The mobile number portability (MNP) service, which would allow subscribers to retain their numbers while changing operators, has again been deferred by three months, till June-end.
This is the second time the launch of MNP has been delayed. Earlier, it was scheduled to start from December 31 last year in metros, which was later extended to March 31 across the country.
In an official statement, the Department of Telecommunications (DoT) said the introduction of MNP had been further extended to June 30 after assessing the readiness of various operators. For successful implementation of MNP, the operators are required to carry out various activities, including establishing links with MNP operators and conducting inter-operator tests. Activities related to the test might be carried out by all service providers by May 15, the statement said.
Further, state-run telecom majors Bharat Sanchar Nigam Ltd and Mahanagar Telephone Nigam Ltd and a new player, Uninor, which are yet to install the MNP gateways, have been asked by DoT to start the tests immediately to meet the May deadline.
After assessing the results, DoT would finally decide the dates for MNP implementation, the statement added.
