ZCZC
BSS-33
PM-MNP
PM to formally open MNP services tomorrow
DHAKA, Oct 20, 2018 (BSS) – Prime Minister Sheikh Hasina will formally launch the mobile number portability (MNP) services tomorrow.
“The prime minister will launch the MNP services at a function at her official Ganabhaban residence at 10 am tomorrow,” Prime Minister’s Office sources told BSS today.
The much-awaited MNP services were introduced “commercially on a trial” basis in Bangladesh on October 1.
With this Bangladesh became the 72nd country to make the services available.
The services have opened up the users’ freedom of choice in switching to any network, retaining the existing number unchanged, which was not possible earlier for the hassle of changing number.
Bangladesh Telecommunication Regulatory Commission (BTRC) announced the launching of the MNP services at a press conference at its office on October 1.
“We hope that the MNP will lead to greater competition in the market and improved services,” BTRC Chairman (acting) Md Jahurul Haque told the press conference.
The telecom watchdog assigned Infozillion Teletech BD, a consortium of Infozillion BD Limited and Teletech DOO, Slovenia, through issuing license in November last year to offer the MNP service.
It was directed to run operation within 180 days of getting the license but, failed to comply with the order for the non-compliance of mobile phone operators.
Infozillion Teletech BD Managing Director Mabroor Hossain said that as per the BTRC rule, mobile phone users must collect new SIMs from the customer care of the desired operator.
“Within a particular time, the new SIM card would be activated,” he said
Mabroor said they have taken initiative to complete the porting within 24 hours for prepaid users.
Infozillion Chief Executive Officer (CEO) Lt Col (retd) Mohammad Zulfikar said the user intending to switch to new operator under the MNP service has to give related information and documents such as NID number and picture during collection of a new SIM.
“Though the regulator has given a timeframe of 72 hours to activate the SIMs, Infozillion assures the customers that the process would be completed much earlier,” he said.
If any user again wants to change operator, he or she has to wait for 90 days, added Zulfikar.
According to the BTRC, currently 72 countries across the world offer MNP service. India began MNP service in 2011 and Pakistan launched it in 2007.
BSS/SH/KU/2057 HRS