LAHORE, May 17: The launch of Mobile Number Portability (MNP) system has been delayed for the third time. On the direction of the Pakistan Telecommunication Authority (PTA), a supervisory board representing all cellular companies was formed in April last year to introduce the MNP. The PTA’s function was to regulate the board’s affairs.

The PTA intended to launch the system in last Nov-Dec but later it told the media that since it was a complicated system, it would be introduced in May-June this year. PTA chairman Shahzada Alam Malik now claims the MNP will be launched in October this year.

According to sources, unnecessary delay in the purchase of equipment by the board and disagreement among some cell phone companies were the major reasons behind the postponement of the launch.

Earlier, two major cell companies were against the proposal as they believed that the MNP implementation would result in a loss of their market share. However, the PTA had refused to buy their stance in this regard.

The MNP means enabling a subscriber to change his or her network operator without changing his or her cell number.

The on-line central mobile subscriber number reference database and porting-mediation system known as Central Database Administration (CDA) are being developed for implementation of the MNP.

The system is being launched to encourage a fair competition among all the Cell Mobile Telecommunications Operators (CMTO) and to improve customer service quality.

According to a PTA official, the authority will issue a detailed regulation covering aspects regarding role and responsibilities of the supervisory body, the CDA, CMTO and the other authorised operators.

“The implementation of MNP is likely to go smooth and the public will have access to seamless and transparent service from any CMTO they choose for benefits like better service, quality of connection and better pricing without having to surrender their existing subscriber number.”