DHAKA, Oct 1, 2018 (BSS) – The much-awaited mobile number portability (MNP)
service was launched today “commercially on a trial” basis in Bangladesh.
The service has 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
introduction of this service at a press conference at its office this
morning.
“Although at this moment, activities of MNP have been started “commercially
on a trial” basis but the customer can enjoy full operation of the service,”
said BTRC Chairman (acting) Md Jahurul Haque.
A total of 17 mobile phone users have switched to another operator till
12:30pm of the first day of introduction of this service, he revealed.
Haque said the customer has to pay a total of Taka 158, including Taka 50
VAT for the service and Taka 100 with TAX for SIM replacement.
The regulator 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.
Replying to a query, the BTRC chairman said the charge for MNP service
would decrease gradually if it appears that the operator is making much
profit.
However, many mobile phone users are being barred by the operators while
they tried to avail MNP service. Several customers of a top operator alleged
that they have been rejected when they started the process of switching to
another operator.
Infozillion Teletech BD Managing Director Mabroor Hossain said that as per
the BTRC rules; 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 they have taken initiative to complete the porting within 24 hours
for prepaid users.
Infozillion Chief Executive Officer (CEO) Lt. Col Mohammad Zulfikar (retd)
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/she has to wait 90 days,
added Zulfikar.
About the unused talk-time and data, BTRC’s Director (system and Service)
Lt. Col Azizur Rahman Siddiquee said as per the rules, the unused talk-time
will remain deposited at the previous operator for two years. “If the user
doesn’t return to the previous operator within two years, the future of this
talk-time would be decided in consultation with Bangladesh Bank.”
In the case of data, he said, the user has to switch operator leaving the
unused data as it is subscribed for a particular period and package.
BTRC Chairman, however, advised the users to finish talk-time and data
before switching.
Regarding the outstanding bill, BTRC Director General (Engineering and
Operations) Brig Gen Mustafa Kamal said users have to pay the bill before
switching.
BTRC Commissioners Rezaul Quader and Aminul Hasan along with officials
concerned were present on the occasion.
The government hopes that the MNP will lead to greater competition in the
market and improved services.
According to the BTRC, currently 72 countries across the world offer MNP
services. India began MNP services in 2011 and Pakistan launched them in
2007.