Mobile number portability across India from May 3

Come May 3, mobile users in India can change service providers anywhere in the country while retaining the same number.

The Telecom Regulatory Authority of India (Trai) has issued an amendment to a regulation that limits mobile number portability (MNP) only within certain telecommunication circles.

Currently, a mobile user in Delhi NCR, for example, can switch operators and retain the same phone number only within that region.

A statement issued by the telecom regulator has changed this regulation to enable full MNP. “Issued sixth amendment to the Telecommunication Mobile Number Portability Regulation, 2009, which will facilitate full MNP in the country with effect from May 3, 2015,” the Trai statement read.

The Department of Telecom had on November 3 issued amendments to MNP licence agreement stating that MNP is to be implemented across the country within a period of six months. “Accordingly, the authority has made the sixth amendment to the MNP Regulations,” Trai said.