Security cloud over number portability

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Mobile number portability will not be as easy as you think. If the country’s security agencies have their way, each time a subscriber requests number portability, clearance will first have to be obtained from the relevant authorities to ensure that the number in question is not under surveillance.

Number portability enables a subscriber to change mobile operator while retaining the same number. The government plans to implement number portability later this year in a phased manner, beginning with the four metros.

But several agencies have raised concerns on grounds of security and say before the facility of number portability is launched, it is necessary that the security implications be examined, and that sufficient safeguards incorporated into the procedure.

The agencies have pointed out that a suspect subscriber, by changing service provider frequently, could communicate with contacts using the same number, yet escape the security dragnet of agencies monitoring the calls.

Monitoring of a suspect mobile subscriber for security agencies is provided at the mobile switching centre of a specific service provider. So, it would be difficult for security agencies to keep track of a suspected subscriber’s mobile calls if he changes operators frequently, even if he retains the same number, the agencies have said.