Number portability set in motion

Trai sets deadline of Apr 1, '07 for cell users to change operators while retaining numbers.

The Telecom Regulatory Authority of India (Trai) has recommended that number portability be made available to all mobile subscribers from April 1, 2007.

Mobile number portability (MNP) allows cellular users to change their service provider while retaining their existing phone number.

"Keeping in view the growth of telecom services in India, Trai considers that it is now an appropriate time to initiate the process of implementing this facility for further enhancing the quality of service and customer satisfaction," Trai said, while issuing the recommendations.

Asking the government to mandate all service providers to implement this facility within 12 months, the regulator has also proposed that number portability first be introduced within the service area, before extending it across the country in phases over six months.

The regulator has also proposed that a steering committee consisting of all operators, industry associations and representatives from the telecom engineering centre under its aegis be constituted to work out the details of implementation.

Most mobile operators said the move would increase network costs and force them to divert resources, "leading to serious setbacks in their rollout plans". Meanwhile, the industry associations said they would present a counter-report on Trai's estimates very soon.

Trai, however, hit back at mobile operators who are opposed to the move and said: "The issue of the cost of implementation has been carefully analysed. It is estimated that even if the entire cost is transferred to the porting customer, it works out to a one time payment of around Rs 200, which will enable the operator to recover his investment cost in 3-5 years," Trai said.

Responding to service providers' demands that number portability be extended to fixed-lines also, Trai said the move would not be possible at present due to non-availability of private operators in all short-distance calling areas in the country and the existence of huge legacy networks.