Mobile service providers have rolled out Mobile number portability (MNP) effective July 3, as per directed by Department of Telecom (DoT). MNP allows mobile subscribers to retain their existing mobile phone number even when they change service provider. The earlier deadline of May 3 to roll out full MNP was delayed by two months after the Cellular Operators Association of India (COAI) sought extension from DoT as telecom operators needed to make some technical changes to their networks to implement the service.
Previously mobile subscribers were able to switch their service provider within the same telecom circle. The pan-India MNP will allow customers to keep their existing mobile phone numbers while shifting between States and circles. The move is set to benefit millions of Indian phone users as it paves the way for the government's 'one nation, one number' plan aimed at simplifying the system.
Leading telcos, Bharti Airtel, Vodafone India, Idea Cellular and RCom as well as state run BSNL and MTNL have already announced the roll out of full MNP with special offers and aggressive plans, with other private players like Uninor, Sistema Shyam Teleservices and Videocon following the trend. However, Companies stand to lose from lower roaming charges with full MNP in effect.