MNP : Mulling Network Providers

It's been quite a while that the bug of Mobile Number Portability has bit the ever growing Indian Mobile service users. It’s been done in a nemerous different ways in different nations. With TRAI launching MNP in Haryana in the past months, it's become a reality and the talk of the town for Indians.

So what exactly is MNP and how does it work? Does it allow me to retain my number? Can i opt for an exclusive service with other operator? can i change my location but retain my number? These and many such questions have been around since MNP was first talked about TRAI. 

MNP apparently is a process that has something in store for everyone. Be it the network providers or the lucky users. It entitles the subscribers with the freedom to choose from operators based on various criteria like the quality of services, pricing, customer service etc.

Indian Netork provides have been crying foul over MNP for this very reason. Although it provides a level ground for all the operators to compete, there seems to be reluctance though.

with MNP you can transfer from one mobile operator to another without having to change your number and this can happen in a single circle only and not across circles.  And the biggest misconception; MNP is not provided by MOBILE OPERATORS but by TRAI and DoT. The process for the consumer is very easy but is pretty tough on the backend wherein all the algorithms need to be properly tuned in so as to allow the interchanging of networks.  Telecom operators are already geared up and have been marketing about the PLUS sides of joining their network with Vodafone being the latest with their 'world is our playground' jingle. 

A brief infographic about working of MNP

A random survey depicting the reasons of customers who'd opt for MNP.

For more information about the porting codes, do's and dont's of MNP and other info please click ☛ ⓂⓃⓅ  or visit respective Mobile Operator's websites and check  what they have to save in their justification, click on the names to go to the respective websites.
AIRTEL     
Vodafone       
Idea                 
Uninor           
Tata DOCOMO  

 MNP  however has already been launched in Haryana  and TRAI claims to make it available in all other Indian states by January 20th, 2011. Let's see what's in store.