MNP or Mobile number portability in India is what everyone is talking about nowadays. But what exactly is this technology? Let us know how this upcoming technology in India will affect a common user in near future.
What is MNP technology?
MNP is a technology that enables a mobile phone user to switch to a different mobile operator without changing his original number. For example, in India, you own a number of BSNL and you feel you need to all india mobile number change your mobile number, you can simply request any other operator like Airtel to give you same number in Airtel. This technology, however is not yet implemented in India but soon, it will be launched countrywide as per government’s discretion.
How does it work?
In India, MNP will be implemented based on a code called “Local Routing Number” or simply, LRN. An LRN is a 4 digit code and it will be responsible for all the call routing after implementation of number portability. Post MNP launch, all mobile will be identified by 4 digit additional number + 10 digit original number. This way a phone number will no longer remain a ten digit number for an operator.
So, does this mean one will have to update his phone book number with weird 14 digit mobile number later on? Of course not. These changes will be done at Service provider level and for a common user, his number will never change. Obviously, MNP does not make any sense if everyone has to change his phone book after its implementation.
Good or Bad?
Well, success of MNP in India will largely depend on services efficiency after its launch. If you are thinking of changing your number after MNP launch, be ready to wait for a couple of days till your number is ported to the other operator. A common user may experience some initial trouble once its number is ported, but later on, he can enjoy all the facilities by other operator he is going to switch to. As per TRAI (Telecom Regulatory Authority of India), you can not request a change for your number again for at least 3 months after you make a switch.
So, once mobile number portability in India is launched, make a careful decision to choose a service provider to avoid any problems.
