Banglore: After much delay the eagerly awaited mobile number portability, which permits a user to change the mobile operator by retaining the existing numbers, has become a reality in India. While launching the service in the Rohtak district of Haryana on Thursday, Communications Minister Kapil Sibal said MNP will be rolled out across India on January 20, 2011. Welcoming the launch of the number portability, the Cellular Operators Association of India (COAI) this is yet another milestone achieved by the telecom industry in the country.

The industry warmly welcomes the implementation of Mobile Number Portability (MNP) in India. It began with the DoT’s initiative of MNP project on April 17, 2009 by granting licenses to two MNP operators – Syniverse Technologies India and MNP Interconnection Telecom Solutions India. COAI worked very closely with DoT, TEC and all operators to ensure smooth and early accomplishment of MNP. “In spite of the complex Indian Telecom Market, the MNP has been successfully implemented by the unified effort of the, Ministry of Communication, TRAI and the telecom industry,” Sanjay Kapoor, chairman.

According to Sanjeev Aga, vice chairperson COAI, MNP is a feat not only for the industry but for the common man as well, as it will provide unprecedented freedom of choice, maximize customer satisfaction and allow service providers to showcase their brand value. Rajan S Mathews, director general, opined that Indian mobility market is a unique experience and the introduction of MNP will further pave the way for more customer freedom and choice.