<p> <i> 16.25 pm </i>

Full Mobile Portability to be enabled in accordance with TRAI's new draft

Now mobile users can port their numbers from any region of the country. Earlier the numbers that were ported were bound by the range of their respective telecom circle. The Telecom Regulatory Authority of India (TRAI) has issued draft regulations to facilitate full mobile number portability, which is set to start from May 3.

The new nation wide portability will allow consumers to change their service provider regardless the telecom circle to which the number initially belonged. Currently most of the portability is limited to the telecom circle which in most cases, is limited to a State.

"In view of implementation of full MNP, some changes will be required in the MNP Regulations, 2009 (as amended)...Accordingly, a draft amendment to the Telecommunication Mobile Number Portability Regulation, 2009, has been prepared," TRAI said in a statement.

The Telecom Department had asked service providers to provide full portability within six months time from the date of licence agreement. This facility will help people who re-locate frequently beyond state borders. TRAI has sought public comments on the subject by February 6.</p>