The government on August 2 announced guidelines for mobile number portability, a major consumer-friendly move that allows users to switch their mobile operators without losing their numbers.
MNP can be expected in metros towards the end of 2007-08. Consumers will be able to switch their operator within two days of making a request to their existing service provider.
The facility will be implemented across the country in a year.
A recent study pointed out that having to give up their mobile numbers was the single most reason that subscribers did not want to change their operator despite poor quality of services.
As per the guidelines, the country will be divided into two zones consisting of 11 circles areas each. A MNP service provider will be put in place for each zone, which will run the system by setting up a clearing house and a database of subscribers who change their operator. The two service providers will be selected through a bidding process. Existing telecom players will not be allowed to be a MNP service provider. Companies like Telcordia, Tekelec, Nortel and Syniverse may bid for the MNP service provider licence.
GSM operators, who had earlier raised objections to the introduction of the facility, said that they will co-operate with the Government. Earlier, the Cellular Operators Association of India (COAI) had said that MNP was being introduced to favour a few new players since it was then proposed to roll out the facility only in metro areas. "However, since the Government has decided to introduce MNP across the country within the time frame of 12 months, we have no objections to implementing this" said Mr T.V. Ramachandran, Director General, COAI.
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