Trai defers implementation of new MNP rules indefinitely

KOLKATA: The telecom regulator has indefinitely postponed implementation of the new rules for port-out services offered by mobile number portability (MNP) service providers due to technical hiccups.

The new port-out rules at the sharply reduced porting fee of Rs 6.46 per transaction was scheduled to become operational from November 11. But the Telecom Regulatory Authority of India (Trai) on Monday said the earlier indicated timeline for the revised MNP process “cannot be adhered to due to some technical issues” at the telco and MNP service providers ends, which is why, “the implementation date needs to be postponed,” adding that the "exact data would be notified in due course”.

MNP refers to a facility that allows a user to switch telco operators without changing the mobile number. The recipient operator pays a fee -- called per port transaction charge (PPTC) -- to the MNP service provider for processing the request.

Earlier, this month, Trai had slashed the PPTC by 66% to Rs 6.46 from Rs 19, which was to be effective from November 11. But with the revised process getting deferred, the old porting fee of Rs 19 will continue to apply for now.

During two recent Trai meetings with telcos and MNP service providers on October 21 and October 31, it was decided that robust testing would be required to migrate users to the revised MNP process to ensure they are not inconvenienced. However, the regulator said such testing cannot be concluded within November 11, which has led to the deferment.