The Hindu Business Line : TRAI setting up panel on number portability

Fixed number
The steering committee will work out the modalities for implementing mobile number portability.
It will also discuss issues relating to time taken for porting a number and porting fees.

Our Bureau

New Delhi, Dec. 4 The Telecom Regulatory Authority of India (TRAI) has decided to set up a steering committee to work out the modalities for implementing mobile number portability. The move comes after the Communications Ministry’s decision to introduce the facility in the four metros cities by the fourth quarter of 2008.

Number portability enables end user to retain their telephone number when they change their service provider in a service area.

To implement this, it requires a database management having information of the networks and associated ported numbers.

Centralised database

According to TRAI, majority of the countries opt for a centralised database service managed by a neutral third party. The cost of the database will be borne by each operator depending on the strength of subscribers.

There are other issues related to portability between GSM and CDMA, namely database updation, SMS routing, routing of long distance calls, and National Numbering Plan modification.

“In order to chart out the roadmap for effective and smooth implementation of mobile number portability and to deliberate on various relevant issues, TRAI has decided to set up a steering committee consisting of operators, industry association and TEC under the aegis of TRAI,” said a press release.

The committee will address issues involved in the implementation of the facility with a special reference to the methodology of MNP implementation, establishing of neutral third party for database management, timeframe of implementation, method of tariff transparency for off-net and on-net calls billing system, and dispute resolution mechanism between the various mobile service providers.

It will also discuss issues relating to time taken for porting a number and porting fees. TRAI proposes to bring out a consultation paper.

Differing views

The implementation may not be smooth as GSM and CDMA operators are divided on the issue. GSM operators want the Government to bring number portability for fixed line telephone users (only CDMA operators and BSNL/MTNL offer fixed line telephone) as well. They also want it to be launched across the country simultaneously instead of just four metros.

The Cellular Operators Association of India has also urged the Department of Telecommunications that CDMA players should be asked to unlock the handsets so that their subscribers can also be free to change their operator.