MNP rollout may be delayed further

Mobile Number Portability (MNP), that will allow users to change operators while retaining the same number, is likely to get delayed further as the government is still struggling to iron out various issues related to the service.

The last set deadline for implementing MNP was October 31, 2010. However, one of the two clearing houses selected for managing number portability in the country is yet to get security clearance from the government.

DoT sources said there is a possibility that MNP may get delayed further as there are certain issues with MNP Interconnection.

MNP Interconnection, in which US-based Telcordia holds 74 per cent, was one of the two number portability operators selected by the government to offer services in the country. The other was Syniverse Technologies Inc.

The firm received Foreign Investment Promotion Board (FIPB) clearance in March 2009, but the home ministry revoked clearance earlier in August on security grounds.

Following which DoT has issued showcause notice to Telcordia asking the reason as to why its licence for MNP should not be cancelled. Telcordia has got time till third week of October to respond to DoT.

DoT now has the option of asking Syniverse to manage number portability across the country.

The date for roll-out of number portability in the country has already seen three extensions which has already resulted in a delay of almost a year.