LBEF RESEARCH JOURNAL OF SCIENCE, TECHNOLOGY AND MANAGEMENT(LRJSTM)

Author(s):Binjita Aryal, Jyotir Moy Chatterjee

Abstract:Nepal is on course of MNP’s implementation. MNP would allow customers to change the network operator retaining the existing mobile number. Implementation of MNP in Nepal is an innovative approach by NTA and it is going to affect the financial and technical aspects of mobile operators. The research aims to analyze implementation of MNP in Nepal from stakeholders’ and subscribers’ perceptions. By reviewing the administrative and technical approach adopted by NTA for MNP’s implementation, the research efforts to assess if this is the right time to execute MNP’s implementation plan in Nepal. This study could help service providers in upgrading the present marketing strategy in benefit of the subscribers. Relative review of the literatures associated to opportunity and threats of MNP implementation is done in the study. Quantitative research method has been conducted to explore the variable affecting implementation success rate for MNP in Nepal. Independent variables namely technical and financial resources, quality of service, awareness among subscribers, porting time and cost, and process ease are equated with the dependent variables like subscribers’ willingness to use MNP and critical analysis on NTA’s approach. MNP’s implementation would force the service providers to be competitive and they tend to attract maximum subscribers. The struggle among the service providers will lower the cost, improve the quality of the service. From subscribers’ perspective, MNP shall reduce the porting cost and time. Whereas, from service providers’ perspective, much of network maintenance work needs to be done for successful implementation. For the implementation to be successful in Nepal, key players of telecom industries must have mutual understanding and they must follow the standard regulations. It is important to notify and assist the service providers on upcoming technical and financial challenges.

Keyword(s): Mobile Number Portability, Service Providers, Subscribers, Nepal Telecommunication Authority (NTA), Porting Time, Porting Cost, Process Ease.