NTA says no immediate plans to implement MNP
KATHMANDU, MAY 14 -
The Nepal Telecommunications Authority (NTA) has no immediate plans to implement the Mobile Number Portability (MNP) service even though the mobile penetration rate has reached 60 percent.
The MNP allows subscribers to retain their number while switching to a different telephone company for better or cheaper service.
A study carried out by the regulator last year had recommended implementation of the service after the penetration rate reaches 60 percent. The penetration rate touched 60.34 percent of the total population as of mid-March.
The NTA said that despite the recommendation of the study report, it is still in a position of “wait and see” on the issue. The service has been effective in markets like India where there is a high mobile penetration rate and fierce competition among mobile companies.
“The issue of implementing the MNP is under consideration, and we are waiting for the cellular penetration rate to rise further,” said NTA Chairman Bhesh Raj Kanel. “We are doing a rethink after it was found that there has been low response to the MNP service even in India and Pakistan.”
The NTA commissioned a study last year with the intention of introducing the MNP after evaluating the penetration rate, rising competition among major telecom service operators, international trends and the need to expand choices for consumers. The study had also suggested replacing the zonal numbering plan with a national numbering plan to implement the MNP service.
A high level official at the NTA said that the government should implement the service which would ultimately compel the operators—Nepal Telecom and Ncell—to provide better quality service to retain their users. “There is a need for conducting an extensive study to implement a suitable modality for Nepal so that users are provided a chance to easily change the operator if they are not satisfied with its service,” the official added.
The study report had underlined the need to carry out a detailed feasibility study involving an internationally reputed MNP consultant or a MNP service provider with international experience. According to the NTA, there is no immediate plan to carry out further studies this fiscal year.
Source: The Kathmandu Post
