What is MNP?

Mobile number portability (MNP) is the process of transferring (porting) your mobile phone number from one mobile phone network [that is mobile company] provider to another mobile phone company.

Benefits of MNP?

Number Portability allows consumers and businesses to keep their existing telephone numbers when they switch operators. It, literally, means that numbers are portable from operator to operator - whether that operator is a mobile or wireline, service provider.

Number Portability benefits everyone.

It gives subscribers the freedom to choose operators based on criteria like services, price, and customer service. Their freedom of movement is not influenced by the inconveniences and costs that come with changing numbers.

It also makes it easier for operators to compete for customers, precisely because it eliminates a major barrier to churn - that is, reluctance to change numbers. In this process customer does not lose his mobile phone number, only his mobile service provider is changed. This is beneficial as we do not need to change our phone number. This way if you are unsatisfied with your mobile company one can easily change the mobile company and keep the same phone number.

Indian Scenario

The first phase of Mobile Number Portability in India has rolled out on 25th November from the Haryana Circle and would cover pan India by first quarter of 2011.
India has been divided into two zones with Syniverse Technologies managing Zone 1 comprising of North and West while MNP Interconnection Telecom Solutions India Pvt. Ltd. is handling Zone 2 comprising of South and East. For now, MNP will be allowed only within circles. Both pre-paid and post-paid consumers can use MNP. The customer has to pay a maximum of Rs. 19 to new operator to change network and the new operator has the option to waive off the fee. But the minimum stay period with one operator for consumer is three months. Post-paid subscribers – Last bill payment should not be pending it must be paid only then he can change the mobile company. In the case of pre-paid subscriber any balance amount left will not be carried forward when the number is transferred to the new service provider. Maximum time for porting or changing mobile phone company will be 7 days.Except in Jammu & Kashmir, Assam and North East licensed service areas, wherein it would be 15 working days

How MNP would work (Process)?

This is how Mobile Number portability would work for a normal user.

1. Send the following SMS to 1900 – PORT <Your Mobile Number> – eg. PORT 9123456789
2. You will get an SMS with your unique porting code. This is a unique number that will be maintained along with your mobile number with a third party called MNP Service Provider. The unique code has a expiry time.
3. The customer can then make an application in the prescribed form mentioning the code to the selected new service provider for porting of number within the stipulated time
4. The new operator will communicate with existing operator and ask for permission. If approved the new operator will set a time for porting and communicate this to MNP provider and existing operator.
5. MNP request can be cancelled within 24 hours
6. On the set date and time, the current operator will disconnect the number and pass the message to MNP provider.
7. After porting is complete, wait for an SMS from your new operator confirming the switch. Your phone may be dead for about 2-4 hours when the porting takes place.
8. The new operator will now claim that number and MNP would maintain a central database with the new details.
   
   

MNP: Critical Questions:

Q1. What is the cost of switching an operator through MNP?

A: The max charge can be Rs.19. This has to be paid to the new operator. The operator can choose to charge you lesser.

Q2. Can I change operator multiple times using MNP?

A: Yes. Though there is a limitation of how frequently you can change the operator. Once switched you cannot change the operator for the next 90 days.

Q3. Will my mobile number be disconnected during porting?

A: Yes. During disconnection from old and connecting to new operator you number will be dead for about 2-4 hours. Fortunately, this will happen only between 10PM to 5AM.

Q4. How much time will the whole process take?

A: According to rules set by TRAI, it shouldn’t take more than 4 days for the complete process from the time of applying to new operator.

Q5. Can i carry forward my prepaid balance to the new operator after MNP?

A: No.

Q6. Can a postpaid user apply for MNP?

A: Yes. The old operator will approve only after all dues are cleared.

Q7. Can i switch circle through MNP?

A: No. The inter-circle portability has not been implemented yet.

Q8. Can I switch from prepaid to postpaid or vice-versa with MNP?

A: Yes. You can do that.

Q9. Do i need to have a new SIM from new operator?

A: Yes. You will need to change your SIM. Apart from number retention everything is same as getting a new connection.

Q10. Can I Switch from CDMA to GSM through MNP?

A: Yes.