BSNL gets set for mobile number portability

State-run telecom operator Bharat Sanchar Nigam Ltd (BSNL) is gearing up to start mobile number portability (MNP) as soon as the Telecom Regulatory Authority issues the new tariff structure.

In a bid to attract subscribers of rival companies ahead of the launch of number portability, BSNL has taken a few initiatives such as bringing down tariff to 40-50 paise a minute.

BSNL, which hopes to attract substantial number of users from rivals like Bharti Airtel and Reliance Communications, has called for expression of interest for MNP gateway

While the implementation of MNP is likely to be delayed from the scheduled date of 20 September, the company is pinning hopes on the MNP gateway to integrate its subscriber data system with Synverse or Telecordia, the two clearing houses appointed by the government.

Mobile number portability allows subscribers to retain their mobile numbers even when they switch from one service provider to another or from one technology to another.

Telecom regulator TRAI on Thursday asked operators to keep their networks ready to roll out MNP services quickly once the guidelines are issued by August-end.
 
"We will have an open-house on the porting charges on August 11. Within 2-3 weeks from then we will issue the final guidelines on MNP. The clearing house and operators should be ready with their network so that after announcement of the guidelines the service could be implemented," TRAI member R N Prabhakar said on the sidelines of a conference.