So, we’re getting used to this now, and frankly, it will be a surprise if mobile number portability isn’t delayed yet again: Mobile Number Portability in India has been delayed till 31st October 2010, the country’s Department of Telecommunications has announced. The reason – one we’ve heard before – is that not all telecom operators are able to implement MNP yet: BSNL, MTNL and Uninor hadn’t installed gateways yet. So government owned telecom operators are largely to blame for this situation.
Conspiracy Theory
The other date to keep in mind here, is that telecom operators are expected to be given 3G spectrum by September 30th 2010 (though the rumor is that this won’t happen until the end of 2010). One could see an exodus from operators without 3G spectrum is some Metro and A Category circles to operators with 3G spectrum, and MNP would help 3G operators lure high-ARPU customers. If policy makers are indeed government by the demands of private telecom operators, expect MNP to not be implemented until 3G services are live.
Also read:
- Mobile Number Portability In India At Rs. 19 From Dec 31st 2009
-The Price Of Mobile Number Portability In India; New Telcos Vs Old
-Rules & Criteria For Applying For Mobile Number Portability In India
Statement from the Department of Telecommunications:
“The Mobile Number Portability (MNP) was to be implemented in the whole of the country by March 2010 as per terms and conditions of MNP License. Keeping the status of readiness of various stakeholders in view, the time line of implementation of MNP was extended to June, 2010.”
“The whole network (all Access Service Providers in all service areas and International Long Distance Operators (ILDOs)) in the country have to be ready and tested before the MNP Service is implemented. Keeping the complexity enormity of the testing involved before MNP is implemented, and keeping in view the present status of implementation by various operators, it has now been decided to extend the timeline for implementation of MNP to 31st October 2010″
Related:
Previous postponements
- December 31st 2009 to March 31st 2010
- March 31st 2010 to June 30th 2010
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