TRAI to Allow Nationwide Mobile Number Portability Soon

Telecom Regulatory Authority of India (TRAI) has issued draft regulations to implement full nationwide mobile number portability (MNP) which starts from 3rd May. This would allow users to change their mobile service provider in any location within the country, while retaining their existing mobile number.

Currently, mobile number portability allows users to change their service provider within a specific telecom circle, mostly limited to states, which will change with the implementation of new regulations. On November 3 2014, the Department of Telecom issued an amendment to the current MNP License Agreement and asked telecom service providers to implement full MNP within a period of six months.

[quote text_size=”small” author=”TRAI”]

In view of implementation of full MNP some changes will be required in the MNP Regulations 2009 (as amended). Accordingly, draft amendment to the Telecommunication Mobile Number Portability Regulation, 2009, has been prepared.

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With the new amendment, TRAI wants to introduce a clause to safeguard interest of post paid mobile users. As these users are deprived of services while switching to a new network even after clearing all their earlier dues. The regulator has a fixed timeline about dues cleared by the subscriber to ensure consumers get continuity of service.