Operators to miss full MNP deadline, but not to seek any extention

The telecom service providers are likely to miss the May 3 deadline for the introduction of full mobile number portability (MNP).

However, the operators are not yet formally seeking any extension from the Government, as they await the findings of a committee set up to look into the proposals made by the TRAI.

“May 3 would be a tough deadline to meet as this is a very complex matter. There are significant issues on routing of calls and numbering plans that needs to be addressed before operators can offer MNP,” said Rajan S Mathews, Director-General of the Cellular Operators’ Association of India (COAI).

COAI is the operators’ body representing seven of the largest mobile service operators and majority of telecom equipment manufacturers.

Last year, the Telecom Regulatory Authority of India (TRAI) announced full MNP, which will allow subscribers to retain their numbers even after they shift from one circle to another, to be rolled out by May 3 this year.

An adhoc committee put together among the operators, DoT and Telecommunication Engineering Centre (TEC) is studying the issue. TEC is a body under Telecom Commission responsible for drawing up of standards, generic requirements, interface requirements and service requirements. “Obviously we are working with the Government to roll it out as early as possible. We have not asked for an extension as of yet, but the committee will make its recommendations,” Mathews added.

The present MNP services — launched in November 2010 on a pilot basis and extended to the whole country in January 2011 — permitted retaining the same number if the user is moving within a telecom circle only.

“We had informed the government many times, through many letters, that it would be very tough to meet the present deadline. The committee is working on it and from the operators side, we are trying our level best,” said Ashok Sud, Secretary-General at CDMA and new operator’s body, Association of Unified Service Providers of India (AUSPI).

For the subscribers, the wait for full MNP got a little longer.