budget approved APT is 140,850.00-US$ Assumption of limitation of APT Budget 12,436,455 JPY:

Refer to exchange rate 103.00 JPY/US$ Total Amount of expense of this project 13,330,879 JPY Donation supported by KDDI foundation 1,526,700 JPY Therefore APT owned 11,804,179 JPY

This result is within the approved budget by APT. Then I, KDDI foundation would like to request the rest of financial support: 5,171,774 JPY Equivalent to 50,211.39 US$(Assumption) Refer to Appendix A-5 Accounting Report


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21. Conclusion

Challenges Economic of scale and lack of IT literacy imposed greater challenge to the project implementation also aggravated by absence of ICT infrastructure to provide Internet service in the communities. Individuals in the connected organizations lack competencies to expand the local area network and also to set parameters in the customer premise equipment – WiFi routers and WiMAX CPEs. There is a huge cost of ownership in terms of cost of fiber, labor and time in laying M-PAC fiber optical cable to connect Shengana Geog Office, Shengana BHU and SMSS. This is further made difficult due to right of way for laying fiber optic cable and future maintenance concerns especially fiber splicing. Economic of scale in rural areas makes negotiation on bandwidth cost with the service provider difficult.

Broadband Benefit We have testament from communities on appreciation expressed for bring Internet in the geog. It is only the cost factor that is depriving individual from connecting to. Schools are using this network for official correspondence with the Ministries, refer to current affairs and to develop teaching and learning materials.


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Gangtey Sangacholing Monastery prior to commencement of this network, had to travel Thimphu about 135 km to upload information on the monastery, teachings and also to provide online teachings. Today, the GSM is thinking of upgrading the bandwidth to 1mbps and to extend internet connectivity to Shedra about a kilometer from the monastery. The pilot project has also provided technical guidance to RSPN and TPO on choosing similar technology to monitor and view black necked crane online in Phobjikha and watch plants and animal in Thrumshingla park area.

Learning from the network Fiber optic cable must only be used for backhaul to connect geog(s) to ISP POP not to extend to customer for the reasons mentioned earlier. Absence of technical personals to maintain optical fiber cable in rural areas can lead to network outage. As far as possible backhaul connection must be maintained by the ISP. Wireless broadband is highly recommended in rural areas that has low cost of ownership. Due to lack of IT literacy in rural communities to configure and to extend the local area network. It is recommended that the entire network until customer premise be controlled and managed by ISP. The geogs must have good backhaul network - fiber or wireless; fiber should not be adopted for access network.


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22. Acknowledgement The APT J3 ICT pilot project 2011 team in Bhutan would like to express our sincere appreciation for selecting Bhutan’s proposal for J3 to pilot WiMAX as last mile technology in rural Bhutan. The team would also like to thank Government of Japan for extra budgetary contribution and also to the KDDI Foundation for donating computers and networking equipment to the project. The team would also like to express sincere gratitude to all the clients in all four geogs for their assistance in realizing this network Discussion with tops of ministry of information communication


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Team of Bhutan and Japan OCC: Supporting Technical consulting and lectur for laying new optical fiber cable KDDI Engineering: Supporting Technical consulting and lecture for installation of advanced WiFi Signing the transfer list at DITT office


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23. Appendix:

A-1. Expert Mission Report on September 26, 2011 Refer to mail on November 10, 2011 / KDDI fondation

Expert Mission from AUG. 12 through AUG. 22, 2011 Conveyed by Mr. Kawasumi and Mr. Uchiyama

Mission of Expert Team 1) Hearing of National Broadband Master Plan over Optical Ground-Wire (OPGW)

cables and planned extensions to rural and remote areas and its present status and future perspective;

2) Hearing of ICT Pilot Project Proposal submitted last year; 3) Consultation on the proposal to be suitable for the application for the APT J3 in

this year; 4) Consultation on the proposed WiMAX pilot project in Thimphu and selected

adjacent rural villages, its technical and financial feasibilities considering geographical profile, demography, socio-economic activities, environmental conditions of the selected sites;

5) Consultation on e-applications and e-services over the planned broadband network infrastructure;

System Configuration for the sites and cost estimation versus APT J3 budget Expert team and DIT&T jointly studied the system configuration for the selected sites and cost estimation to be in the limit of APT J3 budget. According to the result of discussion with MoIC after site survey of 3 former planned sites, MoIC in Bhutan and APT Expert mission agreed that following 3 sites will be put on the proposal of APT J3 project of WiMAX. One site is Ura in Bumthang as most appropriate site for pilot installation, second is Shengana in Punakha, third is Phobjikha in Wangdue Phodrang instead of Kawang in Thimphu, to avoid duplication of investment and because this site is world famous for foreigners to stay hotel there without Internet connection.


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A-2. Kickoff document

Agenda July 04, 2012

KDDI foundation 1. Introduction of each member and organization 2. Review of our proposal and introduction of past projects

(1) General and past APT projects (2) Objectives of our APT project refer to our proposal to APT (3) Member update: Confirm new members and know relevant staffs/persons Local governments, ISPs and relevant organizations including non-project members

3. Breakdown Requirement from Bhutan based on the proposal (1) Mission/Target/objective and expected outcome (2) Proposed milestone (3) Practical activities in detail for this Pilot Project (4) Approved fund budget from APT (5) Explain Accounting procedure for procurement and travelling by KDDI foundation

4. New Schedule (1) Rough whole schedule (Milestone) and assignment (2) Schedule of this kickoff meeting and site survey, fix the places which we will install as pilot. (3) Schedule, delegation members, and activities for Tokyo meeting

5. Roll of each organization(Tentative) (1) Leader, reporting and executive management DITT (2) Project Coordination DITT / KDDI foundation (3) Accounting KDDI foundation (4) Coordination among other organizations in Bhutan DITT

Roll of local governments, ISP and etc. (5) Kickoff meeting DITT & KDDI foundation (6) Coordination of visit in Japan KDDI foundation (7) Tokyo meeting DITT & KDDI foundation (8) Installation whole members and relevant

persons Coordination (DITT (primary) in Bhutan, KDDI foundation (secondary) for Japanese)

(9) Training, workshop and ceremony(if available) DITT (KDDI foundation) (10) Summarizing the activity report DITT (KDDI foundation) (11) Procurement, reimbursement and Accounting report KDDI foundation (12) Consolidate two reports and send to APT DITT & focal point in Bhutan (13) Making MoU or Minute for executing this APT J3 project (incl. kickoff and site survey

activities) 6. Next Activities and date

(1) Fix Date, Delegation and Activities in Japan (2) Fix the system Configuration & Design/frequency/purchase product (3) Before Tokyo meeting

Quotation and Procurement of Products, Paper work for import/export/tax exception/license (4) Fixing Installation procedure/roll and date (5) Fixing Training/workshop/transfer the system/ceremony and etc.


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Annex 1 Procedure

1. Acceptance of APT selection(done) and Kickoff 2. Revise collaborative expert/staff list , (Japanese team non-applicable at moment) 3. Required above researcher’s/Engineer’s Career Background sheets 4. Prepare next step

Understanding of the project and roll/responsibility Report result of meeting and survey Preparation of Tokyo trip

Report to APT (Interim and Final: Activity and Accounting)

Budget - Planning and Investigation 6,950 USD - Equipment procurement 82,800 USD - Shipping fee 5,000 USD - Business trip 43,600 USD - Miscellaneous 2,500 USD

TOTAL AMOUNT 140,850 USD

Request accounting procedure - Required receipt for any reimbursement, such as equipment, service, transportation

In keeping with 1. APT condition and term 2. Law, rule and regulation in Bhutan and Japan 3. Accounting procedure 4. For this project

- Purchase and procurement shall be decided by Bhutanese team and Japanese team Request to decide one person in each team, who has responsibility to coordinate and

decide Purchase should be agreed with above 2 persons

- Receipt should be: Address to KDDI Foundation Title “Receipt” or “INVOCE” with “PAID” (or equivalent in case) Date of payment (recipient process date) Amount USD, JPY, BTN Description of each item, unit price and sub-total Name of payment recipient with address/tel. Signature or official stamp *Receipt with the official currency exchange rate sheet is appreciated if any. *Bank transfer requires several information such as SWIFT code and etc.


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Minutes of Kick-off Meeting

Project: APT WiMAX rural ICT development Venue: DITT Conference Hall Time: 10:30 AM Date: July 4th, 2012

1. Attendee

1. Director, DITT 2. Mr. Yosuke Uchiyama, KDDI, Japan 3. Mr. Ganga R. Sharma, Tashi InfoComm Ltd 4. Mr. Yenten Jamtsho. Bhutan Telecom Ltd 5. Mr. Karma Wangdi, DITT 6. Mr. Badea Nindhi Bhandari, TCIL 7. Mr. Karma Sangay, DITT 8. Mr. Karma Tenzin, DITT 9. Mr. Jamyang Sonam, DITT

2. Key Decision

1. Tokyo Meeting tentative 3rd week of November, 2012: - The meeting discussed if the meeting could happen earlier than November. The main aim of Tokyo meeting is to finalize the on the WiMAX equipment, services, technology study and procurement. But to expedite project implementation, Mr. Uchiyama informed the floor that consent on network design, choice of WiMAX equipment and procurement could happen before the Tokyo meeting.

2. Network Design: - the meeting deliberated to expedite the project, network design must be completed at the earliest in discussion with the ISP. To enables triple play services minimum of 2 E1s would be required per site.

3. Precondition: - The director felt that the project should meet any precondition set by APT. 4. Installation date tentative March 2013: - the meeting deliberated if the installation of WiMAX

equipment could happen before March 2013. Mr. Uchiyama informed the floor that the delay was mainly due to procurement and shipping of WiMAX equipment also cold winter weather of Ura, Phobjikha and Shengana.

5. Phobjikha and Ura: - The ISPs agreed on the limitation especially on the bandwidth and agreed to upgrade at each site.

6. Shengana: - Due to the complexity the design team felt it was appropriate to use ADSS. The project will finance infrastructure required to facilitate WiMAX deployment.

7. Agreement: - DITT and Telco should have agreement, outlining pre and post condition pertaining to the project. The project should outline benefits and impact. Tentatively the meeting agreed to complete site allocation by July and have sign agreement by August.

3. Submission by ISPs

Both the ISPs expressed that it would be in the interest of the project to have one ISP doing all the sites given the small project size and the benefits that would ensure economies of scale. ISPs can make little investment to the project.

The TICL, felt it was important to know expectation of the government from the ISP on the project.


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A-3. Material of Research and Study in Japan

Tokyo Meeting Memorandums 1. Date November 28, 2012(Tuesday) through December 4, 2012(Tuesday) 2. Place Meeting Venue: Training and Meeting room at KDDI Foundation at Bunkyo Courtesy Visit: Ministry of Internal Affairs and Communications, International Cooperation Division at Kasumigaseki Corporate Visit: Tokyo Cable Network., Inc. at Koraku OCC (Ocean Cable & Communication) at Yokohama KDDI Engineering Corporation at Nishishinjuku 3. Participation: November 28: (10:00 -17:00) Welcome Meeting <Bhutanese Team> Department of IT and Telecom, Ministry of Information and Communications Mr. Karma Wangdi Mr. Karma Sangay Mr. Karma Tenjin Mr. Jamyang Sonam Tashi InfoComm Ltd. Mr. Namgyal Wangchuk Mr. Sonam Dorji <Japanese Team> KDDI Foundation Mr. Yosuke Uchiyama (Accounting Manager) Mr. Junichi Osawa November 29: (10:00 -12:00) Courtesy Visit < Ministry of Internal Affairs and Communications, International Cooperation Division > Mr. Hiroyasu Hayashi, Director for Technical Cooperation Global ICT Strategy

Bureau Mr. Noboru Usuda Mr. Mitsunari Motohashi Ms. Yoko Nakata


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Ms. Haruko Ikkatai <Bhutanese Team> Department of IT and Telecom, Ministry of Information and Communications Mr. Karma Wangdi Mr. Karma Sangay Mr. Karma Tenjin Mr. Jamyang Sonam Tashi InfoComm Ltd. Mr. Namgyal Wangchuk Mr. Sonam Dorji <Japanese Team> KDDI Foundation Mr. Yosuke Uchiyama (Accounting Manager) Mr. Junichi Osawa November 29: (14:00 -17:00) Corporate Visit <Tokyo Cable Network., Inc.> Mr. Kazuhiro Muneta, President Mr. Masao Endo, Executive Director, General Manager Mr. Satoshi Itsubo Mr. Hironori Onuma <Bhutanese Team> Department of IT and Telecom, Ministry of Information and Communications Mr. Karma Wangdi Mr. Karma Sangay Mr. Karma Tenjin Mr. Jamyang Sonam Tashi InfoComm Ltd. Mr. Namgyal Wangchuk Mr. Sonam Dorji <Japanese Team> KDDI Foundation Mr. Yosuke Uchiyama (Accounting Manager) Mr. Junichi Osawa November 30: (10:00 -12:00) Corporate Visit < OCC (Ocean Cable & Communication) > Mr. Yoshitaka Tomaru, President


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Mr. Akira Kato, Senior Vice President Mr. Hiroshi Ishisaki, Associate Senior Vice President Mr. Hiroyuki Yoshioka Mr. Hiroshi Keruma Mr. Kazuto Yamamoto <Bhutanese Team> Department of IT and Telecom, Ministry of Information and Communications Mr. Karma Wangdi Mr. Karma Sangay Mr. Karma Tenjin Mr. Jamyang Sonam Tashi InfoComm Ltd. Mr. Namgyal Wangchuk Mr. Sonam Dorji <Japanese Team> KDDI Foundation Mr. Yosuke Uchiyama (Accounting Manager) Mr. Junichi Osawa November 30: (14:00 -17:00) Corporate Visit < KDDI Engineering Corporation > KDDI Engineering Mr. Ryuichi Yasunaga, Manager Mr. Masao Hinata Mr. Takayuki Nakagawa PicoCELA Inc. Mr. Hiroshi Furukawa, CTO, Dr. Eng. Mr. Bruce Haendel, Non-Executive Director <Bhutanese Team> Department of IT and Telecom, Ministry of Information and Communications Mr. Karma Wangdi Mr. Karma Sangay Mr. Karma Tenjin Mr. Jamyang Sonam Tashi InfoComm Ltd. Mr. Namgyal Wangchuk Mr. Sonam Dorji <Japanese Team>


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KDDI Foundation Mr. Yosuke Uchiyama (Accounting Manager) Mr. Junichi Osawa December 1: (09:00 -17:00) Meeting <Bhutanese Team> Department of IT and Telecom, Ministry of Information and Communications Mr. Karma Wangdi Mr. Karma Sangay Mr. Karma Tenjin Mr. Jamyang Sonam Tashi InfoComm Ltd. Mr. Namgyal Wangchuk Mr. Sonam Dorji <Japanese Team> KDDI Foundation Mr. Yosuke Uchiyama (Accounting Manager) Mr. Junichi Osawa December 3: (09:00 -17:00) Meeting <Rikei> Mr. Naoki Nakata, Manager <Alvarion> Mr. Koji Minami, Director of Technical and Marketing, Japan and Korea Mr. Braden, Field Application Engineer (from the Phillippines) <Bhutanese Team> Department of IT and Telecom, Ministry of Information and Communications Mr. Karma Wangdi Mr. Karma Sangay Mr. Karma Tenjin Mr. Jamyang Sonam Tashi InfoComm Ltd. Mr. Namgyal Wangchuk Mr. Sonam Dorji <Japanese Team> KDDI Foundation Mr. Yosuke Uchiyama (Accounting Manager) Mr. Junichi Osawa


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December 4: (09:00 -12:00) Meeting <Bhutanese Team> Department of IT and Telecom, Ministry of Information and Communications Mr. Karma Wangdi Mr. Karma Sangay Mr. Karma Tenjin Mr. Jamyang Sonam Tashi InfoComm Ltd. Mr. Namgyal Wangchuk Mr. Sonam Dorji <Japanese Team> KDDI Foundation Mr. Yosuke Uchiyama (Accounting Manager) Mr. Junichi Osawa 4. Item study and discussed on November 28 through December 4 (1) Exchange greeting and appreciation by each side (2) Understanding and sharing information among each member regarding the current status

and rough activity plan of this project. (3) Rough Schedule Installation and training workshop in December (tentatively end of Feb.) Final activity report: will be submitted before April. by DITT (supported by KDDI Foundation)

and final accounting report: will be submitted after one month of final activity report by accounting manager)

(4) Technical and Application Study (a) WiMAX, Cable TV and Disaster technical and application study at TCN (b) Optical fiber cable, technical study at OCC (c) WiFi, technical and application study at KDDI Eng. (d) WiMax technical study with Rikei and Alvarion (5) Network and Hardware Configuration (a) (6) Others (a)


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5. Conclusion After Tokyo meeting, Bhutan team learns optical fiber cable, Wifi system and WiMAX system.

Both sides agree above discussions and results. Finally we all believe this project will be successfully completed by schedule.

Signature Signature Date December 4, 2012 Date

December 4, 2012 Name Karma Wangdi Name

Yosuke Uchiyama Representative of Cambodia Team Representative of Japan team


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A-4. APT ADF meeting in Bangladesh

Attached is the presentation document in the 10th ADF meeting in Bangladesh, Aug. 20-22, 2013.

3 technologies at 3 sites for research and evaluation in rural area WiMAX network : Ura village WiFi access network with WiMAX : Phobjikha village Optical fiber solution : Shengana village

Click above cover to see the presentation in ADF


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A-5. Accounting report

Refer to the accounting report in detail attached. Including Summary table (page4), Confirmation note (page 2),

and all receipts with table The budget approved APT is 140,850.00-US$ Total Amount of expense of this project 13,553,649 JPY Donation supported by KDDI foundation 1,526,700 JPY Therefore APT owned 12,026,949 JPY Assumption of limitation of APT Budget 12,436,455 JPY:

Refer to exchange rate 103.00 JPY/US$ (assumption on the date of bank transfer)

Result is (12,436,455 - 12,026,949 = 409,506 JPY > 0): Within the budget. As KDDI foundation donated the part of equipment, the amount of procurement is owned by APT: 9,502,939 – (427,457+1,099,243 = 1,526,700) = 7,976,239 JPY =90,335.53 US$(assumption) (2.9% plus 87,800US$ budget) Significant difference between proposal and expense are following (but no impact on our accounting); 1. Kickoff and Site survey

After several discussions from selection, since we needed to take longer days than we proposed and expected it needed more budget for other activities following kickoff, we decided to change one person from two persons to save expense in kickoff and site survey.

2. Tokyo meeting Since we discussed how to get more sustainability of operation after completion of the project, we decided to invite some of operators to study and learn due to transfer the operation from project team to commercial. The expense was not impact at the discussion, however, problem for air flight from Bangkok to Bhutan with cancellation and congestion would affect. At the last, in saving cost, we have no issue. * The participants are on the approved member list.

3. Installation

Since the Optical fiber cable maker (OCC) offered to come with in Bhutan for part of installation of fiber cable to teach and to support, and their


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contribution needed pay flight and accommodation for one person by actual cost base without other cost such as consultant, labor fee and etc., we requested them to come in the installation of cable. Therefore, APT budget owned only one person flight ticket between Narita airport to Paro airport, and KDDI foundation owed accommodation. others are beard by OCC. (Finally, OCC contribute not only one staff but increasing 3 persons as same condition) This is miner affection. However, due to having lots of works for bag and not good quality of AC adaptor of WiMAX in rural area, we should extend the installation period and changed the schedule. After pre-decided installation schedule without completion of installation, Bhutan team by themselves took to fix the problem and to improve.

4. Final Survey and Improvement

To change the planned network configuration little bit, and to have discussion regarding fixing bug and upcoming operation/maintenance issues, one person from Japan joined, discussed and checked the completion and modification. As we have limited budget left, only one person went to join the last activity, instead of two.

5. Procurement Our project is installation of 3 different technologies at 3 sites for broadband access in rural area. our procurements are 4 areas, such as Optical fiber network, WiMAX access line network, advanced WiFi network with WiMAX, and premises system (computers and LAN). The significant impact was the bankruptcy of Alvarion which we select as the WiMAX product vender. Also Alvarion sold WiMAX product department to Telrad networks during fixing the bugs and improving quality of these products. It took long time to completion. Therefore, in view of accounting, I should wait until they would complete the issues. That is one of main reason to take delay to submit the report.

Bankrupting


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A-6. Transfer list Attached following after accounting receipt pages is the transfer list which our APT J3 team (Bhutanese and Japanese) transferred all equipment/products to Bhutanese team. Also, for your information, the acknowledge receipt for the donation by KDDI foundation is attached after the transfer list. Below attached is the document with signature that the whole APT J3 team did transferred the equipment which were procured in the APT J3 fund.


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A-7. Donation from KDDI Foundation For this project, KDDI foundation donated to some network equipment to the Bhutan team in order to make much effective network in three site. Below attached is the document which DITT Bhutan acknowledged the equipment donated by KDDI foundation.


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A-8. Operation and sustainability According to keeping the operation of installed equipment for local people, and to evaluating the 3 network technologies in many views under the operation, DITT in Bhutan government temporary accepted the whole system from our APT J3 teams (Bhutan and Japan) and then DITT also transferred the whole system to TASHI Comm. with obligation to sustain those 3 networks in commercial. Tashi Comm. was selected as successor by DITT’s bid after kickoff meeting. And TASHI Comm. voluntarily participated at the beginning of APT J3 proposal. After 2 years of completion (in commercial) of the each site of network, the operation staffs expected below;

10. Optical fiber can be operated as most easy and without skill, and big band width and reliable/stable. But in case of fiber cable trouble it takes long time. And fusion splicing will take long time and required the skill 11. WiMAX is easy to hang up the equipment without civil engineering such as road construction. Within 10km with signal, it is not so difficult to make alignment. However, (the WiMAX product decade ago was able to configured by local terminal) configuration on each WiMAX equipment required to install NMS (Network Management System) in center not local. It means you have to install control server and application for NMS with secured P2P network such as VLAN tag link, separated from actual traffic link. Even one set of WiMAX equipment. 12. WiFi is very poplar and there are many choice of procurement, however, some of WiFi device is not meet with its catalog value.

Therefore,

1. Fiber is much benefit reason of bandwidth/speed and easy operation. Consideration of reliability is duration of fixing the optical fiber cable. 2. WiMAX is good and easy for installation, but required skilled and

knowledge operational person in telecom or local. 3. WiFI is little easy installation and operation because of popular. Distance

and speed is almost same because latest WiFi standard became similar of WiMAX standard. At present we can buy the WiFi router with more than 1Gbps in poplar market with not expensive rather cheap. In future expansion of Internet, they guess optical fiber is solution of broadband Internet at backhaul, and WiFi will be in use at access link.


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Photo in this project GNH(Growth National Happiness) in Kingdom of Bhutan


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In Tokyo, Japan Exciting landing into deep valley airport In Thimphu, Bhutan


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A-9. Acronym

Definition

Dzongkhag District

Geog Group of villages in Bhutan

FiberWiFi Backhaul Fiber and WiFI access network

Ngultrum Bhutanese currency

Shedra Place of teaching

Acronym

ADSS All Dielectric Self Supporting

ASTAP APT Standardization Program

APT Asia-Pacific Telecommunication

ASN-GW Access Service Network - Gateway

BPS Beyta Primary School

BHU Basic Health Unit

BOP Base of population Pyramid by individual income

BT Bhutan Telecom

BTS Base Transceiver Station

CSR Cooperate Social Responsibility

CSV Creating Shared Value

DITT Department of Information Technology and Telecom

DRM Disaster Risk management

GNH Gross National Happiness

GPRS General packet radio service

GSM Gangtey Sangacholing Monastry

GSM Global System for Mobile communications


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ICT Information and Communication Technology

ISP Internet Service Provider

IT Information Technology

KDDI KDDI Corporation/Foundation

LTE Long Term Evolution

MIC Ministry of Information and Communications

MIC Ministry of Interior and Communications (Japan)

M-PAC Metal Packed Armored Cable

Nu. Ngultrum

OCC Ocean Cable & Communication

PC personal Computer

PicoCela PicoCellular Extending Local access Area

PMSS Phobjikha Middle Secondary School

POP Point of Presence

PPP Public Private Partnership

RSPN Royal Society for Protection of Nature

SMSS Shengana Middle Secondary School

SPS Shingnyer Primary School

TPO Trumshingla Park Office

TICL Tashi InfoComm Limited

UMSS Ura Middle Secondary School

WiFi Wireless Fidelity

WiMAX Worldwide Interoperability for Microwave Access

Documents

Pilot Installation of Broadband WiMAX technology in Rural