BENGALURU: With the launch of a nationwide Mobile Number Portability (MNP), mobile users can now retain their old numbers despite changing it whenever relocating to any part of the country, without incurring any roaming charges. Consumers will no longer be required to get new SIM cards or mobile connections while moving out of their home circles, reports ET.

Earlier, nationwide MNP was to be implemented from May 3^rd, but the government extended the deadline by two months, as operators were yet to test the new software. From today, mobile customers, including the state-run BSNL and MTNL, will be able to retain their number anywhere across India, either by retaining the same service provider or changing to a new service provider of their choice in the new state.

India has around 22 telecom service areas and they have many no. of service providers who are yet to give the new MNP service to their customers. Bharati Airtel, which is the biggest telecom service provider in the country, is the first amongst others to give this service. Users can now change operators by sending a message to 1900 and paying 19. Already the service providers have begun offering porting service on their respective websites, outlets and also through social media.

According to a survey data, the number of mobile users in India are around 973.35 mn of which 869.93 mn are active users. As the MNP service has been initialized from today, many telecom operators have started giving this service to their users and the numbers are increasing day by day for those who choose MNP.

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