<p>The service will be launched in metros and A category circles (Karnataka, Maharashtra, Tamil Nadu, Andhra Pradesh and Gujarat) on December 31 and in rest of the country by March 20, 2010.<br /><br />Though TRAI had earlier fixed September 30 as the deadline to launch MNP, later it was extended to December 30 following a request from telecom companies. <br /><br />The companies had also expressed reservations that once MNP is implemented, they might lose a significant number of high-value as well as post-paid customers. <br />But TRAI said it was a customer-friendly step meant to fuel competition among companies. MNP allows subscribers to retain their existing mobile number even after changing the service provider irrespective of the mobile technology.<br /><br />MNP will be available only within a given licensed service area. If a BSNL customer in Bangalore changes the service provider, he cannot retain the same number if he moves to another city. Any subscriber is eligible to make a porting request any number of times but the change can be made only 90 days after the date of activation of the connection.</p>
<p>The service will be launched in metros and A category circles (Karnataka, Maharashtra, Tamil Nadu, Andhra Pradesh and Gujarat) on December 31 and in rest of the country by March 20, 2010.<br /><br />Though TRAI had earlier fixed September 30 as the deadline to launch MNP, later it was extended to December 30 following a request from telecom companies. <br /><br />The companies had also expressed reservations that once MNP is implemented, they might lose a significant number of high-value as well as post-paid customers. <br />But TRAI said it was a customer-friendly step meant to fuel competition among companies. MNP allows subscribers to retain their existing mobile number even after changing the service provider irrespective of the mobile technology.<br /><br />MNP will be available only within a given licensed service area. If a BSNL customer in Bangalore changes the service provider, he cannot retain the same number if he moves to another city. Any subscriber is eligible to make a porting request any number of times but the change can be made only 90 days after the date of activation of the connection.</p>
