Kolkota to have mobile number portability by September

MNP Interconnection Telecom Solutions India Pvt Ltd, an joint venture of Telcordia Technologies, will implement mobile number portability (MNP) system in Kolkata in September. 

''Number portability will accelerate the evolution of advanced communications services and gives operators an easier way to set apart themselves to attract and retain customers. Telcordia and MNP Interconnection have the expertise required for implementing a scalable, flexible and highly reliable number portability solution,'' Richard Jacowleff, chairman designate MNP Interconnection Telecom Solutions and president, Interconnection Solutions, said.

''Kolkata would be the second testing data centre next to Bangalore. If by any chance Bangalore is unable to operate, then Kolkata would take over. We are fully prepared to take on the task of implementing number portability in India. The Indian telecom market is multifarious and we are certain that with the expertise and the local understanding of our promoters, we will be able to fruitfully launch number portability services in the country in the timeframe stipulated by the Department of Telecommunications,'' said Ashok Sapra, managing director of MNP Interconnection Telecom Solutions.

 ''We have set a deadline of 20 July for all operators to upgrade their infrastructural changes to launch our services on 20th September,'' Sapra said, adding, ''TRAI is yet to chalk out the tariff plans and subscribers facilities.''

MNP Interconnect has licence to implement MNP in zone 2 comprising of southern and eastern parts of the country.

Mobile phone users will get an option to switch service providers without losing their existing number by 20 September.