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Thomas K. Thomas

New Delhi , Sept. 6

CELLULAR operators have asked the telecom regulator to consider introducing number portability for fixed line telephone subscribers.

The Cellular Operators Association of India (COAI) said incumbent operators still hold 89 per cent market share in fixed line telephony and number portability would go a long way in changing the "monopolistic reign" of Bharat Sanchar Nigam Ltd.

Number portability will allow subscribers to change the service provider even as they retain the phone number. The Telecom Regulatory Authority of India has floated a paper wherein it has sought comments for introducing number portability for cellular users.

Bharti Tele-Ventures, a private telecom service provider with both cellular and fixed line subscribers, has supported the COAI stance. In its response to the consultation paper on number portability, Bharti said, "A service like number portability is a fundamental prerequisite for competition in any telecommunications market. Portability benefits subscribers and increases the level of competition between service providers, thereby ensuring best customer service, network coverage and service quality. "

"We note with extreme concern that despite recording that 89 per cent of the fixed line subscribers are with the incumbent operator, the consultation paper has discarded the option of introducing fixed number portability. It is thus apprehended that the introduction of mobile number portability is being considered, not because it is necessary, but merely because, it is easier to implement," COAI said.

Bharti has pointed out that globally fixed number portability has been brought in vogue by regulators almost always before the introduction of mobile number portability. "We are therefore of the view that, by restricting number portability to the mobile market, we are encouraging competition only in the mobile market and accepting the dominance of incumbents in the fixed line segment."

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