India has announced a timeline for the selection of a company to manage Mobile Number Portability (MNP). The tender document has been made available online, and the successful bidder will be announced by 5th February. A maximum of two companies will manage MNP for a period of 5 years, each with a separate zone of operation. From a consumer standpoint, the entire process of porting a number should not take more than two (2) working days, with a two (2) hour break in service. Porting Process -- The mobile subscriber will approach the Recipient Operator who will initiative the entire process -- The execution of porting shall be carried out at a specified pre-determined time of the day, decided in consultation with operators. -- The total time to port should not exceed two working days initially from the request of the subscriber but up gradable to much faster levels -- Break time shall not exceed two hours, possibly less. Areas of Operation The country has been segmented into two zones for the selection of MNP operators - and applicants may apply for both, but will be granted a license to only one of the following Zones: Download the tender document here. Fees, Selection Criterion, Things to do after selection Fees Entry Fee: One time, non-refundable, Entry Fee of Rs. 1 Crore for the licence Licence Fees: 1 (one) percent of Adjusted Gross Revenue (AGR) of the licensee Company. No license fee for first two years Criterion For Selection Applicants will be allowed…
