Telecom panel gives nod for full number portability

Mobile users will soon be able to retain their phone numbers while relocating or changing operators in any part of the country.

The Telecom Commission on Friday gave its approval to the introduction of full mobile number portability. But the exact date of implementation will be decided after consulting with the TRAI.

At present, number portability allows users to retain phone numbers only within the same circle. For example, if an Airtel user in Delhi relocates to Chennai, he cannot retain the phone number. This will change once the full MNP is introduced.

The Commission also gave its approval to a revised strategy for National Optical Fibre Network under which 2.5 lakh gram panchayats have access to broadband connectivity by March 2017. Under the revised plan, the roll out will happen in phases. A target has been set to complete rollout in 50,000 panchayats by March 2015, another one lakh by March 2016 and all the 2.5 lakh by March 2017. The project has been already delayed by two years and this decision could speed up the roll out.

Services in Naxal-hit areas The Commission also cleared a proposal to set up mobile towers to provide telephone services in Naxal-affected States. The proposal will now be placed before the Cabinet for its final approval. The project had got stuck due to difference in the value of the project estimated initially and the value projected by the winning bidders. State-run BSNL has submitted a final estimate of ₹3,241 crore to roll out this project against ₹3,046 crore approved by Cabinet.

The panel also approved providing funds for the GUN (government user network) over NOFN project. Under GUN project, government has plans to provide Wi-Fi services at panchayat levels.

The Commission, however, did not take a decision on spectrum sharing policy as it wants to wait for the final recommendations of TRAI.

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