We are fully set for Mobile Number Portability - Glo
one of the national telecoms operators, Globacom has announced its full readiness to begin the implementation of mobile number portability on its network. This is in compliance with the directive by the Nigerian Communications Commission (NCC) to all mobile operators to be ready for the commencement of the exercise on April 22.
According to a statement released by the company in Lagos, the telecommunication giant said it is set in terms of system readiness, process readiness and operational readiness for the smooth takeoff of mobile number portability on its network.
In terms of system readiness, Glo has completed the procurement and implementation of the network signal routing system (STP) and the porting process or gateway management system (NPG) which is the first to be commissioned in the country and now completely ready for MNP service. The upgrade and customization of the network systems, the IT systems, the billing systems that will handle mediation and fraud management and the value added systems (VAS) have also been completed.
Speaking about the company's state of readiness for MNP, Globacom's Group Chief Operating Officer, Mohammed Jameel said that the company's technical and operational teams had worked assiduously to ensure that the network is in a perfect state of preparedness to enable a smooth transition for those who are interested in porting on the Glo network.
'We are the first among all the GSM operators to put in place a functional number portability gateway (NPG) and the first to ensure an all-call query signal transport point (STP) system which are major technical requirements for the successful take-off of mobile number portability on any network', he said.
Jameel explained that in the area of process readiness, Glo's internal processes have also been reviewed and aligned with the process and business rule guidelines released by the NCC. He added that Glo's operational readiness currently stands at 100 per cent as awareness training for staff, operational/user training and system administration training have already been completed.
'The MNP system and material requirement definitions have been met by all departments in Glo and controlled access to the number portability gateway (NPG) system across the enterprise and to all our outlets like Gloworld shops, Customer Care, Glozones, retailers, dealers and canvassers are also fully in place. These designated partners nationwide have also been trained in porting processes and technologies to make way for excellent MNP experience and customer service', he stated.
Jameel also disclosed that a series of tests on the massive network upgrade done by the company has been conducted by Huawei and ALU and an enterprise wide dry run to fine-tune the smooth running of the entire system has been done with very positive results. The results gave full confirmation that MNP can now run on the company's systems and infrastructure in a smooth and efficient manner. 'Additionally, a dedicated MNP team has been trained and assigned to the day-to-day running of the MNP operation right from the Nigerian streets to the engine rooms in all of our state-of-the-art data centres', he said.
Meanwhile, the second round of end-to-end MNP pilot tests for MNP readiness is currently on-going as scheduled while waiting for the Inter-operator MNP traffic migration schedule from the NCC.
'With our state of readiness, subscribers who wish to join the Glo network to enjoy its unlimited services are bound to have a smooth transition without any fears about moving their numbers to the network. With Glo's extensive national and international coverage powered by the Glo 1 submarine cable, its low cost voice and data tariffs, outstanding customer care and innovative value added services, there are no limits to what discerning subscribers can achieve on the Glo network', he added.
Renowned for its innovation and unique products and services, Glo launched its world class network in 2003 on the 3G platform and introduced Per Second Billing (PSB), which made it possible for Nigerians to make cheaper calls. As part of its massive upgrade to further provide unparalleled services to subscribers, Glo is currently transforming the information technology environment with its first-of-its-kind next generation business support systems with capabilities for fixed mobile convergence and long term evolution (LTE) technology.
Moreover, the company is installing over 200 new base stations monthly and completing densification of existing ones. It is setting up three new mini call centres equipped with the latest customer relationship solutions across the country to take care of the expected vast increase in subscriber figures. It is also upgrading its radio access network which will ensure that data customers enjoy unparalleled speed and reliability.