"Nationwide rollout of mobile number portability" confirms COAI

COAI, the leading Mobile Communications Association representing seven of the largest mobile service operators and the majority of telecom equipment manufacturers as well as other communication services and product companies in India has confirmed, on the successful nationwide rollout of Mobile Number Portability (MNP) today, which will allow customers to keep their existing mobile phone numbers while shifting between States and circles.

Implementation of Pan-India mobile number portability services has been one of the important points of the National Telecom Policy 2012. After culmination of network and IT upgradation followed by comprehensive call flow and process flow testing involving more than 175 networks across the 22 Licenced Service Areas, Industry has successfully accomplished this complex and mammoth mission to ensure enhanced customer satisfaction and competition in the Indian market.

Mr. Rajan S. Mathews, Director General, COAI said, “It is proud moment for Indian Telecom Industry on the successful implementation of nationwide mobile number portability (MNP) from today by the combined effort of the Ministry of Communication, TRAI and the Telecom Industry. We would also like to thank Department of Telecommunication, Government of India for their support that expedite the implementation in a smooth manner to bring to the mobile users, the convenience of changing their service provide, while moving between States without, having to change their mobile numbers.”

He further added that mobile subscribers should acknowledge and appreciate that while charging world’s lowest voice rates, mobile operators, have made huge investment for upgradation of network, procurement of hardware, software etc. for the benefit of consumer choice. It is time that the telecommunication Industry should be acknowledged for being the main propeller of socio-economic development in the country that contributes 3.5% to India’s GDP while providing employment to over 20 lack people indirectly across the country. The pan-India roll-out of MNP services has given mobile subscribers FREEDOM OF CHOICE.