The Telecom Regulatory Authority of India (TRAI) extended the deadline to implement the full mobile number portability (MNP) across India from May till July, 2015. Today, Vodafone and Airtel have announced that they will launch National Mobile Number Portability (NMNP) from July 3rd. Nationwide MNP allows subscribers retain their numbers even if they move to another state, irrespective of the service provider. It is applicable for both pre-paid and post-paid customers.
Airtel also introduced faster processing of porting requests within 24 hours and free incoming on roaming once they raise a number portability request until it is processed. Airtel customers can also avail the option of transferring their balance in prepaid or carrying forward their unbilled/billed amount in the case of postpaid while porting their number to the new city, said the company.
Ajai Puri, Director – Market Operations, AIrtel said:
Today, not only has mobile phone become an essential part of our lives, the mobile number has equally become an indispensable identification for each one of us. With our complete readiness to launch National Mobile Number Portability, we aim to empower customers enabling them to retain this identity as they move across anywhere in the country. To facilitate a seamless transition we will also allow our customers to enjoy free incoming on roaming while their number portability request is being processed.
Commenting about the initiative, Vivek Mathur, Chief Commercial Officer, Vodafone India said:
Customers will be the biggest gainers of the National MNP service as it allows them to carry their existing number across India and also choose the operator of their choice. Vodafone has benefited from the intra-circle MNP that was rolled out in 2011 and we look forward to a similar response this time.
Airtel users can visit any Airtel outlet and follow the procedure. The can also call 1800-103-111 for more details. Airtel said that it is not available for customers shifting to J&K, Assam and North East owing to security reasons. Vodafone users can visit any Vodafone Store/outlet to request for NMNP, Generate a 8 digit UPC code by sending a SMS ‘Port ’ to 1900, Fill up the CAF and porting-in form, submit relevant documents and choose your tariff plan.