Mobile number portability (MNP) which gives subscribers freedom to choose or fire their GSM service providers and still retain their numbers will create better value for the tripod upon which the telecom industry stands, according to a cross section of experts.
For the consumers, it is choice of better services; for the operators, it is retaining and attracting new subscribers depending on their quality of service; while for the regulator, it is breather from Nigerians angry at regulatory laxity.
The take off of MNP is now scheduled for the second quarter after several postponements.
Uche Onwudiwe, chief operating officer of Interconnnect ClearingHouse, said technically, the country was ready for the MNP regime but noted that there had been some delays because operators were foot dragging.
“The operators have been foot dragging on the issue for some time, but now that the NCC has mandated it begins before the middle of this year, everybody is moving quite fast about it,” said Onwudiwe.
He noted that MNP’s “aim is to have a seamless migration from one network to another for individuals, without losing your number. It does not terminate either your data update or contacts that you moved to a different network, you just move your number over. It is a free service for individuals as well. You initiate it by deciding the new operator you want to join. At some point they will give you a new SIM card, but before that time, NCC and operators would advertise the process.”
Alastair Macpherson, quality assurance partner, PricewaterHouse Cooper (PwC), UK noted that MNP regime would likely lead to switching of platforms by mobile consumers.
Although he stated that the mechanism of funding MNP is not decided yet, the most critical technological applications will be changes in switching networks.
But added: “Cost of MNP will not be affected by interconnect rate, but rather, operators will be affected by customer acquisition.”
Onwudiwe added that operators could have also used the delayed time frame to upgrade their networks infrastructure. “In the recent past we have heard them say they’ve further developed their network infrastructures.”
Michael Nwaogu, of Cellcore, a messaging and service consultancy firm, said that with the subscriber as the target, telecom operators would galvanise the system, a move capable of eliminating redundancy in quality of service.
“The subscriber ultimately is the objective for value added services in the country. It is definitely what should work in Nigeria. It is in operation in other places. And for the Nigerian subscriber it should not be a difference.
Olutoyin Daniel, chief technical officer, Mtech Communications limited, also said MNP is a long overdue regime in the Nigerian mobile market. “I think it is a very good initiative. On the subscribers side I believe it is going to be value addiction to them; they can move from one network to another. On the operators’ side, this will make them tighten up their shoes, especially with regards to the subscribers’ base they presently own.”
Julius Igugu, general manager, Technical, Lightning Networks, said consumers will no longer get stuck on a network that does not give value-added-service.
“Basically, it will help the subscribers because you are not going to be stock on one network anymore. I am on a particular network for years now and I have had relatively good network, but what this mobile number portability will do is if you are not satisfied with one operator you can easily switch to another operator in the world. It is done elsewhere in the world.”
Chigozie Ezebuiro, Engineering Operations, Paga Technology said from a subscribers’ perspective, “mobile number portability is the way to go. It is saving the subscriber the stress of carrying more phones. If I am on a particular network and feel that I am not getting not just voice calls satisfaction, other benefits in the other network can attract me, I can port to that other friendly network”
Presently, some people have double or multiple SIMs on a particular network. And the operators should be excited as well, because the commercial value is there. If your quality of service is healthy, definitely subscribers would migrate to that network instead of suffering in the hands of the other that probably do not care.”
Ezebuiro believes it could ultimately lead to improved QoS. “Now, they have to fight to keep their customers. It may also eliminate the issue of NCC chasing them around to improve on their quality of service. I think so, because they will see the need to improve on the network themselves.”