According to data released by the Telecom Regulatory Authority of India (TRAI), at the end of April 2011, 8.54 million users availed mobile number portability (MNP). of these, more than 2.2 million originated from Gujarat, Rajasthan and Karnataka.
According to TRAI, 833,672 requests were received from Gujarat, followed by Rajasthan with 710,767 requests. Karnataka followed with 663,151 requests.
In May 2011, TRAI had directed all operators not to reject requests, if a customer’s outstanding due is less than Rs 10. The operator will include any amount under Rs 10 in the customer’s next bill without any penalty. Previously, TRAI noted that certain requests were rejected by operators for non-payment of outstanding bills and non-completion of 90 days from the date of activation of mobile number.
TRAI also said that an operator could only reject a request if a subscriber had not complied with contractual terms of a corporate connection and post-paid connection with a bundled handset.
Certain requests were also being rejected because subscribers had quoted an incorrect unique porting code, a number given to a subscriber who wishes to change his operator.
To change an operator, customers have to pay a maximum of Rs 19 or even no charge but must continue with an operator for at least 90 days. The user has to send a message to 1900, following which the user will get a unique porting code.
With this code, the user has to fill up a form in the outlet of new service provider. The whole process is expected to be completed in seven days. Syniverse Technologies India and MNP Interconnection Telecom Solutions are offering the service in India’s 22 telecom service areas.
