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{
    "id": 498784,
    "url": "https://info.mzalendo.com/api/v0.1/hansard/entries/498784/?format=api",
    "text_counter": 69,
    "type": "speech",
    "speaker_name": "Sen. Kagwe",
    "speaker_title": "",
    "speaker": {
        "id": 229,
        "legal_name": "Mutahi Kagwe",
        "slug": "mutahi-kagwe"
    },
    "content": "Mr. Deputy Speaker, Sir, let me deal with this one and then I will go back to my request. I am answering Sen. Mositet’s question regarding the quality of service standards as far as mobile providers are concerned. Sen. Mositet wanted to know why the quality of service from service providers, particularly Safaricom has fallen below expected standards and the first part of the answer is as follows:- The International Telecommunication Union (ITU) standards for quality of service (Quality Assurance Service (QAS)) are presented in the form of recommendations spread across a series of recommendations, key of which is known as Recommendation E 800. A comparative analysis of the ITU, QAS standards vis-à-vis the national standards is presented in an annex which I am going to table here. It is to be noted that the development of the national QAS standards which are largely based on ITU standards were subsequently subjected to negotiations with the operators, with a view of taking into account of among others, the level of development of local networks, other conditions and progressive attainment of international standards. The results of the said negotiations have been adopted and are then gazetted to give effect. Mr. Deputy Speaker, Sir, attached also – I am going to table this – is a copy of the latest gazette notice of September 2009 on the prevailing quality of standards parameters and assessment methodologies. The Senator also wanted to know why the rate of call drops is as high as it is. With regard to the average call drop rate in respect of Safaricom’s network, the last official result in 2012/2013 indicated an overall call drop rate of about 1.9 per cent against an overall target of 2 per cent and below. The QAS assessment for the period 2013/2014 is currently being analyzed with a view of having the official results released before the end of this year. As far as the quality of service in the counties is concerned, the hon. Senator wanted to know what the call drop is county by county and the service provider thereof. In terms of the indication of the counties where the QAS is below standards, we wish to note that the current gazette assessment framework is based on an average of either designated QAS assessment regions of the country and in areas where there is network coverage in the said regions. An indicative QAS performance in each of the eight provinces for the period 2012/2013 for all operators is again attached. Please, note that we are currently unable to present county by county status given the assessment framework in use presently. We are however in the process of reviewing the assessment in the coming period. In general, however, better performance is noted in urban and highly populated areas compared to sparsely populated rural and remote areas. On the universal service funds, in terms of the remittances of the universal service fund which is based on a 0.5 per cent of the annual gross turnover of the licensees, the figure currently stands at approximately Kshs66 million. You may wish to note that invoicing for the levy started in the current year and the remittances are beginning to be realized though there is still some level of resistance on the part of the licensees. The basis of the resistance being witnessed is currently being addressed and the situation is expected to improve significantly in the coming months. The electronic version of the Senate Hansard Report is for information purposes only. A certified version of this Report can be obtained from the Hansard Editor, Senate."
}