Mobile number portability becomes reality

In the past couple of days, IDEA Cellular has been catching attention with its new set of advertisement advising mobile subscribers to switch telecom operator by retaining their mobile number if they are tired of the poor services offered by the current service provider. The launch of mobile number portability (MNP) is now possible, with its launch in Rohtak in Haryana on Thursday.

For MNP, one has to send an SMS "PORT " to 1900. Instantly, a unique porting code will be delivered in from of a text message. Valid only for a few days, one can fill a detailed form for the operator one wants to shift to. As per TRAI directives, the porting of the number has to be completed seven days. The subscriber will receive a text messaging stating details such as date and time of the porting. After the process is complete, the subscriber will once again receive a message confirming the switch.

While porting, the mobile number might appear switched off for a couple of hours. But one should clear all dues with the existing operator at the time of applying.  Once done, the new operator will take over the service.

The portability costs Rs19 and the minimum lock in period is for 50 days. This means if unsatisfied with the new operator, one can reapply for portability only after 50 days. With MNP, a CDMA user can switch over to GSM and vice versa but one cannot shift from one state to another. The service will be rolled out to the rest of the country in phased manner and is expected to be pan-India by March 2011.

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