SOURCE:

Faculty: Physical Sciences
Department: Computer Science

CONTRIBUTORS:

Odii, J. N
Osuagwu, O.E
Ejiofor, V.E

ABSTRACT:

Mobile Number portability (MNP) is a platform that enables subscribers to seamlessly switch mobile telecommunications service providers without changing their phone numbers. MNP gives the subscribers the privilege to easily change from networks that are not serving them well and also return when the network improves ensuring greater flexibility and mobility across networks. The essence of this number portability is to improve quality of service by deepening competition among service providers. This technology was launched in Nigeria in 2013 by the Nigerian Communication Commission (NCC) but failed to achieve the desired goal due to some restrictive policies such as the 48hr duration, 90days lock-in effect and so on as identified in this research. The objective of this research therefore is to design a predictive model that simulates the behavior of these restrictive policies on MNP so as to ascertain their current impact on the non expansion of MNP adoption in Nigeria and also assess the future possibility of MNP expansion. The essence is to evaluate if MNP can be enhanced for higher patronage so that quality of service can increase. The research also aims at comparing the existing MNP call routing frameworks with a view to coming up with a hybrid framework for the enhancement of MNP in Nigeria. An MNP Growth Trend Trajectory Simulator/Predictor (MNPGTTS) has therefore been developed alongside a hybrid call routing framework using Visual Basic.Net version 10 and Microsoft Access as the DBMS engine. While MNPGTTS is capable of forecasting the impact of the MNP restrictions, the hybrid framework ensures improved quality of service and reduction in network congestion. The methodologies that were deployed in packaging the model include the statistical methodology, Structured Systems Analysis and Design Methodology (SSADM), Object Oriented Design Methodology (OODM) and prototyping. The MNPGTTS model was test run using the beta coefficients derived from SPSS multiple regressions and ANOVA of collected field data as the indices and later adjusted values of the indices were plugged into the program to assess the future possibility of MNP expansion. A test run of the simulation software demonstrated that if government still allows the existing restrictions, subscribers may not be motivated to port. Also that if government can remove or improve on most of the restrictions towards the adoption of MNP in Nigeria, MNP will receive a boost in terms of patronage, and should government further stiffen the restrictions, MNP will totally collapse. The result is indeed functional software that can be used to simulate the behavioral impact of any government policy for the telecommunication industry.