Over 85 lakh users opt for MNP

NEW DELHI, INDIA: Over 85.41 lakh (8.5 million) customers have opted for mobile number portability (MNP) - a service which allows users to switch operators while retaining their phone numbers - till the end of April, official data showed.

"Mobile number portability requests have increased from 64.23 lakh subscribers at the end of March 2011 to 85.41 lakh subscribers at the end of April 2011," said the Telecom Regulatory Authority of India Monday evening.

The service was implemented across the country Jan 20, 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. 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.