Number portability to roll out first in Haryana on Nov 25

New Delhi: Ushering in the next-generation of telecom reforms, cell phone users will be able to avail the mobile number portability (MNP) facility from November 25. To begin with, MNP — that allows subscribers to change operators and retain the same cell phone number — will be introduced in Haryana. It will be extended to other circles in a few months.

Operators’ networks are ready and have been tested fully. Applications from subscribers will be accepted from November 25, sources in the Department of Telecom ( DoT) said, adding that the government will come out with detailed guidelines and advertisements in this regard in the first week of this month.

This would force all the operators to offer quality services to retain their subscribers. Some experts said the introduction of MNP services could be a game-changer in the telecom sector.

Mobile tariffs in India are lowest in the world and new operators claim to be in a position to offer the latest and best quality services to subscribers that are upset with their current service providers.