BSNL seeks early security nod for MNP equipment import

The state-run telco BSNL has informed the Department of Telecommunications (DoT) that it may miss the March 31 deadline for implementing the mobile number portability (MNP) regime if it does not get security clearance for importing the needed equipment at the earliest.

It has also sought intervention of DoT to expedite the security clearance process to import MNP infrastructure so that it could meet the second deadline set by the government.

MNP allows cellphone users to change their operators without changing the numbers.

“We would like to bring to your kind notice that BSNL has not been able to place purchase orders for MNP gateway for want of security clearance,” the PSU telco said in a letter to DoT.

BSNL said it submitted technical details to DoT on its MNP infrastructure and was still awaiting a security nod before placing purchase orders.

The government had earlier set December 31, 2009, as the deadline for implementing MNP in the four metros, and June 2010 for the rest of the country.