The unpreparedness of mobile operators in upgrading their networks to support mobile number portability (MNP) by December 31, 2009 as notified by DoT for phase I of introduction of MNP in metros and A’ circles has now forced the DoT to introduce MNP across the country in one go on March 31, 2010.

 “The government has now decided to implement it in whole of the country in one go, by March 31, 2010,” said DoT.

According to DoT, after a series of meetings with the service providers to assess their readiness for MNP implementation, it was found that while some have technically upgraded and augmented their networks and some have established physical links with MNP operators, others are still in the process.

3G spectrum auctioning and MNP implementation in India have witnessed repeated delays. It is a big failure on the part of the government and especially the communications ministry in being unable to execute originally announced schedules related to these issues.