Over 64 lakh users opt for MNP

NEW DELHI, INDIA: Over 64.23 lakh  customers have opted for mobile number portability (MNP) -- a service which allows users to switch operators while retaining their numbers -- till the end of March, official data showed Friday.

"Mobile number portability requests have increased from 38.33 lakh subscribers at the end of February 2011 to 64.23 lakh subscribers at the end of March 2011," said Telecom Regulatory Authority of India in a statement.

The service was implemented across the country Jan 20, 2011, while the pilot launch of the service took place in Haryana Nov 25, 2010.

Also read: TRAI: 1.71 mn users opt for MNP



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. Based on this, a unique porting code will be sent by existing provider. An application then has to be filed with the new service provider mentioning the code for transferring the connection.