Mobile Number Portability service comes into effect today

New Delhi, Jan 20 (ANI): The Prime Minister, Dr. Manmohan Singh, will formally inaugurate the nation-wide rollout of Mobile Number Portability (MNP) service today.

This facility will allow mobile subscribers to switch telecom operators without changing their mobile number.

Service providers should complete all the procedures regarding portability within a period of four days. The subscriber will have to pay Rs 19 as porting charge. Once a subscriber shifts to another operator, he cannot port his number again for another 90 days.

The portability facility will be available only within a given licensed service area.

The telecom operator must inform the customer through the phone about the exact date and time when the porting will happen.

Telecom Minister Kapil Sibbal has described it as a great step forward for the consumers as it enhances choice and brings more competition.

"I think its a great step forward for the consumer, as it enhances choice and brings in more competition, because the more efficient you are as a service provider, the more likely that consumers will choose you," Sibal added.

The service was first launched in Haryana on November 25 on a pilot basis.

Nevertheless, companies like Idea Cellular and Vodafone started marketing their services to subscribers in other parts of the country that are looking at switching operators even before MNP services were rolled out.

More operators are expected to undertake similar activities to retain their subscribers. (ANI)