Italian telecoms regulator the Autorita per le Garanzie nelle Comunicazioni (Agcom) has ordered cash-strapped mobile virtual network operator (MVNO) Bip Mobile and its mobile virtual network enabler (MVNE) Telogic to increase the number of mobile number portability (MNP) requests processed from 500 to 15,000 per day. The move has been prompted by Bip Mobile’s abrupt decision to halt its services over Christmas after running up debts to its suppliers of around EUR8 million (USD10.9 million).
The reseller initially attempted to pin the blame on network operator partner 3 Italia, but backed down after the threat of legal action. The increased number of ports is required so that the MVNO can transfer its 220,000-strong user base to other operators within a 15-day window. No decision has yet been made regarding how to deal with the remaining credit on Bip customers’ accounts.