MNP

Mobile Number Portability

1. Introduction

Mobile Number Portability (MNP) allows the Mobile service subscribers to retain their

existing mobile number when they move from one Service Provider to another Service

Provider with in a same licensed service area.

Mobile number portability (MNP) requires that mobile telephone customers can keep their

telephone number–including the prefix–when switching from one provider of mobile

telecommunications services to another. In the absence of MNP, customers have to give up

their number and must adopt a new one when they switch operators. As a result, customers

face switching costs associated with informing people about changing their number, printing

new business cards, missing valuable calls from people that do not have the new number, etc.

Based on these considerations, many regulatory authorities have imposed mandatory MNP–or

are about to require its introduction–so as to reduce customers’ switching costs, attempting to

make mobile telecommunications more competitive.

Mobile Number Portability (MNP) is an initiative to allow Mobile phone users to retain

their mobile number when they switch from one Mobile Operator to other irrespective of

mobile technology or from one technology to another within same operator. For example, if

you have a mobile number 9810655555 (which belongs to Airtel GSM in Haryana), you can

shift your number to Vodafone (GSM) or to Tata Indicom (CDMA) within Haryana circle.

You might be wondering, why would a subscribe want to shift the operator. Well, there can be

many reasons, the main reasons being bad service quality, poor customer support,

unreasonable pricing and billing. In such cases, the subscriber who has a lucky mobile

number or a long-standing mobile number (which is widely circulated among his

relations/contacts) would like to retain the mobile number while seeking better operator

service. In the absence of MNP, the above action is not possible.

MNP makes sense in those markets where high competition and penetration exists. MNP is

consumer-friendly initiative that aims to bring high level of customer service, competitive

pricing and quality. MNP is also operator-friendly as it gives a level ground to compete for

customers through innovative products, competitive pricing and high quality services.

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MNP allows portability within a cirlce. The portability across cirlces (Inter-circle

Portability) is not allowed yet and no details on that is available yet.

The world’s first country to introduce MNP was Singapore in 1997, followed by the UK,

Hong Kong and the Netherlands in 1999. As of 2003, a number of other countries, especially

in Europe, require MNP (see Table 1).

Table 1.1: Introduction of MNP in Selected Countries

Year Countries where MNP is available

1997 Singapore

1999 UK, Hong Kong, Netherlands

2000 Spain, Switzerland

2001 Australia, Sweden, Denmark, Norway

2002 Belgium, Italy, Portugal, Germany

Ireland, France, Finland

2003 Luxembourg, Greece (planned), Austria

(planned)

2004 USA (planned)

not clear Canada, New Zealand, Japan, South Korea,

Taiwan, Mexico

Sources: European Commission (2002), INTUG (2003);

own research

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2. Need of MNP

Mobile Number portability (MNP) enables mobile subscribers to change their service

providers or their location without having to change their existing phone numbers. If the

subscribers are not satisfied with the services of their service provider, they can change their

service provider while retaining the existing phone number. This infuses competition among

service providers and forces them to improve their service standards to check subscriber

churn. Many countries have made number portability mandatory to liberalize competition.

Many others are in the process of implementing it. A significant technical aspect of

implementing number portability is related to the routing of calls or mobile messages (SMS,

MMS) to a number once it is ported to some other network.

In Indian cellular communication scenario, the term MNP is becoming more popular.

Sticking to Herbert Spencer’s theory on “Survival of the fittest”, the mobile operators will be

forced to follow this theory in serving the customers. Either they have to satisfy their

customers with the service or lose them to their competitors without any problem to the

customers. It could also be termed as, a customer having the option of switching service

providers without changing the mobile number.

With current scenario, if a customer is dissatisfied on the service by mobile operator either

he has to reluctantly accept the service or switch to another service provider that he wishes. In

the later case, he has to drop his identity, the mobile number. In most cases when the mobile

number is used for all business and family correspondence, it becomes generally impossible

to leave the number. To overcome these hardships, the concept of MNP was introduced.

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3. History

Globally, the introduction of MNP across markets has witnessed a mixed response from

customers. The push for MNP implementation has always been led by market regulators in an

effort to provide mobile customers with the freedom to move between service providers and

drive healthier competition. India is no different. In fact, operators have in the past opposed

MNP on the grounds that there is already enough competition in the market and that

penetration is still low. Nonetheless, in the interests of customers, this has been brushed aside.

Globally also, mobile service providers have been opposed to MNP, fearing higher customer

churn rates.

Globally, among the major countries, Singapore was the first to implement MNP In 1997,

followed by Hong Kong in 1999, Australia in 2001, Germany in 2002, the US and France in

2003, South Korea in

2004, Taiwan in 2005, Japan in 2006 and Canada in 2007 (Refer Exhibit 3). Among the

latest countries to implement MNP have been Mexico (July 2008), Malaysia (August 2008),

Brazil (September 2008), Romania (October 2008), Turkey (November 2008) and Ecuador

(February 2009). Most of these markets had already achieved, or were near, the 50% mobile

penetration rate (with the exception of Singapore) during the implementation phase.

The first implementation of MNP starts in late 1990swith Singapore implementing the

MNP (limited) functionality in 1997 followed by Hon Kong in 1999,Spain in 2000, Australia

in 2001 and list continues to grow.

Now, years after playing the waiting game, MNP finally arrived in India on 20th Jan, 2011

after the Telecom Regulatory Authority of India (TRAI) issued a draft of various regulations

for its introduction.

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4. Types of Number Portability

The government has defined and mandated three basic types of number portability:

1. service provider portability (commonly referred to as Local Number

Portability),

2. location portability, and

3. service portability.

The three types may be combined to form variations on number portability services.

4.1 Service Provider Portability:

Service provider portability or Local Number Portability, as defined in the

Telecommunications Act of 1996, is the ability of end users to retain existing directory

numbers at the same location as they change from one service provider to another.

Historically, all directory numbers in one NPA-NXX were assigned to a single telephone

switch. The incumbent had a significant advantage in retaining customers by controlling or, in

effect, owning the customer’s telephone number. A customer who wanted to change local

service providers faced the potential costs and inconveniences of changing to a new phone

number, including distributing it to family, friends, and business contacts. To facilitate

competition at the local exchange, the FCC mandated that phone numbers be portable among

local exchange competitors (ILECs, CLECs, cellular providers, and so on).

With the introduction of local number portability, individual directory numbers in one

NPA-NXX may be moved to a different telephone switch. Therefore, the first six digits of a

directory number (NPA-NXX) no longer uniquely identify the switch that serves that

customer. To identify the correct switch, the concept of a location routing number (LRN) was

introduced by industry experts and approved by the FCC. Each switch that hosts portable

numbers will be assigned a 10-digit LRN that will be used in routing a call to that switch.

The order calls for porting only within a rate center. A rate center, or the portability

domain, is an area (usually under the jurisdiction of the state Public Utilities Commission) in

which directory numbers can be ported. All LNP-capable network elements, including service

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switching points (SSPs), signal transfer points (STPs), and signal control points (SCPs), must

maintain a list of NPA-NXXs that are considered portable.

4.2 Location Portability

Location portability, as defined in the FCC’s First Report and Order, Docket No. 95-116,

released July 2, 1996, is the ability of users of telecommunications services to retain existing

directory numbers without impairment of quality, reliability, or convenience when moving

from one physical location to another. In this case, a given telephone number could be

associated with any network termination device, independent of location.

Location portability would allow customers to take their directory number when they move

to a geographic location outside of the original rate center. In the Second Memorandum

Opinion and Order on Reconsideration regarding FCC Docket 95-116, the FCC concluded

that nothing in the Act would preclude it from mandating location portability in the future;

however, no requirements have yet been designated or mandated.

4.3 Service Portability

Service portability, as defined in the FCC’s First Report and Order, Docket No. 95-116, is

the ability of users of telecommunications services to retain existing directory numbers

without impairment of quality, reliability, or convenience when switching from one service to

another service provided by the same carrier. It is the ability of a subscriber to retain the

existing Mobile number when changing from one service to another service, say from GSM to

CDMA services. The FCC has not addressed service portability at this time, and requirements

for service portability are still undefined.

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5. LNP Architectures

There are two types of LNP(local number portability) architecture:

1. Wireline LNP Architecture

2. Wireless LNP Architecture

5.1 Wireline Local Number Portability (LNP) Architecture and

Processes:

There are many components and processes involved in a Local Number Portability

system.

5.1.1 Network Elements:

Architecturally, seven basic components are required to deploy local number

portability:

Service order administration (SOA)

Number portability administration center (NPAC)

Local service management system (LSMS)

Service control point management system (SCP MS)

Number portability database (NPDB)

Signal transfer point (STP)

Service switching point/mobile switch center (SSP/MSC)

I. Service Order Administration (SOA)

Serves as an interface element between carriers' order and provisioning

systems and the Number Portability Administration Center (NPAC).

SOA's primary functions include subscription audit request or management,

data administration, data transfer to the NPAC, report generation, bulk file

parse and upload, subscription tracking, legacy order entry interface, and

logging.

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Figure 5.1 following, illustrates the telecommunications management network (TMN)

reference architecture for the seven LNP components.

Figure 5.1: LNP architecture

II. Number Portability Administration Center (NPAC)

Number Portability Administration Center (NPAC) is a third-party, neutral

database administration function that supports number portability.

This database is designed to receive information from both incumbent and

new service providers, validate that info. and download the new routing

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information when a customer has been physically connected to the new

service provider's network.

III. Local Service Management System (LSMS)

The Local Service Management System (LSMS) is a fault-tolerant hardware

and software platform that contains database with routing information to

ported telephone numbers.

The primary functions of the LSMS are subscription management, network

data management, service provider data management, error processing and

notification, transaction event logging and reporting, transmission of

activation/deactivation events to the network elements, and audits.

IV. Service Control Point Management System (SCP MS)

The service control point management system provides interface services

between the LSMS and the SCP.

The SCP MS may or may not be physically integrated with the SCP.

V. Number Portability Database (NPDB)

The Number Portability Database (NPDB) contains all ported numbers within a

ported domain as well as routing info. necessary to support number portability. Its

function is to provide the association between the called party and the carrier LRN,

identifying the switch to which the call should be routed.

VI. Signal Transfer Point (STP)

The signal transfer point receives the LRN query from the SSP/MSC and routes

the query to the appropriate LNP SCP. The STP returns the SCP response to the

SSP/MSC.

The basic core functionality of the STP as a network message router has not been

impacted.

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VII. Service Switching Point/Mobile Switch Center (SSP/MSC)

The Service Switching Point/Mobile Switch Center (SSP/MSC) is owned and

operated by the exchange carrier.

These switch points must be able to generate a LNP query to the NPDB when a

call is placed to a telephone number in a ported domain.

A ported domain here is defined as a Metropolitan Statistical Area (MSA) that has

implemented number portability

5.1.2 Call Flow: Wireline to Ported Wireline Number

The following steps outline the call flow from a wireline customer to a ported wireline

number.

1. A wireline customer dials a ported wireline number. The SSP queries an internal table

that identifies all portable NPA-NXXs.

2. If the dialed NPA-NXX is marked as portable, the originating SSP will determine

whether an SSP query should be launched. A query is not required when the following

conditions exist: the called party directory number is served by the switch; the call is

routed to an operator system or interexchange carrier; a number portability query was

already made for the call; or the serial triggering limit is exceeded. If none of the

above conditions exist, the SSP formulates and launches an SS7 TCAP query to the

NPDB.

3. The originating switch receives the NPDB response and analyzes the data. The LRN is

translated in the number portability routing tables and an ISUP route out of the switch

is determined. The LRN is stored in the called party number (CdPN) parameter and

the dialed digits are stored in the generic address parameter (GAP) of the ISUP initial

address message (IAM). In addition, the forward call indicator (FCI) or number

translated indicator is set to indicate a query has been performed (set to translated

number).

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4. The call is routed to the recipient switch based on the LRN. The recipient switch

receives and processes the contents of the IAM message and completes the call to the

subscriber.

5. If, after initiating a query and analyzing the response data, the originating switch

determines that the dialed number has not ported, the call is routed to a donor switch

based on the original dialed digits. As with a ported telephone number, the dialed

number is translated in the number portability routing tables and an ISUP route out of

the switch is determined. The dialed number is stored in the CdPN parameter and the

FCI is set to indicate a query has been performed. The GAP is not included in the IAM

for this scenario. The donor switch receives and processes the contents of the IAM

message, digitally analyzes the dialed digits, finds the subscriber on the switch, and

completes the call.

5.2 LNP Architecture and Methodology in a Wireless Environment

Although the basic infrastructure for wireless and wireline number portability is the same,

wireless service providers face some unique challenges associated with service and network

operations design and implementation. One significant architectural difference is that the

mobile switch center (MSC) replaces the signal switching point (SSP) of the wireline model.

These centers must be capable of terminating a call to a ported telephone number. There are

several ways to accomplish this. Typically, an MSC should be able to generate a NP query to

an NPDB when a call is placed to a telephone number in a ported domain. A query is

generated on any call to an NPA-NXX that has been designated as portable in the local

exchange routing guide (LERG), the NPAC, and marked as such in the switch routing tables.

In order to implement local number portability, a wireless provider’s MSC(s) must be able

to process calls destined to ported subscribers. In Phase I this is strictly a wireline ported

subscriber call, originating at a mobile station. This requirement expands to include wireless

ported subscribers in Phase II. Whether now or later, the provider will need to provision

software to recognize the specialized trigger mechanisms required for query capability. A

trigger is defined and implemented in the MSC in order to launch the NPDB query to obtain

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necessary routing information for call completion. Wireless providers should discuss the

trigger mechanism and software provided by the MSC vendor in preparation for

implementation.

Based on the nature of most wireless technologies (excluding GSM), the mobile

identification number (MIN) has been identical to the mobile directory number (MDN). In

order to satisfy the FCC directive to support nationwide roaming (clarified in Memorandum

and Order CC-95-116), wireless carriers using this identification assignment process will need

to separate the two numbers.

Within the WNP framework, mobile stations will possess two types of numbers: a mobile

station identifier (MSID) and a mobile directory number (MDN). The MDN will be a dialable

NANP directory number (NANP format) and will be portable. The MSID will be either an

IMSI and/or NANP-like MIN and will not be portable. When a customer ports, the MDN and

the MSID will become separate and distinct, with the MSID being surrendered to the donor

network. The ported subscriber’s MDN however, will remain the same. Once the MDN and

MSID are separate, each switch serving a subscriber with these parameters must be capable of

recognizing these parameters as separate and distinct.

Overall, industry groups have identified supplementary hurdles to overcome, including rate

center parity issues, directory listing issues, and wireline-to-wireless porting intervals and

billing issues. Currently, these issues have either been referred to or are being addressed by a

variety of official industry bodies, including the FCC, Order and Billing Forum (OBF), and

NANC.

In addition to the MSC switching software modifications, wireless providers must ensure

that global title (GT) routing is supported from the switch. Typically, this means a routing

indicator in the called party address of the service connection control part (SCCP) portion of

the TCAP message. Routing to the NPDB can either be done using global title or destination

point code/subsystem number. Benefits to GT routing include support of and ability to use a

regionally distributed architecture as well as load balance functionality across databases and

associated linksets. Previously, wireless carriers did not access enhanced services databases

and as a result opted to not implement GT routing.

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During Phase II, wireless providers must be able to port subscribers and upload information

on numbers that either port to or from them to appropriate NPAC for access by other

providers. A service order administration (SOA) system provides this necessary functionality

to interface with the wireless provider’s order and provision systems to update the NPAC.

Phase I: Call Completion in a Portable Environment

Phase I involves delivering calls to ported wireline telephone numbers. Wireless carriers

capable of launching number portability request (NPREQ) messages and equipped with

switch trigger capabilities may participate in this initial phase of wireless number portability

(WNP). Capability is contingent upon the following requirements:

1) Wireless service provider must have the location routing number (LRN) switch

software upgrade implemented for call delivery.

2) The mobile switch center (MSC) must be able to launch queries using global

title data, i.e., launching queries to an alias point code (APC) and translation

type (TT) instead of routing on a destination point code/ and subsystem

number (DPC/SSN).

Phase II: Wireless Number Porting

Phase II implementation encompasses the process of porting a customer from wireless to

wireless service providers, as well as the complete integration of the wireline and wireless

porting process. This phase requires implementation of all the components of the NP

functional architecture, which are described in the previous Wireline Architecture and

Processes section and in the Inter-Carrier Communications Requirements and Specifications

section following.

5.3 Call Flow: Wireless to Ported Wireline Number

The following steps outline the call flow from a wireless customer to a ported wireline

number.

1. A mobile subscriber dials a wireline number that is ported. The MSC queries

an internal table that identifies all portable NPA-NXXs.

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2. If the NPA-NXX is marked as portable, the MSC queries the NPDB using the

IS-756 number portability request (NPREQ) message containing the directory

number derived from the dialed digits.

3. If the dialed number is found in the NPDB, the LRN identifying the recipient

switch is returned in the response or (NPREQ) message. The routing digits

(ROUTDGTS) parameter includes the LRN associated with the ported

directory number.

4. The MSC selects the appropriate trunk group based upon the LRN. If the call is

routed using ISUP signaling, the LRN is populated in the called party number

parameter (CdPN) and the ported number translation indication (FCI) bit is set

to number translated, verifying that the LRN query has been performed.

5. The call is handed off to the appropriate network and the recipient switch

terminates the call.

6. If the destination directory number has not been ported, the NPREQ response

message does not contain any parameters.

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6. Implementation of MNP

There are two basic implementation of MNP:

1. Indirect Routing or decentralized or bilateral architecture

2. Direct Routing or centralized architecture

6.1 Indirect Routing or decentralized or bilateral architecture:

This model works bilaterally between the donor and recipient service providers who are

responsible for informing all others of the change. It would suit to markets with less number

of service providers. Each provider will have a dedicated setup and comprehensive database

of ported out and ported in subscribers. As the number of service providers increases, the

bilateral approach becomes a great burden to all service providers involved in terms of time,

cost and resources. FNR (Flexible Number Register) will help the service providers have the

ported database in addition to the original HLR database.

6.1.1 Sample implementation of MNP in middle east:

In one of the countries of middle east, the MNP service is implemented in bilateral

architecture. There are two operators available in the country and each have their own

customized system for handling the MNP database. Whenever a customer wants to change his

service provider, he visits the recipient provider and initiates a request to port in the

subscription with the recipient provider. The recipient party then coordinates with the donor

party for porting the number. During the process, the donor deletes the number from its HLR

database and updates the number in its FNR – ported out list. Similarly the recipient party

updates the number in its HLR database and FNR – ported in list.

Coming to the MT transactions, there are two possible options,

1. Call from same PLMN: As both the service providers have the complete list

of Ported out and ported in numbers, the originating MSC will route the call either

to its own network or to other network based on available database.

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2. Call from outside the PLMN: As the originating network needs not to be

aware of the MNP functionality, it will route the call based on the number series

database available with it. The recipient network will make further analysis for

routing of the call by following the procedures mentioned in previous point.

6.1.2 Ericsson MSC perspective of indirect routing – MNP:

For a single operator, three considerations have to be made.

1. Analysis for ported in Home subscriber or Native subscriber.

2. Analysis for ported in other PLMN subscriber or non-Native subscriber.

3. Analysis for ported out subscriber.

The value ‘D’ is represented as #13 in Ericsson AXE. Value ‘#’ is represented as #12.

In sample network, for case 1, the reply from the FNR will have a format of

mccD98msrn. It is represented in B-number analysis as 8 mcc#1398msrn.

For case 2, the format is also mccD98msrn.

For case 3, the call is routed to the other operator in mccD95msisdn format.

The main aim of using the special formats D95 and D98 is to help the network in

discriminating the numbers for routing. These special indicators can be assigned upon the

network convenience. The receiving network should recognize the numbers based on the

format received.

6.1.3 Available origins supporting FNR:

Result from HLR in BO=8 with mcc#1395. Result from IN in BO=78 with mcc#1395

and mcc#1398. The Origin 8 is derived from EXROP: DETY=GRI; and the origin 78 is

derived from SHRSP: OSR=ALL; . In this case, the 75 gets modified into 76 and in turn into

78.

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6.1.4 Issues with this type of routing: Routing to the ported user is indirect and possibly costly, because additional transit

charges, interconnect charges, and/or extra conveyance costs may be generated even

when the originating provider is the same as the terminating recipient provider.

For the donor network, billing associated with ported and non-ported numbers cannot

be differentiated easily.

If the donor network uses a small, non-high-performance database, increased call

setup time for ported numbers is inevitable.

Due to the dependence on the donor network, the receiving network cannot serve the

ported user reliably, because it has no control over the quality of service on the donor

network.

If the donor provider discontinues its operations or is experiencing a network failure,

the ported subscribers cannot be reached even if they ported numbers years ago. This

is a growing concern due to the increasing number of failures and the high cost to put

these subscribers back in service.

6.2 Direct Routing or centralized architecture:

Fig6.1: Direct Routing Eliminates Donor Involvement

In direct routing, the concept of CDB comes into picture. This central database or Central

clearing house will handle all activities related to porting of subscribers between service

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providers. This model is suited for markets with several service providers and this model is

currently used almost in all MNP implementations. Two options are available with this model

with all the service providers updating the ported number database in synchronization with the

CDB and the other is to query the CDB for all call interrogation to get proper routing procedure.

After obtaining the rules, rest of the call is handled normally.

Thus the complexity and risk is reduced to a minimum with the little increase in work for

the service providers to make an additional check. This model is highly recommended for

MNP implementation and the routing procedures can be discussed between the operators.

Fig6.2: Reducing Complexity by moving from a Bilateral to a Centralized Approach

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7. Number Portability routing variants

In the following, a number of Number Portability routing variants are shown. If IN is used

to control the switches, all solutions can in principle be based on the same IN service with

necessary adaptation to national database specifications and routing principles.

The online databases held by the SCP's are updated via the SMP through servers

interfacing the national administrative network. The interface towards the administrative

network is normally based on XML.

Donor is the network porting out a number and the recipient is the network porting in the

number.

7.1 Fixed Network Routing:

7.1.1 Onward Routing:

Onward routing is normally used in the early faces of the introduction of number portability

when there are not many numbers ported. This solution can be solved using, but does not

require, IN, and there is no need for a central database. Only the donor and recipient networks

need to know about the porting of a number. A call to a ported number is routed to the

original destination network where the call is rerouted to the present destination network

either by means of call forwarding or an IN look-up.

Fig7.1 : Onward Routing

7.1.2 Query on Release:

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Query on Release is, as onward routing, also best suited for low volumes of ported

numbers. This method requires, however, IN. The originating network routes all calls to the

original destination network (the number range holder). If the number is ported a release

message is sent to the originating network, indicating a ported number. The originating

network will then make an IN look-up and route the call to the correct destination network.

Fig7.2: Query on Release

7.1.3 All Call Query:

The All Call Query method is the most efficient method for large, interconnected networks

and a high number of ported numbers. Using the All Call Query method, the originating

network will always make an IN look-up for outgoing calls, routing the call to the correct

destination network right away. Depending on the routing information conveyed in the

signalling to the destination network, the destination network may or may not need to make a

new IN look-up for the incoming call to terminate the call correctly within its own network.

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Fig7.3: All Call Query

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7.2 Mobile Network Routing:

7.2.1 Terminating Query on Digit Analysis:Terminating Query on Digit Analysis is similar to onward routing for fixed networks,

except that in the mobile case, IN look-up is performed on all terminating calls to

decide whether the number is ported or not. If the destination number is ported, the

call will be rerouted from the original destination network to the present destination

network.

Fig7.4: Terminating query on digit analysis

7.2.2Query on HLR Release:

Query on HLR Release is similar to Terminating query on Digit Analysis, but before a

look-up is done towards IN, the call is attempted terminated through normal procedures. If the

destination number is not present in the HLR, an IN look-up is made, and the call is routed to

the present destination network.

Fig7.5: Query on HLR Release

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7.2.3 Originating Query on Digit Analysis:

Originating Query on Digit Analysis is similar to the All Call Query method for fixed

networks. The originating network does an IN look-up for all outgoing calls, and routes the

call directly to the present destination network.

Fig7.6: Originating query on digit analysis

7.2.4 Routing of non-call related signalling (SMS):

For routing of SMS messages and other non-call related signalling to ported numbers, the

Signalling Relay Function (SRF) has been introduced. The SRF is usually implemented as an

integral part of an IN solution. A SMS results in the SRF making a number database inquiry,

and if the result is that the destination number is ported, then the home network SRF is

contacted in order to provide the new routing information from the new HLR.

Fig 7.7: Routing of non-call related signalling (SMS)

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8. Clearing House

8.1 What is Clearing House?

The Centralized Clearinghouse is a message processing system through which

service providers communicate using the same set of rules for handling porting

requests and exchanging information required for porting numbers.

This centralized clearing house will be managed by third party to avoid conflict of

interest.

The Number Portability Database will have the mobile numbers of all mobile users.

All mobile service providers will then link their networks with that of the

MCHAs(Mobile Number Portability Clearing House Administrator) and

NPDB(National Portability Database).

8.2 Role of Clearing House

National Number Portability Clearing House a regulatory body responsible for

managing port-in/out numbers across the operators in India.

It maintains a database with Port-In/Out information across the country / operators.

It also maintains historical trail of porting for audit trail.

This database is pushed / pulled into ‘Reference Database’ also called ‘Routing

Database’ which will assist network elements (MSC) to direct each call to their

respective telecom operator (servicing that number).

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9. Mobile Number Portability In India

Mobile number portability enables mobile telephone users to retain their mobile telephone

numbers when changing from one network operator to another. It is a very important concept

that should be implemented in India where total number of mobile subscribers cross 45 crore

mark at the end of August 2009. Number portability is also likely to help new entrants into the

Indian mobile-services market, such as the Indian joint ventures of Telenor and Etisalat. The

move to introduce the MNP comes as the country's mobile subscriber base is expanding fast,

sometimes having an impact on network quality. Presently, MNP is already existing in many

developing and developed countries across the world.

The MNP option will, however, not lead to a dramatic shift by subscribers from one

operator to another, as quality of service and network coverage are not significant

differentiators in the Indian market.

The introduction of number portability in other countries did not lead to a significant shift

by subscribers from one operator to another, and in India too there will be an initial churn of

up to 20 percent of subscribers, which will then taper off. Usually, customers do more likely

to shift if new operator will introduce new services or if another operator introduces an

aggressive tariff plan.

9.1 Some Stats/Information

India is the 8th nation in Asia to launch MNP.

Around 60 countries have already adopted MNP.

There are two types of porting 'Recipient-led porting' & 'Donor-led porting'. In case of

former, the responsibility of recipient operator to complete all process & formalities.

While in case of latter, the responsibility lies with donor network. The Donor-led

porting has proved to be very inefficient. India is following the 'Recipient-led porting'

model.

Central Database of Numbers (CDB) will hold list of all ported numbers. Network

operators hold local copies of this CDB and will look up this to decide which network

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to divert to. This process is called All Call Query (ACQ) and has successfully been

tried in Europe and upcoming countries.

9.2 Salient Points

MNP will be rolled out in phases, starting with metro and gradually to other cities in

India.

Subscriber wishing to switch from one operator to another should be active in the

parent network for atleast a period of 90 days!

If a number is already ported, the subscriber has to wait for another 90 days before he

can switch operator.

The subscriber willing to port should approach the recipient operator (i.e. the operator

that the customer wants to SWITCH TO).

The subscriber has to pay a Porting charge of Rs.19/- only.

Telecom Operators charge a porting fees from subscribers willing to switch operator.

The subscriber making the porting request is required to clear all the dues prior to

porting request. The subscriber should also provide an undertaking that he/she has

already paid all the dues to the donor operator and that he/she will pay any dues that

might accrue till the porting is complete. In case of non-payment, the recipient

operator has full rights to disconnect the mobile connection.

If a subscriber decides to cancel his switching request, he/she can do so within 24

hours of initial request. However, the porting charges that may have been deducted

would not be refundable.

TRAI Guidelines clearly says that the maximum time period for completing the

switching process is 4 days in all licensed areas except Assam, North east and J&K

(where the time period is 12 days)

Once the shifting is done, the donor operator is responsible and required to route the

call to the recipient network.

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9.3 Unique ID likely to replace Mobile Number

After implementation of the MNP, ones mobile number can be recognized as a unique

identification number. As per the announcement by government of India to introduce Unique

Identification Number, MNP will improve the system by allocating mobile number as a

unique identification. MNP and UID will make KYC and other identification process easy

and convenient to end user as well as authority.

9.4 It rolled out from December 31 2009

The introduction of mobile number portability (MNP) has been long awaited in India. A

variety of factors have caused the delay, including the formulation of clearly defined policies,

consensus building, and stakeholder preparation. However, it is expected to become a reality

by 2Q10. MNP will open up competition, but the benefits for the majority of customers,

which are price-sensitive prepaid customers, are marginal. Adoption will be limited to a

relatively small segment of customers comprising post-paid and high-spending prepaid

subscribers. A more pronounced effect of MNP is likely to be an increased focus on

improving the customer experience.

Mobile number portability (MNP) has been implemented from December 31 in metros and

category 'A' service areas, and by 20th March, 2010, in rest of the country. MNP will come

under Act “Telecommunication Mobile Number Portability Regulations, 2009” and TRAI

said the MNP facility shall be available only within a given licensed service area.

9.5 Mobile Number Portability More Attractive To India's Postpaid Users

and High Spenders: Nielsen Study

Reliance, Tata, and BSNL Subscribers More Likely To Switch

The introduction of Mobile Number Portability is considered good news for consumers, but

presents a looming threat for mobile operators since it presents consumers with the choice of

retaining their current mobile phone numbers even if they change their operator. And

according to a recently conducted Mobile Consumer Insights study conducted by The Nielsen

Company to gauge consumer attitudes and behavior towards mobile operators in India, it

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seems that close to one in five (18%) Indian mobile phone subscribers would change their

mobile operator if Mobile Number Portability is introduced into the market.

Among the respondents, one in four Reliance and Tata Indicom subscribers would be keen

to change their operator if Mobile Number Portability is introduced, followed by close to one

in five (19%) of BSNL subscribers.

In the third consecutive round of the Mobile Consumer Insights study by Nielsen in India,

12,500 mobile subscribers were surveyed across 50 centers in India. Nielsen augments the

study with objective measurement of network performance, with the Consumer Insights part

of the study measuring metrics such as satisfaction, willingness to recommend, reasons for

churn and reasons for operator selection.

”Mobile Number Portability represents a powerful opportunity for operators to drive in-

bound porting of high-value subscribers provided they have a good understanding of who is

more likely to switch and why,” said Shankari Panchapakesan, Executive Director, Telecom

Practice, The Nielsen Company, India.

According to the Nielsen Mobile Consumer Insights study, high spenders, postpaid

subscribers and business subscribers show a greater tendency to switch if Mobile Number

Portability is introduced. Prepaid, low and medium spend users are not motivated to switch.

Postpaid subscribers have almost double the minutes of usage compared to pre-paid

subscribers and the incidence of data application usage is also higher among postpaid and

high spenders. Vodafone has the highest postpaid subscriber base in India.

“When Mobile Number Portability was introduced in the US, price/promotions were by far

the leading drivers of acquisition. Ultimately the operator who leveraged the propensity of

subscribers to choose based on price/promotions was successful in riding the Mobile Number

Portability wave. In India, Mobile Number Portability can be leveraged by operators through

smart, targeted marketing and promotions to coincide with the introduction of the facility,”

continued Panchapakesan.

9.6 Who will Manage MNP Database

Syniverse was selected to receive the license for Zone 1, which includes the service

areas of Delhi, Mumbai, Maharashtra, Gujarat and seven others.

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MNP Interconnection Telecom solutions was granted for MNP service Zone 2, which

includes service areas of Eastern and Southern India

9.7 Reasons for operator selection

In the previous wave of the Nielsen study, Network Quality was a bigger driver of operator

choice, driven by GSM subscribers, whereas Price was the primary consideration for value-

conscious CDMA subscribers. In this round, Price is the primary driver for selecting an

operator across all subscribers, but still to a greater degree among CDMA subscribers.

According to the Nielsen study, among those subscribers who selected a mobile operator in

the past year, Price was the motivator for close to two in five (39%), and Network Quality the

driver of choice for over a third (36%). Promotion, Reputation/Recommendation and

Customer Service were among other considerations before selecting a mobile operator. (See

Chart1)

Fig9.1: Intention to Switch Operator

9.8 Satisfaction levels with current operators

More than half (55%) of all respondents were generally satisfied with their mobile

operator& 48 percent were satisfied with the network quality. However, satisfaction scores on

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network quality dropped for almost all operators, with Airtel, BSNL and Reliance registering

the greatest drops. 46 percent were satisfied with the network coverage area of their operator

& 43 percent were satisfied with the price they paid for the mobile phone service by their

operator.

Other areas of satisfaction included customer service experience and quality of voice (both

42%), strength of signal, Voice & Data tariff options and accuracy of bills (all 41%), indoor

coverage (40%), dropped calls (32%).

Loyalty to operators is seen to be higher among lower socio-economic groups, older age

groups, and among females. The circles in which subscribers are more likely to shift are

Mumbai and Delhi Metro, UP East and West, Gujarat, Rajasthan, Andhra Pradesh, Karnataka,

Kerala, and Rest of West Bengal (does not include Kolkata Metro). Circles in which

subscribers show higher retention levels are Chennai Metro, Haryana, Himachal Pradesh,

Punjab, UP East, Rest of Maharashtra (does not include Mumbai Metro), Rest of Tamil Nadu

(does not include Chennai Metro), Bihar, and Jharkhand.

“Consumers and the market will decide who the predominant player will be, with the

significant developments in the industry of Mobile Number Portability. As the market grows

and hyper-competition takes effect, retention of the right type of customers will become

critical,” said Panchapakesan.

9.9 About Nielsen Telecom Practice

Nielsen Telecom Practice, an industry-focused service of The Nielsen Company, is the

world’s largest independent provider of both syndicated and customized consumer research to

the telecom and mobile media markets. Nielsen Telecom Practice focuses on tracking the

behavior, attitudes and experiences of mobile consumers; their reports also provide up to

seven years of data on internet, video, gaming, audio and advertising trends for mobile phone

users. Nielsen’s technology-driven research provides unique and holistic insights into how

mobile customers use their devices and what they think about brands, devices and services.

Nielsen has the unique capability to offer objective measurement of Consumer Experience of

network quality in its comprehensive solutions suite.

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9.10 Mobile Network Portability will not likely to change churning

rate of Prepaid customer:

Postpaid users were found to be more overwhelmed by the MNP news that will help

them switch networks without their number being changed. Nielsen on Mobile

Consumer Insights indicates that business subscribers mostly from the postpaid

category are more likely to shift their service providers’ gears.

Fig 9.2: Classification by Connection Type

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Fig 9.3: Classification by Spending

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Fig 9.4: Classification by Usage

One would switch service providers because of:

Fig 9.5: Reasons behind switching service provider

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Most of the subscribers shift to the new operators because of the competitive tariff rate

offered by new operator.

10. Impact of MNP

10.1 Impact of MNP on Mobile Operators

Positives:

Operators who are having existing pool of strong customer base will be able to retain

customer by providing competitive services.

New telecom service providers can survive in the market by providing competitive

tariffs and VAS.

ARPU is likely to improve as customer reduce number of active connection of several

operators.

Negatives:

Competition among telecom service providers is increasing.

Profit margins are likely to erode

Complex task to find out subscribers owns by operators as it can change service

providers when ones found better value for money

Cartel in the existing operators to form synergy lead to hard game for rest of the

players.

10.2 Impact of MNP on Mobile Subscribers

Positives:

1. Subscribers would likely to have efficient services at cheapest rate.

2. Can retain one number lifetime while choosing competitive plans from other

operators.

3. CDMA users can switch to GSM network providers without changing the handset,

and hence subscribers need not to purchase the different handset for the different

network.

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Negatives:

Fees for transfer is yet not decided as new services introduced it will cost high.

A subscriber is eligible to make a porting request only after 90 days of the date of

activation of his mobile connection.

Subscribers transferring the mobile number with some balance amount, no credit

transfer would be allowed to the new account.

Consumers allowed to change operators within their registered circle only (So if

you are moving to another city and want to retain your mobile number, MNP is not

the answer).

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11. Procedure for Mobile number porting

First send an SMS to 1900 from your current number-PORT <Your Mobile

Number> e.g. PORT 123456789

You will be assigned a unique porting code which you have to send to the operator

you want to switch to via SMS. This number will be given through ads or on the

operator’s website. However, this code is valid only for a few days. So, you have to

act quickly.

The new operator will communicate with your existing operator to ensure you don’t

have any dues pending. After confirmation, your existing operator will give the

approval for number porting.

You will have to fit a form and submit relevant documents. If you are a post-paid

customer, you will have to submit a copy of your latest bill also.

After completing these formalities, you will get an SMS for the porting time and date. As

per TRAI regulations, it is compulsory to complete the entire process within four days.

Fig 11.1: Overview of Procedure

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12. Reasons behind MNP or Advantages

Number portability implementation removes barriers to competition between operators and

services and ensures a dynamic, fully competitive market. The two constituencies that will

benefit most from the introduction of number portability in India will be subscribers, and

operators who price competitively and provide quality service.

Currently in India, subscribers are required to change their telephone numbers when

changing operators. Changing a telephone number can be a major inconvenience and a barrier

preventing them from exercising the choice of changing operators. As a result, the customer

may be unable to take full advantage of the growing competition among operators or the

introduction of new services and technologies.

Number portability eliminates these hurdles, and subscriber benefits may be categorized as:

a. Type 1 benefits accrue to subscribers who retain their telephone number when

switching an operator, and include cost savings from having to change mobile number.

Such subscribers are able to avoid the costs of reprinting stationary, informing callers,

changing signs and lost business.

b. Type 2 benefits are those that arise out of efficiency and service quality

improvements and any associated price reductions resulting from increased

competition.

c. Type 3 benefits are those that accrue to callers to porting users who are able to avoid

the need to change entries in their diaries, directories, databases and abbreviated

dialers. They would also dial fewer wrong numbers and make fewer directory

inquiries.

Additionally, subscriber will be benefited from lower prices (Eg. Hong Kong,

Australia etc.) by the competition between operators to provide the best service

packages, customer service, or other benefits. Introducing number portability will

allow some of subscribers to shift between operators and could improve subscriber

satisfaction once it is introduced.

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Operators who provide the best quality of service and coverage, and highest ‘value-for-

money’ will benefit because consumers will prefer to begin service with them and will no

longer hesitate because of changing phone numbers. In the United States, for example, “when

unsatisfied cell phone customers want to change their service but not their phone number,

more switch to Verizon Wireless than other major carriers.” Verizon had the best porting-in to

porting-out ratio of 3:1 while AT&T Wireless was the worst at 1:5. According to Tole Hart,

principal analyst with Gartner, “Verizon is doing well because of the quality of their network

and customer service.”

13.1 Interesting facts about MNP:

United Kingdom is yet to switch to centralized solution ( as of Jan2008).

The time taken to port a subscriber between the service providers should not be

greater than the time taken to activate a new subscriber.

It takes only 3 minutes in Australia to port a subscriber successfully.

The first MNP implementation was made in 1990 Singapore.

Free of charge in countries and chargeable in some countries.

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13. Limitations of MNP

Consumers allowed to switch operators only 90 days after a connection is

activated.

Consumers allowed to change operators within their registered circle only (i.e.

if you are within the Gujarat circle you can’t shift to a Karnataka circle and so

on).

You might loose balance on prepaid cards.

In case you make a platform shift you will have to change handsets. This

means if you decide from CDMA-to-GSM or vice-versa, you will also have to

change your handset.

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14. Conclusion MNP does not generate churn, it only removes one barrier from the way of

free. As such, it brings challenges and opportunities for old and new

telecommunications providers.

To be successful in the competitive telecommunications environment, carriers

have to carefully analyze their network and administrative infrastructures,

select the best MNP solution for their needs and exploit the benefits of

increased customer choice that NP provides.

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15. Bibliography

Ported out – If a subscriber moves to new service provider, for the old service

provider, he is a “ported out” subscriber.

Ported in - If a subscriber moves to new service provider, for the new service

provider, he is a “ported in” subscriber.

Donor – The service provider left by the subscriber is termed as “donor”

Recipient – The service provider joined by the subscriber is termed as “recipient”

CDB – Central Database

ACQ – All Call Query

Service User - The Service User is the person or company that port a number or a

number series from one operator to another.

Service Subscriber - The Service Subscriber is the person or company, which

subscribes a telephony service with an operator that offers Number Portability and

pays the bills related to the subscription.

Service Provider - The Service Provider provides the Number Portability service

to which the service subscriber subscribes.

Service Operator - The Service Operator owns and operates the service platform

on which the Number Portability service runs.

Network Provider - The Network Provider owns and operates the network to

which the service platform is connected.

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16. References

1) Young Sic Jeong; Whan Woo Kim; Electron & Telecommunication Research

Institute., South Korea, Proceedings of the Advanced Industrial Conference on

Telecommunications/Service Assurance with Partial and Intermittent Resources

Conference/ELearning on Telecommunications Workshop,“The realization of

mobile number portability in Korea”, 05, 2005, 346 – 351.

2) http://ebookbrowse.com/11086172-mobile-number-portability-in-india-progress-

outlook-and-implications-pdf-d40664915

3) http://ebookbrowse.com/whitepaper-mobile-number-portability-correction-pdf-

d39002466

4) http://ebookbrowse.com/mobile-number-portability-in-india-keynote-capitals-pdf-

20090626

5) http://informationmadness.com/blog/25-blog/1545-india-mobile-number-

portability-complete-guide.html

6) www.mnpindia.in

7) http://ebookbrowse.com/mobile-number-portability-pdf

42 BVCOEW, Pune-43

http://www.mnpindia.in/

http://informationmadness.com/blog/25-blog/1545-india-mobile-number-portability-complete-guide.html

http://informationmadness.com/blog/25-blog/1545-india-mobile-number-portability-complete-guide.html

http://ebookbrowse.com/mobile-number-portability-in-india-keynote-capitals-pdf-20090626

http://ebookbrowse.com/mobile-number-portability-in-india-keynote-capitals-pdf-20090626

http://ebookbrowse.com/whitepaper-mobile-number-portability-correction-pdf-d39002466

http://ebookbrowse.com/whitepaper-mobile-number-portability-correction-pdf-d39002466

http://ebookbrowse.com/11086172-mobile-number-portability-in-india-progress-outlook-and-implications-pdf-d40664915

http://ebookbrowse.com/11086172-mobile-number-portability-in-india-progress-outlook-and-implications-pdf-d40664915

MNP

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