BSNL seeks early security nod for MNP equipment import

The state-run telco BSNL has informed the DoT that it may miss even the March 31 deadline for implementing the mobile number portability (MNP) regime if it does not get the security clearance for importing the needed equipment at the earliest.

It has also sought intervention of the DoT to expedite the security clearance process to import MNP infrastructure so that it could meet the second deadline set by the Government.

Mobile number portability (MNP) allows cellphone users to change their operators without changing the numbers.

"We would like to bring to your kind notice that BSNL has not been able to place purchase orders for MNP gateway for want of security clearance," the PSU telco said in a letter to the Department of Telecom.

BSNL said it has submitted technical details to DoT on its MNP infrastructure and is still awaiting security nod before placing purchase orders.

The Government had earlier set December 31, 2009 as deadline for implementing the MNP regime in the four metros, and June 2010 for the rest of the country.

However, this deadline could not be met after many operators informed DoT that they would require more time to upgrade their networks.

Following this DoT set March 31 as the new date for this facility to be rolled out across the country at one go.

The whole network in the country is to be readied and tested before the MNP service is implemented. For this various activities are required to be carried out by the operators, including technical upgradation, installation verification tests, setting up links with MNP operators and conducting inter-operator tests.

After this DoT also has to carry an acceptance test is to be carried across all networks of all service providers.