Switch your Operator, not number: DoT

Aug 23: Now the unsatisfied customers of mobiles will be able to switch the operator despite of retaining their number, according to Department of Telecommunication Ministry, as DoT is serious about implementing the rule of Mobile Number Portability (MNP). Government is also planning to launch a new spectrum policy for 2G and 3G mobile till the end of the year, confirmed officially.

As per the demand of TRAI, now DoT is seriously thinking about to introduce the MNP rule as DoT has found several complaints from the users against poor servicing of the Mobile Operating Companies. The users feel helpless regarding the poor service especially the network congestion and do not change the numbers due to fear of changing numbers, but after implementing the MNP rule, now user can switch the operator in spite of switching numbers and can continue with their old numbers. TRAI has been demanding the introduction of number portability since March 2006. But due to lack of operator’s interest in this policy, it is still pending, said

According to telecom companies, they invest continuously several thousand crore rupees for upgrading their networks. But, "Now, we are actively thinking how it can be worked out. It has been practiced in many countries and is a greatly useful to customers”, said Telecommunication minister D.Raja expressing his view on this issue. They have also added to make communication with the telecom companies before finalising it. He was speaking in a function organised by Telecom Equipment Manufacturers Association.

“Ministry is likely to introduced MNP in a phased manner, starting from the metros to A category telecom circles such as Tamil Nadu and Maharashtra, followed by B circles like Kerala and Haryana and then C category service areas like the North East, within a six-to-12-month interval”, elaborated Raja.

Speaking on the new spectrum policy Telecommunication Minister said, “I am very much optimistic that in a couple of months spectrum policy will be ready. It would be definitely come into effect before the end of the year”. “DoT was aware of the spectrum crisis for existing mobile operators for normal voice services (2G) but the ministry needs at least 35 Mhz of radio waves from defence forces to release it among operators”, added Raja.

Before announcing this, new spectrum policy has missed at least four deadlines due to unavailability of spectrum from armed forces. But, now telecommunication ministry is expected to get release some spectrum from Defence Ministry within the next couple of months.

"Once the assessment is over, we will come out with a paper and place it before the Group of Ministers. It will enable the GoM to look at the vacation of spectrum in a broad way. Unless there is a quantum of spectrum available on hand, it is very difficult to say anything," Raja said. “DoT is seeking release of 42.5 Mhz of spectrum from defence forces, for which it is making an alternate network.”, further added minister.

According to sources, “this 42.5 Mhz of spectrum is for both 2G and 3G or advanced mobile data and voice service.” The Defence Ministry is seeking for alternate networks for Army and Navy to be before releasing any spectrum.