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Are We Prepared to Implement Number Portability?

Implementation of number portability in India appears to be an extremely difficult task for TRAI, as most of the service providers are apprehensive. A host of changes in the numbering scheme and the installation of new equipment are some of the major concerns of the service providers.
They have to invest heavily in storage capacity and billing mechanisms. Operators would have to spend an extra 10 percent on infrastructure to implement number portability. Also telecom service providers will need to constantly update their networks because of the customer's freedom to move to another network whosoever provides better services. Also pricing is an issue in which whether determination of the cost should be a regulatory decision or a decision taken by the association of service providers or individual operators. Further, business rules will have to be very strict to avoid financial losses.

The Road Ahead

India is a part of the global village and needs to keep pace with other countries with respect to technological advancements. Number portability will enhance competition further and it will be the consumer who will drive efficiency and grow the industry. Already, the falling rates for SMS, roaming and long-distance charges are an indication that competition is working and driving the industry. Therefore, in the present scenario and technologically driven industry, number portability will be the next advancement that drives the industry.

Concluded.

* Contributed by -
Prabhat Jindal,
MBA - Class of 2007,
ICFAI Business School, Kolkata.