BSNL, MTNL on fast track to roll out MNP

State-run Bharat sanchar Nigam (BSNL) and Mahanagar Telephone Nigam (MTNL) are readying their infrastructure networks fast for implementing Mobile Number Portability (MNP) as the March 31 deadline draws closer.

BSNL has placed orders for setting up the security gateway for MNP services, which allows users to change operators while retaining their number. MTNL, on other hand, is gearing up to test its equipment with other operators from next month, officials of the two PSUs said.

The increased activity towards building the ground work for MNP roll-out comes ahead of the crucial meeting called by the Department of Telecom (DoT) on February 10 to evaluate the preparedness of the operators.

The DoT had sought status report of the telecom operators last week on MNP preparedness, BSNL Chairman Kuldeep Goyal told PTI.

"We have made all the prepartions... Got security clearance for the Gateway from DoT and have ordered the equipment. We are working hard to meet the deadline."

A senior MTNL official said the PSU would start equipment testing with other operators from the second week of March.

He said the effectiveness of the network in implementing the MNP would to a large extent depend on the preparedness of other operators as well.

Meanwhile, top private operators like Bharti Airtel, Reliance Communications, Vodafone Essar are already ready with MNP-enabled network.

The DoT Secretary P J Thomas will chair a meeting with operators on February 10 to review their preparedness.