Nationwide mobile number portability, MNP which will allow customers to keep their existing mobile phone numbers while shifting between States and circles, will be operational from today. Presently, users can change their operator while retaining the same number only in the same State or telecom circle. To avail of the new facility, subscribers will have to visit a store of their telecom operator or call the customer care number concerned. The deadline earlier was May 2nd to roll out full MNP was delayed by 2 months after the Cellular Operators Association of India asked for extension from Department of Telecom as telecom operators needed to make some technical changes to their networks to implement the service.
Telecom operators including state run BSNL and MTNL have already announced the launch of MNP. Together, the operators have invested about 300 crore rupees to upgrade their networks and install equipment for implementation of the new facility. According to data of Telecom Regulatory Authority of India, there were more than 157 million requests for MNP as of 30th April.
