Number portability rollout not before 2011

Mobile subscribers will have to wait longer if they want to migrate to another service provider while retaining the same number.

The government is likely to postpone the launch of the mobile number portability (MNP) scheme to early next year. The present deadline for implementation of the scheme was this month-end.

This would be the third time that the government was forced to delay the launch because the service providers were not ready to implement it.

“BSNL and MTNL are still not ready with their MNP equipment. While MTNL is yet to install gateways, BSNL’s gateway is under installation. This will delay the whole process by 4-6 months and the launch may be pushed to early next year,” a senior ministry official told Business Standard.

After installing the system, operators would have to test the facility among themselves for two months before launcing the scheme.

“The new dates will be announced soon. This time, we will ensure the service providers have enough time to get ready for MNP and there is no further extension for its implementation,” the official said.

The MNP Gateway is required to handle porting communication between operators. “We have invited tenders worth Rs 8 crore for supply, installation of MNP gateways and testing equipment. Currently, we are waiting for the government’s approval to procure the equipment. Then we will install the gateways,” a senior MTNL official said.

A BSNL official said the company was in the process of installing the MNP gateways.