Bulgaria Mobile Operators Risk Fines over Number Portability

Since the introduction of the WNP service at the beginning of 2009 by the end of the year no more than 0,5% of the mobile operators clients, 55 830 subscribers, have availed themselves of it. Photo by BGNES

The Bulgarian communications regulator has warned it will impose a BGN 100,000 fine on mobile operators, which refuse to implement the wireless number portability service.

The regulatory body, the Communications Regulation Commission, has received complaints from the three mobile operators in the country – Mtel, Globul and Vivacom, claiming that their rivals have refused to offer the service to clients, local media reports say.

Since the introduction of the service at the beginning of 2009 by the end of the year no more than 0,5% of the mobile operators clients, 55 830 subscribers, have availed themselves of it, data of the regulatory body shows.

According to insiders the fight for subscribers became particularly acrimonious after the Communications Regulation Commission announced plans to launch "one-stop-shop" portability service.

The wireless number portability came into effect after Bulgaria's three mobile operators signed a framework agreement to make the service available between networks.

Bulgaria had to implement the service as soon as it joined the EU on January 1, 2007 but just ten days later the biggest mobile operator Mtel refused to join the agreement already signed by the other two wireless carriers.

The saga went on for the entire year, with the telecoms regulator intervening in August to speed up proceedings, but to no avail, giving the European Commission reason to start infringement procedures against Bulgaria over its telecoms regulator lacking independence and effectiveness.

The switch is done during the night for the convenience of the clients and takes no more than seven hours, during which the clients are not able to use their phones.

We need your support so Novinite.com can keep delivering news and information about Bulgaria! Thank you!