MOBILE NUMBER PORTABILITY FROM 31.DEC.2009

In a move that that has the potential to further intensify pricing competition in the world's fastest-growing telecom market, India will introduce mobile number portability on December 31, 2009. This move will further push call charges lower. Mobile Number Portability (MNP) will allow users to retain their number even if they switch operators. As per TRAI, the scheme will first be introduced only in the metro and tier I cities. The regulator has also notified that switching charges for users must not exceed Rs 19. While MNP is expected to act as a catalyst for the service providers to improve their quality of service, it may also set the ball rolling for consolidation in the sector.