DoT to meet CEOs, MDs of telcos on MNP readiness

In the backdrop of uncertainty over implementation of mobile number portability, the Department of Telecom (DoT) has convened a meeting of CEOs and MDs of private telecom firms to know how soon the service can start.

Mobile Number Portability (MNP) is a service that allows subscribers to change their operator while retaining the number.

Sources in the DoT said the fate of MNP is hanging in balance as operators are yet to make their networks ready for the service.

Telecom Secretary P J Thomas will meet the CEOs and MDs to know the status about the readiness of their networks for implementing MNP as on January 31, they added.

After missing the of January 1, 2010 deadline, the DoT had said that MNP will be introduced in all parts of the country from March 31, 2010.

The first deadline could not be met after many telecom companies informed the DoT that they would require more time for upgrading their networks.

Even the government-owned telecom companies BSNL and MTNL had sought time to make their network ready for implementing the service.

With the Home Ministry raising security concerns about US-based Telcordia Technologies, one of the companies selected to provide solutions for implementation of MNP, there is uncertainty over introduction of the service.

The home ministry has raised concerns regarding Telcordia’s presence in Pakistan and has sought that the Foreign Investment Promotion Board (FIPB) review its clearance granted earlier to Telcordia.