The Telecom Regulatory Authority of India (TRAI) announced, on November 20, 2009, that Mobile Number Portability (MNP) will be introduced in India, on December 31, 2009.
TRAI said that subscribers in India will be able to change their service providers while keeping the same mobile number, at a fee of no more than Rs 19. It doesn’t matter whether you want switch from GSM to CDMA or vice-versa, or within GSM and CDMA opetaors; you can still retain the same number. However, initially, you will be able to switch operators and retain the number only within the same telecom circle. You cannot retain the same number and change operators if you want to, say, move from Delhi to Mumbai.
Mobile Number Portability changeover charges
TRAI also said that service providers will be able to charge any amount less than or equal to Rs 19.
MNP will be introduced in India, in two phases. It will first be introduced in Indian metros and Category A telecom zones, on December 31, 2009, and subsequently in the rest of the country, by March 20, 2010.
How to change mobile operator under MNP
Subscribers must pay up all pending bills before making an application for MNP. The porting fees is to be paid to the new operator. No payment is required to be given to the operator you are leaving. TRAI said that porting between mobile operators should be accomplished within four days. There’s a catch though. You cannot switch operator and retain number if you have been with that operator for less than three months. Prepaid users must remember that their balance talk time will disappear if they switch to a different operator. The maximum downtime between deactivating the existing connection and starting the new connection will be a maximum of two hours.
As for Dipping charges, the charge will be mutually agreed upon between a service provider or international long distance provider to the MNP service provider.
Frequently Asked Questions
What is mobile number portability?
Mobile number portability allows subscriber to opt for service provider of his choice but retain his mobile number. The number gets ported to the new provider.
Does it allow a technology switch?
Subscriber can stay with same technology, GSM/CDMA. Also change to CDMA or vice versa. Both post-paid & prepaid subscribers can use it.
How long will it take to port a number?
Seven working days. Fifteen days in J&K, North-east .
How expensive?
Will cost Rs19, to be collected by new service provider.
Can you retain your number in another city?
No. You can't change circles.
How frequently can you switch service providers?
A subscriber must be with a provider for at least three months.
To switch, send the following text PORT
You'll get an eight-digit alphanumeric code and expiry date for it. This is the unique porting code.
Approach service provider you have opted for with unique code. Carry address & ID proof/ photograph/ application form with unique code & mobile number. Complete this process within the expiry date that came with unique code.
Operator will take request to mobile portability clearing house. Clearing house will get your number deactivated from existing provider and activate new one.
You'll then get text from new provider mentioning date & time when phone will go through a no-service period.
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