Bolivia’s Authority for the Regulation and Oversight of Telecommunication and Transport (Autoridad de Regulacion y Fiscalizacion de Telecomunicaciones y Transportes, ATT) has re-commenced its search for an administrator to oversee the country’s introduction of mobile number portability (MNP). As per administrative resolution ATT-DJ-RAR-TL LP 583/2017 dated 19 July 2017, the process was re-started earlier this month. The successful applicant will be charged with the implementation, administration, operation, maintenance and security of the new ‘Central Number Portability System’. Proposals are expected to be evaluated this month.
The introduction of MNP has been under consideration since 2012, and despite four candidates being shortlisted in April 2016 (Systor International, Comtec, Ictec-Mediafon Datapro and Porting Access) the process seemingly ground to a halt.
Bolivia is currently home to three mobile network operators: state-backed Entel Movil, Telecel, which operates under the Tigo banner, and NuevaTel PCS, which trades as Viva. As at 31 March 2017 Entel claimed 47.7% of the country’s 9.952 million mobile subscribers.