32.79 mn subscribers opt for MNP

NEW DELHI, INDIA: The total number of subscribers opting for mobile number portability (MNP) has risen to 32.79 million, with Karnataka receiving the maximum number of 3.39 million requests till the end of January, according to official data released Tuesday.

MNP allows users to switch operators while retaining their mobile numbers.

"By the end of January 2012 32.79 million subscribers have submitted their requests to different service providers for porting their mobile number," the Telecom Regulatory Authority of India (TRAI) said in a statement.

Also Read: Idea gains maximum subscribers via MNP

Karnataka was followed by Gujarat and Andhra Pradesh where 3.04 million subscribers each requested the service.

MNP was implemented across the country in last January while the pilot launch of the service took place in Haryana Nov 25, 2010.

To opt for MNP, a customer has to pay a maximum of Rs.19 to the new operator for 'porting' the number and remain with the new operator for at least three months.

The customer has to send an SMS from the existing phone to 1900. A unique porting code is sent by the existing provider. An application then has to be filed with the new service provider mentioning the code for transferring the connection.

The number of mobile phone subscribers in India rose to 903.73 million in January, official data showed Tuesday.