The long-awaited Mobile Number Portability (MNP)[/b] is finally here! The facility permits customers to change their cell phone operator without losing their phone numbers. The MNP launch, which was delayed four times due to reasons ranging from operators not being ready with their networks to security concerns, promises to open a new chapter for India's rapidly mushrooming mobile population.
As the country’s mobile customers gear themselves up to this new-found freedom, here is a quick guide on MNP[/b] that endeavours to answer all queries about MNP. So, here’s all that you wanted to know (and should know) about MNP.
How long will it take to port a number?[/b][/b]
Approximately seven working days. In J&K, North-east, it can take up to fifteen working days.
What will you lose if you switch?[/b][/b]
Balance on prepaid cards. Similarly, in case it is a platform shift you will have to change handsets. This means if you decide to move from CDMA to GSM or vice versa, you will also have to change your handset.
Does it allow a technology switch?[/b][/b]
A subscriber can stay within same technology. Also, the subscriber can change from GSM to CDMA or vice versa. Both post-paid and prepaid subscribers can go for it.
How expensive is MNP?[/b][/b]
Changing your mobile service provider will cost Rs 19. This will be collected by the new service provider.
Can you retain your number in another city?[/b][/b]
No. You can’t change circles. This means subscribers cannot take their Kolkata number to an operator in Mumbai. They can only change their operator within Kolkata.
Image Sourced From Ewebbuddy
How frequently can you switch service providers?[/b][/b]
A subscriber must be with a provider for at least three months. Next number change not before 90 days.
Will MNP help improve quality of service?[/b][/b]
Analysts believe that this is likely to happen only if operators believe that the churn out of their subscriber base is so high that they need to improve their service or customer care, etc. However, surveys have revealed that the net effect of number portability is practically negligible. This means most large operators gain and lose roughly the same number of subscribers, taking away any incentive to dramatically change quality of service or customer care or pricing owing to the threat of losing subscribers or the option of gaining subscribers.
Image Sourced From 1.BP
Will switching operator help me cut my mobile bill?[/b][/b]
Mobile phone tariffs in India are already extremely competitive and so moving to a dramatically lower bill is unlikely. Some consumers who are frequent callers, an equivalent of closed user group-or family members who are currently on different networks could now move to single network to take advantage of attractive tariff packages, including free calls within the same network, etc. However, before you make any switch check whether your operator is providing a similar option.
Image Sourced From 4.BP
What is expected in future?[/b][/b]
Post-paid tariffs may drop. Cell Phone companies may offer discounted handsets.
As the country’s mobile customers gear themselves up to this new-found freedom, here is a quick guide on MNP[/b] that endeavours to answer all queries about MNP. So, here’s all that you wanted to know (and should know) about MNP.
How long will it take to port a number?[/b][/b]
Approximately seven working days. In J&K, North-east, it can take up to fifteen working days.
What will you lose if you switch?[/b][/b]
Balance on prepaid cards. Similarly, in case it is a platform shift you will have to change handsets. This means if you decide to move from CDMA to GSM or vice versa, you will also have to change your handset.
Does it allow a technology switch?[/b][/b]
A subscriber can stay within same technology. Also, the subscriber can change from GSM to CDMA or vice versa. Both post-paid and prepaid subscribers can go for it.
How expensive is MNP?[/b][/b]
Changing your mobile service provider will cost Rs 19. This will be collected by the new service provider.
Can you retain your number in another city?[/b][/b]
No. You can’t change circles. This means subscribers cannot take their Kolkata number to an operator in Mumbai. They can only change their operator within Kolkata.
Image Sourced From Ewebbuddy
How frequently can you switch service providers?[/b][/b]
A subscriber must be with a provider for at least three months. Next number change not before 90 days.
Will MNP help improve quality of service?[/b][/b]
Analysts believe that this is likely to happen only if operators believe that the churn out of their subscriber base is so high that they need to improve their service or customer care, etc. However, surveys have revealed that the net effect of number portability is practically negligible. This means most large operators gain and lose roughly the same number of subscribers, taking away any incentive to dramatically change quality of service or customer care or pricing owing to the threat of losing subscribers or the option of gaining subscribers.
Image Sourced From 1.BP
Will switching operator help me cut my mobile bill?[/b][/b]
Mobile phone tariffs in India are already extremely competitive and so moving to a dramatically lower bill is unlikely. Some consumers who are frequent callers, an equivalent of closed user group-or family members who are currently on different networks could now move to single network to take advantage of attractive tariff packages, including free calls within the same network, etc. However, before you make any switch check whether your operator is providing a similar option.
Image Sourced From 4.BP
What is expected in future?[/b][/b]
Post-paid tariffs may drop. Cell Phone companies may offer discounted handsets.