MNP: 11 lakh subscribers switch to new operators

Within a fortnight of Mobile Number Portability becoming available, more than 11 lakh mobile subscribers have opted for the facility, that allows users to change their service provider while retaining the number.

"According to daily MNP figure reported by telecom service providers, there has been request from over 11 lakh customers to switch from their existing network," said a TRAI official.

The official added that TRAI is busy in classifying the data that have been received by the authority. TRAI has plans to include MNP data in subscriber report for the month of January.

"We have started collecting country wide data from operators now. We have MNP statistics for the month of last December but it is likely that complete MNP statistics will be made public in telecom subscription data for month of January," he added. MNP services were first launched in Haryana in November last year.

Companies like Idea Cellular and Vodafone had started marketing their services even before the nationwide roll-out of MNP to woo subscribers from other networks that were already looking at switching operators.

With the roll-out of MNP, subscribers will look at changing operators if they are not satisfied with the network coverage or customer care services, say operators.

Customers will have to pay a maximum of Rs 19 to an operator to change their network and the new operator has the option to either waive the fee or reduce it.

However, a consumer would be required to continue with an operator for a minimum period of three months in order to avail the MNP service.