The telecom operators are implementing Nationwide Mobile Number Portability (MNP) from 3rd July 2015. This facility will allow mobile customers of respective companies like Airtel, Idea, Aircel, Reliance, Vodafone, BSNL etc to keep their existing mobile phone numbers while shifting between States and circles. The scheme will come into force from July 3, 2015.
Also Read: Airtel MNP Procedure
As per the present system of MNP, if a person has a mobile number issued in Hyderabad, he can not transfer the same number of another Telecom Circle, for example, Delhi or Bangalore. This is leading to another mobile subscription by the same customer in another Telecom Circle. The actual number of customers remain same but the connection numbers are being inflated.
Full mobile number portability will avoid this duplication of customers and provides actual subscriber base of companies. The Cellular Operators Association of India (COAI) has urged the Government to extend the deadline to allow telecom operators to make technical changes to implement nationwide MNP service.
The leading telecom operators like Airtel and Idea Cellular have already announced special offers and schemes for national wide mobile number portability customers. Airtel has promised to facilitate MNP within 24 hours after the receipt of application. Idea has set up a toll free number 1800 2700 000 for MNP customers. BSNL, Vodafone and other operators also likely to follow the same.