BSNL gets security clearance for procuring MNP gateway

State-run Bharat Sanchar Nigam (BSNL) has received the security clearance for importing equipment needed to upgrade its network for mobile number portability (MNP), which will allow users to retain their numbers when changing from one operator to another.

According to sources, BSNL received the security clearance from the Intelligence Bureau early this month.

BSNL Chairman and Managing Director Kuldeep Goyal confirmed and said that the company had received security clearance for MNP gateway in February.

BSNL had applied for security clearance to the Department of Telecom (DoT) in December, last year.

However, the Intelligence Bureau had asked for additional information on the manufacturer along with some additional parameters about the equipment.

The clearance means the state-run telco can now place the purchase order for procuring equipment.

BSNL had sought the intervention of DoT to expedite the security clearance process to import the equipment so it can meet the deadline.

All mobile service providers in the country have been asked to ready their networks for implementing MNP by March 31 this year.

However, even though BSNL has received security clearance it (BSNL) feels it may not be able to stick to the deadline of March 31.

Goyal has said "We have issued the advanced purchase order but supply of equipment, installation and testing would take time till mid-May... March 31 deadline looks difficult as far as we are concerned."