TRAI Slashes Mobile Number Portability Charges From Rs. 19 to Rs. 4

                               
Astatement issued by the TRAI said it would come into effect from the date of official Gazette notification.

Under the MNP regime, a subscriber can retain the existing mobile telephone number while switching from one service provider to another or from a technology to another technology of the same service provider. It allows subscribers to retain their mobile number not only within the same licensed service area (LSA) but also pan India in any LSA.

After observing a significant decline in the port transaction cost, the sectoral regulator decided to slash the price.

"After reviewing the financial results both in the MNP Service Providers and the Upsurge in the volume of porting requests in the last two years, the Authority opined that the present charge of Rs 19 is too high as compared to cost and volumes of transaction , "the statement said.
                           

"In many instances, operators were bearing this cost on the next of the customers approaching them for the port-in. Hence, it will be beneficial for both customers and operators as the cost of porting will be greatly reduced," said Rajan S. Mathews, Director General, Cellular Operators' Association of India.