BTRC chief optimistic about holding MNP auction early next year
MNP is a service that allows subscribers to switch
operators by keeping their
current numbers
STAFF REPORTER
Bangladesh Telecommunication Regu-latory Commission (BTRC) Chairman Dr Shahjahan Mahmood said that the much-awaited Mobile Number Portability (MNP) service will be launched in the upcoming year 2017 after making some changes to the guidelines of MNP before holding the auction.
We are optimistic that we would be able hold the auction for MNP service provider in the beginning of 2017, The BTRCboss said.
The decision to expedite the launch of MNP service was taken in the 201st commission meeting of the telecom regulator.
MNP is a service that allows subscribers to switch operators by keeping their current numbers.
Once the MNP service is launched the market will be more competitive for the operators as they would try to bring in new subscribers and also try to keep their existing ones, Dr Shahjahan Mahmood said. Earlier on November 9, Bangladesh Telecommunication Regulatory Commission in its last commission meeting decided to make minor changes to the guidelines of mobile number portability (MNP) before holding the auction.
The regulator at that time, however, said it would not be possible to launch MNP services within this year.
When asked about the decision regarding the five firms who have been qualified to participate in the MNP auction, BTRC chairman said: We had found some problems in the clearance reports of the companies by intelligence agencies.
The regulator will announce its decision regarding the companies after the changes in MNP guidelines.
Earlier, BTRC suspended its auction for Mobile Number Portability (MNP) licence scheduled for 28 September.
In a notice published on its website on September 20, the telecom regulatory body said it has decided to suspend the overall proceedings of MNP service licence auction due to unavoidable circumstances.
It also said new date for the auction will be published later.
According to Bangladesh Telecommuni-cation Regulatory Commission (BTRC)--REVE Number Limited with T4B Sp Z.o.o of Poland, Greentech International Limited with MEDIAFON of Lithunia, Infozillion BD Teletech Consortium Limited with Teletech d.o.o of Slovenia, Agile Technology Solution Limited with Clear Tech of Brazil and Roots Infotech Limited with Systor Group of Norwayhave been qualified for participating in the upcoming MNP auction.
