One call rate for all mobile operators in the offing

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Hitlar A Halim
Published : 05:59, Jun 18, 2018 | Updated : 05:59, Jun 18, 2018

Mobile Number Portability (NMP)The government is going to introduce one call rate for all phone operators, scrapping the currently existing two call rates, on-net (calls within one network) and off-net (calls between separate mobile networks).
This may start before the MNP (Mobile Number Portability) facility is launched. Under the MNP, networks can be switched without changing the number, which will give reliable network and better service at a lower rate to all mobile users.
Post, telecommunication and information technology minister, Mustafa Jabbar, told Bangla Tribune: “we have taken until July 31 to start this and have asked the BTRC to dissolve off-net and on-net and, prepare a specified call rate.”
One call rate is essential to make this technology effective, the minister had remarked.
BTRC fixed lowest on-net charge at 25 paise per minute and off net at 60 paise per minute with the highest charge at Tk. 2 per minute. The phone operators stay within this limit and fix a rate.
Therefore, charges vary between operators. Phone users making on net calls are charged between 30 and 39 paise with off net calls between 91 paise and Tk 1. 40.
For one operator, 90 per cent are on-net calls. For others, the ratio between on-net and off net are 70 and 30 per cent respectively.
Phone operators contend that MNP facility with off-net and on-net in simultaneous operation will result in more charge.
This may not prove effective; the charges may also rise, the feared.
For example, let’s assume a user with Banglalink takes MNP and is connected to Robi. Then, he calls a Teletalk number and that Teletalk number is using Robi through MNP.
So, in this case, which operator will be charged?
Keeping such possible complications in mind, operators have voiced the need to have a universal call rate.
Ekram Kabir, vice president of Robi says: BTRC stipulated on-net and off-net lowest call rate discrepancy has an adverse impact on the market, creating uneven competition.”
If MNP is launched without changing the current directive over voice calls then certain companies will get monopoly of the market, he added.
“Therefore, we request the government to set up a one rate to reduce customer suffering and promote healthy competition.”
Telecommunication experts feel that to begin MNP, International Gateway (IGW) is needed and interconnection exchanges will have to develop technical capabilities.
It’s believed IGW and ICX are not keen to develop capability; they want the mobile operators to develop the facility.
An official of a mobile operator has said: if we have to develop capacity then what is the need for ICX to exist?
However, ministry of post, telecommunication and technology feels IGW and ICX have to develop capacity.
Banglalink head of corporate affairs, Taimur Rahman feels that before launching SMP, on net and off net should be scrapped and only one rate should be introduced.
The SMP was supposed to start from 31 May last but due to technical complications, this will begin any time from Next August; though PM’s ICT Adviser, Sajeeb Wazed Joy, urged this service to start by July 31.
He said: “we have finalized all aspects of MNP on March 21 last; as a result, a little time is being taken to create a coordination among everything.
Once MNP facility starts, mobile users will be able to switch to the operator as per their wish and the numbers they are using won’t be changed.
For obtaining this facility, the user will have to apply with a Tk30 fee and the new line will be operative within a maximum of 72 hours.
But if a user wants to return to a previous operator then s/he will have to give a certain fee and wait 90 days.
Joint Bangladesh and Slovenian consortium, Infozillion BD Teletalk has got the right to provide SMP facility.
On November 7 last, they were given the final notification by BTRC.

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