Mobile number portability (MNP) in India from 31 Dec 09 (Updated)

Are you not satisfied with your mobile service provider or attracted towards the exciting offers of a new service provider? What is pulling back you? Most probably your favorite number. The number changes after switching the service provider. Now the solution comes up in the form of  Mobile Number Portability (MNP) which allows the subscribers to retain their existing mobile telephone number when they move from one Access Provider to another irrespective of the mobile technology or from one cellular mobile technology to another of the same Access Provider, in a licensed service area.

The plan is introduced in two phases. First phase covers all Metro cities and category A telecom cities. Rest of  India by first quarter of 2010.

Introduction of MNP also helps in increasing competition between the service providers and acts as a catalyst for the service providers to improve their quality of service.

TRAI notified certain charges associated with MNP and said switching charges for users must not exceed Rs 19/-

This plan is  favors the new mobile service providers. They can canvas the subscribers of other operators with attractive offers and tariffs.

Update

Number portability plan has been extended up to 31 Mar 2010 and will be implemented all over India in a single phase. DOT has issued deadline to all mobile service providers to complete the inter operator test by 15 may 2010 and the launch of MNP throughout the country expected by 30 Jun 2010 01 Nov 2010