MTNL will be ready for MNP in a month: CMD

NEW DELHI, INDIA: Amidst the uncertainty over the implementation of the Mobile Number Portability, which has been delayed further, as the telecom players are not yet ready with the MNP gateways, state-run telecom operator Mahanagar Telecom Nigam Ltd (MTNL) said that it has ordered for the MNP gateways and the infrastructure would be ready in one month's time.

“We have ordered for the gateway and we are waiting for the software to come. We would meet the new deadline of October 31, to implement the service,” MTNL chairman and managing director Kuldip Singh told CIOL on the sidelines of an event here today, where Novatium Solutions launched MTNL Nova Navigator Service for MTNL broadband subscribers in Delhi and Mumbai.

Singh said that MTNL will use its own server for making gateway and will deploy MNP software on those servers.

While commenting on the launch of Nova Navigator service based on cloud computing, Singh mentioned that cloud computing is need of the hour and this launch has been made taking present scenario into consideration at low priced device.

“Today Internet is necessity. We have brought down network charges but price of computer is barrier. For a common man it is difficult to decide on configuration of computer. We have made attempts to resolve these issues. We are also seeing the concept of cloud computing catching up. Now even in big businesses, most of the computing will be done in the clouds. The ultimate power of computing is going to reside in cloud computing. This service from MTNL with Novartium will free users from deciding on buying computers, maintenance and up gradation of software, payment of huge upfront price,” said Singh.

For entry level Nova Navigator, MTNL customers will have pay one time small upfront and partially refundable amount of Rs 4999 and computing charges of Rs 249 per month which will include broadband charges as well.

“Only Rs 1000 will be deducted along with some charges on usage and rest of the amount will be refunded,” said Singh.

The Nova Navigator net PC comes with Linux kernel Operating system and all applications are provided by the cloud service developed by Novatium. However, the PC supports Linux and the Windows operating system and can be used for both Internet access and computing applications. Management of the Nova Navigator, which has 3G features, is carried out centrally through the server, where the subscriber gets automatic updates free of cost.

“We hold patent for the cloud service that we are offering on our product. In this we are providing some application which comes in daily use and normal routine work of home users for free. Additional and high end applications are available at additional price,” said Alok Singh, CEO and MD, Novatium.

Nova Navigator has an option of storing data files either internally or externally or at the server end. For internal storage purpose, Nova Navigator is also offering version of its product with 160GB Hard disk space. On this a user can load OS of his choice, store applications and software apart from user data files in Internal Storage. This model will come at a price of Rs.7099.

“MTNL Nova Navigator powered by Novatium's patented technology has offered the experience of the true utility computing for MTNL's fixed line customers who have so far stayed away from computing due to the cost and complexities involved,” said Kuldeep Singh.

For remote data saving, a user will have to pay Rs 50 and Rs 150 per month, exclusive of taxes, for 10 GB and 50 GB space respectively. However, Nova Navigator will have USB port which will enable user to connect with external storage device of his choice.