Preparation and Evaluation of a RFP and Procedure for Mobile Number Portability

Introduction

Mobile Number Portability (MNP) is a telecommunication network feature that enables consumers of mobile cellular services to retain their numbers whenever they decide to change their service providers or service types. It is a key factor in enhancing competition in a multi-operator environment. It offers consumers an opportunity to take advantage of the benefits offered by other service providers in the market without the need to change their service numbers. It allows businesses to avoid the need of re-printing of letter heads, business cards, etc whenever there is change in service providers.

ATRA has identified the need to have more clarity on the likely impact and realisable benefits of number portability in the local context of the Afghan telecommunication market. In order to allay operators’ potential fears for some of their business operations, ATRA has realised the importance of MNP and has carried out a Feasibility Study prior to introducing MNP in Afghanistan by a consultancy firm.

Part of the purpose of this consultancy was to carry out the Feasibility Study in order to address any operator worries as well as provide tangible evidence of the benefits of MNP and provide related documentation and advice on the implementation process for number portability. The study specifically has covered the impact of MNP on business operations of the existing operators, competition within the mobile cellular market, consumer choice of service providers and overall economic activities. Subsequent to this Study and, in part, based on its results, a Consultation Document has been developed and released discussing the introduction of MNP in Afghanistan.

There are currently five national mobile communications network operators in Afghanistan; AfTel, AWCC, Etisalat, MTN and Roshan and one local operator; Wasil Telecom. AWCC launched its GSM network in 2002, Roshan in 2003.  AfTel launched its cdma2000 network in 2006.  MTN launched GSM in 2006 (under the brand Areeba, which MTN later acquired), and Etisalat in 2007. Wasil telecom launched its cdma network in 2006. In 2012, Etisalat, MTN and Roshan were granted Mobile Communications Services Licenses, which enables them to deploy and operate 3G networks.  There 3 operators offering 3G mobile services currently, with a service launched in March 2012. AfTel operates under its Unified Services License granted in 2006.

This market structure should produce robust competition.  The inability of consumers to retain their current telephone numbers when changing from one operator to another, however, has the potential to significantly limit competition.  As both the Telecom Services Regulation Act and the Government’s 2003 Telecommunications and Internet Policy make clear, competition is at the heart of Afghan telecom policy. 

After delivering the final report of the Feasibility Study by the consultancy firm, ATRA has decided to implement the number portability system in Afghanistan, therefore ATRA would like to invite a consultant to prepare and evaluate a MNP Request for Proposal (RFP).