Pakistan Telecommunication Authority (PTA) is seeking to streamline synchronization of telecom networks to remove maximum problems encounters in reconciliation and billings of voice and traffic data.
The telecom authority has intended to frame a regulation in this regard to be named as “Clock Synchronization Regulations 2010” after consultation with all stakeholders.
These regulations shall apply to all Long Distance Interconnects (LDI), Landline (LL)/Cellular mobile/CVAL Data licensee for the purpose of synchronization of their system clock to ensure fair reconciliation of call detail record (CDR) and IP detail record (IPDR) data in line with the criterion/ratings determined by the PTA from time to time.
PTA’s draft regulation specified two parts of the system; one relates to synchronizing of the system clock for error free data recovery while the other part ensures that the date and time stamps are accurate for billing reconciliation purpose.
There are two common methods of clock recovery. One based on independent highly accurate clock (atomic clock) while the other is based on a clock recovered through Network
Telecom Operators’ Workout
PTA suggested that all LL/LDI/CMTOs licensees shall compile and submit information regarding, clock, synchronization source, degree of accuracy and stratum level in case synchronized using NTP servers.
The licensee shall maintain a record of their clock synchronization test for (03) years. This record shall at all times be open to inspection and audit by the authority or representative of the authority.
On the basis of PTA findings and/ or at least 10 complaints filed to the PTA against
a licensee in one month, the authority shall initiate an investigation process through an nominated officer.
The PTA will conduct manual test/inspections which may be replaced with an automated process subject to the availability of advanced tools. It may place the relevant data for public information.

PTA towards synchronization of telecom networks