Mobile phone users will have to collect new subscriber identity module (SIM) cards to enjoy the much-awaited mobile number portability (MNP) service, to be available from October 1.
The assigned MNP operator Infozillion Teletech BD said as per the directive of Bangladesh Telecommunication Regulatory Commission (BTRC), the users have to collect new SIM cards of their desired operator to port their mobile numbers.
Infozillion Teletech BD Managing Director Mabroor Hossain informed that the new SIM card would be activated within a particular time, reports BSS.
The MNP operator's 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 national identity card 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.
Zulfikar said a customer has to pay Taka 50 for switching the operator.
BTRC has earlier announced to introduce the service in the early hour of October 1.
On November 30 last year, the telecom regulator handed over the MNP license to the joint venture firm Infozillion Teletech BD.
All the mobile phone operators, public switched telephone network (PSTN) operators and other gateway operators have already been connected with the platform of the Infozillion Teletech BD.
Once the service is introduced, the mobile phone users can port to another operator retaining his/her number unchanged at Taka 50 plus VAT and the process would take highest 72 hours.
If any user again wants to change operator, he/she has to wait 90 days.
More than 72 countries have MNP, which increases competition among operators in terms of service quality.
