Hyderabad, January 21: Holding copies of identity proofs, 22-year-old MTech student, N Geethika was busy filling in application form for Mobile Number Portability (MNP) at a mobile store in Somajiguda.
Welcoming the government’s move, Geethika said, “My mobile network is frequently interrupted during a call. MNP is a nove l service which will help me to change my network whenever I want to.” A mobile store executive, Imam said they had received as many as 35 application forms from customers to activate the MNP service.
“To switch for MNP service, any customer can type SMS followed by their mobile number to 1900. The customer would receive a unique code, then have to fill an application form, mention the new service provider and unique code and submit the details at the showroom. The switch will be completed in less than a week,’’ Imam said.
A few private mobile service providers launched toll-free numbers to communicate about their MNP services.
Speaking on the new initiative, Anupama Ahluwalia, senior vice-president (Marketing), IDEA Cellular said, “We realise that mobile users are awaiting MNP to switch to a network which offers seamless connectivity across the length and breadth of the country. Mobile users across all 22 circles can call up 1800-270- 0000 and register their requests.” “We have been strong advocates of Mobile Number Portability (MNP) and welcome the new regime that begins today.
This is a beginning of an era which will give new direction to the Indian telecom industry. Customers should have the right to choose whichever service provider they find the best. It is up to the operators to provide the best possible services,” said Deepak Gulati, executive president, mobility business division, Tata Teleservices Ltd. Uninor corporate affairs executive vice-president said, “We are ready and eager. In dynamic pricing, we have a product that stands apart from anything else out there.” Sistema Shyam Teleservices Ltd president and CEO Vsevolod Rozanov said, “Post-MNP, mobile tariffs will go down further, especially if we look at the postpaid customer base. Whereas in the prepaid segment, I doubt significant changes in tariffs or profitability.” SSTL offers services under the MTS brand name. Mahesh Prasad, president (Marketing -Wireless Business), Reliance Communications said, “There could be plethora of factors that necessitate a customer to switch over to a better operator. It gives tremendous opportunities to RCOM to get new customers.”
–Agencies