Govt warns of action if telcos miss full MNP deadline

The government will take action against telecom operators if they miss the May 3 deadline for rolling out the full mobile number portability (MNP), a top official said Monday.

"We have given them (telecom operators) sufficient time of six months. This is not the first time MNP is starting in the country. We are only extending to pan-India.  If they miss the deadline then whatever action is there under law will take its own course," Telecom Secretary Rakesh Garg told PTI.

At present, mobile number portability (MNP) allows subscribers to change mobile network while retaining their number in same telecom circles.

The full MNP will allow subscribers to retain their mobile number in any part of the country even as they change their operator or shift from one city to another.

Industry body the Cellular Operators Association of India had said last week that telecom operators might not be able to meet the deadline of May 3 due to some technical and coordination issues that they were facing as well as due to delay in notifying rule of full MNP by Telecom Regulatory Authority of India.