New Delhi: The wait for number portability, which will enable subscribers to switch telecom operators without getting their phone numbers changed, has got longer with the Government on Thursday extending the implementation deadline from September 20 to December 31.
"The implementation of first phase of the mobile number portability (MNP), in metro and category A service area has been extended to December 31, 2009," an official statement said.
MNP allows users to switch operators without changing numbers.
As a result, the MNP service is likely to be available by end of this year in Delhi, Mumbai, Kolkata, Maharashtra, Gujarat, Andhra Pradesh, Tamil Nadu including Karnataka and Chennai service areas.
"The Department of Telecommunication has extended the date of implementation in view of time and efforts required to customise and upgrade the existing networks for enabling them to provide MNP service," the statement added.
"Moreover certain technical and commercial issues relating to MNP service are also to be resolved."
In June, the Telecom Regulatory Authority of India, the sector's watchdog, had issued draft regulations for MNP highlighting the rights, obligations and duties of service providers.
The draft regulations lay down the business process for implementing mobile number portability.
In March, two MNP service providers - one for each zone - were selected - Syniverse Technologies (in north and western India) and MNP Interconnection Telecom (for east and southern India).
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